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039: Stay Behind Me
Last Updated:
2025-01-18 06:00:45
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Will You Marry Me? 040: I'm So Sorry
ANYA In the bathroom, I stood under the shower, letting the hot water cascade over me as I scrubbed my skin for what felt like the hundredth time. It didn’t matter how hard I scrubbed....nothing could erase the feeling of the blood that had splashed onto my face. Tears streamed down my cheeks, mixing with the water, but I didn’t try to stop them. My body trembled, and I hugged myself tightly, desperate to feel some sense of safety. Finally, I sank to the floor of the shower, curling into a ball in the corner. The sound of the water hitting the tiles echoed around me, but it couldn’t drown out the memories. I closed my eyes, and the scene replayed itself in my mind like a nightmare I couldn’t escape. The moment Hunter had saved me, leading me out of that room, I had thought the worst was over. But when we stepped outside, I saw them; Hector, Carlos, and Manuel. Hunter’s brothers. They stood there, their expressions calm, almost bored, as if the chaos surrounding them was
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Will You Marry Me? 041: Was It Love?
ANYA I clenched my fists, as I stared at Hunter. My hands trembling as I said inwardly. “You killed all those people to save me. You ordered all of it for my sake. But this isn’t the life I want. This isn’t the life I can live.” I swallowed hard, my voice barely audible. “And that video… it’s my only way out. I need to send it to Evans. It's the only way you would let me go, Hunter.” Quietly, I slipped out of bed and grabbed my bag, pulling the camera out. My heart pounded as I tiptoed into the bathroom and locked the door behind me. Sitting on the floor, I turned the camera on, scrolling through the footage until I found what I was looking for. My breath caught in my throat as the video played. Hunter’s face filled the screen, his movements precise and deadly. I watched as he shot one man after another, their bodies crumpling to the ground. I saw the way he snapped a man’s neck with his bare hands, the camera capturing every horrifying detail. It was all there. Evidence
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Will You Marry Me? 042: Back Home
ANYA "I want to please you," I replied. "I..... I will suck your cock and fully give myself to you. I want to experience what it feels like when my husband, Hunter Steele, makes love to me." Hunter swallowed, his eyes filled with surprise. His gaze stayed on me as his expression shifted between surprise, confusion, desire and finally concern. “Anya, I don’t think you’re in the right frame of mind for this,” he said gently, lifting me up from the ground. “But I want you,” I insisted, my voice trembling. “I’m thinking clearly, Hunter. I assure you.” I went on my knees again, but he stopped me, lifting me off the floor and pulling me into his arms. His embrace was warm, grounding me in a way that made my chest ache with guilt. “It’s okay, Anya,” he said softly. “Some other time.” He held me close for what felt like an eternity, his steady heartbeat pressing against mine. When he finally let me go, I couldn’t meet his gaze, afraid of what he might see in my eyes. We sat on
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Will You Marry Me? 043: Make Me Happy
ANYA Bernice’s eyes blazed with anger as she pointed a finger at me. Her voice rose, sharp. “You’re a liar, Anya. A hypocrite! You think you can eat your cake and have it too, don’t you?” she accused, her words spilling out like venom. I stood there, stunned, as she continued. “You tricked me. You deceived me. You asked your husband to take you on a honeymoon and made me believe you didn’t want him. And Cross? You cheated on him!” Her words hit like daggers, but I refused to let her disrespect me. I straightened my back and fixed my gaze on her. “I am not a liar, Bernice,” I said, my voice firm. “And I am not a cheat, especially when it comes to Cross. So be very careful about what you say to me, and how you treat me.” I took a step closer, my tone dropping lower. “And this is the last time I’ll warn you....don’t ever put your hands on me again.” For a moment, the room was filled with tense silence. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the mixture of rage and frustratio
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Will You Marry Me? 044: I Missed You
