《SEX WITH THE VIRGIN MAID》


 Leaving The Convent

    "Fuck Bryce!" The red haired girl screamed out in estacy as another wave of pleasure surged through her causing her fifth orgasm to explode for that night.


    They were on a snooker table at the balcony of his bedroom. He had ced a call to one of his whores and she came running like all of them.


    Women, he always had them whenever he needed them. The entire city is flooded with different species waiting to be fed by his cock. They''re all useless and the only thing they respond to is sex. The only thing they''re built for is wild orgasms and he just happens to be the right guy to give it to them. Bryce had her hands pinned up against her head as he continuously mmed into her pussy. They liked it rough and who was he toin?


    She had her legs tangled up around his waist as she threw her head back in reckless abandon. Her eyes rolling to the back of her head as she felt her sixth wave of orgasm for that night.


    "Brrryyce!" Her voice came out pleading this time. She wanted relief but she was almost certain that she wasn''t going to get it anytime soon.


    He pulled out roughly from her vagina and reced his dick with his fingers as he thrusted deeper and faster, delving into her warm sultry flesh and mming into her already dripping cunt.


    She couldn''t take it anymore but pulled up her hips to meet his thrusting fingers.


    "Do you want to to stop Mi amor?" He groaned as he inched closer and whispered into her ears. His hot breath fanned her ears which sent millions of shock waves that vibrated and pulsed down to all parts of her body.


    She''s full, she''s ripped but she''ll be damned before she tells him to stop. She wanted all he could give and more. She wanted more than what he could give.


    "Oooohhhhmmigod!!!" She screamed as her walls pulsated and tightened around his fingers.


    He pulled out his fingers and ced it on her mouth to taste. She licked every inch of her juice on his fingers. Her voice humming at the back of her throat. An action that only seemed to excite him.


    The woman quickly bent down and went for his dick. She stroked and swirled her tongue on the tip of his huge flesh.


    She raised up her eyes to look at him, satisfied that her action was giving him the much needed effect.


    Bryce threw his head backwards as she sucked on his dick. He lets out a hard breath as a low growl erupted from the back of his throat.


    He fisted her hair into his hands as he fucked into her mouth. She opened her mouth to take all of him making sure to lick all the the juice that dripped down his dick into her mouth.


    He forcefully pulled her up and tasted his essence on her tongue.


    "You are one bad slut mi amor" hemended and she grinned in excitement before rising to her feet to assume her previous position.


    That was the only way he gets them to do whatever he says. Compliment them and they fall head over heels and do whatever you request them to do. Why use force when you can use words? That''s his motto.


    "Thank you daddy" she purred and he pped her pussy causing her to shiver.


    This night was far from over and he''s pretty sure that she knows it as well.


    ***


    "You don''t have to leave the convent sister, it''s really not a safe ce out there" Hera''s sister, Christina spoke out as she handed the folded clothes to Hera who received it with gratitude.


    Christina had no idea why her sister


    has insisted on leaving the convent


    in search of a job. She has heard wild and creepy stories from the other sisters about the illicit things people do out there. The list is endless so she hade to a


    conclusion that the convent is the


    safest ce for her to be.


    It was almost like Hera was walking away from paradise straight into the lion''s den. She had tried to tell her otherwise but the girl is adamant and would not listen. Hera had always been stubborn so there''s no surprise there.


    Sometimes she wishes that her parents were alive. They wouldn''t have let them indulge in something as preposterous as this but they were orphans who found grace with God through the sisters that were sent toe to their rescue and now twenty yearster, Hera is going back there into the wild.


    "I know that you''re scared but I


    promise that will be fine." Came Hera''s reply want to find a better ce for both of us. That has


    always been the n and I''m grateful that the sisters are


    vel


    supporting me in this as welb Can''t you trust me just once?" Her voice came out soft and smooth that Christina found herself nodding in affirmation.


    Hera has a way of talking calmly even in the midst of problems that you most definitely would be swayed.


    "I trust you but I''m going to miss you a lot. What if something bad happens to you? What if you don''te back for me?" Christina''s voice came out trembling. She had always been the weakest one when it came to both of them.


    Hera knew how much Christina


    loved her. They always had each


    other''s back for the longest of time and she knows that leaving would crush her but she doesn''t have a choice. She doesn''t want to grow up in the convent for the rest of her life. She wants to have her own business and be very sessful one day but that would never happen if she''s locked up in here forever.


    She had her life already mapped out. Firstly, she''s going to secure a job and save up enough to get her own apartment in the city and after that, she''d train herself through college so that she would graduate and find a better job. But none of this would happen if she doesn''t leave. It''s a huge risk that she''s willing to take but what she didn''t expect was the news crushing her little sister.


    She opened her arms and a crying Christina walked into them, engulfing her in an embrace.


    "I wille back for you my little bunny and that''s a promise I intend to keep. They have already epted me for the job and I''m certain that everything will be okay" She assured her with a smile.


    Weeks ago, Hera was able to apply for the position of a housekeeper through an agency in the big city and she''s supposed to resume today but she was able to plead with the agency to start tomorrow, hence her packing. Christina nodded a reply.


    There''s no changing Hera''s mind when she''s made a decision so she has no other choice but to ept. Even the sisters has given their blessings so nothing''s stopping her from going.


    "Thank you, now please help me pack"


    "Of course" Christina forced a smile before proceeding to pick up the clothes that was scattered on the bed and into the box.

 The New Job

    "I thought you said that the housekeeper to rece Ka is on her way? Where is she then?!" His voice thundered through the phone and the woman at the other end had to pull it out of her ears for a few seconds before cing it back again. Bryce was angry and she knows that whenever he''s angry, it doesn''t usually end well. How does she exin it to him that thedy in question hasn''t arrived yet.


    He will have her head if she dared to say that so she has toe with a quick answer and fast.


    In as much as Bryce has a long list of women to feed his sexual desires, he still doesn''t like the female gender. He only fucks them and that''s it.


    "She''s on her way sir. I''m pretty sure that there''s traffic so that''s why she hasn''t arrived yet" she exined. Good. At least she has managed to salvage the situation.


    Bryce hissed and disconnected the call. It was pointless to keep on talking anyways.


    Bryce took in the state of his house after the called and scrowled in disdain.


    The ce was a mess.


    After his little sexcapede with red haired girl number one, he had expected the ce to be like this and that''s why he needed a housekeeper urgently.


    His previous one had left after being epted into college and the oldest one he has will not be able to do everything by herself and that''s why he took it into consideration to get a new one. Although, his previous housekeeper was one hotdy but he had promised not to sexualize any of his workers. He preferred the regr whores.


    He''ll just have to go to work in hopes that she has resumed before he gets back otherwise, he''s going to make sure that the Agency doesn''t have another client in the future.


    Bunch of idiots.


    Hera arrived at Los Angeles. One of the big cities in California after crying and consoling everyone at the convent. She was loved by most of the sisters so she knew that her absence would be felt but still, it won''t stop her from chasing her dreams.


    ****


    After leaving the convent, she booked a cab and they left after she gave him her direction. They drove her all the way to Anta.


    All through the drive, she couldn''t sleep. She was fascinated by the roads, the streets, the cars, the big buildings that almost reached the sky.


    She was even tempted to ask the driver at some point if most of the buildings really got to heaven. It was just too much and she found herself being overwhelmed by everything she saw.


    She had seen some before they were brought to live in the convent but that was twenty years ago. She hasn''t left the convent in twenty years. Although most sisters had told them stories about the outside world but it was still nothingpared to what she was seeing. She would definitely make a name for herself and make sure that she seeds as well.


    The driver who saw how strangely she looked at things, made it his mission to exin things to her. He knew that living in the convent can make you oblivious to the happenings in the real world. He only wishes that she finds what she''s looking for. The outside world can be a scary ce for an innocent person like her.


    When they arrived at her destination, he helped her with her bags before bidding her farewell.


    She looked at the sign at the entrance to confirm if she was indeed at the right ce before walking inside.


    When she got in, she found everyone walking working busily so she sought help from one of the women at the counter.


    "Hello." She greeted with a bright smile "I''m Hera Whitson..."


    "You''re the bitch that''s supposed to resume work today?"


    Hera nodded smilingly not taking any offense in the girl''s choice of words. It was almost like she didn''t hear them.


    "Yes that''s me."


    "And you''re just arriving now. Ma''am Petra will surely have your head for this" she seethed before cing a call across to her boss. Hera''s brows furrowed in confusion. What were they talking about?


    Soon enough, a woman in her early thirties stepped out of the office and came to where she stood. Petra took in the state of Hera''s dress. She would''vemented on it if she had the time to do so but she doesn''t. She''s already walking on fire as it is.


    "Hera Whitson?"


    "That''s me." Hera responds, facing her.


    "I was thinking of recing you with someone else had it been you cameter than this but let''s just say that luck is on your side." She told her with a straight face "The person you''re supposed to be working for is


    already mad so you have to


    eave


    before you infuriate him any further"


    She scribbled an address on a piece of paper and handed it over to her.


    "Twenty percent of what you earn goes to the agency. I''ve sorted that out with your new boss" she exined while Hera was busy. studying the content of the paper that she just handed over to her.


    "How do I get there?" Came Hera''s reply.


    "Are you kidding me right now?"


    "I''m very sorry" Hera apologized when the tone of the woman changed. "I''ve never been to the city before so I don''t know my way around here." "Just take a cab and give him the address. The ce you''ll be working is very popr and everyone in this city, knows where it''s located."


    A smile found its way to Hera''s cheeks and she thanked the woman profusely before heading out of the office.


    Everything is slowly falling into ce. It''s only a matter of time now.


    Hera sessfully managed to book a cab after waving for over fifteen minutes. The city was a very busy one so she wasn''t surprised at all.


    She gave the driver her address and he drove her to her destination.


    After paying him, she picked up her bags at stood at the entrance of the big building that resembles that of a pce. The sign in front of the gate ''Donovan''s'' was spelt out in gold. Whoever lives here is a very wealthy and sessful person and this is the life she had always dreamt of having.


    She mumbled a small prayer before making her way to security.

 The Sexy Housekeeper

    Hera got in after gaining clearance from the men at the security.


    She noticed the way they were staring at her but she was oblivious to why they were looking at her in that manner.


    One had even gone further to tell her that she was a very beautiful woman but she took it as apliment.


    Hera thanked him gratefully. She had no idea that he was lusting after her looks.


