JaxsonI can’t believe he went behind my back and set all this up. I also can’t believe how close they are. He never said anything about it. His only saving graces right now is that he saved his life and that he calls her little sister. Though I don’t think she knows that, so I am not sure whether I she be worried about her letting him call her a pet name, when she has no idea what he is saying. Watching them together now has my insides doing weird things to me inside. Every time she gives him a real smile and every affectionate touch he offers her. Again, all very brotherly, but still. I don’t know how I feel about it.What I do know is how I feel about him bringing in Nico. I think the words he used was notoriously flirty lady’s man, that, I’m sure, will go down as the year’s most widely understated statement of the year. If not the year, then of all time.Nico is a flirt; he is also a lady’s man. Both of those stated are true. But saying them together with out the adding in that he
EsmereldaOh boy. that is all I can think when one very loud man just barges into the room without even so much as am"The fun as arrived!" He proclaims loud and proud troughing his arms out and up. I can't help but to jump we were just talking about all his sibling, but I guess we really should have started with the two that just showed up. The taller man rolls his eyes as the loud one makes his grand entrance. The new siblings are just as big as Tony, which is no small feat, but he has a more reserved demeanor. He is much quieter and more observant than Tony, who would be called the life of the party in comparison. It is obvious that they are used to this other one boisterous behavior. I wonder how they all fit in with the rest of their family. As they make their way into the room, I also can't help but notice how different they look from Tony. While one is tall and lean, the other bulky and muscular while, Tony is right in the middle. They seem to tower over everyone in the room, i
JaxsonThe moment I stepped back into Tony's hospital room, the sight that greeted me was like a punch to the gut. There was Tony's brother, his arm wrapped around Esmerelda, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. My heart raced with a mix of anger and despair. Esmerelda and I had already had our talk, the one where unspoken truth was finally aired, and I had walked away certain I'd lost her for good. Yet, seeing another man's hands on her, even in a gesture of comfort, ignited a fierce jealousy that overrode all reason. I knew I had no claim over her, no right to feel this way, but the raw emotion was undeniable. It was a reminder of what I'd let slip through my fingers, and the regret was as sharp as ever.I knew I shouldn't have, but I stormed over and grabbed Esmerelda's arm, pulling her away from Nico. I couldn't help myself; the jealousy and anger were too much to bear. I had lost her; I knew that but seeing her in another man's arms was like a knife to my heart. It made me
Esmerelda The cool evening air brushed against my cheeks as I stepped out of the sterile brightness of Tony's hospital room, the echo of her heels on the linoleum fading with each step. Paully, one of my newfound guardian, was a silent shadow at my side, his presence a comforting fortress against the chaos of the day. The memory of Jaxson's grip on my arm lingered, a stark contrast to the gentle guidance of Paully's hand at my back—a touch that wasn't quite a touch, a whisper of safety in the small space between them.My mind replayed the events, the laughter and camaraderie that had turned so swiftly into a moment of fear. It was irrational, I chided herself, to feel such trepidation from Jaxson's action when the day had held far graver dangers. Yet, it was that unexpected jolt from Nico's casual touch to Jaxson's possessive tug that haunted me, that stirred the embers of a past I fought to keep at bay.The silence in Paully's car was a cavernous void, filled only with the soft hum
JaxsonI don't sleep at all thinking about all the things that happened the day before. I can't figure out which is worse. The fact that I could have hurt her? The fact that I scared her. Not what I do for a living, no but I personally scared her with my reaction to Nico touching her. In what part of my mind did I think it was okay to grab her like that? I can't for the life of me figure that out. But then how can that act overshadow the fact she was shot at or was being kidnapped when my brother found her?The best conclusion to that last question I can come up with is that the first two events I wasn't aware that she needed protection, if i was she would have had more of it. And the last one was all me. Those actions I can control.That's what haunts me the most. My actions. My impulses. I can't shake the image of her face, the fear in her eyes when I lashed out. It was as if she saw a monster, and in that moment, I was one. I let my possessiveness and anger get the better of me, an
EsmereldaThe morning sun filters through the blinds, casting a warm glow over the room as I awaken to the shrill sound of the alarm I had foolishly neglected to silence. It's a new day, yet the remnants of yesterday's revelations linger like a delicate fog in my mind. Frankie is blissfully unaware, today is her day off, eagerly anticipating the gossip about the "top secret baby" that has been our little joke. How her eyes will widen when she learns they're twins. The thought alone sends a ripple of anxiety through me. Am I ready to talk about the other things that happened yesterday, it will be written in the lines of my face. That, I'm not ready to share. So, I do what necessity dictates; I rise, pushing aside the tangled sheets of trepidation, and prepare for the day ahead. Going to work is not really something I want to do today, but the only other option is talking to Frankie. The thought of him, Jaxson, the dark stranger who unknowingly changed my life in the span of a single
