Daisy was briefly reminded of Brett's anger the last time she spent time with Ray. But she figured he trusted her now to handle herself. "I’m going to the restaurant up the street," she said. "Are you sure you want to head down with me?" "Absolutely." They started walking. "What did you want to explain?" She asked, too curious to wait. He reached into the cargo pocket of his jeans and pulled out two formal invitation in a grey envelope. "I came to see a friend and I actually know you work here." He shot her a smile. "So I planned to extend an invitation you to a little celebratory party we’re having at my uncle's estate on Sunday. It's a mix of business and pleasure." "By your uncle, you mean the Mayor?" He nodded. "My family will be there too. My band is working on a new music. We might perform one or two of the new sounds. "We're still working on the rest." He informed her. "Sounds like something you might like?" "Maybe, is there more to tell?" "Yeah. It's been finalized t
"And he wanted to know where the Julian boy is." Bridget sobbed. "He wanted to know everything."Daisy hissed. Confusion crowded her thoughts. She wasn’t sure what Brett's intentions was, but her mind went strongly to the possibility that he had dumped her because she opened up about her past and he was now making sure that whatever scandal would come from her past would not in anyway affect him. Her heart twisted in pain at that thought.Initially, she had thought it was his past that was driving a wedge between them, but now, it made even more sense that it was hers. For once Daisy was grateful for her mother’s self-absorption, which kept her from seeing how devastated she was. "It's only right that I tell him." Daisy managed to say with a voice so raw that it sounded nothing like her own. "And he has a right to try to protect himself from any blowback." She added. "You’ve never told any of your other boyfriends. Not even Raymond. You've known Lexington for barely three weeks and
Friday found Ugo sharing dinner with Daisy. As Daisy drank her day’s first cup of coffee, she watched Ugo talk while cleaning up the breakfast table. Ugo tried indulging Daisy who didn't feel like being soaked in such positive vibes. She sighed and rubbed her forehead."You're sad."Ugo said. "I'm literally entertaining you with my dance steps, can't you see.""I can't get myself to understand Brett at all. I mean, I've had easy relationships that I didn't get to appreciate. They were comfortable and uncomplicated, but they were all superficial in a fundamental way, too." She sighed, looking at Ugo. "How deep can a love affair get if you don't know the darkest recesses of your lover’s soul.""Why are you eating yourself up, Daisy baby. Let this slide and be optimistic."She said, tapping Daisy gently on the back. "But if sex is a common ground for the both of you and you can't get him out of your head, maybe you should make a little move of your own.""What, I don't understand.""You k
Daisy met Ray's parents as they stepped into the garden themed party. Ugo chose that moment to receive a call. "I'll be right back, I need to take this call." She whispered and excused herself, striding hurriedly to the edge of the garden.Mr and Mrs. Lukeman had a brief catch up with Daisy, with the couple smiling happily and cheerfully all through. Daisy engaged Agnes Lukeman in a conversation, while waiting for Ugo. She watched her friend from the corners of her eyes and frowned when she noted how worked up she appeared. She was literally pacing up and down the little space she was occupying at the edge of the garden. When there was nothing else to talk about and Ray seemed to be out of sight. Daisy excused herself and continued into the garden. She distracted herself by taking in the sight of the garden, loving how amazing and welcomed the party decorations made her feel. And imagined the piles of money that had been splashed by the Mayor to create such a lovely ambience.She walk
They found a large, elaborately decorated marquee erected in the rear garden. Although the day was beautiful enough to stay out in the sun, Daisy found a seat at a circular table covered in white damask instead. Ugo patted her shoulder. "Daisy baby, relax and enjoy the view, I’ll network.""Go get ’em." Daisy blew her friend's trumpet. Ugo moved away, intent on her agenda while Daisy sipped champagne and chatted with everyone who stopped by to strike up a conversation. There were a couple of music artists that she recognized and attributed their presence to Ray.She caught sight of some of the artists their songs made it to her favorite music playlist. She watched some of them covertly, a bit starstruck. For all the elegance of the surroundings and the endless number of servants, the overall vibe was casual and relaxed. She was starting to enjoy herself when someone she'd hoped never to see again stepped out of the Mayor's house onto the terrace. Sheila Robin, looking phenomenal
"Daisy," he breathed gruffly. "Don’t fight me please, I won't be able to take it." Daisy shut her eyes. 'Let me go, Brett." She said.He nuzzled his cheek against hers, his breath gusting hard and fast over her ear. "I can’t. I know you’re alarmed by what you saw the other night.... what I was doing to myself.....""Brett, no. God." Daisy sucked in air wondering if he thought she left him because of his nightmare. "That’s not why I left." She clarified. "I’m losing my mind without you." He kissed her neck and sucked on her skin. The pleasure radiated through her. "I can’t think. I can’t work or sleep. My body aches for you. I can make you want me again Daisy, please let me try." Tears slipped free and ran down her face when she heard the words escape Brett's lips. He traced tiny lines through her stomach and her body swelled in pleasure. Her thoughts roared and she wondered how she would ever recover if she let Brett make love to her again and how would she even survive if he didn’
