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Setting Healthy Boundaries
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
You Are Mine For Keeps. Manuel And Sheila
Then, because she really didn’t want to fight, she moved on. "What did Sheila say when she saw it?" Daisy asked.Brett relaxed. "It was difficult, of course. Even more difficult when she realized that I've seen it." He leaned back in his chair and exhaled harshly. "Seeing Manuel's face on the video, seeing what he really thought of her, that will hurt her. It’s hard to see yourself being used that way. Especially by someone you think you know, someone who’s supposed to look out for you." To hide her reaction, Daisy busied herself with refilling both her glass and his. He spoke as if he'd had a similar experience. What exactly had been done to him? After a quick gulp of wine, she asked, "Your Aunt would be devastated if she ever find out.""Well, they compliment each other." Brett said.She paused and waited for more, but that was it. Not wanting to pry, she asked another question. "How are you doing with it, with Manuel and Sheila?" "What can I do. Over the years, I’ve made every a
You Are Mine For Keeps. Delayed Gratification
Work went on as usual for Daisy. Neither Ugo nor her have sent any apology notes. Yet, somehow they know they can't remain mad at each other. After work, she followed Brett to L-fitness gym, Ben dropped them off at the curb and they headed inside. The place was hopping and the locker room crowded. She changed and stowed her stuff , then met Brett in the hallway. She waved at Jamie, the trainer who’d talked to her on her first visit to alL-fitness, and got a smack on the ass for it. "Hey," she protested, swatting at Brett's chastising hand. He tugged her ponytail and gently urged her head back, tilting her mouth up so he could mark his territory with a deep, lush kiss. The way he pulled her hair sent electricity sweeping across her skin. "If this is your idea of a deterrent," she whispered against his lips, "I have to say it’s much more of an incentive.""I'm quite willing to take it up a notch." He nipped her lower lip with his teeth. "But I wouldn't suggest testing my limits tha
You Are Mine For Keeps. An Obstacle In Disguise
Immediately they approached the venue of the event of the evening heads turned as they walked to the ballroom and eyes followed Brett. Slowly, he slipped into that business-like facial feature that always made Daisy feel like a big wedge had been pushed between them. She got a nervous twitch from all the attention he garnered, but he seemed oblivious and completely unruffled. He was pretty much mobbed the moment they stopped walking. Feeling uneasy, Daisy stepped away to make room for those vying to catch Brett's attention and wandered off to find some champagne. Lex and Gibson had done the pro bono advertising for the event, so she spotted a few people she knew. As she managed to snag a glass off a passing waiter’s tray, she heard someone call out her name. Turning, she saw Armstrong, her high school mate that she had somehow discovered she was also related to, when her mother said so. In order to make her understand better, her mother had to sketch her maternal tree and she saw A
You Are Mine For Keeps. Love Struck Buddies
"Including girlfriends." Lana smiled awkwardly. "If you could spare him a moment, I’ve been hoping to introduce him to someone for the purpose of business.""Of course." Daisy replied. Her voice sounded calm, but she was anything but calm. Brett gave her a cursory kiss on the temple before he stepped closer to Lana and offered his arm to her, leaving Sheila standing awkwardly next to Daisy. Daisy felt sorry for Sheila, she was looking so dejected. "Your new hairstyle is absolutely beautiful, Sheila."She glanced at Daisy, her mouth tight, and then it softened with a sigh that sounded filled with resignation. "Thank you. It was time for many changes, I think. Also, there was no reason to keep stressing myself when the ultimate winner is back in the picture." Daisy frowned in confusion. "You lost me." "I’m talking about Lana." She studied Daisy's face. "Oh!" she faked a gasp. "You don’t know. She and Brett were an item for almost three years. He proposed and she said no. Instead sh
You Are Mine For Keeps. Conflict Resolution
