“She still thinks she can run.” The fear inside her tightened into a sharp needle, chills ran down her spine at occasional brushes of Alexei’s hands over her neck. “I should break her legs.” He laughed, the dark rumble of his voice raising the bubbling tension. Rara clenched her thighs tightly as her widened eyes stared at Ralph. He was as deadly as two years ago. Same hypnotic green eyes she fell for, the straight pointed nose that’d put models to shame, the prominent cheekbones with a long scar running down his left cheek to dread behind his ear. It added masculinity to his hardened features. Rara remembered falling for him a first glance. The same tingling butterflies that she buried two years ago, resurfaced. But this time there was the startling tsunami of overflowing terror that had her body stiff. The white t-shirt he wore was soaked in red, and the khaki pants hung low on his narrow hips. He was as muscular as Killian and Alexei, but his body was sculptured gorgeously. The s
TWO YEARS TWO MONTHS AGOAs I gazed at the bouquet of roses resting on my bed, my headache grew more intense. I felt my knees give away as I struggled to process the situation. I had explicitly asked George not to receive any flowers on my behalf, so how did they find their way here once again?I hadn't seen Killian Schmidt since the club incident for two weeks, and my memory of that night was hazy as I vaguely recalled getting into a taxi and feeling a mix of shock, fear, and numbness, fueled by alcohol. I remembered crying and trying to wash away my pain in a hot shower. Since that day, I had been too afraid to leave the house, but recently I started receiving scarlet red roses from an anonymous sender. And deep down, I suspected they were from Killian Schmidt.A dizzying sensation surged through me, causing the room to swirl and the world to dance around like a mischievous sprite. What an unwelcome alarm for a morning that had barely dawned! My head throbbed relentlessly, each swal
TWO YEARS TWO MONTHS AGOShortly after their arrival, Killian and Alexei abruptly excused themselves from the room, leaving me, filled with intrigue, to ponder their sudden departure. As my mind raced with possibilities, a chilling thought crossed my mind - could they have gone off to carry out a sinister act of taking someone's life? The mere idea sent shivers down my spine.Meanwhile, Stefan persisted in his attempts to coax me into joining him on the dance floor. However, I found myself unable to comply due to the peculiar state my body had fallen into. It felt as though my limbs had turned to ice, rendering them completely numb. Furthermore, I harbored concerns that my lack of coordination would result in accidentally stepping on Stefan's feet, causing him embarrassment and discomfort. Thus, I decided to decline his offer, opting to spectate instead.Yet, amidst all the percolating unease and apprehension, a deep-rooted fear took hold of me, gradually
Ralph felt an intense urge to grasp her throat tightly and suffocate her until she couldn't breathe. He desired to restrain her and whip her so mercilessly that all she could do was scream. It excited him to imagine the sinful things he would do to hear her cries only. There was a twisted part of him that craved to use her blood to create his next painting. Ralph experienced a sense of ecstasy when he observed his reflection in the mirror, his white shirt stained with the blood of his driver. The person had infuriatingly caused him to be late for his exhibition. The haunting echoes of the driver's cries and screams as he plunged a knife deep into his chest still reverberate in Ralph's mind like softly spoken musical notes.“What a fucking waste?” he muttered disdainfully, contorting his mouth with exasperation as he effortlessly flung his shirt over his shoulder. Tilting his head, he meticulously assessed the multitudinous array of ink adorning his skin, covering the remnants of scars
In an audacious attempt to solidify the ties of commerce, my father envisioned a union between myself and his nemesis' son. At first glance, Stefan did not possess the same stoic demeanour as his father, but who's to say? Men were notorious for transforming unpredictably, just like the capricious weather. The evening became a haze as I found myself betrothed to a stranger within a single hour, leaving my head pulsating with a throbbing ache. Despite the paralyzing reality of the situation, I resigned myself to the fact that I was powerless to alter my destiny.Antonio Romano was not a man who would believe in love—and I surmise Stefan emulated him perfectly. Entwining myself with him would merely make me a pawn in his game of reputation. Neither spouse nor offspring would stir a flicker of concern within him. This harsh reality stoked the flames of disillusionment within me.Over the course of the following five days, my focus was solely on reconciling with the har
The museum's enduring elephant exhibit acted as a central point, standing at thirteen feet tall, as images of sea creatures swirled on the walls, creating the sensation of being submerged. Servers dressed in black moved around, offering champagne and appetizers, while a stage awaited the host's arrival at the opposite end of the space, ready to commend all the attendees for their presence.“This is beautiful,” I inhaled deeply, my focus fixated on an enigmatic masterpiece adorning the distant wall. It was an ethereal and captivating painting, unlike any my eyes had ever beheld. From afar, I could discern its essence, a mesmerizing fusion of crimson and ebony brushstrokes giving life to a tormented woman, her piercing screams resonating as she desperately clawed at her flesh. To some, it may appear disturbing, but beneath the surface, it encapsulated the very essence of our existence. The scarlet hues embodied longing and passion, while the inky strokes echoed the hidden depths of dark
I lazily tried to stretch my arms, the clinking resonance of chains echoed through the air, piercing the stillness surrounding me. Instantly, the remainder of my unfortunate predicament cast a cloud over my thoughts. Why was I in this terrifying room again? Who brought me here? Yet, as soon as my wits returned to me, the inescapable truth gradually emerged with an unsettling clearness. They tricked me. The realization that they had secretly drugged me surged within, igniting an overwhelming urge to throw up everywhere.My body was caressed by the softness of silk against my skin. Peering downwards, I found out a stunning short pink silk dress adorning my figure. Its alluring deep v-neck did little to preserve my modesty, as the hem obscenely crept higher, teasingly revealing my thighs. A wave of relief washed over me as I felt the presence of underwear. Thankfully, Killian took out the vibrating egg off me. Yet, despite its absence, the lingering vibrations continued to pulse through
TWO YEARS TWO MONTHS AGOI savoured the delicate brush of his lips against my longing flesh, feeling a surge of desire overtaking my senses. My breath quivered, escaping through parted lips, as he tenderly nibbled on my neck, unleashing an incandescent current that ignited every nerve in my body. Succumbing to the overwhelming sensations, I surrendered to the abyss of feeling, lost in the imprint of his touch as his fingers delicately encircled my throat, evoking a breathless moan that escaped into the night.“Let yourself go. Go with it. Surrender to the pleasure, topolìno.” His voice. God! Heavenly! It possessed an utterly captivating depth, drawing me into its mesmerizing spell. The silkiness of his words gently grazed the scorching surface of my skin, offering a seductive embrace.I reached out with my hands, desperate to touch him and feel him because it was the only way I knew salvation. His lips moved down to my cleavage, and I suddenly became aware of what I was wearing – a cam
“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