OCTAVIA I smooth down imaginary wrinkles in my dress as the elevator door opens, and I instantly recognize his black Ferrari. He comes out of the car; he is wearing a black suit as usual; his hair has this tousled look, a perfect blend of carefree and stylish that makes my heart flutter. He walked towards me with a grin and pulled me into a hug. "I've missed you," he breathed into my hair. I breathe in his scent; he smells amazing and familiar. I feel the flutter in my stomach again. "I missed you too." He takes my hand and walks towards the passenger seat. He holds the door open and guides me in with one hand on my lower back. I miss his gentlemanly sweetness and admire his profile as he walks toward the driver's seat. As we walked into the restaurant together, I felt a delightful mix of excitement and nerves bubbling inside me. The atmosphere was vibrant, with laughter and clinking glasses creating a symphony of joy around us. The warm glow of candlelight danced across the table
OCTAVIA'S POV "Okay, spill," Rose said. The breakfast rush just finished, and Rose and I are sitting at one of the tables and having coffee and cakes. "Spill what?" I'm not surprised she suspects something is wrong. "You have been moping around day, and don't try to deny it. I saw you staring into thin air several times like someone stole your puppy." "It's nothing serious; I just have a lot on mind," she gave me a deadpan look. "That's the whole point of you spilling.""It's Nile," I started. I tell her about everything that happened last night. "Are you guys officially in a relationship?" She asked; she knows all about my life in the casino and how I got out.Red rose my cheeks; I haven't actually thought of that; I just assumed. How could I have been so stupid? But it can't be like that. We have been like a couple for the past few months, though we haven't exactly defined our relationship, but he has been doing everything a boyfriend does. "No," I said. "I feel like he's hid
Heat fluttered in my belly, I shouldn't be feeling like this but then this is a sweet gesture and he feels sorry about it, maybe something actually came up. I open the door, as I walked in phone rings. It's Nile "Hello," I said as I picked "Hi Octavia, did you get the flowers." He asked"Yeah, I did but I don't get the point, what you did was not cool, at all." "I'm sorry baby, let me make it up to you." "How?" "There is a pouch in the bouquet of flowers." I look down at the flowers in my hand, truly a rose coloured pouch hung rested in the middle of the flowers, I put my phone on loudspeaker and placed it on the table, Sitting on the sofa, I felt a mix of sadness and confusion. I picked up the box, feeling its weight in my hands, and curiosity began to replace some of my anxiety.As I carefully opened the box my heart raced. Inside, I found a delicate silver necklace, its chain glimmering in the light. The small heart pendant caught my eye, and I could almost feel his presence a
NILE'S POV I tap my feet impatiently as I wait for the elevator at Octavia's building to reach the ground floor. I have to get home before my wife and the kids wake up. I should not have spent the night here really. I know what I did last time hurt her, and she has been wanting me to spend the night, which is not surprising, and I have admitted to myself that I enjoy spending time; it's better than the silence at home. The parking lot is deserted; that is expected because no one in their right mind will be up and about by four am in the morning. I hear a sound to my right; I see what looks to be the figure of a man. I rub my hands together; it must be cold to sleep outside. I check my wallet and put the cash inside it under a bundle of cloth beside. I check the time as I pull out of the parking lot; it's four thirty already. I remember the argument Miranda and I had this morning; she has an issue with me coming home late; she probably suspected I'm seeing someone; I don't know what
OCTAVIA'S POVRose arrived before me today; the doors were already open as I got there, and the sound of Celin Dion's 'Heart Will Go On' drifted in from the kitchen. As I walked into the kitchen, the warm scent of vanilla and sugar enveloped me. Rose was standing at the counter, completely immersed in her task. She had her back to me, her hair tied up in a messy bun, and she was mixing a large bowl of batter with enthusiasm. I leaned against the doorframe, watching her for a moment. She was singing softly to herself; it was one of her favorite songs, and she was swaying slightly as she stirred the batter, completely lost in her own little world. Flour dust danced in the air, and I could see splatters of ingredients on the counter, evidence of her spirited baking session.Unable to contain my laughter any longer, I stepped forward and said, “Looks like I walked in on a baking concert!” Startled, she turned around, her eyes wide with surprise, but then she broke into a grin. “You caugh
I can't even talk right now; I take in deep breaths as I try to get my emotions under control. "Who was that? I saw him freeze as soon as he came in," she continued. "He is a friend of Axel, the person that made me work at the casino; I don't really know if they are friends, but they are together quite often." Realization dawned on her features, and she looked at me with something close to sympathy. I avoid her eyes; I don't want anyone to pity me; I'm done with that life. "It's probably nothing; I don't know if he recognizes me or not. She wraps her arms around me."I'm going to bring a baseball bat tomorrow; if he comes back here and tries anything, I'm going to break his legs and make sure he doesn't walk out with his feet intact." I laugh and relax into her embrace. "That would be nice." "I have to go check up on customers' orders; are you going to be okay?" she asks. "I'm fine, Rose." "You sure you don't want to go home? Joel and I will have everything under control." "Na