JaxsonTo say I am shocked to see her at her desk when I walk into the office is an understatement. After the tumultuous events of yesterday, I had assumed she would take some time away. Yet, here she is, a testament to resilience, or perhaps obligation, her presence both a relief and a puzzle. My relief is palpable, a weight lifted that I hadn't fully acknowledged bearing. It's curious how the mind works, how the heart tightens with worry, only to release upon the sight of her—diligent, focused, seemingly unscathed by yesterday's chaos. I am also filled with pride at the fact she can be like that. It shows her true strength.Her seriousness is a stark contrast to the usual lightness she carries, and it adds a layer of complexity to her already intriguing persona. She is beautiful, undeniably so, with her fiery hair cascading in waves, only half-tamed by pins, falling to her waist. The deep green of her suit jacket, left casually open, suits her—no pun intended. It's a color that comp
EsmereldaIf I’m being brutally honest with myself, this is probably a disastrous idea. Even Frankie, who has a knack for turning bad ideas into adventures, would agree. The thought of giving him just one kiss feels impossible. But if I can somehow manage it, maybe he’ll stop pursuing me. If I can’t… Well, the consequences are a mystery I can’t afford to unravel. Despite the turmoil in my mind, my feet betray me, carrying me toward the office door he holds open.As I step into the room, the door clicks shut behind me, sealing us in. I’ve never been in here before; my only glimpses have been through the doorway. My heart pounds as I take in the space. It’s undeniably masculine, from the sleek, modern desk to the rich, dark wood accents. The air is thick with his scent—black currant and cedarwood—an intoxicating blend that both calms my nerves and soothes my queasy stomach.I force myself to breathe deeply, trying to steady my racing heart. The room feels smaller with him in it, his pre
JaxsonTwo weeks. It's been two weeks since the accident. We are no closer to finding her then we were the day she was take. And I am no better for it. Simply put I'm a mess. I forgot what sleep is. I don't think I have showered unless someone drug me in there and forced me to shower. I have put all my time into finding out who the hell took my Gypsy. Waiting by the phone for a call, yet none has come. I'm starting to worry none will."Jaxson. You can't keep doing this to yourself." Nico says as he enters the dining room."Not now, Nico.""Yes, now.""No, just leave.""Listen, brother, I understand you are going through a lot right now. But you can't keep doing this. You have a business to run.""I don't care about the fucking business." It's true right now I could truly give a fuck about the company can burn to the ground for all I care."Well, you should.""Nico.""No, listen. I know you want her back, we all do, but you can't do it if you don't take care of yourself.""He is right,
EsmereldaThe doctor comes in and tells me what I already knew. That the twins are still fine. By the time he got here my main concern was answered by the flutters of them moving. He then gives me something for my head, which has started to pound. He also gives me a cream for the bruising on my face and neck. When the guy first put the gag in, it hurt. But now, when I rub the cream over the area, it doesn't hurt, and it makes the redness go down.When the doctor leaves, the boss is there waiting for him. The doctor and the boss exchange words, and the doctor hands him a few bottles, then leaves. The boss doesn't come back into the room after the doctor leaves. So I take time to look around. Its set up like some kind of mother-in-law suite. The room I am in looks like the living room and the kitchen. Behind the first door I find I see a small bathroom with a standing shower. The next door a closet, and the last is a bedroom with a full size bed covered in what looks like a think down c
JaxsonA groan rips from my throat. I have the worst headache and I am cold. Really cold. What the fuck happened? I try to open my eyes, but it hurts too much. The light is blinding and all it does is make the pain worse."Mr. Cancade. Mr. Cancade. Can you hear me?" I try to talk, but nothing comes out. My throat is so dry."Shhhh, it's okay." A woman's voice says, but it's not my woman's voice. "What...the...fuck...""You were in an accident.""Gypsy." I croak."Who?" The woman says."Where...is...my...wife.""Um, she is, well, we are trying to find her." What? I must have heard that wrong."She...""We know who you are talking about, but right now, we don't know where she is. Your driver said she was in the car. But we didn't see her.""How...""It's a long story." Long story? What the hell is a long story?"How..." I try again."It will all be explained once you are feeling better." Why does she keep interrupting me?"My wife.""Let's just get you healthy, and we will tell you eve