    The girl had curves that would kill and an innocent face that would make a man sin. Despite the fact that she was d in the most decent of all dresses that they had ever seen, it still didn''t do justice to the curves that were hidden underneath. Her face radiates innocence and her eyes had a pure glow in them when she batted hershes. Her lips were oval-shaped and her fair skin entuated her blonde hair that was tied up in a neat bun.


    Hera walked up to the porch that separated the main house from the servants quarters. The security men had directed her towards this area.


    She knocked on the door and an olderdy stepped out with an apron tied to her body.


    "Hello" thedy greeted with a cating smile "How can I help you?" She asked scanning Hera from head to toe wondering what she was doing here.


    "My name is Hera Whitson and I''m the new housekeeper that was assigned here" she exined before showing her papers to the olderdy.


    Mariam, took the papers from her hand and stared at it a little longer.


    "Ah... you''re the one sent to rece Ka!" She proimed. "You''re wee. Come inside and I''ll show you to your room" she stepped aside allowing Hera to enter. "Thank you" Hera chimed before walking inside after the woman.


    "Bryce has gone for work" Mariam exined "But you''ll meet himter. I''ll show you around the house so that you''d get used to your work area."


    Hera smiled at the woman''s kindness.


    She wasn''t expecting her to be this nice. It was great having someone here to look after her.


    The hours that followed were spent with Mariam showing Hera around the house.


    If it wasn''t for Mariam''s help, she would''ve been lost by now. The house was so big that it scared her to death. How is it possible that only the owner lives here all alone?


    "What about his wife and children?" Hera had asked at one point during their tour but Mariam''s face fell immediately. Hera was confused as to her sudden reaction but still looked at her expectantly.


    "He''s not married. He doesn''t have kids either. He despises them. Wants absolutely nothing to do with them." Mariam conceded with pain filled eyes.


    Her boss was a very kind man but for some reason, he preffered to bed women rather than to house them.


    "What''s there to despise?" Hera asked innocently "Children are blessings from above. Back home, we are taught that children are God''s gift to mankind. They''re the product of the love that a husband and wife share." Mariam looked at Hera as she spoke. She was quite fascinated on how she viewed the world. It was obvious that she''s not from around here.


    For her age, she was quite intelligent and pretty smart too.


    "Why are you here Hera? In this city I mean" Mariam asked when their tour of the house was over. She noticed how Hera flushed to that question.


    "I came here to go to college" She replied truthfully "I grew up in a convent back at home. My sister and I were orphans that was picked up by the sisters and we were raised there as well" Her eyes lit up as she spoke.


    She was always happy to talk about home. It reminded her of the people there so she doesn''t feel alone anymore.


    "Life in the convent was good but I wanted to achieve something for myself. I finished high school over there and so I wanted to go to college and for that to happen, I needed a job so I applied and that was how I got this one." She exined and Mariam nodded her head in understanding.


    "It''s always good to dream Hera and I d that you are."


    "Thank you so much Ma''am Mariam. You''re very nice." Shemended causing the olderdy to chuckle.


    "Let''s get you settled before we start preparations for dinner." Mariam suggested leading the way towards the servant quarters with Hera trailing behind her.


    "How many servants are in this house?"


    Mariam furrowed her brows in deep thought "More than ten I can assure you but we handle the kitchen work. The rest do other jobs around the house. Bryce has trust issues so he doesn''t usually amodate too many people." "Oh" Hera uttered in surprise before exiting the big mansion.


    ***


    Bryce was working on some files in the office. He needed to finish a pending project and get some workload off his chest as well. This project meant bigger opportunities for him and he can''t afford to let it slip.


    "Hello Bryce!" Someone called in a sultry voice as she made her way inside his office. He had been so busy that he didn''t realize that he hadpany.


    Bryce instantly recognized the voice. He would recognize it even if he was in hell. That voice was capable of doing strange things to him and so he knows it for what it was.


    "Ne" His voice suddenly became low as he spoke.


    "What are you doing in L.A? I thought that you wouldn''t be back for another two weeks?"


    She rounded the table and lifted herself to sit on his table facing him.


    Bryce didn''t fail to notice how pretty she looked. She was d in a short red dress and silver heels. Her lips were painted with red lipstick and her hair was a bit damp. Almost like she just came out of a pool beforeing here to see him.


    Ne could pull off any look so he wasn''t surprised. She was an incredibly beautiful woman.


    "Miss me?" She inched her face closer to his, intentionally exposing her cleavages in the process.


    "What can I say? You do it better than any woman In Los Angeles" he confessed with a smirk on his face.


    "How about I make you feel better? For old times sake?" She suggested, licking his ears while his hands parted her legs slowly to reveal her womanhood. She wasn''t on panties.


    "Just the way you like it" she responds to the question lingering on his mind as he looked down at her.


    "You''re the only one who gets me Ne. Thanks foring back" he whispers before crashing his lips on hers.


    She shivers when his handses in contact with her clit from under her gown.


    Bryce has a way of igniting the mes in her with just one touch.


    She arched forward, baring her clit to his fingers for more assault. She had missed this. She had missed him. All through her flight, she only had one thought in mind. Making Bryce hers and now that she''s with him, she''s never letting go.


    Bryce plunged his fingers into her tight sheath causing her to pulsate. She shivered as he continued to ram his fingers into her core. "Fuck!" She choked out a cry. Her hands on the table were trembling as she tried to steady herself. This is more than she bargained for. "How much did you miss me?" He asked in a hoarse voice as he brought his face down to suckle the skin just below her neck. Ne cried out in estacy.


    "I knew it Ne. You''re intoxicating there as well" He grunted in a deep voice.


    "Bryce!" Ne''s voice came out as a plea but she should know better that Bryce isn''t stopping anytime soon. She asked for this after all. "Tell me Ne" he coaxed "Tell me how much you missed my cock inside you"


    "I m-missed..." She trailed with her eyes closed.


    "I will stop touching you if you don''t tell me what I''d like to hear" he flicked his fingers on her clit and she spasmed out of control.


    When she didn''t respond, Bryce tried to withdraw his fingers but she held it in ce.


    "Don''t you dare stop!" Shemanded with a voice filled with nothing but pure arousal.


    "Stop what?" He asked with a sly smile on his face as he stared at her face.


    "Don''t stop touching me Bryce. Please fuck me!" She said with a quivering voice that sent millions of signals to his dick.


    "That''s what I wanted to hear Ne." He conceded before pushing her head back on the table, baring her pussy to his face. Bryce lifted her legs and buried his face into her womanhood.


    "Bryce!" She screamed trying to push


    away from him but he held her in ce. He took the little bud into his mouth and sucked on it, making sure to wipe out all the juices with his tongue. His grazed her clit with his tongue and she shivered. Ne''s thoughts were all scattered at the moment that she could even think


    properly.


    "You like that huh?" He asked in a sultry voice.


    "Oh fuck! Yes fuck!" She encouraged but he only fucked her with his tongue before adjusting himself on his seat.


    Ne who was confused of what just happened, straightened her dress to look at him.


    "What happened?"


    Staring her her, a smile found a way to his lips "How about we finish this at my house?"


    Seeing that he already had her on the edge, he knew deep down that she wouldn''t be able to refuse.

 Damn That Sexy Ass!

    "Pass me the vegetables." Mariam ordered, pointing to the chopped vegetable at the other end of the kitchen counter.


    They were in the kitchen preparing dinner for Bryce to eat when he gets back.


    Hera had just finished making potatoes and chicken gravy. Mariam was surprised at how well she cooked but Hera had opened up that she learnt how to cook from the convent. Every Saturday after morning mass, the sisters usually gave them cooking lessons so it was easy for her to y around with a lot of ingredients.


    As time went on, she got really good at it and started preparing food for the children as well.


    "I have a problem with mashed potatoes but since you''re here, I have a feeling that I''ll be pretty good at it very soon" Mariam bragged jokingly as her eyes lit up in fascination. "Of course ma''am. I''ll teach you everything you need to know" she assured her with a smile.


    A while after, they were done with dinner.


    Hera nced at the clock in the kitchen. It was already past eight at night. Does their boss usuallye back home sote at night? Maybe he was a very busy person that took his job seriously. He lives in a big house so it''s only fitting that he works very hard to maintain it as well.


    "I''ll go get cleaned up first." Mariam alerted her "Should Incase Bryce shows up, serve him dinner but if I''m back before then I''ll serve him myself so that you can also get cleaned." "Okay" Hera affirmed in a small voice, earning a smile from Mariam.


    Mariam hurriedly left the kitchen and went straight to her room in the servant quarters.


    Hera decided to clean up the kitchen while she waited.


    She wouldn''t want Mariam to get upset.


    Halfway through the dishes, she felt someone behind her and stirred but then she became rxed thinking that it was Mariam who had returned from after her shower.


    "I''m almost done here Ma''am." She announced "I''ll go get cleaned now"


    Turning around, she locked her eyes with a huge man with a rippling muscles that almost popped out of his clothes.


    He was so tall that he made her feel small.


    Her first impulse was to scream but then what if he''s the owner of the house? The security would never let a stranger into the house right?


    "Who are you and what are you doing here?" He asked and Hera frozed instantly. She has never been in the same room alone with a man before. Back at the convent, it was always the sisters and asionally the priest that she had seen and acknowledged to be the


    man.


    What is she going to say or do now?


    ***


    Bryce arrived home with Ne after a long day at work.


    Ne was his childhood friend while growing up. They were very close to the point that most people thought that they would end up together. Although Bryce doesn''t have such feelings for her, Ne was madly in love with him and so she proposed a friends with benefit contract between the two of them.


    He was allowed to do all the sinful things he wanted to her for as long as she wanted.


    At first he didn''t agree to it but after one night of seduction, he figured that it wasn''t such a bad idea. Thus, the beginning of their sexual rtionship.


    "Is anyone at home?" Ne had


    asked the minute they walked into the living room. They could hear ttering of tes and spoons which indicated that the noise wasing from the kitchen.


    "Maybe it''s Mariam." He had replied casually. "Go upstairs, I''ll check it out and join youter" he told her before making his way towards the kitchen.


    The more he walked closer to the kitchen, the more the sound became louder.


    The minute he stepped in, he was greeted by a pair of round, firm and curvy butt facing towards his direction.


    When did Mariam''s ass get bigger or is he dreaming?


    At first, he stood still and just admired the creation in front of him. It was too beautiful to ignore. Thedy''s rear end was a piece of work. An alluring piece of work.