OCTAVIA'S POVAs I wiped down the counter, the familiar sound of the café's doorbell rang in my ears, but today it felt different, almost electric. For weeks, I had been on edge, glancing up every time the door creaked open, half-expecting to see that man or even Axel walk in again. I expect Axel and his goons to walk in here every minute. The memory of our last encounter lingered in my mind, his unsettling note echoing like a haunting melody. I could still feel the chill that ran down my spine when he had looked at me, eyes piercing through the small talk, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. Each day without his presence brought a strange relief but also a nagging sense of unease, like waiting for a storm that never came. I had convinced myself that maybe he had decided to ignore my existence and that I could finally breathe easy in my little café sanctuary.But then, just as I thought I could relax, the door swung open, and there he was, casually strolling in as if he hadn’t haun
***"You seem tensed and distracted, what's wrong," Nile asked twirling a lock of my hair between his fingers, I turn to face him, the sunset rays coming in from the window cast a soft golden glow on his already olive skin making him look almost ethereal. I trace his jawline with my finger then his shoulder, precipitation of sweat from our earlier activities moisten his back, I'm fully sated and exhausted but knowing he is not wearing anything except the cover of the blanket does little to stop my thoughts from going back to what happened with that man at the café earlier this week, I shrug the thought of, I shouldn't let this bother me anymore, if push comes to shove, I'll get a restraining order against him, he doesn't look like someone that can can afford to have the police on his payroll. "Nothing, I'm fine. I think I'm just a bit tired," "Is it the café? Is it getting more demanding? Do you need help? Should I hire someone?" He shot question after question. It was at times like
‘’Will you come with me to Amsterdam?’’I looked up at him, my short hair swinging as I did. I wasn’t sure I wanted to take this trip. ‘’It wasn’t in my plan,’’ I said, watching him dress up. We had spent the night together and at that point, I was quite sure what we were.‘’None of this was part of the plan,’’ he said, fastening his last button. He stepped towards me. ‘’I’d really love you to come with me, Octavia.’’The way he said it made it hard to say no. ‘’You have a way of messing up with my plans, Zion,’’ I said, rocking my body back and forth.It had been more than forty eight hours since my wallet was stolen from the lift. There was still no news about the thief nor the wallet. It was very upsetting and scary at the same time. The wallet contained my real ID, and I was afraid it could fall into the wrong hands. I wasn’t sure if Lionel da Vinci was popular in these parts but it was still very disturbing. Perhaps, going to Amsterdam was for the better. ‘’You had a
‘’You met Rose?’’ I could see he was finding it hard to follow the conversation.‘’Yes,’’ I said. ‘’I bumped into her as I was rushing out of the Ladies. She has a photo of Luca grabbing me in the bathroom. And she wants me to testify.’’He rubbed his fingers into his hair and stood up. He paced for a while before he returned to the seat. ‘’Are you saying Lucas has been harassing women sexually?’’I nodded.‘’And he tried to do that to you?’’‘’’Yes,’’ I said.‘’Damn it! Fuck!’’ He stood up. ‘’This is my fault. I should have told him who you were to me. I’m so sorry, Octavia.’’I said nothing.‘’You said you saw Rose?’’ he asked.‘’Yes. I left the hall with her,’’ I said.‘’Are you sure it was Rose you saw?’’I looked at him. ‘’I would know Rose, wouldn't I?’’‘’I’m sorry,’’ he said, rubbing his forehead. ‘’You mentioned that Rose wanted you to testify.. That she had a photo. What is it about?’’I let out a deep sigh. ‘’I’m not sure, but I think Lucas probably had his way
‘’Thank you so much for coming,’’ I said, shaking his hand warmly as I looked around for Octavia.‘’Beautiful presentation.’’I walked down to the table I had seen her last. It was unoccupied. A couple were seated just beside her table.‘’Good afternoon. Please, I’m looking for the lady who was seated here,’’ I said.‘’Oh,’’ the woman replied. ‘’She had some wine poured on her and she rushed off to the Ladies, i think.’’‘’Thank you,’’ I said, walking away.I stood a few feet from the table, waiting for her return. I was excited to share with her what the investors thought. I paced around, and glanced at my wristwatch. She had been gone for too long. I reached for my phone and began to dial her number while I walked towards the Ladies. I bumped into Lucas.‘’Hey, Lucas,’’ I said, observing the cut on his face and the wrinkles on his shirt. His hair looked roughened too, and he seemed upset. ‘’I was just looking for Octavia.’’I dropped my phone in my pocket as the call went u