"Excuse me." Daisy pushed back from the table and searched for Brett. She saw him at the bar and went to him. He was just turning away from the bartender with two glasses in his hands when she intercepted him. She took her drink and gulped it down, her teeth aching as the cubes of ice knocked against them. "Daisy." There was a soft note of chastisement in his voice. "I’m leaving," she said flatly, stepping around him to set her empty glass on the bar top. "That doesn't mean I'm running because I've told you in advance and I'm giving you the option of coming with me." He exhaled harshly and she saw that he understood her mood. He knew she knew. "I can’t leave," he said and Daisy turned away. He caught her arm. "You know I can’t stay if you go. You’re upset over nothing, Daisy." "Nothing." She stared at where his hand gripped her. "I warned you before we got here that I do get upset and jealous. And I have this shady business that causes me to battle non-stop with my ego and you sa
You Are Mine For Keeps. Peaches
For the rest of the evening, Brett didn’t leave Daisy's side or allow her to leave him. He kept his right hand linked with her left all the way through dinner, choosing to eat one-handed rather than release his hold on her. Lana, who had taken a seat on the other side of him at their table, gave him a curious look. "I remember you being right handed." She frowned. "I still am," he said, lifting their joined hands from under the table and kissing Daisy's fingertips. Daisy swallowed hard and felt foolish and insecure, knowing that he was doing all that just to prove a point to her, to let her know that she is his priority. She lifted her eye and became conscious of Lana's scrutiny. She faced her meal once again. Unfortunately, the romantic gesture Brett displayed didn’t keep him from talking to Lana throughout the meal, leaving Daisy feeling fidgety and unhappy. She saw more of the back of Brett's head than his face. "Why can't they serve something more edible.." The st
You Are Mine For Keeps. I'm Home
"You can join us," one of the men shamelessly said. "Who is she?" the second guy asked. There was a brief flash of embarrassment and guilt on Ugo's face, and then he shot Daisy a cocky smile. "She's my friend, and this is her house." She announced. "You could join us, Daisy baby." "Don’t you dare push me, Ugo Chike." Daisy warned. "It’s really, really not a good night and this is not a year or two ago." The first guy started sauntering toward Daisy. As he got closer, Daisy tensed when she saw that his pupils were dilated and the pulse in his neck was throbbing viciously. "I can make your night memorable and I can please you all night for just a few hundreds." He offered with a leer. "Back the fuck up. Jesus, Ugo! Are you in drugs?" Daisy asked adjusting her stance while Ugo staggered toward the guy to pull him away from her friend. "Leave her alone, fool." Ugo called almost tripping. Scared, Daisy prepared herself to ward him off physically if necessary. "Leave her alon
You Are Mine For Keeps. How it started
Daisy struggled to break free from Brett's hold, but she was physically and emotionally exhausted. The tears she had been trying so hard to keep at bay came rushing down so much that she couldn't stop them. "Go away. Please." She said again. "I love you, Daisy. Of course I do, I love you so much. We wouldn't be here if I don't." "Oh my God." She breathed out, kicking and pushing him, anything to get away from the strong hold of the one person who had overtime become a massive source of pain and misery to her. "I don’t want your stupid pity. I just want you to go away." "I can’t. You know I can’t. Daisy. Please stop fighting. Listen to me." "Everything you’re saying hurts, Brett." "It doesn't feel right Sunshine," he pressed on stubbornly, his lips at her ear. "That’s why I haven’t said it. I've known that I'm in love with you for a very long time. But I felt it wasn't right. That I don't deserve love, that I'm a terrible person and it would be wrong to open up my heart t
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You Are Mine For Keeps. TEN
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
You Are Mine For Keeps. NINE
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
You Are Mine For Keeps. EIGHT
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
You Are Mine For Keeps. SEVEN
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
You Are Mine For Keeps. SIX
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
You Are Mine For Keeps. FIVE
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
You Are Mine For Keeps. FOUR
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
You Are Mine For Keeps. THREE
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
You Are Mine For Keeps. TWO
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