    "I''m almost done ma''am, I''ll go get cleaned now" she announced but he didn''t say anything until she turned to face him.


    Heavens!


    Did an angel fall from above?


    Bryce studied her closely. She was d in a knee length gown that didn''t do justice to the curves hidden underneath. Her fair skin glowed like the morning sun shimmering on ake. Her pouty lips were a bit parted and her hazel eyesplimented her longshes. Her blonde hair was tied up in a neat bun and he noticed how shocked she was, staring at him.


    She had even gone further to hold the washing sponge tightly in her hands. Bryce imagined those hands holding his dick firmly. For some weird reason, he envied the poor sponge.


    Too many thoughts were roaming through Bryce''s mind at the moment but he focused on the more important one. Thedy in front of him.


    "Who are you and what are you doing here?"


    Hera bowed her head shyly.


    "Good evening sir. My name is Hera and I''m the new maid" she introduced herself.


    "You''re the one recing Ka?" He wanted to ask but rubbed his head in acknowledgment that she won''t know what he was saying or who Ka even was in the first ce. "Where is Mariam?" He asked instead.


    "In her room. Should I serve dinner?" She asked him in a quiet voice that stirred something inside him. He has never heard such soothing voice before.


    "Don''t bother. I''m not hungry" he replied calmly-shocking himself. Since when does he talk to a woman politely?


    "Okay sir. I''ll just clean up and leave." She stated before turning her back to face him again.


    Damn that ass.


    It took all his will-power and might to actually look away.


    Why is he affected by it? He has seen a lot of it so why is this one any special?


    Turning away, he made his way towards his bedroom. He was already disoriented and he needed to relieve his stress. The


    housekeeper can wait until


    vel.


    tomorrow when he''s sane enough to talk to her.


    Right now, he wanted nothing more than to bury himself inside the tight sheath of Ne''s pussy.

 Fuck Me Till I Cant Walk

    Bryce entered his bedroom and was surprised to see Ne stark naked on his bed.


    The only thing covering her nude body was just a flee nket that he had thrown on the bed In the morning before he left for work.


    Bryce frowned when he saw her there. He doesn''t fuck a woman on his bed. His bed is off limits to all his whores and with good reason too but he couldn''t do anything about it now. She was already lying down and he wouldn''t want to spoil the fun by chasing her away.


    It''s his fault. He sent her upstairs without him. If he had gone with her then he would have found an excuse to prevent her from using it but then, here they were. Ne could understand his predicament but she also knew that Bryce would never tell her to leave. She was more than one of his whores. She was his best friend. Overtime, she had heard stories about how he never takes woman to bed. She doesn''t know the reason behind it but deep down, she was happy that he didn''t chase her away. She was tired of being spanked from the table. She was tired of being fucked like one of his whores. She''s different from them.


    In as much as he had that rule while growing up, she was the only one capable of defying it.


    And plus this night is supposed to be a memorable one. She had anticipated it all day so there''s no way he''s going to ruin it for her.


    "You''re here" her voice came out soft and surprised. Bryce eyed her curiously, waiting for her next move.


    As if on cue, she stood up slowly, making sure to throw off the nket in a way that''ll make him see every bit of her exposed skin.


    She always had him on the edge and knowing that creates a certain satisfaction for her.


    Knowing that she''s the only one that bends him to her will.


    Bryce doesn''t have a heart but a mind that belongs and is controlled by her alone.


    Stalking closer, she made sure to never break eye contact with him.


    "I''m d you''re here with me now Bryce" she whispered in a sensual voice as she brought down her lips to nibble on the skin just below his Jawline. Making sure to lick her way up his ears. Bryce quivered.


    Ne had always been good when it came to fueling his emotions. She does it without stress.


    She managed to tug of his shirt after undoing his buttons and proceeded to do same to his trousers.


    "You know..." She began still touching him "When I was away on that business trip, I thought of nothing but you." Her fingers trailed off his abs down to his torso.


    "And what exactly did you think about?"


    She smiled "I thought about what you would taste. I thought about how it would feel to have you inside me again."


    In one swift movement, Bryce had his hands on her neck, turning her back towards him as he held her in ce.


    His hold on her was not strong enough to kill her but strong enough not to let her escape from him. She was his prisoner at this moment. His sexual prisoner.


    "You know what Ne?" He breathed in her ears before raising the other hand to encircle the swollen bud of her firm breasts.


    He kneaded the breasts and massaged them. Shifting from left to right.


    "I''m your genie for tonight but sadly, you only get to have one wish" his husky voice pierced through her hazel lust filled world. "So use it wisely" he advised, nibbling on her ears which caused her to shiver. "Bryce!" She trembled under his touch.


    "So what''s it gonna be Ne?" He asked, then traced his fingers down to her already wet dripping cunt.


    He brought his fingers up to his nose and sniffed "Damn it Ne, you''re wet and I haven''t even touched you yet."


    "I wish..." She began grabbing his hands and cing it at the entrance of her warm sultry flesh.


    "Go on" he urged, inserting a finger inside her tight sheath.


    "Fuck!" She breathed out, throwing her heads backwards. He''s torturing her and it''s messing up her senses. She can''t even think properly at the moment.


    "You wish, Fuck?" He imitated her with a half baked smile and added another finger inside her.


    "Oh my goodness Bryce!" She shrieked..


    She wanted out. This is too much for her to handle.


    "Just tell me what I want to hear Ne" Bryce pressed on. Ne couldn''t stop the rapid rise and fall of her chest. She wanted this. She wanted him.


    "I wish that you fuck me till I can''t walk anymore" she blurted out the words before she could stop her mouth from saying them.


    His lips stretches Into a smile. "Wish granted" the smile on his lips seemed to say.


    "You''re getting fucked by me whether you wish for it or not Ne. I''m filling you with my cock whether you request for it or not and that''s a promise." was all the warning she got before he shoved three fingers inside her opening.


    Ne squirted and almost fell to the ground but Bryce caught her.


    She was very responsive and that''s one of the things he likes about her.


    He finger-fucked her and watched her cum on his fingers.


    "Please Bryce!" She begged but it only fell on deaf ears.


    Bryce turned her around andtched his mouth on her swollen pink bud.


    He drew from it like a child sucking on his mother''s breasts. Ne tried to push him away but she couldn''t move. She felt full. Ripped apart but that didn''t stop his attacks. Not even her protests could stop him from doing whatever he had nned for tonight.


    He suckled on her breasts in hard tugs, drawing the soft flesh into his hard mouth: fingers never leaving her clit as he flickered on the tiny bud that causes multiple sensations to riple through her all at once.


    Before she could process what was going on, his fingers had been reced by his dick and in one swift move, he thrusted deeply into her.


    Ne cried out In pleasure.


    "It''s soo good!" She moaned. "Fuck!" She wailed loudly.


    An erupted growl came from the back of his throat as he rammed deeper into her.


    Her boobs bounced to the rhythm of movement.


    Bryce quickly pulled out of her cunt and pushed her to the table just at the corner of his bed.


    Before she could protest, he bent down and lifted up her legs. cing it on his shoulders before his head delved between her legs and his tongue took the ce of his dick. Ne thrashed back and arched forward towards him.


    "Oh my God" she gasped. Her voice thready with need and pure arousal.


    Bryce picked her up like she weighed nothing and reced his tongue with his dick, making sure to hit every corner of her walls till she begged for more.


    The night was far from over and her wish was still yet to be granted.

 Seeing Her Boss Naked

    Hera woke up the next morning to a rattling noiseing from outside her house.


    It sounded as though someone or something was persistently screeching on the door in order to open it. She was currently upying the house that belonged to the previous maid before her.


    Her boss had made sure that all his workers are being very well taken care of. Every servant in the Donovan''s had his or her own bedroom to their convenience and for that, she was extremely grateful to him.


    It was a lot easier for her to do things at her own privacy without being disturbed but the sound at the door has her doubting if it was indeed true or not.


    Petrified, she stood up and thew her jacket over her nightwear before stalking towards the door slowly.


    She quietly opened it and peeks through but is surprised to find a huge furry animal with its tongue sticking outside his mouth staring at her. Smilingly, she squats down to pet his head.


    She didn''t see a dog when she moved in yesterday so she''s a bit surprised to see one now. Maybe it belonged to one of the workers in the house.


    "Hi there little fe." She called softly and he barked loudly in response. "You aren''t lost are you? Where''s your master?" She asked but he turned around and scurried away like his life depended on it.


    "Hold on!" She hollers after it and immediately rushes outside but bumps into a wall or rather something that feels like a wall but cages her protectively so that she doesn''t fall.


    Startled, she looks up to see the face of her rescuer but is surprised to see none other than her boss.


    She quickly pulls away from his touch like someone who hasmitted a sin.


    "Good morning sir" she greeted nheless.


    Bryce was confused. He was preparing for his morning jog as usual when he felt her stered to his body. His first impulse was to yell but then his naughty brain had already registered the softness of whatever had bumped into him so he had no other choice but to refrain from doing so.


    "Good morning!" Bryce replied as his eyes studied her closely. Taking in the beauty of the blue eyes staring right back at him.


    Just then, he recognized her as the new maid that he sawst night. The one that was sent to rece Ka.


    His eyes did a sweep on her and lingered on her breasts. Somehow, he felt his cock twitch in his pants.


    She wasn''t supposed to look too stunning than she didst night. What is it about her that has him staring at her a little longer than usual?


    Hera who noticed her boss''s eyes on her chest, instinctively drew her jacket closer to cover her chests. That was when it hit her that she was d in nothing but her night dress and so she excused herself and scampered out of his presence into her house.


    Bryce almostughed at her attitude. He couldn''t tell if she was running away because she was being naive or seeing him had stirred something in her.


    He was a handsome sculpture to look at. Many women had wet their pants just by staring at him and he was almost certain that the same thing must''ve happened to her.


    "Come on King, let''s go" he called after the dog who chased behind him as they made their way towards the gate to begin their morning routine.


    ***


    Hera finished her morning prayers.


    She always had a certain peace


    whenever she spoke to him up there.


    She''s always certain that he''s


    watching over her and guiding and steps and the thought of it alone always fills her with great relief.


    After prayers, she had her bath and made herself a bowl of noodles.


    She made a mental note to visit the grocery store and get herself some groceries when she gets her first paycheck and if things runs smoothly then maybe she can ask the Sisters toet Christina stay with her.


    It was a huge n and is going to be a very difficult one but it''ll be worth it very soon.