‘’You’re kidding, right?’’ she said.I wished I was. ‘’I will publish the whole story, Octavia. And you will see it. I want you as a witness.’’‘’Publish? A witness? Are you out of your mind, Rose?’’ she asked, sitting up and facing me. ‘’I can’t.’’‘’I’m not the only victim,’’ I said, closing my eyes. ‘’I have at least five women who are willing to testify. You are the only one who can testify with an evidence.’’She turned away. ‘’Please, stop the car. I’m dropping off here.’’ She reached for her purse and pulled out some notes and handed it to the driver. ‘’I won’t let you mess my life, Rose.’’I pulled out a cigarette from my purse and inhaled the fumes as I rested my head on the back seat.—It was almost 7pm when I returned home and the sound of Angel crying grated my nerves. Lydia was rocking her but the crying continued, relentlessly.‘’She’s been like this all day, ma’am,’’ she said, still rocking her. ‘’I don’t know what is wrong. I’ve tried everything i can.’’‘’I
I pushed him away and ran for the door. The man had disappeared amongst the crowd of guests. I looked around and cursed.‘’It’s okay, hon–’’I turned around and slapped him on the face. ‘’You bastard!’’He held his cheek for a second, flustered and embarrassed. ‘’Who do you think you are?’’I started to make my way out of the bathroom but he slammed the door and yanked my hair and pulled me in. his hand curled into a fist and he tried to land a blow on my head. I dodged, the attempted blow setting him off balance. I grabbed his second arm and twisted it behind him, till he yelled in pain. Then pushed him towards the sink, sending the mirror above it breaking and crashing into the sink.From the broken mirror left in the wall, I could see terror in his eyes. ‘’Let me go,’’ he said, his voice devoid of any remorse.I twisted his arm again until he cried for mercy. ‘’Please! Who are you?’’ his voice trembled.I moved closer to him and looked at him through the mirror. ‘’Someo
She didn’t resist. I guess she wanted me as much as I wanted her. Her lips relaxed and took mine too. My hands wrapped around her back, pulling her closer. I felt hot flashes in my body. Her arms stretched over my shoulder, pulling my head in. I slid my hands down to her ass, raising her up. I couldn’t get enough of her.We staggered to the wall, lips still locked, hands all over our bodies. Outside, thunder rumbled and lightning crashed. She was pinned against the wall, breathing heavily when I pulled away from the kiss. ‘’I want you, Octavia,’’ I said, searching her eyes. I could see the raw desires in them. She wanted me just as much.She tugged at my shirt, ripping the first button loose. Her eyes were fierce and inviting at the same time. I knew I was supposed to be avoiding her, but whatever drew her to me was too powerful than the both of us. ‘’Have me then, Mr Giovanni,’’ she whispered, her words sending shocks down my spine.I reached for her again, pulling her and
She was mumbling and flailing her arms, with beads of sweat forming on her forehead despite the cool temperature of the room. I walked close to the bed.‘’Octavia?’’She was still only for a moment before she continued, thrashing more violently now. It was as though she was fighting with some unseen demons. I tapped her gently. ‘’Octavia…. Octavia..’’She stirred, and her eyes opened. She turned around in an instant and she saw me. I saw the look of shock and panic on her face. I was unsure of how to react.‘’I’m sorry to bother you,’’ I said, standing straight. ‘’It seems you were having a nightmare.’’She rubbed her eyes, almost as if she couldn’t believe I was the one standing there. I felt almost the same way too - I couldn't believe she was the one lying in my bed.‘’I– I was told you won’t be back,’’ she said, pushing the sheets away. ‘’Oh shit!’’I reached for her arm. ‘’Octavia, it's okay. You don’t have to leave,’’ I said, but my grasp on her arm ended up making her
The penthouse was breathtakingly beautiful. It was the most beautiful part of the hotel and it was not hard to see why. I looked out of the window to the city outside. It was such a beautiful view. I imagined myself with my robe and a cup of wine, just looking at the city."Good evening, Ms. Russo.’’ I turned around, startled by the voice of the stranger. A woman in uniform was standing at the entrance. ‘’I was informed you would be our guest for a while. My name is Patricia and i am the hostess in charge of the penthouse.’’I nodded, examining her carefully.‘’Allow me to show you around, please." She smiled, her smile warm and professional. I guess she was used to treating the biggest clients of the hotel, so she had to be very warm and professional.I smiled back, a little excited and a lot curious. I'd never indulged in the pleasure of staying at a penthouse. I mean, it was too big for only me to occupy. I wondered what Zion was up to for him to occupy such a large pla
I peered at the footage as the man walked into the elevator beside me. ‘’Yes, that’s him,’’ I said, pointing at the screen.The man remained silent. I watched as he moved closer to me while he got me engaged in a o conversation and pulled out my wallet from the bag. It was so swift that it could have been easily missed on the footage.‘’Can he be identified?’’ I asked, leaning up. ‘’I need to get my wallet.’’The man ceased his forehead, watching the footage again. ‘’It’s hard to really get his face in the video.’’ He looked at me. ‘’He’s smart. I would say he’s an expert. He avoided any angles that would show his face.’’I paced around the room. ‘’So you are saying this is not the first time guests at your hotel are robbed of their possessions? And yet nothing has been done to curtail it? How does he even have access to your lobby?’’He straightened his back and pulled the chair away from the computer. ‘’Miss Russo, this is not a regular at our hotel. Such an unfortunate