EsmereldaJaxson is telling me the guys are back and are fine, and all I can think is how amazing it will be to have everyone together. The last time I saw them they were leaving for their trip, and they were all excited. Well, Paully wasn't exactly excited, but he was glad to have something to do. He hates sitting around waiting, which is all we have been doing. Waiting on the man in the shadows, or the guy who took me to show their face. Well they actually knew there was a chance he was out there, I only had to wait till my dreams to see him again.I was so upset when the guys left. They have all become like my family. Like having brothers, I never had before. Jaxson is right, they did call everyday wanting an update. But I have still really missed them.I know what is about to happen when I see the head light appear behind Jaxson's head but there is no way for me to warn him, I can't it happens to fast even if it feels like it's happening in slow motion. By the time it takes to ope
JaxsonSix weeks laterWe are all gathered in the dining room. It is the first time we are having a family meal. After Esmerelda woke up from the hospital, I have kept her close. After we questioned the men who we took from there that night, we got to other information for who their boss was. They actually seemed to not know. I can't see why they would be so loyal to a man they have only worked for, for only a short time. All anyone could say was they were approached a few weeks ago and promised when he took back over the city, they would want for nothing. No they are rotting in an underground dungeonThat is the thing that has me stuck, whoever the hell this man is he said when he took the city back, meaning he had it at one point. That narrows it down on who it could be, but it doesn't give me a single man. But what the soldiers did say is he has been in hiding since the take over.We still have a few men out there, but most of them are on their way back. We are getting closer. I fe
The Boss*The night of the rescue*That did not go as planned. It was sheer dumb luck I wasn't there when Jaxson stormed in, and pure foresight on my part for never giving out my name. I don't know if anyone was taken alive, but even if they were they will never be able to share a name with him or his men. The problem now is that I lost all of my guys. I have no one left in the city, and I have a feeling that he knows the real reason why I took her. It wasn't just to get his attention. No, I have someone else pulling my strings. Someone who should be calling any minute and I am dreading this call. There is no way he didn't hear about it. The only good thing is that he doesn't have a location for me. So, that is one small victory.When my phone rings and his name pops up, I want to throw the phone across the room."Sir.""So, what the hell is the meaning of all of this.""Meaning, sir?""Do not play coy with me. I saw the report on the news. And she was taken to the hospital?" That is
JaxsonAll I can do it stare at her in confusion. What the actual fuck is she talking about? Cheating? And what the hell is she talking about a whore. She is the farthest thing from it."Gypsy, sweetheart. What the hell are you talking about?" She looks at me her face covered in tears and snot. She has never looked more beautiful."He used my mouth, and I just let him. He was going to do more. I would have let him, but his boss came and stopped him." The rage in me boils up but I try to keep a calm exterior his death was far too quick."You don't have to worry about him anymore." I say while processing the rest of what she said. I'm not sure how she thinks that was cheating when it was pure survival for her and our babies. I have unfortunately seen men like him, all dead now, but they would have got what they wanted with or without her corporation."What? Why not?""Because he is dead. We found you. We took care of everyone." I cup her cheeks. "You never have to worry about anyone tou
EsmereldaBeepBeepBeepBeepMy heart is beating, and that's a good sign. My head hurts, and my whole-body is sore, but it's not the worst pain I have ever felt. What is the worst is not knowing if my babies are okay. I haven't opened my eyes yet, too scared of what I will see."I think she is waking up." A small voice whispers. One I don't know."Baby, can you hear me?" I recognize that voice."Jaxson?" My throat feels dry and scratchy."Hey." He whispers. I open my eyes, and the first thing I see is his tear stained face."Jaxson." I try to move towards him, but it hurts. "The babies.""They are fine. Shhhh. They are fine.""How can you know?""Well, you have been out a few days. They did an ultrasound, and the doctor did a test. The twins are fine.""A few days?""Yeah, baby. A few days. You have been out for a while. Your leg was pretty bad, and you had an infection. You have been in and out for a few days.""Where are we?""Home. Well my home. Frankie has been a live wire." He b
JaxsonTwo hours ago.I am sitting in my living room waiting on word about Esmerelda. We have had men on the ground scouring the city. Everywhere and have come up with nothing. Malachi has taken my phone. After my last conversation with the unknown caller, it went crazy."Who the fuck was that?""Not sure. But we will find out.""How did he get this number? How did he know where I was?""Boss, I have a feeling that is the least of our problems.""You're fucking right. We need to find her.""I know.""So why the hell are we standing here!" I start walking to the door, grabbing my jacket, and keys."What are you doing?""I am finding her.""You are going to go look.""Yes.""No, boss. You are going to stay here.""Like hell, Malachi. This is my fault.""No, it's not. If anything, it's mine. I should have found this fucker way before he got to her.""We can't sit here and play the blame game. We need to find her." There is knock at the door. "Enter." I say still trying to think of somet