    After discarding the tes in the sink, she dressed up and made her way towards the big mansion to start her daily chores. Halfway through the cleanup, Mariam stepped into help her.


    "How was your first night Hera?" Mariam had asked when she saw Hera cleaning up the kitchen few seconds after her arrival.


    "It was lovely Mariam." She replied with a smile "I can tell that you slept fine too. You''re glowing" sheplimented.


    "As if" she waved her off with augh "Don''t make fun of my old bones Hera."


    "I''m not lying though. I can never lie about something like that" she tells her in a small voice.


    "ttery will get you anywhere my child. I''ll finish up here in the kitchen Hera. Why don''t you clean up the boss''s room instead" Mariam had requested and she went straight up to his bedroom to carry out her orders.


    She was lucky that Mariam had given her a house tour when she arrived or she would''ve been lost by now.


    She opened the door to Bryce''s bedroom after spotting it and let herself in when no one answered the door after she had knocked.


    Hera was surprised to see the roompletely vandalized.


    Maybe an earthquake shook the cityst night. She thought. But it won''t be an earthquake if it didn''t shake her own bedroom as well or was it a tornado?


    The boss''s house isn''t far from hers so how is it possible that something like this could happen to his bedroom alone?


    She shook off the remaining thoughts and set out to work.


    Halfway through her cleaning, the adjourning door opposite the bedroom swings open and Bryce stepped out stark naked with nothing but his towel tied around his waist. Hera waspletely appalled.


    She quickly turned towards the opposite direction. Her breath wasing out in pants as her heart thudded repeatedly.


    She just saw theplete nudeness of her boss. She just saw a man naked for the first time. Today isn''t looking promising for her at all.

 The Taste Of Her Sexy Lips

    Bryce decided to have a quick shower after his morning run. He was alreadyte for work as it is. Hopefully, he would make it to his office on time.


    He came back home to an empty room which indicated Ne''s departure. He''ll make sure to call herter but now he has to get ready.


    After taking his bath, he rushed out of the bathroom and that''s when he saw her again.


    How is it possible that she''s always in front of him all the time. For some weird reason, he doesn''t want to see her even though deep down he wanted nothing but to see her face all the time. He had been so messed up earlier this morning and it''s as if the universe is intentionally throwing her towards him.


    He had noticed how her cheeks had turned crimson red just by staring at him. Is she for real? Does she want him as well?


    "What are you doing in my bedroom?" He asked after gaining a littleposure. The beads of water trailed off his muscr body in droplets but he doesn''t seem to give a care in the world about it.


    For now, all his attention was focused on this little petite woman standing in front of him.


    Still not facing him, Hera replied "Mariam had asked me to clean out your bedroom and I came to do that."


    He folded his hands across his chest as he continued to stare at her with a smug grin on his face "Is that the only reason why you came here? Just to clean up my bedroom?" He asked again. Her first reply wasn''t as satisfying as he had hoped.


    He sounded amused and for some reason, it bothered her. Why was he finding this funny? It wasn''t funny that she got to see him naked. It''s not funny that he''s standing shirtless in front of her and it''s not funny that he''s finding her current predicament amusing. Well technically, he wasn''tpletely naked but still, he was without clothes and just stepped out of the shower so it counts as being naked.


    "I don''t understand sir" her small voice echoed with her head slightly bowed down facing the ground.


    "Are you saying that you didn''t know that I was here in my bedroom before you walked in?" He sounded like he doesn''t believe her.


    He had seen her type over the years.


    A lot of his maid had tried to seduce him all in the name of pretence so he was certain that she was one of them.


    Why would shee in here in the first ce when she knows that he might be here after all?


    "I didn''t know that you were here" she said after finding her voice "I promise that I didn''t..."


    He stalked closer to her and she took a step back. Her brows knitted in confusion. Her fears suddenly bing visible.


    "What are you doing?" She asked- moving further backwards till her buttnded on the soft fluffy bed.


    Bryce was staring at her now. His eyes never wavering.


    "You came here because you wanted a piece of me right?" He asked in a husky voice that caused her blood pressure to rise involuntarily. "What do you mean by that sir?" She asked innocently.


    Bryce was taken aback by her sudden question. Does she really not understand what he''s saying or is she just trying to act dumb?


    Ignoring her remark, he pressed further "I''m pretty sure you''re here because you wanted me to touch you" He smirked and continued "I''m sure you''ve heard lots of stories about me and now you want nothing more than being with me don''t you?"


    "Listen" he said when she didn''t


    respond "I don''t usually have any


    sexual contact with any of my workers but if you want it so desperately then I guess I can make an exception" Bryce inched his face closer to her and sniffed the tendrils of her blonde hair. It smelt like a mixture ofvender and chamomile. He guessed that it was the smell of her hair shampoo.


    Hera felt cold chills run all over her body at the slight contact of his face on hers.


    Sex? He wanted to touch her in a sinful manner. He''s trying to have his way with her. She couldn''t believe it.


    She''s heard stories from the sisters In the convent about illicit rtionships that people share and she''s promised herself not to give in to that sexual desires no matter what.


    Her chin flew up defiantly and she pushed him away as hard as she can.


    To Bryce, it felt like a little shove but to her, it felt as if she just moved a huge rock with her bare hands.


    "Don''te close to me sir. It''s not right." She warned him sternly.


    "Don''t y pretence sweetie, I know


    that


    you want it as much as I do" his lips came closer to hers and before her brain could process what was going on, he crashed his lips on hers making sure to savour the taste of her plum lips on his.


    She tasted...DIVINE.


    That was the first thought that registered on his mind. It wasn''t like any kiss Bryce had ever had in his life. Her lips on his tasted soft, lush and very intoxicating. MORE!


    He wanted more. He needed more and by the heavens, he will get more.


    Bryce never anticipated Hera''s next action. She pushed herself away from her and pped him hard on the cheeks.


    Bryce was shocked and utterly confused. Disappointment coursed through him.


    What just happened?


    He touched his cheeks and that''s when it hit him that he wasn''t dreaming. She just pped him.


    He brought his face to look at the first woman who just dared to assault him only to find her eyes flooded with tears.


    She was crying.


    Bryce didn''t know if he should feel sorry or offended by her actions.


    He''s the one who got pped and she''s the one who''s crying.


    Women! He can never understand them. One minute they''re acting like they want you and the next minute, they''re pretending like they want absolutely nothing to do with you. Forcing herself up from the bed, Hera excused herself and ran out of his bedroom without looking back. She ran like someone who was being chased by a gang of robbers.


    Well he didn''t regret the kiss. The woman tasted like honey from a nectar. He most definitely doesn''t regret it at all and if given another chance then he''ll do it over and over again.

 He Never Shouldve Kissed Her!

    Hera ran out of the apartment as fast as her legs could carry her. She ignored the voice of Mariam who was desperately calling out to her. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she made for her room in the servant quarters. She doesn''t want to be here anymore.


    She wants out of this house. Out of this apartment. She wants to leave and go far away so that she wouldn''t encounter her boss anymore.


    Maybe she made a mistake bying here. Maybe she made a mistake by dreaming about a good future for her and her sister. Christina was right.


    The convent is a much better ce and she was foolish to leave when she knew about the risks that was involved in her decision.


    She thought that her boss was nice and that he wouldn''t do anything to hurt her. She thought that she was lucky to have finally found a safe ce for herself in this house but she was damn wrong.


    Her boss is a very bad man and that''s a fact.


    Well, he''s no longer her boss anyway.


    She just pped him which meant that she had already lost her job. Good riddance to bad rubbish if she must say. At least it''s better this way for now. She now has a reason to leave this godforsaken ce and with a very good reason at that. She''s going back home to the convent and she''s never leaving no matter what happens this time.


    ***


    Bryce let the towel holding his waist fall loose to the ground and began prepping himself for work.


    He thought about that maid again and his cock twitched in an instant.


    Damn!


    He made a mistake by having a taste. He never should''ve kissed her. He can still feel the softness of her lips on his own. He can still feel the savory vor and the scent of her hair on his nostrils.


    He needs a distraction. And a very good one to forget what happened this morning.


    After putting on his clothes, he made for his suitcase and quickly exited his bedroom.


    He met Mariam halfway through the stairs. She looked worried and it showed on her face like it was knitted there like a second skin.


    "Are you okay?" He asked as he got closer to her.


    "Hera is leaving?"


    "Who''s Hera?" He asked staring at her with intent.


    "The new maid" she blurted out "I saw her running out of your bedroom crying and when I went to her room to talk to her, she simply told me that she''s leaving."


    Bryce scratched his head with his index finger as he pondered on the situation at hand.


    This is the first time that he''s experiencing something like this.


    Most times, when he kisses a woman, she ends up on his bed but this one is trying to run away from him. Great!


    As if he''ll ever let that happen.


    He''s had a taste of her already and by the life of him, he''s not letting her go until he gets another taste. No matter how much it''ll cost him.


    "Please talk to her sir" Mariam''s voice pierced through his thoughts. "She''s too innocent to wander the streets of this big city. She doesn''t even know her way around here and I''m scared that something bad might happen to her if she walks out of those gates." He looked at Mariam who had her hands sped together pleadingly.


    "What do you mean by she''s innocent and doesn''t know her way around here?" He asked the question that had lingered on his mind after all her exnation.


    "She''s from the Convent. She came here because of the job" She answered.


    Deep down, she was wondering what her boss needed that piece of information for.


    She knew that he must''ve done something to her and maybe telling him about hering from the Convent might keep him at arms length.


    Hera had high hopes and expectations from this job and she isn''t going to let her leave without achieving any of her dreams.


    Plus, the woman is very kind. You don''t see her type everyday.


    If only the boss could see past his sexual addiction, he''d also realize that Hera is a gem and not one of


    those whores he sleeps with one of


    Bryce couldn''t believe his ears.


    No wonder she reacted the way she did. She''s from a fucking CONVENT? That exins everything.


    Big mistake. He doesn''t do nuns.


    Hell! He doesn''t touch them and wouldn''t be caught dead with any of them.


    He''s pretty much satisfied with the whores in his life and he isn''t looking for anything different or anything perculiar.


    "I''ll talk to her" he assured Mariam before walking outside the house towards the servants quarters.


    Part of him wondered why he cared. Another part of him wanted to turn back and pretend like she never existed.


    But his legs were going with the first thought and soon enough, he was already in front of her door.


    Turn away Bryce and act like you didn''t know. He thought to himself.


