"I thought being unhappy for the rest of my life was the best type of punishment. So when she gave me the ring, I took it and started planning on the best day to propose." Daisy jerked back to look at him. She bought the ring herself?" "Don’t look so shocked," he said wryly. "You’re bruising my ego." Relief flooded Daisy in a rush that made her dizzy. She threw herself at him, hugging him as tight as she could. "Hey......" His returning embrace was just as fierce. "Are you okay?" "Yes. Yes, I’m getting better. I'm almost there." She pulled back and cupped his jaw in her hand. "Keep talking." "We had a terrible argument when she complained that I didn't love her as much as she loves me. I told her she had to either choose love or marriage. That I can't give her both. I made it clear that I could offer marriage but not love. She agreed that marriage was perfect. So, I proposed a week later. When I popped the question, she asked if I loved her, I said no. She asked if I feel l
Daisy got reminded of Lana's assertion that Brett had been as possessive over her as he was about Daisy and the thought of that pricked her in a terrible way. "Where are you going with this?" Brett asked, in a voice laced with warm amusement. "You don't get it, do you? Well, you drive the women you've been with nuts because somehow you turn to a sort of grand ultimate prize. That if they can’t have you, they feel like they're settling for less than the best. So they can’t think about not having you. They end up thinking of crazy ways to get you instead.""Except for the very woman I want," he retorted dryly, "who spends a lot of time running in the opposite direction."Daisy stared without hesitation, drinking him in as he stood naked in front of her. Answer one question for me, Brett. Why do you want me, why did you come back when you can have your pick of perfection instead. And I’m really not fishing for compliments or reassurances, just an honest answer, please. He caught her
Daisy slipped into a silk top and a slim pair of pressed slacks and adjusted her gold pop stud. Since she had no hairstyling talent, she pulled her long blond hair back in a simple ponytail, then made up her face. When she was presentable, she forwarded a voice note to Ugo, checking up on her before leaving the bedroom. Brett's voice was heard the moment she stepped into the hallway. A tiny shiver moved through her when she realized he was angry, his voice low and clipped. Brett was never one to rile easily unless he was ticked off with Daisy, the only human that could get him to raise his voice and curse, even shove his hands through his glorious inky black hair. For the most part, Brett was a testament to powerful control. There was no need for him to shout when he could get people to quake in their shoes with just a look. Daisy found him in his home office, with his back to the door and cellphone in place close to his ear. Leaning into the doorjamb, she drank him in. He’d
Daisy pulled in a slow and shaky breath, completely seduced by the smoldering look in Brett's eyes, the tone of his voice, the heat of his body, and the mouthwatering scent of his skin. "Brett" She breathed, drowsy with a feel of him. With a soft groan, he sealed his mouth over hers, stealing away thoughts of what time it was and the fact that they might get to the office late with just his lush, deep kiss...... a kiss that almost succeeded in distracting her from what he said earlier. She pushed her fingers into his hair to hold him still and kissed him back, her tongue slid along his, stroking. Just months ago, they had found a way back to each other and since then, they've been fighting to be together. Neither of them knew what it takes to be in a relationship like the one they were attempting to build, especially as two broken people. Brett's arms banded around Daisy and tightened possessively. "I had plans to spend the weekend with you, away from Fairview and it's rowd
"Brett." Daisy's foot began to tap against the tile. "I can’t just give up my life for you. If I turn into arm candy, you’ll get bored real quick. And for what it's worth, I’ll also get sick of myself. It won't or shouldn't kill us to spend a couple of days straightening out other parts of our lives, even if we hate doing it." She forced out, knowing that her heart wanted something entirely different from what her mouth had just verbalized. But it needed to be said. If there was anything she learnt from her mother, it was the pronounced warning of giving yourself and your man some space once in a while especially if you're married or dating a billionaire. Turning yourself into an arm candy may diminish the way they see you, overtime. And when you finally decide to do something more creative with your time, you might be in for a surprise at their response to your withdrawal. A divorce might follow suit if you're unable to talk it through. Because no matter what you choose to say,
"Don’t you think that’s a little extreme." She prodded. "I’ll have Ugo with me." "You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t trust her with your safety after last night." As he drank his coffee, his posture made it very clear that the conversation was over in his mind. He’d given Daisy his acceptable options and clearly she was not okay with his terms but she didn't get bitchy about it. Especially since she understood that taking care of her was Brett's utmost priority. Her past had skeletons, and dating Brett had put her in a media spotlight that could bring Julian right to her door. Plus, controlling everything around him was just part of who Brett was. It came with the package and she had to make accommodations for that. "Okay," she agreed. "Which hotel is yours?" "I have a few. You can take your pick. Lyon will email you the list. When you’ve decided, let him know and he’ll make the arrangements. We’ll fly out together and return together." Leaning her shoulder into th
"I still have no idea what you see in me that’s hooked you, Brett." "It’s what you see in me, Sunshine," he said quietly, his features softening. "That you can know what I have in me and still want me as much as I want you. I go to sleep every night afraid I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone. Or that I scared you away, that I had a nightmare and it made you decide to leave me." "No. Brett. Jesus." Daisy sighed. "I know I don’t tell you how I feel about you in the same way you tell me, but you have me. You know that, don't you?" "Yes, I know you love me, Brett." Insanely, outrageously, obsessively. She wanted to add those words, but she didn't. "I'm caught up with you, Daisy." With his head tilted back, Brett pulled her down for the sweetest of kisses, his firm lips moving gently beneath hers. "I would kill for you," he whispered, "give up everything I own for you...... but I can't, I won’t give you up." He stared at her for a few seconds. "Two days is my limit Daisy. Don’t ask for m
"Got any plans for lunch?" Donald asked Daisy from the top of her counter."I do now, good morning Donald." She greeted happily. "Awesome." His grin was wide and genuine. "Ethan wants to hang out, I told him you could be busy, but he's been on my neck to tell you first before jumping into conclusions.""He's actually right." She replied sweetly. As much as she'd prefer to spend every moment with Brett, but she knew it wasn’t healthy. She needed other friends, especially genuine friends that would give it to her straight when she needed it, and she was going to have to cultivate those kind of friendships if she wanted them. She placed her bag and purse in the bottom drawer, keeping her smartphone out so she could silence it and found a text from Ugo. "I’m sorry, Daisy baby." "Ugo," Daisy sighed. "I love you, even when you’re pissing me off." She murmured. And this time, she did pissed her off royally. No woman wanted to come home to the sight she walked into on her sitting room
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