The bodyguard obeyed without question, taking up his position alongside three others.
The narrow hallway now stood as a blockade, with Alessia trapped within its confines.
Alessia’s heart pounded in her chest.
Her escape route had been cut off, leaving her feeling vulnerable and cornered.
She couldn’t deny the flicker of trepidation that danced in her eyes as she faced Logan’s scowl.
Her breath hitched in her throat as Logan forcefully closed the distance between them, his hands holding her in place.
The aggression in his actions sent shivers down her spine, her body responding with a mix of fear and a raw, undeniable attraction.
Alessia’s eyes widened as his lips crashed against hers once more, this time with an intensity that left no room for escape.
Her mind raced, her thoughts tangled in a chaotic web of desire and confusion.
Logan’s eyes closed as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth with an almost possessive hunger.
Alessia’s eyes remained wide open, capturing every detail—the way his long eyelashes brushed against his cheeks, the way his features softened in the heat of the moment.
As their lips moved in sync, a maelstrom of emotions crashed within Alessia.
The anger that had fuelled her earlier was now entangled with the intoxicating rush of desire.
Her body responded to his touch, her heart betraying her mind’s attempts to resist.
A long, intense moment passed before Logan reluctantly pulled back, breaking the intoxicating connection between him and Alessia.
She was left feeling light-headed, her senses overwhelmed by the electrifying intensity of their kiss.
Her eyes remained open but unseeing, her lips parted as she struggled to catch her breath.
Logan observed her with a calculated detachment, his eyes tracing the contours of her flushed face.
With a hint of sarcasm, he broke the silence, his voice cutting through the air like a knife.
‘Did you enjoy that?’ he asked, his tone laced with a critical edge.
Alessia’s alcohol-addled brain took a moment to process the question, her eyes gradually regaining focus.
But her reaction remained slow, her thoughts muddled by the lingering haze of desire and confusion.
Before she could formulate a response, Logan continued, his voice dripping with disdain. ‘The kiss was passable, I suppose.’
His critical tone snapped Alessia back to reality, her face reddening once again.
This time, the flush spread to her earlobes, a visible sign of her embarrassment and frustration.
Summoning her courage, Alessia attempted to accuse him of taking advantage of her vulnerable state.
But her words were swiftly interrupted by Logan, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.
‘You deserved the punishment,’ he declared, his eyes locked onto hers with an unwavering intensity.
Alessia’s fiery spirit ignited within her, her frustration fuelling her retort.
‘Punishment? I thought you were talking about monetary compensation or a retraction of the article,’ she argued, her voice laced with defiance. ‘I didn’t sign up for being kissed by you.’
Logan snorted, his expression filled with cold arrogance.
‘It’s my right to decide the method of punishment, not yours,’ he asserted, his voice devoid of any remorse or empathy. ‘You need to learn that actions have consequences, woman.’
Alessia’s anger surged, her words laced with venom. ‘You think you can control and manipulate people as you please,’ she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. ‘Well, guess what? I won’t be your pawn. I won’t let you treat me like this.’
With a surge of defiance, Alessia shoved Logan aside and stumbled away, her steps unsteady from both the alcohol and the tumultuous emotions that swirled within her.
This time, Logan made no move to stop her.
He watched as she distanced herself, a dark, inscrutable look in his eyes.
But as Alessia passed him, Logan’s voice reached her ears in a low, whispering tone. ‘This is just the beginning, Alessia Jansen,’ he murmured, the words laden with a promise that sent a shiver down her spine.
Alessia stumbled her way into the ladies’ room, her mind in a whirlwind of confusion and conflicting emotions.
Her knees felt weak, though she couldn’t discern whether it was from the intensity of the kiss or the lingering effects of the alcohol that still coursed through her veins.
She leaned against the sink and stared at her reflection in the mirror, her breath ragged.
Her lips, swollen and tingling, bore the evidence of their passionate encounter.
They appeared as if they had been stung by bees, marked by the imprint of their connection.
Alessia couldn’t help but recall the feeling of Logan’s lips against hers, the intensity that had left her reeling.
Logan had called her by name.
He knew who she was.