    Right, but he does know and if Mariam was correct, then he understands what the sexydy was going through at the moment so heposed himself and knocked on her door gently.  en FindNovel


    The door opens and a teary eyed woman steps out.


    "Hera" he started. Her name tasting like wine on his tongue


    "Yes sir" She replied, eyes pinned to the ground.


    She''s even scared to look him in the eye.


    "Don''t leave" he tells her in the calmest voice that he could muster.


    Since when does he talk to a woman calmly? He only talks to them when he wants to fuck them so why is he doing this now?


    She shakes her head vehemently "I don''t want to stay." Her voice came out like a child whose candy was stolen.


    Well, he did steal her candy.


    "I''m sorry and I promise that I won''t touch you ever again."


    Liar!


    She looks at him. Her ears not


    believing what she just heard. His face is unreadable so she can''t tell if he''s actually saying the truth or not.


    "Promise?" She asks. Her face brightening up a little.


    He nods his head "Yes. So don''t leave."


    Don''t leave so that I can eye fuck you at every chance I get. He thought to himself.


    "Okay" she replies with a faint smile "And I''m sorry for hitting you sir."


    "Think nothing if it. Let''s pretend like today never happened."


    But it did happen alright. Take that you fucking universe.


    "Okay." And with that she turned back and made her way inside her bedroom.


    Bryce stared at her behind.


    That ass is going to be the death of him.

 Make Me Cum On Your C?ck!

    Bryce arrived at work and immensed himselfpletely with different paperwork that was littered on his desk.


    shes of Hera''s innocent face almost made him loose focus. He needed a serious distraction. He won''t be able to do anything if he doesn''t find a way to upy his brain and mind because somehow, the two of them were working together to ruin him. Picking his cellphone from his table, he dialled a number and waited patiently for the person at the other end to pick up the phone.


    "Hello Bryce" The voice from the other end of the line echoes through after the third ring.


    "Max" he breathed into the phone.


    "Been a while since you called. I was beginning to wonder what had happened to you" he said in his usual fruity voice that always pisses me off.


    "The girls are all asking for you." He continued when Bryce didn''t speak "Turns out that they miss your other guy. When will you be gracing our presence oh mighty one" Max mocked in a grating voice that had Bryce rolling his eyes. "Make the usual arrangements for me" he ordered "Oh and please. I need the best of the very best."


    "I never disappoint" Max reminded him. "You''re a valuable client so I''ll make absolutely certain that you don''t get anything that isn''t worth your value."


    "Thank you Asshole" He cussed at him.


    Maxughed loudly before disconnecting the call.


    He can''t wait to get finished with work. At least now, he has an appointment that''ll be very favourite for him.


    Bryce finished off from work and after instructing his secretary on what to do, he made his way towards Emerald Hotels for the appointment he had with Max.


    One would think that he actually came here on business but the only business hees here to do at night was have a good time with thedies at the strip club.


    The minute he pulled up in front of the hotel, he gave his keys to the valet and made his way towards the entrance.


    "Hello buddy" Max weed him with a light pat on his shoulders. "I didn''t think you''d actuallye."


    "I told you that I was going to" he replied, feeling a bit uninterested. Of course he needed to. That woman''s face had managed to hunt him all day.


    "No need to get all angry on me now. She''s here and all ready for you"


    Max hands him the keys to a private suite and Bryce grasps it from his hand before making his way inside.


    He knows his way around this ce because he practically lives here. He was one of the reasons why this ce was flooded. Girls would do anything to have a one night stand with him and he would do anything to fulfill their sexual desires. A win-win for both parties if you should call it that. Plus, it was strictly business as well.


    He arrived at his suite and made his way inside.


    Shutting the door to the dimly lit room, he throws his jacket on the bed and walks over to the mini bar at the side of the bedroom.


    He releases two bottles and pours himself a ss of whiskey and vodka before making his way towards the sitting area.


    He sat down on one of the single couch and takes a swig of his drink.


    For some reason, he was rxed. The drink was a good start to calm down his tortured nerves that has been going haywire since morning.


    At the centre of the room is a long pole that hung from the ceiling. The strippers always used that to entertain him whenever he had a private session with one of them.


    A whileter, the door to his suite


    swings open and a woman on heels


    walks in seductively wearing an overall coat. Her hair was curly and damp and her skin had streaks of glitter all over it.  en FindNovel


    Bryce eyes her as she made her way towards him.


    "Hello Bryce" she drawled in a smoky voice before licking the seam-line of the red lipstick that was smeared on her oval shaped lips. "How are you Mona"


    "It''s a surprise that you still


    remember my name." She teased "I


    heard that the sex god doesn''t


    remember his whores by their names but by their performances.


    Does this mean that I''m more than a where now?"


    Bryce smirked. He loved how eagar they always were to please and belong to him. He was a hot shot in the city after all.


    Titling his head to the side, he studied her carefully "Why don''t you let me decide if you''re more than a whore to me Mona."


    She smiled. A huge smile that reaches her eyes.


    "Challenge epted" was her soft response before she let her coat fall to the ground.


    She was fully dressed under the coat but all her curves were allocated in the right ces.


    Taking the pole, she pushes her body up and twirled round it in a sensual manner making sure to deliberately show off her sexy body when required.


    Bryce watched her with intent. He loved how she moved and he loved how graceful she was on the pole.


    His dick had already bulged out of his pants just by staring at her.


    He stood up from his seat and walked towards her, making rounds at the pole to get a good look at what she was offering.


    "Any special requests?" She asked, trailing her fingers along the neckline of his shirt.


    He kissed her ears and she closed her eyes to savour the feel of his lips on hers.


    "How about we y a little game" he whispered into her ears causing her to shiver.


    "What kind of game would we be ying" she asked drawing him closer to her by his tie.


    "A very simple game that I promise will get you wet when we''re done."


    She smiled. She seemed to like the idea very much.


    "Are you game?" He asked when she doesn''t respond.


    "Anything to make me cum on your cock is fine by me."


    Bryce turned around and made his way to the couch before lowering himself on it.


    .n


    "So the rules of the game is simple" he began "For every ss of drink that I take, you''ll remove one piece of clothing from your attire. If I pass out before you getpletely naked then I''ll grant you one wish but if don''t, then I''m free to do whatever sinful thing I want with you for the rest of the night. No questions asked. Are you game?"


    A smile feathered on his lips as he stared at her, waiting for her final decision.

 You Are Mine For The Rest Of The Night

    Mona looked conflicted even though she''s trying her very best not to show it.


    The fact that Bryce wants to y this game only meant one of two things.


    One, it was either he was trying to get his mind off something or two, he has something up his sleeve that he had nned just for her.


    She knew Bryce like the back of her palm. Over the years, she had been one of the selected few that had satisfied his sexual desires and she was one of his regrs whenever he visited the strip club. Plus, he spendsvishly on all his women hence, thepetition to gain his attention by different women.


    Well, if ying this game meant that she''d be on top and closer to him then of course she''ll ept and since he promised to grant her a wish if she wins then she''ll most definitely y his twisted game.


    "I still haven''t heard your thoughts on the matter Mona" he reminded her in a husky voice that snapped her back to reality. She had zoned out without realizing.


    Forcing a smile to her lips, she pushed her hair back with her fingers before responding "Are there any other rules to this game?"


    He half-smiled "You sound scared Mona. You don''t have to be scared of me. I don''t bite." He teased.


    Yeah right!


    Of course you don''t bite but your cock does the biting for you. She thought to herself.


    "I never said you do" she replied instead.


    "Yes or No Mona? Are you game?" He pressed and Mona gave it onest thought before nodding her head in approval.


    "I am a businessman Mona and in the business world, nodding means that you''re not yet sure or might go back on a deal and that''s why we make contracts so that you can''t go back on your word once you''ve signed them and in your case, I''d need a verbal consent" he twirled the ss around his fingers as he spoke. Eyes never leaving hers.


    "I ept Bryce. Let''s do this"


    Bryce rxed himself on the couch with his legs crossed. He looked content and very much satisfied with himself by the oue of his n.


    "Let''s begin" He announced before pouring himself a ss of whiskey. He chugs it down his throat as he stared at her.


    Mona took off her earrings and threw them on the floor with nothing but pure seduction.


    Bryce was aroused by her every move. Watching her alone had already started to take actions on his member.


    He took another ss and she took of her shoes in return.


    "You seem to be enjoying this" She eximed but he doesn''t respond and pours himself another ss.


    Mona watched him with intent. She was surprised at his tolerant level for alcohol. Most men would''ve passed out cold but not Bryce. He was still sober and determined to win thispetition. She was also determined as well. One of them had to loose for the other to win anyway.


    Taking another ss, Mona unzipped her clothes and threw them on the floor.


    Bryce eyed her C-sized boobs with lust. He wanted to taste them In his mouth and tonight, he will do more than tasting.


    That damn maid had managed to mess up his senses and he needed it back at all cost.


    "Stopping doesn''t make you a loser you know" Mona eyed him from where she stood.


    "It does to me" and with that, he chugged down another ss.


    Mona reached for her shorts and unzipped it. She parted her thighs and pushed it down slowly to the floor before stepping out of it and kicking it towards his direction. "Isn''t this enough for you?" She asked.


    "Barely" he smirked "I want the entire package mi amor"


    Mona lifted up her brows at him. She was just in her red bra and lingerie to match.


    Bryce chugged down another ss and she reached for her back and unsped her bra. She rolled it down her shoulders and threw it to the floor. Her boobs dangled from the result. Panic had already started to kick in. How was he not drunk yet?


    He was supposed to be drunk? At least that''s what she expected when she agreed to this challenge in the first ce.


    Bryce could almost smell her fear from where he seated. A smile feathered on his lips at the thought of her being frightened.


    "You have nice boobs by the way Mona." Heplimented "I love how erect they are. I love how hard your nipples are. It''s almost like they''re calling to me." He chuckled.


    "Plus, I love how scared you are right now."he continued and her eyes flew towards him "I love it when my


    women are scared of me but


    good way. It makes all the sexual


    desires I have for them, worthwhile. Don''t you trust me?"


    He''s messing with her. Why would he say such a thing now?


    Pouring himself another ss, he chugs it down and ces the ss on the stool in front of him. His eyes pinned on her.


    Mona reached for her panties and


    slides it down her legs. She picked it


    up and threw it at him which he caught with his left hand. She waspletely nude now and the thought of not winning had already riled her up.


