My heart was filled with panic as three SUVs appeared on the dusty road, blocking our car. Killian laughed. “Well if you wanna beg, I’d give you a reason.” As he opened the door on his side, a wave of intense fear engulfed me, causing my chest to constrict. I was still trying to catch my breath when he harshly unlocked the door on my side, causing me to let out a piercing scream. With a firm grip on my arm, he forcefully pulled me out, causing me to collide roughly against his stone-hard chest.He looked down at me amusedly. “Be a good girl, and don’t open your mouth till asked for.” He dragged me towards the warehouse, my heels digging into the dust, feet stumbling but his steel-like grip on my bicep was tormenting. My ears perked with alarm when I heard someone groaning and moaning in pain. I glanced behind me, just in time to witness the two men, clad in black attire, forcibly hauling a bloodied George by his collar. At that moment, my eyes dilated wi
Rara sat in the large circular-shaped bathtub, as she sought solace amid the serene atmosphere of the opulent bathroom, she instinctively curled her knees to her chest, holding onto her only source of comfort. With her long, flowing tresses cascading down over her delicate features, she inadvertently created a fragile veil that concealed the streams of tears streaming down her face.Amid her despair, Rara's heart-wrenching sobs pierced through the silence, echoing her deep anguish. Each tear she wiped away with a trembling hand seemed to symbolize the weight of the emotional burden she carried. The trauma that had befallen her had left an indelible mark on her fragile soul, and she felt utterly shattered in its wake.Rara found herself grappling with the cruel betrayals and inexplicable horrors that had plagued her life. Each passing moment seemed to erode the resilience she had so desperately clung to, leaving her teetering on the precipice of a breaking point. Uncertainty and despai
Rara let out an audible groan, the pain radiating through every fibre of her being. The aftermath of whatever had happened was now taking its toll on her, leaving her in a state of bewildered confusion. Recollection seemed to evade her, as the details of how she ended up on the bed were a haze, lost in the abyss of her memory. Fatigue had engulfed her to the point where she had succumbed to a deep slumber, or perhaps it was more accurate to describe it as passing out due to exhaustion. As she struggled to piece together the events that led to her current predicament, the contrary juxtaposition of the soft comforter enveloping her body only served to intensify her discomfort. She became acutely aware of the roughness of the hands that lingered on her waist, their touch not matching the tender embrace one would expect from such a gentle fabric. The sensation of fingers digging into her curves, though soft in pressure, sent a jolt of panic coursing through her veins. The realization of
The overwhelming sense of fear took hold of me, the moment was undeniably real, a tangible force seemed to constrict and trap me in its menacing grip. It was not simply an intangible emotion, but rather a physical sensation I could almost touch. As if an invisible hose were tightly wrung around my neck, the constriction of this invisible vice made it exceptionally challenging to draw in air.“Oh, is it now?” Killian’s raged voice cut through his words. “I told you killing him is out of option, Killian. There has to be some other way.” Alexei murmured. “Other way? What are we discussing? Making pies? It’s either kill or get killed. I don’t fucking care about your so-called tactics. In my head, there are two ways, and both of them involve blood and bullet.”“Killian.” I heard footsteps retreating, angry stomping down the hallway followed by Alexei’s growl. My blood ran cold. Each passing second intensified the unease and restlessness within me. The weight of this fear pressed heavily
TWO YEARS ONE MONTH AGOThe moment was encapsulated in an eerie, palpable silence that reverberated through the air, echoing relentlessly in the depths of my ears. Each passing second seemed to stretch indefinitely, amplifying the extent of the trepidation devoured my every thought. As the lights flickered and emitted eerie clicks, I found myself devastated by a deep sense of fear—a fear so grand, so colossal, it surpassed my ability to contain and control it. I couldn't help but brace myself for the relentless onslaught of my deepest fears. It was as if they had plotted to embody themselves in very being, to finally confront and consume me, forever tainting the purity of my existence. Awaiting their arrival, my trembling hands betrayed my attempts to maintain composure, as if desperately seeking solace in an ephemeral display of strength.I seeked solace in prayer, desperately begging for a respite from the impending waves of panic. Wishing ferventl
“Where’s Tobias?” As soon as Scarlett entered the room, hardly balancing a tray decorated with an assortment of delectable food, I couldn't help but feel my curiosity surface. The air was instantly flooded with a gentle yet captivating scent of warm and comforting porridge, skillfully intermingling with the soft breeze. It was as if the aroma had a life of its own, playfully captivating my senses, finding its way into my nostrils and enticing me with its enticing allure. Yet, despite being hungry, I couldn't bring myself to eat.As our eyes met, I couldn't help but notice the genuine concern that flickered within Scarlett's mesmerizing hazel orbs. They seemed almost ethereal, effortlessly reflecting a myriad of emotions, conveying a silent but heartfelt reassurance tailored solely for me. Her subtle smile, delicately curved on her lips, projected a silent message - an unspoken attempt to bring solace and appeasement to my restless thoughts.The room seemed to trans
