Later that night, Valerie tucked Landon in and watched him sleep. He looked peaceful, and Valerie smiled to herself.She felt a need to thank Antonio, to let him know how much his gesture meant to her. He wasn't as bad as she had thought. He didn't have to take her out, but he did.She checked on Landon once more before stepping out, closing the door gently behind her.The hallway was quiet; the plush carpet muffled Valerie's footsteps as she made her way toward where she knew Antonio would be. Her pulse quickened with each step, the excitement of their earlier escapades mingling with an unfamiliar flutter in her stomach.What was this feeling? Nervousness? Anticipation? She shook her head, dismissing the thoughts."Relax, Valerie," she muttered under her breath. "Just say thank you and move on."She paused at the threshold of Antonio's room, her gaze sweeping over the neatly made bed. Empty. No sign of him. She frowned.Maybe he was in the bathroom. He did say he was going to take a
Valerie tentatively reached for the shampoo bottle resting on the tub's edge and poured a small amount into her palm. Valerie began massaging it into Antonio's hair, her fingers moving through the strands with gentle expertise. Antonio kept his eyes closed, a contented sigh escaping his lips at the soothing sensation."You've got gentle hands," he murmured, his voice low and intimate.Valerie's heart skipped a beat at his words, and she bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. "I try," she replied softly.They fell into a companionable silence as Valerie continued to massage his scalp, the warm water creating a tranquil backdrop. Despite the unusual setting, a sense of peace settled over her in that moment.The intimacy of the situation felt almost surreal, as though it belonged in a dream. Antonio's damp hair slid smoothly between Valerie's fingers, and she marveled at the trust he was placing in her.After a few more moments of careful massaging, Valerie dipped her hand into the wa
Antonio emerged from the bath, feeling the cool air brush against his damp skin, causing droplets of water to shiver along his arms. He wrapped himself in a towel, the fabric absorbing the warmth of the bathwater, and a sense of relaxation replaced the tension in his muscles.Reflecting on Valerie's actions, Antonio couldn't deny their significance. Her touch had been more than physical; it was a gesture of surrender, a silent acknowledgment of trust. He could still feel the ghost of her touch, stirring joy and satisfaction deep within him.Drying himself, Antonio paused, contemplating the shift he sensed in Valerie—walls crumbling, defenses yielding."Opening up," he muttered to himself with a faint smile. Determination hardened within him. Valerie's act wasn't merely intimate; it was a declaration, intentional or not. Antonio Leones was not one to shy away from challenges; he intended to claim her heart just as surely as she had claimed his, unwittingly.Pulling on his pajama pants
Antonio's dark gaze drilled into Valerie with an accusatory intensity. "You have the codes," he said, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.Valerie couldn't tell whether he was angry or not, as his face remained stoic and unreadable. She didn't want him to misinterpret her actions. It wasn't that she was intentionally keeping the codes from him! Her heart raced as she tried to find the right words to explain herself, the tension between them palpable."I...I can explain," she said hesitantly.Antonio leaned back against the headboard, his eyes never leaving hers. "Then explain.""I found it yesterday. I was telling Lucas a story and he was fiddling with my necklace...""Necklace?" Antonio stopped her."Yeah. This necklace," Valerie said, holding up the pendant to show him. "Julian gave this to me a while back."She had been meaning to get rid of it ever since he died, but for some reason, something held her back. Now she was glad she didn't."I see. Continue," he said."Well, Landon g
The moment Ellie's eyes fluttered open, a surge of excitement pulsed through her. She rolled over, glancing at the empty space beside her where River usually lay.Today was different, special—it was her birthday. She pushed off the sheets and sat up, her heart thrumming with anticipation."Morning," she called out as she stepped into the kitchen. River stood there, his back to her, his hands busy fixing his coffee. No sign of recognition flashed across his face—no 'happy birthday,' no smile. Just the clink of his spoon against the mug."Sleep well?" she asked, leaning against the counter, eyeing the calendar on the fridge where she had circled the date in red."Like a rock," he replied, not turning around. The steam from his mug rose in the air, disappearing without a trace—just like her hopes that he would remember."Big day today," she said, trying not to let the disappointment seep into her voice."Is it?" River finally looked at her, his eyebrows raised, a question in his gaze but
Antonio slid the sleek device across the kitchen counter toward Valerie, a glint of mischief in his eyes.She stared at the brand-new phone, its screen reflecting the dim light, her heart skipping a beat."Is this for me?" Her voice barely rose above a whisper, confusion knotting her brows. Why would Antonio give her such an expensive gift out of the blue?"Of course, it's for you." He leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.Valerie picked up the phone, its cool surface foreign in her palm. "Antonio, why are you giving me this?" The words rushed out in a torrent, fueled by a mix of surprise and a nagging sense of unease.He laughed, the sound rich and warm, filling the space between them. "Just because.""Stop trying to buy my affection," she snapped. "And, if I'm not your pet, so maybe stop throwing shiny things at me," she snapped, folding her arms tightly across her chest.A chuckle rumbled from his throat as he pushed off the coun
Antonio stood by the luxurious Rolls Royce, gesturing towards the sleek black car waiting at the curb. The exterior gleamed under the city lights. "You may stay back here," he instructed Sam."Capo?" Sam looked at Antonio questioningly."I will be driving them myself tonight," Antonio announced, opening the door."Va bene. I will follow closely behind," Sam said.Antonio nodded. "That's fine."He helped Valerie secure Landon in the back seat before opening the passenger door for her. "After you, my love," he said, offering his hand. Valerie took it with a smile and climbed into the car, settling into the plush leather seats.Antonio closed the door behind her and walked around to the driver's side, wanting to enjoy their drive without his men watching.Halfway to their destination, Valerie suddenly gasped. Antonio looked at her with concern. "What is it?""I didn't get Ellie a gift!" she exclaimed."It's alright, love," Antonio reassured her, glancing at her worried expression. "We wi
When River opened the door, Valerie entered confidently. Antonio trailed behind, carrying the stroller holding little Landon.“Good evening, Foster,” Antonio said, flashing his irritating grin at him.River couldn’t help but stare at his sister in utter amazement. She was a stunning sight in her emerald green dress, which perfectly complemented her red hair and striking green eyes.A delicate emerald necklace adorned her neck, matching her dress and undoubtedly costing a pretty penny. But what truly took his breath away was the radiant smile on her face as she looked at him. He had never seen her so…happy. It left him speechless.In that moment, River knew he might have to swallow his pride and thank Antonio for whatever he had done to make Valerie look like this.“Glad you two could make it,” River said.Valerie’s footsteps quickened as she approached them, her breaths coming in short bursts of excitement. “River, Ellie!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with barely contained joy.“Tha
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