REFFAELEI descended into the cold basement, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over me as I breathed in the musty scent. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, I paused, a wicked smile forming on my lips."Hello, Herman," I greeted calmly, my voice echoing through the silence of the room.Herman's head snapped up, his eyes shooting daggers at me with an intense glare."You despicable bastard! What is the meaning of this? Release me!" he bellowed in fury, straining against the chains that bound his wrists and ankles.I couldn't help but chuckle at his futile struggles as I casually leaned against the wall. He was securely chained, blood staining his wrists and ankles from his desperate attempts to break free. The back of my gun had left a gash on his head, causing blood to trickle down his face.Sweat and grime covered his visage, and a few strands of hair clung to his forehead as he breathed heavily, clearly exhausted from hours of fighting against his restraints. He appeared like
ARTEMYBrayden's frustration grew evident as he paced the room like a caged animal, running his fingers through his hair in exasperation. I sat behind my table, crossing my arms over my chest, observing the scene unfold. Leon, worn out and exhausted, reclined on the couch with his eyes shut tight."I can't believe this. How haven't we found that bastard yet?" Brayden spat angrily. Leon muttered under his breath, "He's good. Really damn good. The bastard knows how to disappear."I had to admit Leon was right. My team had been tirelessly searching for the traitor for days, utilizing the best tracking methods available, yet we were still empty-handed. I turned my head from side to side, trying to release the tension in my neck. Frustrated, I massaged my forehead and leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table."You're right. He's undoubtedly skilled. But he can't hide forever," I said."The longer it takes to find him, the more havoc he wreaks!" Brayden snapped back."We will find hi
ARTEMYA sudden loud bang jolted me awake, causing my eyes to snap open in fear. "Mommy?" I called out, desperately seeking her reassurance. I felt her hands urgently grabbing me, yanking me out of bed. The room was flooded with bright lights, and as I blinked away the remnants of sleep, another deafening bang echoed through the air. I flinched involuntarily, my heart racing as screams reached my ears."Mommy, what's happening?" I stammered, my voice trembling with dread.She knelt down in front of me, and the sight of sheer terror etched on her face widened my eyes in disbelief. My stomach sank, and my chest constricted with a sense of impending danger."Mommy," I whispered, my voice barely audible."Artemy, listen carefully," she began, her voice quivering with fear. "I want you to hide under the bed, okay? No matter what happens or what you see or hear, you mustn't come out. Do you understand?" Mommy gripped my shoulders, shaking me gently, urgency radiating from her.I nodded, but
REBECCABeside me, Lynda burst into squeals of laughter. "Oh my God! This is hilarious!" She turned towards me, still chuckling. "You have to admit, this one was pretty funny."I shrugged, half-hearted, and redirected my attention to the movie playing on the screen. We had settled down to watch "Hangover 2," a film that was far too crude for my taste.Yet, amidst my reservations, I found myself succumbing to fits of laughter when a character discovered he had unknowingly slept with a man, mistaking him for a woman. The shocking revelation sent shivers down my spine, partly due to the excessive nudity on display.After a while, Lynda hit pause on the movie and shifted her focus towards me. "Okay, what do you want to watch? It's clea
REBECCAMy gaze wandered away from him, fixating upon the grand piano. Its beauty mesmerized me, filling me with an instant sense of serenity. Embracing myself, I took a few steps forward and positioned myself in the center of the room. My eyes remained fixed upon the piano, and an irresistible urge to caress its velvety keys surged within me.Defeated, my shoulders slumped, and I tore my gaze away from the instrument, directing it towards Artemy. His intense eyes were already locked onto me, though their meaning remained inscrutable.Our eyes locked, refusing to waver. The intensity between us grew as seconds ticked by. A lump formed in my throat, and with a deep gulp, I finally looked away. Unable to resist, my gaze shifted downward, tracing the path to his chest. What I saw nearly took my brea
REBECCAAs the first song came to an end, an irresistible impulse took hold of me, compelling me to continue playing. I couldn't resist the pull, so I allowed my fingers to glide across the keys once more, producing the beautiful notes of one of my all-time favorite songs, "I Won't Give Up." It used to be a regular part of my daily repertoire.As the familiar melody enveloped the room, I found myself being carried away by its enchanting embrace. My voice, barely audible, joined in, whispering the lyrics in perfect harmony. The sound was gentle, even to my own ears. With each note, my racing heart gradually settled into a soothing rhythm.After a prolonged period of turmoil, an unexpected calm washed over me, accompanied by a peculiar sense of hopefulness. The piano had always been my sanctuary, a
REBECCAAs my drowsy mind navigated through the memories of the previous night, an irrepressible smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Artemy had allowed me to tinker with the piano keys, and the mere thought of it sent my heart racing. Artemy, with his cold demeanor and occasional rudeness, possessed a hidden sweetness.Shifting my gaze, I noticed his black suit jacket lying beside me on the plush pillow. Drawing it close, I nestled my head against its familiar fabric. This simple act had granted me a night free from the haunting clutches of past memories. Could this be the key to banishing my nightmares? My heart fluttered with anticipation as I fixated on the jacket, my thoughts racing.In a final moment of contemplation, I rose from the bed and carefully folded the jacket, placing it beneat
ARTEMYWhen Rebecca arrived with the first aid kit, I couldn't bear the thought of her seeing me in such a broken and painful state, so I chose to ignore her. The last thing I wanted was for her to witness my vulnerability.As waves of unfamiliar emotions coursed through me, I felt consumed by self-loathing. I had always believed that displaying feelings was a sign of weakness, and yet, in Rebecca's presence, my defenses crumbled effortlessly.Whenever she played the piano, it was as if my mother were sitting there before me, alive and vibrant. The pain throbbing in my body served as a painful reminder of how I ended up in this wretched condition.Herman. Whatever form of demise he had faced, it felt insufficient. He didn't deserve to di
REBECCAI writhed against his thighs, seeking relief, but he chuckled softly before withdrawing."Such explicit language, my kitten," he chided playfully, his gaze locked on me. "I wonder how best to tame it.""Artemy... I need you.""No, my kitten, the moment is mine now," he declared, a smug grin curving his lips as he gazed down at me.With deliberate purpose, Artemy stepped back, shedding his shirt in a haste that verged on impatience."Shed your dress," his command was clear.Obeying without
REBECCAWith a mere utterance, I tentatively slipped my hand between my thighs. Artemy's gaze flared, and I swallowed audibly. Wetting my lips, I applied a gentle pressure to my center.My back arched involuntarily, a moan escaping me as I began to stimulate my clit. Artemy adjusted his position, his gaze unwavering and intense.A surge of electric pleasure surged through me as I inserted a finger, my chest heaving with each breath as the pressure within me intensified.Thumb circling the sensitive nub, I introduced another finger, my hips responding with a forward thrust. I circled my clit with greater fervor, striving to push myself over the edge.