“Calm down…” Tobias was by my side for the rest of the evening. He was mad at Papa, but just like me, he was helpless. He insisted on joining us for dinner at The Orchard Hotels—one of the buildings that belong to Romanos. I was nervous, fidgeting with the hem of my short light-pink dress reaching barely above my knees. The full sleeves gave me an illusion of security, the bandages wrapped around my arm still scraping yet I kept my expressions unwavering. This wedding was going to happen, one way or another—Papa would make sure of that. I still hadn’t any idea why he wanted an alliance between Romano and Morris so desperately, but I didn’t want to be a pawn in his game. The terrace was booked exclusively for our families, with an enthralling city view and start night sky. The soft breeze danced past my hair, untangling the waves in the process. It wasn’t hard to locate Romanos. A surge of anticipation rushed through my veins when my eyes landed on a very familiar face—the face I wa
“Ralph…” I started to back away, but Ralph pushed himself off the wall, his movements stilled me. I watched raptly as he closed off the distance between us. My chest rose and fell in shuddered breaths, goosebumps raising the lengths of my arms. “No, wait!” “You did not answered my texts.” As I stood there, transfixed by his mere presence, I couldn't help but be ensnared by the allure of his mysterious aura. His voice, a deep and resonant timbre, sent shivers down my spine, captivating me in its grasp. With every word that escaped his lips, it felt as though a vacuum had been created, drawing the very essence of my being towards him. The room seemed to grow dim, as if his darkness permeated the air, casting an intoxicating spell upon me.My breath hitched, almost as if it had been stolen away by an invisible force. It was as if the tenuous link between us, formed through the exchange of words and the undeniable chemistry between us, had caused a physical reaction w
“She’s getting feisty.” Alexei grinned. “I think she likes it in her ass more than her pussy, don’t you, любовь?”I screamed out as I felt the vibrator closing on my swollen womanhood. I tried to move, trying to figure out what was going on, but as I felt the vibrations running down my spine, I jumped surprised. I tried to close my legs only to get slapped on my inner thighs as Ralph clicked his tongue. “Ah-ha! Spread them wide.” I was completely lost in not only the pain that I was experiencing but also in the fact that my womanhood was becoming wetter and wetter. My body ached and longed to be filled, my juices now flowing out of me and down my legs.“Alexei, please, don’t tease me.” I wiggled in Ralph’s punishing hold as Alexei pushed deeper into me, his thrusts were slow and teasing. And I was so close yet so far. I needed more. Ralph pulled out of my other hole and walked up behind me and pushed two of his fingers deep into my ass as I arched my back.I moaned and whimpered wh
“How are you feeling now? Any pain? Any discomfort?” I shook my head as the doctor carefully looked through my reports. I was not hurt that much, just a few scratches and an ugly cut on my throat. He nodded to himself. “Alright then, you’re good to go. Be sure to eat soupy stews. Don’t stress your throat.” Alexei stood behind me, his one hand on my shoulder as he listened to the doctor. I felt safe feeling his presence that engulfed me in a protective embrace. “Here are some medicines, and drugs,” the guard standing behind Alexei grabbed the package. “I’ll see you next week then. Have a good day.” The doctor stood up and nodded at Alexei. My extra-careful husband gently helped me up, his arm around my waist like it always belonged there, like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly. The guard followed us, and by the time we were in the car, two SUVs were behind us and one in front. Two weeks. It had been two weeks yet Alexei was still over the top careful with me around. More guards w
Alexei stopped hearing my scream followed by furious Ralph and anticipated Killian. “I’ll kill her,” Alessandro said in my ear as a chill ran down my spine. Alexei’s hold on the gun tightened. “If you don’t take your hands off her in the next two seconds, you won’t have hands.” Suppressing a shiver, I flinched when I felt Alessandro tensing behind me. His hand on my throat twitched, and the knife trembled. I knew he was scared, and he also knew Alexei wasn’t bluffing. He’d kill. He’d kill him. For me. I shut my eyes, ready to accept whatever fate had in store for me. Ready to face death. My pulse quickened, the metallic taste of fear lingering in my mouth. Time slowed, each heartbeat echoing like a sombre drumbeat. The cold touch of the knife against my skin sent shivers through me, a cruel reminder of my malicious reality. At that moment, a flood of regrets and unrealized feelings surged, and the impending darkness whispered its chilling promise.Strangely, every flashback was of
