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
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
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
BERNICE When I woke up that morning, the ache in my body was unbearable. My back throbbed from the way Hunter had thrown me to the ground the previous night, and my pride was once again shattered into pieces. I sat on my bed, replaying every humiliating moment. It was the second time I had tried to seduce him. I had done everything—stripped myself bare, sprawled on Anya’s bed, my legs open, offering myself to him. And for a second, I thought I’d won. He had looked at me, his eyes displaying desire. But then, like the heartless beast he was, he knocked me out cold. And before I lost consciousness, I felt him drag me off the bed and fling me to the floor like garbage. Why did I have feelings for such a man? Why was Anya so lucky to be loved by him when I was better than her in every way? It wouldn't hurt so much if my feelings were not involved. I wished making Hunter mine was just all about the mission my dad gave me and Cross. Tears welled in my eyes as I sat there, the humil
ANYA I stepped out of my room, leaving Bernice behind, my mind spinning with regret and uncertainty. I’d made a terrible mistake...no, a disastrous one. What was I thinking, bringing Bernice into this house? My stomach churned as I replayed everything in my head. Yes, Hunter was involved in things I didn’t like. The guns, the violence, the fights—I hated all of it. But underneath it all, he wasn’t a bad man. Not really. I let out a shaky breath as memories flooded my mind. Hunter had been faithful to me, something I couldn’t ignore no matter how much I tried. Since we got married, I’d never caught him with another woman. Not once. That had to mean something, didn’t it? He always gave me a way out, too. Even when he asked me for things in return, they were things he could have easily taken by force if he wanted. But he didn’t. He gave me a choice. That kind of control, that restraint.....it wasn’t the kind of behavior you expected from someone like him. And then there was Be
ANYA I opened my mouth reluctantly, letting Hunter feed me. The moment felt so intimate, so unlike anything we’d ever shared before. My heart raced, and I couldn’t bring myself to meet his eyes. Bernice, on the other hand, couldn’t take it anymore. She shoved her chair back with a loud screech and stood up. “Excuse me,” she said stiffly, before storming out of the room. Hunter watched her leave with a look of mild irritation. Once she was gone, he turned back to me. “When is Bernice going to get her own place? She can’t live here forever.” I swallowed, unsure of how to answer. “I don’t know,” I said finally. 'I need to talk to Cross about it first." I added inwardly. Hunter shrugged, leaning back in his chair. “If you want, I can arrange for a house for her. It’s no trouble.” “No,” I said quickly, desperate to change the subject. “Let’s not talk about Bernice. Tell me more about our date. What do you have planned?” He smiled at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “
ANYA The helicopter ride was like something out of a dream. The moment the blades started spinning, the wind rushed around us, whipping at my hair. Hunter’s hand never left mine as we ascended into the sky, the city shrinking beneath us. I looked out of the window, the view breathtaking. The sprawling buildings, the lush greenery, and the endless horizon—it was a sight I’d never forget. Hunter leaned closer, his voice barely audible over the hum of the helicopter. “You’re going to love where we’re going.” I turned to him, and his eyes held a spark of excitement that was contagious. “Where are we going?” I asked, my curiosity bubbling over. “You’ll see,” he replied, his tone teasing but warm. The journey was smooth, and I felt a strange sense of peace sitting beside him. After a while, the helicopter began to descend, and my breath caught in my throat. Below us was an island surrounded by sparkling blue water. The sun reflected off the waves, creating a dazzling effect, and t
ANYA When I stepped into the hall, my breath caught. The chandeliers sparkled like scattered stars, casting a soft, golden glow across the enormous space. The walls were lined with intricate carvings, and every corner of the room was adorned with fresh roses and lilies. On the right side of the hall, six doors stretched down the length of the wall, each leading to smaller, luxurious rooms. The room was filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. I scanned the crowd, recognizing familiar faces from high school. It felt surreal seeing them all in one place after so many years. A mix of nostalgia and unease settled in my chest as I exchanged polite greetings. Evans waved enthusiastically from across the room, Bernice surprisingly flashed a smile at me, and Cross tried to speak to me using his eyes. Even my brother, Mark, was here. Mark’s face lit up when he saw me. He pushed through the crowd and pulled me into a tight hug. "Anya! Finally. I was looking forward to see
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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 al