They were in Brett's car, in the midst of an ongoing party attended by dozens of famous people, and he was on his knees, growling his hunger as he licked and sucked Daisy's aching cleft. He knew just how to get to her, knew what she liked and needed. He had an understanding of her nature that went above and beyond his incredible oral skills. The combination was devastating and addicting. Daisy's body shook, her eyelids heavy from the pleasure. "Brett...." She whispered. His tongue rubbed over and over the clenching entrance to her body, teasing her, making her grind shamelessly into his working mouth. His hands cupped her bare butt, kneading, urging her onto his tongue as he thrust it inside her. There was reverence in the greedy way he enjoyed her, the unmistakable sense that he worshipped her body, that pleasuring it and taking pleasure from it was as vital to him as the blood in his veins. "Yes," Daisy hissed, feeling her orgasm building. She was buzzed by champagne and the h
"Let’s grab Ugo and get the hell out of here." Brett said after an amazing orgasm. They made their way back inside with Daisy's hand in Brett's. She was uncomfortably aware that they have been gone for a very long time. The sun was going down, and she was pantyless. her ruined tight was presently stuffed into the front pocket of Brett's jeans. He glanced at her as they entered the marquee. "I should have told you before, you look gorgeous, Daisy. That dress is amazing on you and so are those fuck-me heels.""Well, clearly they work." She bumped her shoulder into him. "Thank you.""For the compliment, or the fucking.""Shush." She admonished, flushing. His dark velvet laugh turned every female head in hearing distance and some of the men, too. Placing their linked hands at the small of her back, he pulled her close and smacked a kiss on her mouth. "Brett." His Aunt glided toward them with sparkling eyes and a wide smile on her lovely face. "I’m so happy you’re here." She looked l
We were now in an open corridor. Rocco stood like a statue at the end of the room, staring into space. Two other guards stood at a reasonable distance, taking the same stance. I snatched my hand back from him, crossing it over my chest. "Good. Then that's settled. But make no mistake, he turned "I'm going to take my pleasure from you, how and when I deem it fit." He threatened. "You dare not!" I challenged, creating a distance between us. "Really," he mused. "Let's see how that goes." "Every single thing about this situation is disappointing," I corrected him, feeling my jaw quiver. I had a temper. So I try so hard to always remain happy and positive. And that was why I surrounded myself with people that really love and care about me. They all knew and understood how bad my temper used to be. As a form of control, I would always remain cold and calm in situations I have no power over. Until I grab a full picture of the situation. But then, in some conditions, I almost alw
I was awakened by the distant sound of the television. Immediately I opened my eyes, I saw Maxine cropped up on a chair at the end of the room. "Welcome back to the land of the living," he muttered. "Where are we?" I croaked, sitting up on the bed and surveying the empty room that had only a bed and a television. Maxine stretched his arms, and sighed. "Home, The Garden." "Thank God." I sighed, before realizing what he meant. "You mean your home is referred to as The Garden?" "Mhmm." He hummed. "Gross." I spat out. "It's a good name." He stood up. "Hollis totally owe me for this." He murmured and left the room, not even saying a goodbye or any other word. My throat felt raw, and my body, emotionally exhausted. I could feel dark isolation seeping through the room like deep depression. I just wanted to go home, to go shopping, boat cruises, clubhouses and the courtroom. I wanted my life back. But even I know I couldn't. Not with the continuous attempt on my life and wi
Maxine gripped the steering wheel and side-glanced me. "Put your seatbelt on, this is going to be fun." I did as I was told, and he hit the red button on the rearview mirror, which caused the garage door to slide open. We drove out onto the gloomy street. Maxine didn't let go of the gas pedal until we were driving well above the speed limit. Darkened street signs flashed by. He sped through a red light, swerving around a car that was patiently waiting for its turn. 'What was the point of making me wear my seatbelt if he was planning on killing the both of us by crashing the car.' With an extended grin, he weaved us in and out of traffic. Eventually we moved away from the city streets and onto a country road. We picked up more speed, but at least there were no other cars to play chicken with. I was able to unclench my teeth and my stranglehold on the security bar against the door, using my free hand to wipe my newly dampened forehead. The car air-conditioner couldn't do anyt