The realisation struck her like a lightning bolt.
It meant that he must have done his research, confirming her identity as a reporter at BuzzBeat.
And undoubtedly, he was furious about the photos she had taken.
His so-called punishment had left an indelible impression on her, and from the look in his eyes, it was clear that he wasn’t finished with her yet.
Alessia was at a loss for what to do, unsure of how to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead.
After waiting for what felt like an eternity, Alessia cautiously poked her head out of the restroom door, scanning the hallway for any sign of Logan and his intimidating bodyguards.
To her relief, they were nowhere to be seen.
Gathering her courage, she emerged from the restroom and began making her way back to the karaoke room.
But her relief was short-lived.
The moment she pushed open the door, suffocating silence greeted her like a heavy blanket.
The jovial atmosphere had dissipated, replaced by a tense stillness.
Every gaze in the room was fixed on a single figure standing at the centre.
It was Logan Wilde.
Alessia’s heart leapt into her throat, her pulse racing.
She tried to ignore the tremor that coursed through her body as she stepped forward, uncertainty and trepidation etched across her face.
Logan’s presence was a magnet, drawing all eyes toward him.
His demeanour was commanding, his expression inscrutable as he locked his gaze onto Alessia.
The weight of his stare made her feel vulnerable, exposed.
She could almost taste the tension in the air, an electric charge that sent a shiver down her spine.
Alessia’s eyes flickered between Logan and the huddled figures on the sofa.Her instinct urged her to turn around and flee, to escape the intensity of the room and the piercing gaze of Logan Wilde.But her escape path was blocked by the imposing presence of the four burly bodyguards in the hallway.Reluctantly, she took a deep breath and stepped into the room, her eyes meeting Logan’s.Logan’s gaze fell upon her face, his penetrating eyes seemingly drawn to her lips.Alessia could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as her mind involuntarily replayed the memory of their earlier kiss.The urge to shield her lips from his intense scrutiny surged within her, but she resisted the impulse.With newfound courage, she locked eyes with him, refusing to back down.In that moment, Alessia’s attention was drawn to his lips—thin, yet undeniably masculine.The lighting in the room accentuated their vivid shade, akin to the colour of ripe roses.She tore her gaze away, feeling her cheeks burn with a
The room fell into stunned silence as all eyes turned toward Alessia.Surprised by her sudden outburst, even she couldn’t believe how forcefully her words had escaped her lips.Lara’s eyes pleaded with Alessia, silently urging her not to reveal the truth about the article.But it was too late—Jeramy had already let slip that Lara wasn’t solely responsible for the article.The truth was already halfway out of the bag.Alessia couldn’t bear to watch Lara face Logan Wilde’s wrath alone or witness her suffer the consequences of their shared secret.She knew that she, too, must shoulder her part of the responsibility.Summoning her courage, Alessia’s voice rang out in defiance. ‘You have no right to take Lara away,’ she declared, her tone filled with conviction. ‘It’s against the law.’Logan’s eyes narrowed, his gaze chillingly cold as he stared down Alessia.The weight of his dominance and authority bore down upon her, but she refused to back down.Terence offered a silent prayer for the
As promised, twenty minutes later, Alessia trudged through the door, her weary body longing for the comfort of her two-bedroom apartment on the ninth floor.Fatigue weighed her down, yet she summoned the last reserves of energy to announce her return.‘I’m back,’ she called out.From the cramped living room, both Milo and Veronica rose from the worn-out sofa, their attention immediately drawn to Alessia’s presence.Veronica, with her characteristic sweet smile, welcomed Alessia, her genuine affection radiating like a warm embrace.Milo, on the other hand, wore his usual inscrutable poker face, his grey-blue eyes mirroring the enigmatic allure of someone Alessia couldn’t ignore.As Alessia caught sight of her son’s striking resemblance to Logan Wilde, her mind wandered into a realm of contemplation.Milo and Logan shared an undeniable connection, one that went beyond mere physical appearance; even their personalities mirrored each other.Milo preferred spending his time in the company