    Bryce ces the panties on his nose and takes a sniff with his eyes closed.


    "You smell like marshmallows Mona. I like it"


    "Let''s get this over with" she replied instead.


    "Patience little one" he cautions "Remember, I won the bet so whatever I say goes."


    "But don''t worry, I''ll make sure topensate your efforts when I''m done. I''ll double your payment if I have to." he promised and her lips broke out in a smile. At least, this was a win-win for both of them.


    He carefully ced the panties on the stool before facing her "Now, get on the bed and lie on your back facing the ceiling." he ordered still not moving.


    "But-"


    "No questions asked. Do I need to remind you that you are mine for the rest of the night?" He questioned.


    Defeated, she climbed the bed and did as she was told.


    "Now" he started "I want you to touch yourself while I watch you do it."


    Mona froze as she stared at him in sheer horror.

 I Want You To Finger-Fuck Yourself

    "I want you to touch yourself while I watch" he ordered, pouring himself another ss of whiskey.


    "You never said anything about this" she counters.


    "The rules clearly stated that I''m free to do whatever sinful things I wanted to do to you for the night. No questions asked" he repeated before taking a sip of his cold drink.


    "Howe you''re not wasted?" She queried "You took more than six sses of that drink so why are you still sober?"


    His tolerance level for alcohol was starting to freak her out now.


    "You''re right" he remarked "I did take more than six sses but the content in the bottle wasn''t alcohol" he confessed.


    Mona stared at him wide eyed "What? Why? How?"


    "You cheated!" she shrieked


    "I didn''t. I said that I was going to have a drink but I never mentioned what I was going to take and you never said anything about it either. You simply agreed." He reminded her "Plus, I need to be sober enough to remember whatever I am going to do to you tonight my dear Mona. It''s been so long since I visited so I want to make the most out of it."


    "Now touch yourself and don''t make me repeat myself for the second time." he ordered before taking another swig.


    Reluctantly, she pulled her legs up and ced one hand on her boobs while the other hand located her clit and circled around it.


    Bryce watched in admiration. It was like he was staring at aplete work of art that was put up in a gallery. Her pussy was well shaved and he could see how wet and glistening it was from where he was seated.


    Mona rubbed her hands frantically on her clit which caused her to shiver. Her other hands worked her nipples as she squeezed and pinched with her fingers.


    "Ouch!" She moaned with her eyes closed.


    "Taste yourself Mona." Hemands and she did as she was told. She sucked on her fingers as she tasted her essence on them.


    This was actually going better than she had anticipated.


    "Now I want you to finger-fuck yourself" He started "And look at me while you do so. Do not close your eyes no matter how much pleasure you will be subjected to." "But Bryce "


    "No questions asked" he repeated.


    Swallowing hard, she inserts a finger into her pussy "Holy Christ!" She utters at the invasion. Why does it feel so good? Why does touching herself feel so damn good.


    "Don''t you dare close your eyes" he said in a guttural voice and she tried to force her eyes to stay open while she looked at him.


    "Another finger Mona" he instructs and she adds another finger into her tight hole.


    "Fuck yourself Mona. Pump your fingers in and out of your pussy."


    She pumped her fingers in and out of her cunt as she made incoherent noises that he couldn''t understand. She vibrated and series of spams flooded through her clenched pussy. "Think about my cock while you orgasm. Think about how much you want it inside you" He teased.


    "Arrrgghhhh" she screams out in pure arousal as her first wave of orgasm washes over her.


    "How do you feel?" He asked after another drink.


    "That was intense" she responds in a hoarse and shaky voice as she tries to catch her breath.


    "Come here" he muttered in a low voice and she slowly stood up from the bed.


    "Don''t walk." He ordered stopping her in her tracks. "Crawl to me mi amor"


    Mona got on her knees and began crawling towards his direction. He watches in fascination as she made her way towards him.


    When she got to where he was seated, Bryce lifted her up by her chin till she got to an eye level with his face.


    He dipped his head and took her lips into his mouth making sure to bite and lick and suck every inch of her plump lips.


    "Fuck!" He eximed when he pulled apart "You taste like honey Mona."


    Gripping her hair, he smashed his lips on hers again, drinking from her lips over and over again.


    Mona was already drunk and giddy from the kisses. She felt like she would explode anytime soon.


    He was making her wet all over again.


    Bryce''s fingertips traced the edge line of her nipples.


    She shivered as desired pooled between her legs.


    Forcing her up to sit on his thighs on the couch, he dipped his head and took her already hard nipples into his mouth and sucked on them in hard tugs.


    "Oooh!" A loud moan escaped her lips as he forced his head closer to give her more contact.


    His fingers trailed down to the center of her womanhood as he parted the folds of her pussy and ran his fingers over her swollen nub.


    Eyes closed in surrender, she guided his hands as he rubbed them on her clit in circr motion.


    "There. Right-Yes! There." Unable to stop, she arched into his touch. Creating more pressure, more friction.


    "Here, huh?" He muttered and spanked the folds of her already wet and dripping cut.


    "Fuck right there!" She shivered.


    "You little slut" he said in a monotone and inserted his fingers deep into her wet fold.


    "Don''t stop!" She told him, panting "Don''t you dare stop!"


    "You like that huh?" He asked and continued to pump his fingers in and out of her hole relentlessly.


    "Oh my fucking goddddd!" She cried out loudly as her she felt the hot fluid gush out from her pussy like a tidal wave. She just squirted.


    He ced his fingers on her mouth and she sucked his fingers dry.


    He picked her up from the couch like she weighed nothing and threw her on the bed.


    "How about I return the favor?" She batted hershes at him.


    "You''ll have your turnter" without warning, he parted her legs and she did so eagerly, willingly and in the next heartbeat, his face was buried between her thighs as he kissed the wetness on her dripping cunt. At the first flick of his tongue, she exploded and her head reeled in pleasure.


    Her knees shook and he grasped her legs to keep her in ce.


    Mona gripped his head as another incredible shiver raced through her again and again.


    He kissed her heat again until she could only gasp his name. He tasted her, sucked her, licked and and made her cum repeatedly.


    She rubbed her wetness against him until she was thrashing from the assault.


    This was more than she had anticipated.


    "Now mi amor" he raised up his face to look at her "I want you to taste me next" he said with nothing but tant possession on his face.

 Suck Me Just Like That Mona!

    Mona smiled at his request.


    Now it was her time to finally turn the tables around. She was going to do to him double-no triple of what he had done to her.


    He was at her mercy now and she was going to show him just how much dominance a woman has over a man when she decides to will that power.


    She reached for his belt and unbuckled it hastily, letting his trousers fall down to his legs.


    Bryce stepped out of them and started undoing the buttons to his shirt.


    Mona watched him lustfully. Her eyes stayed glued to his bare chest when he tugged off his shirt.


    He reached for his briefs and takes them off as well and she swallows at the sight of him.


    He was indeed bagging a huge crotch there. She can''t wait to get filled up by that dick. Just staring at it has managed to set her body on fire. Her blood was boiling like hotva that was about to explode.


    Bryce seeing the effect he had on her, decided to tease her a bit. He walked over to where his bottles were and poured some for himself.


    Mona was already impatient.


    She felt like a hungry dog patiently waiting for bone and in her case, I was his bone that she was waiting for.


    His dick was worth any meat that she''ll ever have in her existence.


    Bryce walked back to meet her on the bed. His crotch dangled as he stalked towards her.


    "You''re drooling Mona." He eximed when he got to where she was seated. She snapped her eyes at him "Are you really that desperate for this?"


    He held his cock and rubbed them with his hands, making guttural sounds at the back of his throat.


    Mona watched with fire in her eyes. She watched as he pleased himself which caused his cock to harden in the process. The veins on his cock had already popped out which caused his dick to stand firm and very erect. "Hell..." He growled in defeat as he shot out his seeds.


    Bryce held Mona by her neck and raised her up to meet his demanding mouth.


    He sucked on her lips as his other hands assaulted her breasts.


    Mona kissed him back with an intensity that caused a pool between her thighs.


    He mated with her tongue as she sucked on his making sure to savour the feel of every inch of his mouth.


    He fisted her hair roughly and guided her head down to his throbbing cock.


    Mona smiled as she ran her tongue over his huge cap.


    He is beautiful.


    So beautiful, so big and oh-so-scary. She thought to herself.


    Bryce thrust forward. Mona instinctively opened her mouth very wide to receive him. His hard turgid flesh pushed past her lips and a growl tore from him.


    Her lips was stretched wide. Her eyes burned and watered as she mped her mouth around him and sucked. She tasted his essence on her tongue. He tasted like her favourite bubble gum. She wanted more. "Mmh..." He groaned and tangled his hand through her head to hold her in ce.


    Her mouth covered the thick head, stretching over it, sucking him inside as her tongue began to rub, stroke and tease his highly sensitive, hard throb of flesh just beneath the hooded crown.


    The throttled growl that tore from his throat had her pussy pulsing like something that had been electrified by a thousand volts.


    Her womb clenched and her sex flooded with moisture and heat.


    "Oh yeah," he moaned as her tongue rimmed beneath the red head. She stroked and probed every curve and rise of his straining flesh.


    Bryce flexed his hips, pushing his flesh farther into her mouth. Her moan vibrated around it, her fingers tightening as her tongue ttened and stroked his cock.


    "Yes" He snarled as tingles of sensation built up his spine and enclosed his scalp with static sensitivity.


    "Fuck Yes" He groaned weakly as her lips dragged back up the small amount of flesh she held in her mouth and caressed his cap with her tongue over and over again.


    Her teeth scrapped gently, adding a sharper sensation before her tongue wrapped over it again.


    "Suck it" The hard growl apanied the slow slide of his turgid flesh back in her mouth.


    He fucked into her mouth, holding her hair in a firm grip, relishing the flickering whip of her tongue.


    "Fuck yes. There you go." He groaned as he rocked back and forth slowly. Every muscle in his body tightening as he fought his release.


    "Suck it. Suck it deeper you slut." He pushed back, filling her mouth, breaching past her barrier offort in taking him.


    Her moan of protest fill the air but he didn''t pull back.


    "Yesss" he hissed in pleasure. "More" his demand was rough.


    The suckling moist sound of her mouth enclosing him reeling with each breath, fighting the release with everything inside him.


    The sensations of it were so extreme that he threw his head back in reckless abandon.


    "Mona" he whispered desperately "God, yes. Suck it. Suck me Mona, just like that."