The next time I woke up, the sun was already setting. I was feeling better, rested, though my joints and muscles ached from the lack of movement. As for the bump on my head, it was only sensitive to touch. there was no more throbbing. My hair on the other hand was a tangled mess. My head felt naked when my hair was down. I searched my pockets and then the barren room for anything that I could use to tie it back. The only thing I found was the glass of water that had been refilled, and that I greedily gulped down. The bedroom door had been left open, and hollowed sounds from a Television could still be heard. As soon as the smell of food tickled my nose, my stomach grumbled. The last meal I had eaten was the vegetable sauce my mother made specially for me. How long ago was that? My brain was still too foggy to count back the hours or the days. The thought of my mother sent chills down my spine. I haven't heard from my parents and I knew they would be worried sick. Letting my sto
With a stiff neck, I scanned my surroundings. there wasn't much to decipher. I was in a small room, lit only by the bedside lamp that was on the table next to the bed. There was an armchair with a rose velvet cushion in one corner. The walls were bland and frameless. After waiting for another bout of nausea to pass, I went to the window, holding on to the small table as support for my shaky frame. Outside, the sunsetting sky was of resilient palettes of shady hues, and I was peering over the shadows of endless rooftops. Wherever I was, it was high above a city, at least twenty stories high. Down below, a yellow cab was waiting at a red light on an otherwise empty street. I couldn't decide if I was still in Lilycity. I thought I had a fair recognition of the clock tower that stood at the center of the city square, but it was too distant and I was too tired to be sure. My hand pressed against the glass. I closed my eyes until the dizziness passed, then slowly and painfully moved to
There was a flash of light and distant noises. My head felt like someone was taking an ice pick and pouring heavy chipping on my skull. I decided that death couldn't be this painful, so I was probably not dead or this was what hell was supposed to feel like. My eyes were pried open, and a light came flashing again. This was followed by a groan, like a bear cub. 'was that me?' I managed to flutter my eyes open without anyone's help. Inches away from my face, someone was holding a pen-sized flashlight. I couldn't focus enough to see him, but I could definitely smell him. Light scent of woodberry and some chemicals I remember enduring the mixing process once I snuck into the chemistry laboratory during practicals that were meant for students offering science courses. The ceiling was swimming. I thought I was going to vomit, and I had to let my eyelids drop to stop the spinning. Slowly, the muffled sounds became words. "What's your name, sweetheart." Asked the man with the flashli
I climbed down carefully from the grey van that picked me up from the house. I was going to see a cartel Boss. So there are quite a lot of things that could happen today. It's either I end up dead or I succeed in striking a good deal that will keep my father alive and give my family enough time to pay up the crazy-absurd debt they leveled against my Father. If the stars are in my favor, the money might even be forgiven. But in all, one of these things was going to happen today and I pray my dead body won't be drawn out of the industrial looking premises. As I stood looking around, I got a nudge behind from one of the men. "Move!" He barked at me and like a crippled roach revealed by a light from a handheld torch. I had to put both of my feet to good use. One of the men walked in front, leading the way, while two others walked behind me. "Stop." A baritone voice from a guard stationed at the gate yelled at us. "She's going to go in blindfolded." He read out a rehearsed instruct
The silence at the dinning table felt excruciating and painful. I forced most of the mashed potatoes down my throat and swallowed hurriedly each time, unable to feel the taste of the meal. When the silence became too unbearable, I shifted my meal and turned to my parents. "Let's hear it, what's the problem?" "Eat Ugo." My father said, tapping me gently on the arm. "I'm full, and even if I'm not, I can't take more. I've lost my appetite. What's going on, what's with the silence and brooding, did someone die?" My mother was the first to shake her head. "We didn't lose anyone. But we might as well loose someone if we don't find a solution." She said, "Ada..." My father called in his usual peace-loving manner. "Ugo is not a child, honey. The earlier we start taking....the better." "Please talk to me... anyone. Dad, Mom." "Honey, it's nothing serious....." "Your father was accused of stealing from his company." My mom interrupted. "What?" I looked at my father, hoping he would as
UGO I took in the orderliness of the little room that had always served as my safe space for the longest time. All my childhood memories were still intact, almost as I had left them. My mother had taken it upon herself to preserve all the good memories, making sure not to alter the shape of the room and the position of things as I left them. I tried recalling the last time I visited Lilycity. It's been well over two years. Fairview had found a way to draw me into its tight grasp and sapped me off all my free time. I sighed, recalling my mother's tears at the airport when she came to pick me up. I was initially skeptical that she would be the one to pick me up, but then she somehow managed to convince me with my father's support that she has recovered perfectly since her intestinal surgery. "Poor woman." I murmured regrettably. Pulling my hair into a tight bun, I sat down on the only chair in my room, took in the beauty of the modest-looking room and smiled. What my room lacked in