Attempting to remain composed, Alessia averted her gaze and hurriedly made her way towards the glass doors of the office.However, her path was abruptly blocked by a figure that loomed before her.Looking up, she found herself face-to-face with Jeramy Chavez.‘Alessia, Mr Wilde is waiting for you. You can go with him now,’ Jeramy declared.Confusion swirled in Alessia’s mind as she met his gaze. ‘Mr Chavez, why should I go with Mr Wilde?’‘You’ll have to ask Mr Wilde himself. He’s right behind you.’Alessia turned around, her eyes falling upon Logan’s imposing figure standing by the Land Rover.A shiver danced down her spine as she took in his commanding presence.Summoning every ounce of her will, Alessia locked eyes with Logan. ‘Mr Wilde, why should I go with you?’Logan’s expression remained impassive, his voice laced with a touch of arrogance. ‘Lara Morris told me it was you who took the photos of Olivia and me.’Alessia’s eyebrows furrowed. ‘Even if I did take those photos, they
Her hand now captive in his, Alessia’s heart pounded wildly in her chest.Panic-stricken, she blurted, ‘I’ll do it myself.’With a gentle tone, Logan countered, ‘You can’t see your own face.’Alessia found herself at a loss, unsure of how to proceed.Confusion clouded her thoughts, and she desperately sought to regain control of the situation.‘Don’t move,’ Logan commanded, releasing her hand momentarily before resuming his touch on her face.His fingers travelled to the corner of her mouth.A wave of anxiety washed over Alessia, her body trembling with unease.‘M-Mr Wilde…’ she stammered.Logan’s frown deepened, clearly displeased with her interruption.Alessia took a moment to collect herself. ‘Mr Wilde, thank you for the ointment. Could we just get to the point? Just tell me what you want from me.’His finger brushed against her lips, freezing in place, suspended in the charged atmosphere.The temperature inside the car soared rapidly, intensifying the moment.Nervousness gripped A
The dogs’ growls began to soften, their eyes curious.Alessia extended her hand cautiously, allowing them to sniff her scent.Minutes turned into what felt like an eternity as Alessia patiently interacted with the dogs, slowly earning their trust.She used gentle strokes and soothing words to convey her intentions.Eventually, the fierce facade melted away, and the dogs wagged their tails, licking Alessia’s hand.She had won them over.Logan, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but be impressed by Alessia’s determination and ability to connect with the animals.His frown deepened, and a sharp glint flashed across his eyes.He drew a long drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly.His thin lips moved, and he emitted a high-pitched whistle.The dogs perked up their ears at the sound of the whistle, their attention now focused on Logan.He whistled again.The dogs glanced up at him, then hung their heads in shame, realising they’d ignored their master for almost half an hour.Aless
Logan’s smile grew gentler as he whispered, ‘That’s good. You have three minutes. Otherwise, I’ll be more than willing to assist you.’With that, he released his grip on her, opened the door, and exited the room, leaving Alessia to her own devices.Once Logan left the room, he leaned against the wall, his hand pressed against his bulging desire.He closed his eyes, furrowing his brows in distress.It was perplexing.Even doctors couldn’t explain what was wrong with him.He hadn’t been able to be intimate with women for almost six years.But this woman on the other side of the door had the power to stir his desires, igniting a flame that defied all reason.She didn’t even have to do anything; just a look, a single word, or even her very presence was enough to drive him mad.Logan’s distress painted his face, a mix of confusion and longing.Meanwhile, inside the changing room, Alessia contemplated the three minutes Logan had granted her.Hastily, she opened the wardrobe, revealing a col
Logan held her in his piercing gaze before abruptly releasing her and climbing out of the water, making his way to the changing room.Alessia hesitated to leave the pool, consumed by the fear of encountering Logan in the changing room.Paralysed by apprehension, she remained rooted in the water, unwilling to make a move.Ten minutes passed, yet Logan didn’t make an appearance.Alessia’s anxiety intensified, her eyes darting around the area.Just then, a voice echoed from a distance, breaking the tension.‘Miss Jansen, Mr Wilde has already left. I’ll escort you back to the office,’ Terence called out.Relieved, Alessia let out a sigh and nodded gratefully.‘Take your time to change,’ said Terence. ‘I’ll be waiting in the front hall.’Once Terence departed, Alessia hurriedly made her way to the changing room.Soon, Alessia arrived at the front hall, where the assistant awaited her with a smile. ‘Miss Jansen, I’ll take you back to the office now.’Alessia was surprised but grateful for h