I was numb and tired when Alessandro hung up the phone. It was Ralph’s and it seemed like Ralph purposely let him have it. Alexei and Killian must be on their way here. I was too exhausted—both mentally and physically. The betrayal and lies I had been fed all my life were too much. I believed it was my father who killed my mother, but it was Alessandro all along. I thought he wanted me to marry Stefan because of some business, but it was more than that. My death was decided on the day of my wedding and that explained why Stefan always felt guilt whenever he looked at me. He knew what his father and mine were planning and yet he was going to let that happen because of what? Money? Even if it was oceans worth of money, it wasn’t more than my life? I deserved to live, as much as my mother did. Why? WHY?!I wanted to scream, to pull at my hair, but I was too numb to care anyway. I could hear Alessandro mocking me, and calling me whatnot, but that was all I could do at that moment. I was
“Alessandro…” I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him grinning ear to ear. I should feel relieved and grateful, but instead fear gripped me like a sudden shock, making my voice shaky. I gasped, frozen in place, and my hands clutched onto Ralph’s blazer. It felt like the room tilted as he stood there. My hands shaking and my pupils dilating. The hair at the back of my neck erecting. He walked in, wearing his signature smile that once offered peace, but now, he had blood in his eyes. Ready to demolish everything that stood in his way. He reminded me of my dead father. The one I was most scared of. And this did not give me a good feeling. “Stupid, stupid, little girl.” He tsked as he took a step forward. Ralph quickly pointed his gun at him Alessandro as the men soon followed his actions and pointed their guns at us. He was just a few steps away when he looked at me, his dark eyes meeting mine, a cruel smile on his lips. “You know what is the difference between you and your mother?”
“That’s odd.” Killian frowned, staring at his phone. “Alessandro Vitale is still not here. And I can not track the men stalling him. Someone intruded our apartment less than an hour ago.”I got up, my pulse kicking up as my instincts go on full alert. “Who would try to breach the apartment like that? And why? Do you thinks it’s Alessandro? Antonio? Call Ralph.” “On it.” His face darkened as he stood up and head to the balcony where a sniper was placed, the phone pressed to his ear. “He isn’t picking up.”I followed him as he covered the distance with long strides. “His phone’s going straight to voicemail,” he said tensely as I felt a shift in the air. This wasn’t how I imagined this night to go. Alessandro Vitale was supposed to be here an hour ago. And our plan was to wipe him up at the time of auction when the lights would be off. It would cause a commotion, but nothing that money couldn’t solve.Killian looked up at me. “C
As we stepped into the grand hall, Alexei's arm around my waist sent a possessive vibe through me. My hair brushed my face, but I hesitated to fix it, feeling a bit tongue-tied and on edge. My heart was drunk on this new feeling. For the first time in all the years I spent in fear and grief, I found myself letting go of that sensation finally. My eyes automatically moved to Ralph as he stood beside me. My heart fluttered as I gazed at him. Something in me wanted him to feel me like trees. And he was the wind. My heart knew it all, and I felt like I found someone meant for me. I realised I did not need light in my life, I needed darkness. Their darkness. I needed to be taint. To be corrupted. The realization of being in love was like a quiet storm suddenly enveloping me. It was not a loud feeling but a subtle whisper that echoed through my heart. The warmth that spread from within, a gentle realization that they became the melody to m
I woke up to sore limbs and sweet bitterness in my chest. The sun peeking through the windows told me it was already past noon. Strangely I was feeling better than I was feeling last night. The guilt still tripped my thoughts now and then but except for that, I was not feeling anything—not crane hatred I thought I felt for my captors. I just couldn’t believe that I almost…. cried just because Ralph was hurt because of me. Ralph. I looked to my side to find the beside empty. My hands automatically moved to the cold sheets and I rubbed the spot: I wish he was here so that I could see if he was alright. Sighing I pushed myself up, putting my hair in a messy bun and walked slowly to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth and splashing my face with cold water, I decided to skip the shower since I was not feeling like taking one. The warm hoodie which smelled like Killian’s, I didn’t want to take it off. Walking barefoot, I stumbled to the
She’s my muse. A face to all my desires. The memories in my veins were as fresh and deep as the wound in my gut. I hate this and I hate it more every second I remember the fearful look on Rara’s face. I lost her. Almost lost her. Like I once lost my mother. The soft pitter patter of rain lingered in my ears. There was another wavering moment before I remember to breathe. I didn’t wanted to think about her, yet here I was. I was five—and foolish, when I lost my mother. Her death wasn’t as tragic as Killian’s mother, but it left a traumatising impact on my life. My chest tightened as I stared in the front, the shadows play on the walls, echoing the turbulence within me. My mother's photograph resting in my hands, the edges worn out. The flickering candlelight casting an ethereal glow, emphasizing the nostalgia that lingered in every corner.I had been awake for an hour or so now. I couldn’t sleep. Every time I close my eyes, flashbacks of my mother’s terrified eyes and her dead bo