ANYA Needing a distraction, I decided to head to the kitchen. Marie was there, humming softly as she worked. The sight of her calm demeanor immediately made me feel a little more grounded. “Hey, Marie,” I said, stepping into the warm, inviting space. She turned to me with a kind smile. “Hello, Mrs. Steele. Would you like something to eat or drink?” I shook my head. “No, I just wanted to spend some time here. I would really love to assist you right now. What can I do?" Marie handed me a small knife and a cutting board. “Here,” she said. “If you really want to, you can help me chop these vegetables. It might help take your mind off whatever seems to be troubling you.” I smiled gratefully, feeling impressed by her perceptiveness as I took the knife from her and got to work. For a while, we worked in comfortable silence, the rhythmic sound of chopping and the delicious aroma of food filling the air. It was a small reprieve, but it was exactly what I needed. As I chopped,
Last Updated : 2025-01-18Will You Marry Me? 045: I'm Not A Monster
ANYA I stared at Hunter, as he waited for my answer. The thought of a wedding gnawed at me. A wedding. A grand spectacle that would declare to the world that I was Hunter’s wife, his property. How could I even consider it when all I wanted was to escape? A ceremony meant sealing my fate in his world, a world I never asked for. I lowered my gaze, trying to avoid the intensity of his. “I’m not ready,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. Hunter didn’t push me. He just nodded, his jaw tightened but his voice remained calm. “What do you want, then?” I wanted to say freedom but I knew that wasn’t an option. Hunter would never let me go. He had made that clear. So instead, I shook my head and murmured, “Nothing.” His lips pressed into a thin line as he studied me. Then, without warning, he sat on my bed and reached out his hands, pulling me down to sit on his lap. The warmth of his arms wrapped around me, and for a moment, I felt small and fragile in his hold. “I want
Last Updated : 2025-01-19Will You Marry Me? 046: Is It A Yes?
ANYA I glanced up, meeting Hunter's gaze. There was something raw in his eyes, that tugged at me. A vulnerability I hadn't observed before. “I’m a man who’s used to taking what I want,” he admitted. “By force, if I have to. But with you… it’s different. You’re the first person I’ve ever wanted to please. The first person I’ve ever wanted to make happy.” His words made my chest tighten. I didn’t know what to say. “I’m not asking you to love me to death right now,” he added. “All I’m asking is for a chance. Achance to show you that I can make you happy. That you won’t regret being with me.” His voice grew steadier. “I’ll make you my priority, Anya. I’ll give you anything you want, as long as it’s within my power. All I need is for you to try." He took my hands in his. His touch was warm and firm, grounding me even as my thoughts swirled. “Can you give me that, Anya? Can you give me a chance?” As I stared into Hunter’s intense, expectant eyes, my mind wandered far away fr
Last Updated : 2025-01-20Will You Marry Me? 047: My World
HUNTER Anya had no idea how much her words meant to me. Hearing her say she’d give me a chance was like a light breaking through the darkness I’d carried for years. I held her close as she sat on my thighs, my arms wrapped tightly around her. But as I looked at her, calm and trusting in my hold, my mind drifted back to a day that still haunted me. The day in Panama when I almost lost her. I had left her in our hotel room, planning to grab food for her. I remembered telling her to stay inside until I got back. But when I returned, the room was empty. At first, I thought maybe she’d gone into the bathroom, or she was hiding somewhere to tease me. But as I checked every corner, my chest tightened. The silence in the room was scary. She wasn’t there. I panicked. My heart raced like it never had before. The idea of her being gone....of her being taken...was unbearable. I bolted out of the room and into the hotel hallway, my eyes scanning wildly. “Anya!” I called out, my voice
Last Updated : 2025-01-21
Latest chapter
Will You Marry Me? EPILOGUE