The city lights shimmered through the window, casting a soft glow over Alessia’s hotel room.She sank into the plush armchair, exhaling a weariness that settled deep into her bones.The day had been a whirlwind of interviews and deadlines, leaving her both physically and mentally drained.With a flick of her wrist, she loosened the tight bun that held her long hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders in unruly waves.The laptop on the polished mahogany table beckoned, a testament to the professional demands that consumed her day.Alessia leaned forward, fingers dancing across the keys as she organized her interview notes, a meticulous symphony of clicks and clacks.She paused, her gaze shifting to the phone by her side.Two missed calls from an unknown number flashed on the screen, and her heart skipped a beat.For a moment, hope surged through her—perhaps it was Logan.But as she listened to the voicemail, disappointment settled in.It was merely a wrong number, a mundane interrup
With the briefcase in hand, Logan left the office and got in his car.He did not involve Terence; the meeting could be dangerous.Besides, he had backup.Logan raced through the city streets, weaving through traffic with a desperate determination.The clock was ticking, and the warehouse loomed ahead like a dark, ominous secret.As he approached the entrance, the flickering neon lights buzzed overhead, casting eerie shadows on the crumbling walls.Logan stepped into the darkness, the echoes of his footsteps the only sound in the desolate space.A figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a hooded jacket to conceal their identity.Logan’s pulse quickened, his senses on high alert.‘I brought the money, now show me Sirena,’ he demanded, his voice steady but edged with a simmering rage.The figure chuckled, the sound echoing eerily through the cavernous space. ‘Impatient, aren’t we?’He pulled out a phone from his pocket.With a swift motion, he tapped the screen, and a small screen on th
The city lights glittered below as Alessia and Vince sat in a trendy rooftop bar in Hamborough, taking in the breathtaking view.The change of scenery had indeed granted Alessia a temporary escape from the complexities of her life back in Veridian.Alessia raised her glass, sipping a colourful cocktail. ‘Here’s to new beginnings and escaping the chaos,’ she said with a half-smile.Vince clinked his glass with hers. ‘To new beginnings,’ he echoed, a faint smile playing on his lips.As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere became more relaxed.The city buzzed around them, providing a backdrop for a momentary reprieve.Alessia found herself enjoying Vince’s company, appreciating the unspoken connection they had cultivated over the years.Amidst the clinking of glasses and the distant hum of the city, Alessia sensed an opportunity to share the intricacies of her life.She turned to Vince, her eyes reflecting a mixture of weariness and determination.‘You know, Vince, Logan’s first marriage
Logan’s office at Wilde Enterprises was a haven of order in contrast to the chaos unravelling in his personal life.The sterile hum of fluorescent lights bathed the room as he sifted through paperwork, attempting to find solace in the routine of his professional responsibilities.His phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Heath’s name.Logan’s heart skipped a beat as he answered the call, the outside world fading away as he focused on the voice at the other end.‘Heath,’ Logan greeted, his tone carrying the weight of worry.‘We found her,’ Heath’s voice crackled through the phone. ‘She was at the BuzzBeat office. Got into a bit of a scuffle with Alessia.’Logan’s temples throbbed in response, the news striking him like a physical blow. ‘Alessia? Is she okay?’There was a pause on the line, and Logan could almost feel the hesitation in Heath’s response. ‘According to the colleague who filed the police report, she’s got a couple of scratches, but otherwise, she’s fine.’Relief washed