    It was too much.


    Too much heat welling up inside him. He heard his own groan shattering the air as he felt the scalding pulse of his semen.


    Mona closed her eyes and swallowed him in gulps to avoid choking, milking him dry until she felt his legs twitch repeatedly.


    Finally, when he became sensitive, he pulled out his half-hard flesh from his mouth, reached for her and pushed her to the bed using one hand.


    "My turn" Without wasting time, he buried two fingers inside her.


    Mona screamed as she pushed her into an unexpected climax.


    She struggled and writhed to pull herself away from his assaulting fingers. She tried to force-close her legs but he bnced himself in between her legs to refrain her from doing so. His mouth descended on her breasts...he covered the hard bud with his lips and sucked. Hard.


    "Oh...!" Her screams turned strangled as a pleasure as dangerous as the previous one whipped through her likeshing fire.


    Her body shook, jerked and pushed forward repeatedly to his plowing ruthless fingers.


    He sucked and fucked her with his fingers until she melted into his arms.


    He pulled his fingers out of her pussy and gave her to taste.


    "Are you tired Mona? Because this night is far from over" He said with a smirk as he thought about all the sinful things he had nned for the rest of the night.

 A Sin That Feels So Good

    she finds a more suitable job that would be better than this one.


    Hera felt a lot better because her boss had apologized to her. She had been taught not to hold grudges and so she has forgiven him wholeheartedly. It was nice that he had acknowledged his mistake and asked for her forgiveness so she had decided to stay at least until Yesterday, after Bryce had apologized to her, Mariam hade to persuade her to change her mind. She told her that the boss wasn''t like that and that he was having some personal issues and that''s why he behaved that way with her.


    Even though it sounded absurd, she wondered what type of issue would result to him kissing her like that. He didn''t look like someone who has any issues. She doesn''t know if she should believe that part but then if Mariam says he was having issues then it had to be the truth.


    Mariam would never lie to her. She was older and definitely more wiser than she was. Plus, she was the only person who acted like a mother figure in her life at the moment and so she trusted her.


    But what she doesn''t understand is why she froze when he kissed her.


    She doesn''t understand why it felt so good even though deep down she knew it was wrong and equally a sin. It confused and bothered her a lot. The sisters at the convent didn''t prep her on any topic such as physical contact so it was hard for her to understand anything. Plus, after the kiss, she felt this tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach and she felt her stomach flutter.


    She also noted the pool of slimy wetness on her panties after that.


    What is this feeling that she can''t describe? And what does that wetness on her panties mean? Where did ite from?


    And why on earth is it happening to her. It was almost like her body was practically on fire and it baffled her.


    Maybe I should ask Mariam? Maybe she''ll understand and tell me what I want to hear and probably exin it better to me. She thought to herself.


    But what If she takes it the wrong way? No. She can''t do it. She just can''t do it at all.


    Then what about the sisters?


    Maybe they could exin it to her. Still no.


    Telling the sisters meant relieving everything that had happened up to the point where he kissed her and they could get angry and scold her or worse. She couldn''t risk it and take that chance.


    She''s so confused and she doesn''t even know where to start.


    She''ll just talk to the only person that would understand her plight then.


    That morning during her morning prayers, she had asked the almighty for forgiveness. She apologized for letting him kiss her and she also apologized for enjoying it as well.


    She also prayed for him to give her the courage and strength to fight and ovee temptations. She prayed for practically everything that happened yesterday. She also prayed for her boss to sort out his issues so that he would never repeat his actions again. She prayed that God should send him far away from her at all cost before concluding.


    Strangely, after her morning prayers, she felt lighter. She felt like her burden has been lifted.


    She felt nice when she talked to him with her heart cause he always listened.


    Hera finished with her chores and made her way towards the mansion to begin the days activity.


    Luckily, she found Mariam in the kitchen already setting up.


    "Good morning Ma''am" she greeted with a radiant smile on her face.


    Mariam who was alerted by the greetings, turned around to see Hera walking towards her.


    "Hera my child" she acknowledged the beautiful woman with a smile "I''m so d to see you. Thank you for not leaving."


    Hera flushed shyly "Well, sir came to apologize. He asked me not to go and also apologized for misbehaving with me and you also pleaded on his behalf so I decided to stay" she exined to the older woman.


    "Thank you for staying and thank you for forgiving him. He can be an asshole when he wants to be."


    "Ass...hole?" Hera repeated.


    It took Mariam a minute to know that thedy didn''t understand what she said so she didn''t to break it down in anguage that she would understand.


    "I mean that he can be stupid at times. He behaves just like a fox."


    Heraughed "I think sir is worse than a fox but I know that he has a good heart"


    "It''s nice to know that you try to see the good in everyone even when they don''t see the goodness themselves. It shows that you were indeed brought up nicely" sheplimented her


    "Thank you so much Ma''am. Now why don''t I finish here"


    "No no no" the older woman stopped her "I''m almost done with the dishes and food. You can go up to clean his room."


    His room? Again? How can she possibly go up there after yesterday''s incident. Was Mariam trying to send her into the fiery furnace.


    Hera shook her head frantically "I don''t want to"


    "I know what you must thinking but I can assure you that he''s not at home. He didn''te back from work yesterday and I wouldn''t possibly send you up there if he was around after what had happened. Do you think so lowly of me" she asked with a glint of sadness in her voice.


    "No. I''m sorry" she apologized "I just want to stay far away from him that''s all but if you say that he''s not home then I''ll go upstairs to clean up his bedroom."


    "It''s fine. I''ll be waiting for you downstairs so that we can have breakfast together alright?"


    Hera nodded "Of course Ma''am. Thank you so much." Hera thanked her gratefully and proceeded upstairs to her boss''s bedroom.


    She tried her best to quickly finish up whatever she was supposed to do and leave before hees back from wherever he went to and catches her here. Even though he had already apologized, she still didn''t have the courage to face him at all. At least not yet for the time being.

 Enveloped By Her Scent

    "That was one wild night" Mona eximed with a yawn. "I didn''t think that you still had it in you."


    "You didn''t think or you didn''t know?" He asked as he knotted his tie.


    He was already getting ready to leave the hotel.


    Mona was still lying naked underneath the sheets. She passed out cold after the sex and didn''t wake up until now.


    One would think that she was drugged but he knew better. His dick was more than any drugs a woman could ever ask for.


    "Both." She responds with a slight shrug. "Well you can''t me me. It''s been ages since youst visited so I thought that something must''ve happened butst night proved me wrong." Bryce smirked "I''m d the feeling is mutual."


    He had also thought that he was loosing his senses because of that maid but luckily, his mind and brains are still very much intact. Last night sexcapede has also proven him wrong. He still knew how to please a woman.


    Opening his suitcase, he brought out five bundles of mint dor notes and threw it at her.


    "Now this is why I like you. You know the way to a woman''s heart" shemends and picks up the bundle of cash from where he had thrown it and sniffed on one of the bundle.


    "I''ll let you know if I ever need your services again but for the meantime, thank you forst night mi amor"


    "I''ll be waiting." She waved at him before he exited the suite.


    Mona was still feeling sore down there so she decided to rest for a while.


    There''s no way in hell she''s stepping out of this room anytime soon.


    Bryce left the hotel after taking his keys from the Valet. He ced a call across to Ne to meet him at home and also to his secretary to handle things at work because he won''t be showing up for work today. He needed a break to catch his breath and he was going to get it.


    ***


    "Who is it?" Hera asked as she walked towards the front door of her apartment.


    She was a bit skeptical to open the door.


    What if it was her boss? What if he has changed his mind about her keeping the job and wants to throw her out of his mansion?


    Well, you wouldn''t know until you open the door. Her subconscious pped her so she took a deep breath and twisted the door knob to see who was there. Surprisingly, it was Bryce''s dog, King.


    She found herself smiling at the furry animal who had it''s tongue stuck outside it''s mouth as it took in repeated ragged breaths.


    "It''s you, King" she acknowledged.


    The dog barked at the mention of his name. He seemed to understand her too.


    Before she could say anything more, He walked past her and made its way straight into her apartment.


    "Hold on little fe" she called after it before shutting the door.


    Inside her apartment, He sat down waiting for her.


    "You''re really something you know? You don''t just walk into a woman''s house without permission King" she chided him yfully as she patted his head.


    "Are you hungry?" She asked and then mentally pped herself for asking if the dog was hungry. Even if he was, he can''t understand her. He was an animal.


    "Where''s your Master?" She asked again "I bet you''re lonely because he''s not around. You''re wee to spend the day with me. I don''t mind at all."


    Hera left him sitting there and proceeded into the kitchen to grab her bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. She put some meat on a bowl for King and they both ate and chatted. Actually, she chatted with him.


    At mid afternoon, she heard a slight knock on the door.


    She quickly rushed for it, thinking that it was Mariam but to her surprise, it was her boss.


    "Good afternoon sir" she greeted with her head bowed down slightly.


    "Good afternoon Hera. I''m here to retrieve my dog" he announced.


    He came all the way here for King? Why would he do that? He could''ve just sent someone toe and fetch him rather than going through the trouble ofing himself. But who was she to judge? It was his decision anyways. "He came here himself. I didn''t take him" she tried to exin herself so that she doesn''t get into trouble.


    "I never said you did." was his reply before he made his way past her into her apartment.


    What is it with everyone walking into her house without permission?


    Bryce looked around the house. It was decorated and arranged neatly. He hasn''t stepped a foot into this ce because he had no reason to but all of a sudden, it was as if something was always pulling him here.


    The room scented of purevender. The type he smelt on her hair yesterday.


    He was equally surprised to see King seated on the floor as well.


    Looks like the both of them has the same attraction.


    Hera watched as Bryce dominated her entire space. Her apartment suddenly felt small with him in it. She felt like a dwarf in the presence of a huge giant.


    "I can''t believe he came all the way here. King never associates with anyone so it''s a bit surprising to find him here with you."


    "I guess he was just looking forpany." Came her soft reply. "You can take him back home now. I''m pretty sure he misses you a lot. Plus, he finished all my meatballs."


    King barked at the revtion causing Bryce to chuckle.


    "I think that he''s upset because you just ratted him out" He said in betweenughs.


    "It was never my intention though." He defends wide eyed.


    Hera bent down to pat his head lovingly before muttering an apology.


    Bryce watched her closely. There was something about her innocence that draws him closer to her. He had vowed never to make any contact with her and now he''s here, in her apartment. Just standing with her has suddenly turned him into an animal on heat. And to think that he just got back from a night of wild sex.