THREE MONTHS AGO Maya Suarez sat cross-legged on the carpet, helping her 12-year-old sister, Star, with her homework. Laughter bubbled between them as they joked over math problems in Star’s brightly colored room. For a brief moment, everything felt normal and safe. Then came a knock on the door. “Maya,” her stepmother’s shrill voice called. “Come out here. Now.” Maya stood up, exchanged a glance with Star, and stepped outside. Her heart sank the moment she saw him. Standing beside her stepmother was a man nearly twice her age—big-bellied, sweat-stained, and grinning beneath a thick mess of unkempt gray beard. His eyes were beady, too close together, and he looked her up and down with undisguised hunger. “What is this?” Maya asked flatly. “Cat?” Cat, her stepmother, beamed. “Maya, you remember I told you about the handsome man you’re going to marry? This is Angel. He came to see his bride. We’re going to start planning the wedding.” Maya recoiled. “What marriage? Liste
Will You Marry Me? 190: Because Of You
After Ruby accepted Hector’s proposal, he stood up, taking her with him, and crashed his lips against hers, pouring every ounce of love, pride, and joy into that kiss. Around them, the room erupted in claps and cheers. Carlos whistled, Hunter grinned and clapped with both hands, while even Manuel gave a crooked smile and joined in. And to Ruby’s surprise, Anya clapped the loudest. The moment Hector pulled back from the kiss, Anya squealed in delight and rushed toward Ruby. “I’m so excited! Welcome to the family!” she said, throwing her arms around Ruby. Ruby blinked, caught off guard. She’d seen Anya earlier, tucked slightly behind Hunter, but now seeing her up close, she was stunned by how young she looked. She smiled as she gently pulled back and glanced at the ring on Anya’s finger. “Wait… you’re married?” Ruby asked with a surprised laugh. “But you look so young!” Anya giggled. “I am! Nineteen years old and married to Hunter Steele.” She said it with pride, like a girl
Will You Marry Me? 189: One Month Later
Ruby couldn’t stop smiling as she held Hector’s hand, their fingers intertwined like they’d been molded that way from the start. The past one month had felt like a fairytale—a soothing balm to every scar life had left on her. She had never known peace could feel like this. Being with Hector was like waking up to sunlight after years of cold storms. He treated her like the most precious gem in the world, never raising his voice, never letting her lift a finger when he was around. He always knew exactly what she needed—even before she said it. He was soft with her in ways no one else had ever been. The man the world feared—the cold, ruthless mafia boss known for his brutality—became someone entirely different when he was with her. He was gentle, warm and patient. Even Camilla, who had once pointed a gun at Hector’s head, eventually had to admit that Hector brought out the best in Ruby—and perhaps, Ruby brought out the best in him too. Her father had adjusted well to the ne
Will You Marry Me? 188: Drenched And Devoured
Ruby clung to Hector’s chest, holding him tightly as sleep slowly overtook her. With her arms wrapped around him and his steady heartbeat beneath her ear, she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. By the time she opened her eyes again, the morning sun had already begun streaming through the curtains. She blinked a few times and reached across the bed—only to find it empty. She sat up immediately, heart racing. “Hector?” she called out, glancing around the room. “Hector?” Her voice wavered. Was it all a dream? Her hand flew to her lips—the place he had kissed her the night before. The warmth of his touch, the passion, the softness of his voice... it had all felt so real. Her eyes welled up with tears. “No,” she whispered, “It felt too real to be a dream.” Just then, the bathroom door opened. Hector stepped out with a towel slung around his waist, his hair damp and messy from a shower, water glistening across his chest. His skin was golden under the light, his sharp jawline
Will You Marry Me? 187: Get Out
When Camila arrived home, the last thing she expected to see was Antonio leaning casually against her front door, arms crossed and a soft smile playing on his lips. For a moment, her heart softened at the sight of him—tall, and familiar. She walked up to him with a smile of her own and pulled him into a warm, slow kiss. He leaned into it, surprised but pleased. When they parted, he raised an eyebrow. "Okay," he said. "What was that for? You’re unusually sweet today. Should I be worried?" Camila chuckled as she fished out her keys. “I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe I’m just catching some of Ruby’s happiness. It’s contagious, I guess.” Antonio followed her inside, closing the door behind them. “Hmm. Ruby… happy,” he repeated with a dry laugh. “That’s good. Really good. But sometimes I wonder if you two came out of the same womb, with how strongly you feel about her.” Camila snorted as she dropped her bag by the couch. “You wouldn’t understand,” she said, walking into the kitche