REBECCAMy pulse quickened as Artemy drew me onto his lap. I nibbled on my lower lip, sensing the warmth rising to my cheeks under his intense gaze. His eyes tracked my every move, their desire seemingly intensifying by the moment. He exuded an undeniable allure at that very instant.Out of my peripheral vision, I caught Lynda's beckoning gesture. "Looks like it's time for our inaugural dance," I murmured softly.Artemy cradled me against his chest, rising from his seat in one fluid motion. He carried me to the dance floor's center and gently placed me on my feet. I draped my arms around his neck, drawing myself closer to him.His hands found my hips as the music started, and we began our dance. T
REBECCARaising my eyes to meet his, my fingertips brushed over his chest, the cadence of his fervent heart beneath them. "This is my pledge to you, Artemy Loskutov. Your love is my anchor, my wellspring of strength. I promise to pour forth my affection from now until eternity's closure. I vow to nurture, to confide in your love, to be what you require, ensuring your emotions are perpetually considered. I pledge to express my love and reverence. I yearn to share my days alongside you. I, Rebecca Cavalieri, commit to embracing you as my husband, to love, honor, console, and cherish you from this day onward. We meld as one, an eternal unity."Savoring the anticipation, I formed my final words. "This vow emerges from the depths of my heart, a pledge to you.""May we
REBECCAMy heart quickened its tempo at the sight that unfolded before me. In that moment, nothing else registered; the entirety of my focus was consumed by the figure stationed at the far end of the aisle.Each step toward Artemy stole my breath away, the journey itself a blur as his gaze anchored me. His eyes, a striking bluish steel hue, bore into me with unwavering intensity, tracing my every movement, my every advance.His attire adhered to his usual black suit, save for the addition of a golden tie. His hair lay sleek against his head, a few days' worth of stubble lending him a rugged allure. I had insisted he forgo shaving, as it heightened his appeal.His eyes remained locked onto mine as
REBECCA"Alright, close your eyes, my dear," Camilla's voice was a gentle whisper, tinged with excitement. I could detect the joy in her tone, and it ignited a matching smile on my face. With a mixture of anticipation and unsteady legs, I complied, shutting my eyes."Are you all set?" Lynda's voice carried an air of eager anticipation."You guys didn't transform me into a clown, did you?" I quipped playfully.Their laughter resonated in the room, eliciting giggles from me. At last, I opened my eyes, blinking as the world before me came into focus. Then, a gasp escaped my lips, involuntary and genuine."You are an absolute vi
REBECCAThree weeks had passed since that pivotal moment. Artemy's arm drew me toward him, enveloping me until I was nestled against his warmth, almost melding into him. His strong arms encircled my waist, and I pressed myself against him, my head finding its place on his shoulder. As if seeking solace, one of my legs draped over his hips, and his grip on my thigh was both firm and possessive.In the cocoon of his embrace, I inhaled his scent, the rhythmic cadence of his heartbeat serenading me. His touch traced indistinct patterns across my back, each stroke a balm to my senses, lulling me into tranquility.Amid this intimate connection, his voice, a soft caress, brushed against my ear, breaking the spell of silence. "Where shall we journey for our honeymoon?" Hi
REBECCAI descended the stairs, greeted by the heartwarming scene of Lynda, Bernadette, and Camilla gathered in the living room. Bernadette's knees were engaged in a rhythmic bounce, Princess nestled on her lap, their interaction an attempt to amuse the small canine companion.As my gaze swept over the tableau, an involuntary smile etched its way across my face. The unexpected sight before me was a testament to the depth of these connections.Aunt Bernadette, the role seemed incongruous at first glance. The transformation was astonishing - Bernadette, once reserved and distant, had evolved into a devoted aunt. This facet of her, while not frequently displayed, radiated a clear and undeniable fondness for Cevia.
REBECCAI roused from slumber to find the expanse of the bed empty beside me, an unexpected void that jolted me into alertness. Swiftly, I elevated myself into a sitting position, my eyes grappling with the persistent morning radiance as I blinked away the remnants of sleep.Emerging from the covers, I navigated my way toward the crib stationed nearby, only to discover it vacant, devoid of the presence I anticipated. My recollection painted a picture of Artemy embarking on his early morning ritual to tend to Cevia. Had they not returned to the comfort of our shared sanctuary?While enveloping myself in a robe, I embarked on a trajectory towards the bathroom, swiftly tending to the ritual of dental hygiene and facial invigoration. With my hair haphazardly ensnared