Blinking up at the ceiling, Daisy realized she had fallen asleep. Panic hit her immediately and she surged up, gulping air into a chest that was too tight. "Brett..." She murmured, turning and nearly sobbed when she found him sprawled next to her. The love of her life has returned to her. Sinking back against the headboard, she forced herself to relax, to savor the rare pleasure of watching him sleep. His face was bare and unmasked when he was unguarded, reminding her of how young he really was. With reverent fingers, she brushed through his hair, noting the fact that he has grown leaner and the new lines around his eyes and mouth.Their separation had taken a toll on him, but he’d hidden it so well. Or maybe she was all focused on herself that she failed to notice how it affected him.Shifting carefully, she propped her head on her hand and studied the endowed man who graced her bed. His arms were wrapped around his pillow, showing off chiseled biceps and a muscular back
"Baby.." Brett called, pulling her face to look at him. "I don't want to sleep and wake up in an empty bed. I want to freeze this moment and have you here with me, forever. Only if I could." She sighed. "Daisy." He called, his beautiful eyes settled on her, looking haunted. "I can’t bear that look on your face." "Just be with me then," she whispered, her eyes stung with unshed tears. "I need you." Brett's fingertips gilded softly down her cheek. "You've been with me this whole time. There hasn't been a second that passed when you aren't on my mind. You own me, Daisy. Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, I belong to you." She leaned into his touch, letting it soak into her and chase the chill away. Then she pushed at the edge one last time. "No more Lana." She said, "I can’t stand it." "Yes baby, no more," he agreed, "I've told her already." He added, surprising Daisy. "I’d hoped we could be friends, but she wants what she and I used to have, and I want you." Daisy felt a s
Ready for work, Daisy stepped out of her room. When she passed Ugo's door and peeked in, she realized that her friend had already left for work without checking up on her. Weird! Leaving her apartment, Daisy headed out for work, looking forward to the hours of distraction she would likely find at her place of work. Her day at Lex and Gibson crawled at snail pace. Helping Donald create mind-blowing presentations for a project and dropping an honest unbiased review on all of them. A few minutes to lunch, Madison called her via the office phone. "Daisy, I’ve got a call on hold to send your way," she said once Daisy picked up. "And damn girl.., holy hell, this man's voice is smokin’ hot. He sounds like a special kind of snack called 'Chocolate-SEX-roll. The kind that is immersed in whipped cream before being served." Nervous excitement raised to the hair on Daisy's nape. "That's a hot way to describe a man, Madison." "And I'm not even painting words." Madison replied."Did he give
After going through a couple of reports with Donald, Daisy came back to her space and was about to place a call to Ugo when her desk phone rang again. She answered briskly, "Donald Rein's office..." "Daisy.." Her toes curled at the sound of Brett's low, raspy voice. "Hi, Gorgeous." "Tell me we’re okay." She shut her eyes, and smiled. The fact that he called, just to be sure of that bit of information, made her extremely happy. He wanted to know, to be sure she'd forgiven him for shutting her out all along. He felt it, the unsettling rift between them that was also troubling Daisy. She bit her lower lip. "We are. Why do you ask, is something wrong?" She replied "No." He paused. "I just need to hear it again." He replied. "So, I didn’t make it clear last night? When I was clawing at your back. Or early this morning, When you fucked me senseless?" She chuckled. "You did, Sunshine. But I just needed to hear you say it when you’re not looking at me." Brett's voice cares
Ugo took a seat beside Daisy on the bed and stared down at the tiled floor, keeping mute. "Tell me, U.U." She bit her lip, not wanting to lie to the one person who has always been a source of strength to her. "I think there is more to my attack." She blurted out. "What?" Daisy shot out. "I'm not very certain... But I got a note from someone a few days ago." Ugo explained "Who?" "I have no idea. It was sent anonymously. The contents stated that I'm being watched and will likely be attacked again if I'm not careful." Daisy stared in confusion, and when she couldn't hold it, she spoke up again. "I don't understand. Why would someone attack you?" Ugo stood up and started pacing the short distance from the bed to the door. "I handled a case that had ties with the cartel several months back. Do you remember the case where I got tipped a couple of dollars to stay on?" "I do, I remember. What about it?" "I got the guy convicted. He was guilty as charged. It was a case o
The morning started out as a normal morning at Lex and Gibson. Daisy settled in her space and her gaze caught the framed photos of herself and Brett on her drawer. Struck by the need to reach out to him. She asked Ben for a quick favor and when he agreed, she had him place an order for ocean-blue roses to be sent to Brett's office with the note; "YOUR LOVE IS LIKE MAGIC. YOU HAVE ME UNDER YOUR SPELL. I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU." Almost two hours later, she received an inter-office envelope. Her pulse leaped with excitement and her hands shook slightly as she unwound the thin twine and let the note card inside slide out. "YOU’RE THE MAGIC. YOU MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE. X" She held the card to her chest, wishing it were the writer she was holding instead. She was still reminiscing about herself and Brett as a couple when her desk phone rang. She opened her drawer and tucked Brett's precious note into her purse before picking up the telephone. "Hey." Madison's voice was lo
Daisy took her time to really work her new hairstyle with a smoky eye shadow that complimented her appearance. Her pink lipstick was smudgeproof and she wore a little blue dress that was a halter with a low draping neckline and an even lower back. The short dress showed a lot of leg, which she accentuated with peep-toe Rene caovilla. She wore diamond hoops and the ring Brett gave her. She hurried outside and when she got to Anchor-rim, she caught sight of the SUV parked at the curb. She checked the plate number and climbed into the back seat. "Good evening Ben." "Good evening, Miss Ledwig." Ben replied back and started the car. They drove for a while and made a turn at the first bus stop. Ben calmed to a halt and before Daisy could enquire why, Brett slid into the backseat. Daisy saw him and smiled. "Hi Gorgeous. You never said you would be joining me." He caught her by the back of the neck and sealed his mouth sealing over hers. His tongue licked into her mouth, tas
Brett finally turned to face Daisy, a beautiful smile appeared on his lips. "Welcome home." He said. Daisy took a deep breath. "Thank you so much. I can't believe we had to go through all of that process just to see each other." She told him. "I know, I know it's tiring. But I promise, I'm working towards it. I'll have everything sorted out soon." He held out his fingers to her and she placed hers in it. He caught her immediately and drew her closer to place his lips softly over hers. Daisy's hand clenched around a fistful of his sweater. "You’re wearing my favorite sweater." "Yes." He murmured. "I was missing you too much. So I needed something that reminded me of you." He led her into the house and sank gracefully into a crouch, taking her hand that he was holding onto, he placed it on his shoulder. "Let’s make you comfortable, Sunshine. You won’t need these heels until you’re ready for me to fuck you." Daisy's core clenched with anticipation. "What if I’m ready now?"
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