Will You Marry Me? 186: The Way Love Tastes
Seeing Camila standing there with a gun pointed straight at Hector, Ruby instinctively stepped in front of him. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice sharp and protective. Without hesitation, she moved forward and snatched the gun from Camila, tossing it across the room. Camila’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I should be the one asking you that! Why is this monster in your room?” Hector smirked from behind Ruby. “Camila,” he said calmly, “you know, I never got the chance to say I admire your loyalty. It’s… impressive.” Camila glared at him, then turned to Ruby. “What the hell is going on here? Are you seriously sitting with a ghost?” Hector, unbothered, sat down and crossed his legs, silently watching the drama unfold. Ruby took a breath. “I’ll explain everything. Hector survived, Camila. He’s been alive… and he’s been protecting me. He’s not here to hurt me. He saved me.” “I still don’t get it.” “The bottom line is…” Ruby hesitated, then looked straight at Camila.
Will You Marry Me? 185: Pregnant?
After the passion was spent, Hector pulled away and slowly reached for his clothes. The heat between them had cooled, leaving behind an echo of everything they’d shared—everything they’d lost and what still lingered in the air like a ghost. Without a word, he began to dress, his movements quiet, detached, as though what had just happened didn’t exist or had never meant anything. Ruby lay there for a moment, watching him. Her heart pounded against her chest—not from desire anymore, but fear. Fear that this would be the last time she'd see him. Fear that this was goodbye. She quickly got out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her as she rushed to him, throwing her arms around his torso from behind, pressing her face against his bare back. “Please, Hector,” she whispered, her voice already breaking. “Please… don’t go.” Hector froze. He didn’t move and said nothing. She clutched him tighter, her arms trembling. “Don’t walk away from me. Not like this.” He gently pried her hands
Will You Marry Me? 184: The Man At The Door
The house was quiet. The kind of silence that didn’t bring peace but stirred everything he was trying to bury. Hector stood by the window of his study, arms folded tightly across his chest, staring out into the vast backyard that once reminded him of freedom. Now, it only reminded him of Ruby. A knock came on the door. “Come in,” Hector said, his voice flat. The door creaked open, and one of his trusted men stepped inside. He looked hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if he should speak. “Well?” “She came, boss,” the underling said quietly. “Ruby.” Hector didn’t flinch, but inside, something shifted. “She said… she needs to see you. Just once. She said it’s important. That if she sees you one more time, she’ll never bother you again.” He turned away from the window and sat on the edge of his desk, one hand rubbing his jaw. “Did she say what it was about?” “No. Only that it was important. She seemed sincere. Sad.” Of course she did."I told her you were dead, just as yo
Will You Marry Me? 183: Just Once
Hector gently pried Ruby’s trembling hands away from his body, even though every cell in him ached to do the opposite—to turn around, pull her into his arms, and hold her close like he used to. But he didn’t. His voice was clipped, and unreadable. “I need to get rid of these bodies,” he said flatly, without looking at her. The moment she heard his voice, Ruby gasped sharply. It was like the air had been knocked out of her lungs. Her knees weakened, and her heart thumped wildly in her chest. It was him. It was really Hector. Alive. Breathing. Standing just inches from her. And yet… he wouldn’t even look at her. While her thoughts spun out of control—memories, regrets, guilt crashing all at once—Hector raised his phone to his ear and gave a cold order. “Come in. Bring two body bags with you.” Ruby remained frozen where she stood, staring at the blood pooling near her feet and the lifeless bodies of Eduardo and Selena. But none of it moved her. The shock that Hector was still a