The room was cloaked in a muted glow from the bedside lamp, casting a warm light on the framed photographs that adorned the walls.Sirena moved silently, her eyes scanning each corner of her parents’ room as she began the meticulous search for anything of value.Ralph was still in intensive care, which meant Naomi wouldn’t leave his side, giving Sirena the time she needed for a thorough search.Her fingers brushed against the cool surface of a polished wooden dresser, adorned with small trinkets that echoed the laughter of her childhood.A porcelain figurine, a relic from a family vacation, stood alongside a faded picture of her parents and a much younger Sirena.The memories were bittersweet, a reminder of the life she had left behind.As Sirena opened drawers with deliberate care, the soft rustling of papers mixed with the creak of aged furniture.In one drawer, she found a stack of handwritten letters tied together with a ribbon.Memories of birthday wishes, expressions of love, an
The Veridian airport bustled with a kinetic energy that only a major transport hub could exude.Travellers weaved through the expansive terminal, navigating a sea of bustling crowds and rolling luggage.The air hummed with the constant murmur of announcements, the clatter of footsteps, and the intermittent symphony of departure gates chiming to life.Alessia, her eyes scanning the digital departure board, stood amidst the organized chaos.The Veridian airport, a sprawling architectural marvel, boasted high ceilings adorned with sleek modern designs.Concourse shops beckoned with an array of luxury goods, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air from the bustling cafes.It had been a long time since she flew—juggling a job and raising two kids hadn’t left a lot of time for the luxury of flying.‘Hey, I thought that was you.’ Someone tapped her on the shoulder.Alessia, startled, turned around to find Vince, a smile playing on his lips.‘Vince, what are you doing he
Naomi scoffed, bitterness lacing her tone. ‘Make things right? Can you bring back the peace we had before you barged in with your promises and complications?’Logan shook his head. ‘I can’t change the past, Naomi, but I can help with the present. Let me take care of Ralph’s medical bills. It’s the least I can do.’Her expression hardened, and she retorted, ‘Money won’t fix the damage you’ve caused. Sirena is missing, Ralph’s heart is failing, and our lives are in shambles. Don’t pretend you can fix it with a cheque.’Her words were still ringing in his head hours later.Logan stood on the roof, smoking, lost in thought, until his phone rang with an urgency that cut through the air like a serrated blade.He glanced at the caller ID, and a sinking feeling gripped his stomach as he answered.‘Logan, what the hell is going on?’ Albert’s voice, usually a bastion of calm, resonated with a furious edge. ‘Alessia called me, all cold and distant, calling me Mr Wilde instead of Grandpa. And she
‘Ralph! Naomi, call an ambulance!’ Logan’s urgency cut through the stunned silence, and Naomi, her face pale with shock, fumbled for her phone.Panic swirled in the room as Ralph clutched his chest, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.He toppled backwards.‘Ralph!’ Logan caught the old man in time.Within moments, the wail of an ambulance echoed through the quiet neighbourhood.Naomi and Logan hurriedly helped Ralph onto a stretcher, his face strained with agony.The ambulance doors slammed shut, trapping the trio in a suffocating bubble of uncertainty.The ambulance tore through the city’s arteries, its siren piercing.Inside, the confined space thrummed with urgency.Naomi clung to the edge of her seat, her eyes unblinking as she watched the paramedics work on her husband.Ralph lay supine on the stretcher—his heart just stopped.The heart monitor emitted a relentless warning beep.Naomi’s hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, the medical jargon exchanged by the paramed
Naomi stirred the simmering chicken soup, the aroma filling the kitchen with warmth.She glanced at Ralph, who was grabbing his keys.‘Ready to head to the hospital?’ he asked.‘Absolutely,’ Naomi replied, wiping her hands on her apron. ‘Hand me the thermos.’They were only allowed to visit Sirena once each day, the visit lasting no longer than half an hour.The doctor explained that the restricted visits were important to establish routine in Sirena’s life.As they prepared to leave, they heard a knock on the door.Surprised, they exchanged a puzzled glance before opening the door.Standing on their doorstep was Logan. ‘Can we talk?’Naomi and Ralph exchanged a wary look but nodded, allowing him inside.Logan took a deep breath, eyeing them both. ‘I’m sure you know why I’m here. I need Sirena to sign those divorce papers.’It had been almost three days since Sirena’s hospitalisation, and Logan had waited long enough.Naomi’s lips trembled. ‘Logan, we can’t believe you’ve moved on so