    "Alright buddy. Let''s give thedy some privacy" he called after King as he made his way outside her apartment.


    "I need you in the Mansion" he announced when they both got outside.


    "Why sir?"


    "I''m suddenly in the mood for coffee. Make some and bring it to my bedroom" he ordered before walking away. His bedroom?


    The fear of the unknown suddenly washes over her. She has been avoiding his bedroom at all cost since yesterday. Why does it have to be his bedroom of all ces?


    Dear lord. What kind of a test is this? And why are you suddenly creating this type of problems in my path?

 Nothing But Pure Lust

    Hera swallowed hard before making her way towards the mansion.


    She entered the kitchen and turned on the coffee maker.


    After heating the coffee, she poured some into a cup and ced it on a tray with the bottle containing sugar and milk before making her way towards his bedroom.


    As she made her way towards his bedroom, she wondered why her boss wanted her to serve him coffee instead of Mariam. Again, what does he want from her? When she got to the door of his bedroom, she knocked softly as she waited for his approval.


    "Come in." His voice echoed from inside the bedroom and she twisted the door knob before letting herself in.


    Bryce was seated at the edge of the bed.


    He was undressed as usual and didn''t seem bothered about it neither does he give a fucking care in the world about it. His head was faced down as he tried to remove his socks. "Here''s your coffee sir?" She alerted him. He whipped his head towards her direction to see her holding a tray in front of him.


    "Did you add some sugar and milk?"


    "I didn''t know the quantity you would like so I brought it here." She answered. Her throat suddenly bing dry.


    "Two teaspoons of sugar and one tablespoon of milk is okay." He instructed


    "Okay."


    Hera walked past him and ced the tray on his desk before proceeding to open up the jar containing the sugar and milk.


    She put in the quantity that he had requested before stirring it and handing it over to him.


    "Here you go sir"


    He took it gratefully "Thank you"


    Hera picked up to tray to exit his bedroom but his voice stopped her in her tracks.


    "Are you that eager to run away from me?" He had asked when he saw how fast she reached for the door knob.


    "Yes sir...I mean no sir" she stuttered, not knowing what she was supposed to do now. He just interrupted her quick getaway so she''s kind of stuck here.


    "Sorry sir but I''m not supposed to be here alone with you." She stated as she held unto the tray for dear life.


    "You don''t have to be afraid of me Hera. I don''t bite and even if I did, I most certainly won''t bite you."


    She gulped. What does he mean? And why is he saying such things to her?


    "Of course you don''t bite. You''re not a dog like King." she interpreted his statement in the best way that she could understand.


    Bryce tried his very best to stifle hisugh. She really had no idea about what he was talking about. Damn! He''s heard stories about people like her but this was the first time he was seeing it. If only she knew that he was a bigger dog, a PREDATOR, She would''ve reversed that statement in no time.


    "I do bite Hera" He muttered in a low voice "And my bite is worse than that of a dog''s."


    What other bite is worse than that of a dog? She thought to herself. Is he probably making reference to another animal?


    Bryce ced the coffee on his lips and took a sip. He moaned with his eyes closed.


    "It tastes good. Best coffee I''ve ever had." Hemends.


    "I simply just made it as you told me."


    He stood up from the bed after cing the coffee on the stool beside him as he made his way towards her in slow strides. He stopped a few feet away from her so that he doesn''t scare her off. "I want to apologize properly for kissing you yesterday." "I''m sorry too sir" she said "For pping you on your cheeks." She added in her usual soft voice.


    "Are we even now?"


    "All even sir"


    "And please stop with the ''sir'' will you? It''s Bryce. At least you can call me that when we''re alone." He cautioned.


    What does he mean by that statement? Does he have ns of being alone with her? Cause she obviously doesn''t.


    "Does this mean that we''re on great terms now?"


    "It means that we''re friends sir...I mean Bryce" she corrected herself.


    Bryceughed out loud till his stomach hurts. FRIENDS?? Seriously. He doesn''t make friends with women. He woos them and fucks them till they cum on his dick.


    Besides, friendship was thest thing he had in mind. He wanted her. The only reason he''s going through all this trouble of apologizing is because he wanted her close to him. And another reason why he''s been so patient taking his time with her is because she was from a convent. Dammit!! I thought you said that you don''t do nuns. Well, I wouldn''t if one who wasn''t as sexy as an angel from a convent showed up in his house as a fucking maid. He thought to himself.


    Man! He''s screwed. In the worst way possible.


    Hera looked at him intently. She was wondering what was going through his mind at the moment.


    "You seriously want to be friends with me?" He asked incredulously.


    She hesitated a bit before she spoke "If it''s okay with you" her eyes were glued to the ground.


    Well, if it''s friendship she wanted then it''s friendship she''s going to get. "Alright then."


    He moved a step closer to her, sealing the remaining bridge between them.


    "Wh-What are you doing sir?" She asked moving backwards till her back hit the closed door.


    Bryce brought his head closer to her face as he stared down at her.


    Hera squirmed as his hot breath fanned her cheeks.


    "You wanted to be friends with me right?" He asked "Let''s seal that friendship now shall we?" He continued when she doesn''t respond.


    "This isn''t right" she murmured.


    "Let me be the judge of that"


    Before Hera could assimte what he meant, he tilted her face upwards and his mouth crashed down to hers.


    Bryce drunk from her lips like a thirsty man who was drinking from a gourd of water that was presented to him.


    He promised not to kiss her but yet each taste of her felt better than thest time.


    A small moan escaped from Hera''s mouth and that was his undoing.


    Her eyes snapped shut as his tongue mated with hers in a fiery kiss that seemed to set her whole body on fire.


    Somewhere inside her, there was deep need and longing.


    The feeling was all new for her and she doesn''t understand why her body was acting the way it did.


    Why was she aching for more even when it felt wrong.


    "This is nothing but pure lust Hera." Her voice echoed inside her head. She needed to stop him from kissing her. It took all her will-power to push him away and when she did, she rushed out of his bedroom.

 Friends Shouldnt Know How You Taste

    Hera rushed into her apartment, mmed the door behind her back and hurriedly bolted it.


    Her heart was thudding against her ribcage. It felt like she just ran a marathon. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as her breathing increased rapidly.


    She thought about what just happened and her stomach fluttered. It felt like a volcano just erupted inside her. One with hot, boiling, thickva.


    Why is all of this happening to her? Why does it feel so good when it''s supposed to be bad?


    She touched her chest to keep herself still but it wasn''t working. She felt like a machine that was programmed to hyper speed.


    She wanted to be mad. She wanted to cuss at her boss but she couldn''t. In as much as she doesn''t want to admit it, the feeling she got from the kiss felt good and for some reason, her legs are shaking and there''s this tingling sensation that is rippling through her abdomen. This is a sin! A very big sin.


    She was supposed to serve God and only be sexually intimate with a man that''s supposed to be her husband.


    No!


    She can''t take this anyone. She''s going to give him a piece of her mind. Whatever that means.


    She''s going to let him know that she doesn''t want to be in any kind of sexual rtionship with him and she''s going to do that as soon as possible.


    Having made up her mind, she reached for the door knob and twisted it open before proceeding to Bryce''s bedroom.


    Luckily, when she arrived, he was fully clothed and going through some files on his desk.


    "S-Sir" she stuttered.


    Bryce was lost in thoughts as he flipped through the files but her voice had managed to slip him back to reality. It was the calmest voice he had ever heard and something about it always manages to get to him. Standing up to his feet, he stalked towards her.


    "Stop!" She shunned him. His legs stopped in an instant as if it was being controlled by an unseen force.


    "I''m sorry for b-barging in like this but I don''t have any choice" she went on.


    A smile found its way to Bryce''s lips.


    Finally, she wants him just as much as he wants her. Finally she''s here to beg him to have his way with her, Finally....


    "I want you to stop kissing me Sir" She dropped the bomb. Her eyes unable to meet his.


    "What?" He asked with furrowed brows. What did she just say because he didn''t hear correctly?


    Mostdies will do anything to grab this opportunity but she was doing her best to avoid him and throw it away.


    "You promised mest time" she trembled "And you broke it."


    Her eyes had already started to water as tears gathered in them.


    Fuck!


    He wasn''t expecting this now. He doesn''t care if a woman cries but sadly he doesn''t want this particr woman to. Each time a single drop falls from her eyes, something inside him stirs. "Promises are sacred" she continued "You don''t break promises that you make to someone. It''s wrong but you keep on breaking yours and I don''t like it."


    Did she just rehearse this line? How is she so bold to talk to him that way? Isn''t she scared of him?


    "Please don''t kiss me like that again"


    Bryce said nothing. There''s no way in hell he''s ever going to keep that promise, not after he''d gotten a taste of her.


    "Sir?" Hera persisted, her eyes darkening in anger at his silence.


    The woman might p him again. He found himself nodding his head, hiding his amusement very well.


    She rxed visibly and stepped further away from him. He watched her as she turned back and made for the door. Damn! She has the prettiest ass.


    "Why don''t you like me kissing you?" He asked the one question that had been troubling his mind.


    He knew that he was handsome and could get a lot of girls If he wanted to but this girl was proving too stubborn. "Because we''re friends." She simply replied.


    He scoffed "Friends?" He asked bewildered "But some friends kiss all the time." He drawled amusingly.


    "That doesn''t mean it''s right. It doesn''t make it right." She breathed.


    Bryce felt like he was stuck between a rock and a hard ce.


    "Are you kidding me right now?" He asked feeling exasperated. "It was just a kiss Hera"


    "A kiss is supposed to be shared with someone whom you have strong rtions and feelings with Sir and not just anyone." she lectured him.


    "And how are you supposed to know if you have strong feelings for someone when you can''t taste them?"


    "Only married couples should kiss sir. People who love themselves, like your parents for example" she blurted


    Bryce face crumpled at the mention of his parents. Why would she have to use that as an example even if she wanted to?


    "My parents never loved themselves" His voice held a note that she''s never heard before.


    "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked, somehow she felt her heart reaching out to him.


    Bryce was silent for a while "It''s a long story, one that I have absolutely no intentions of telling."


    It was Hera''s turn to be silent now "I''m sorry for saying that. I guess it''s a sour subject." She said gently, as if reaching out to a beaten child.


    Bryceughed mirthlessly, wondering why she was apologizing. She always finds new ways to amuse him all the time. The look on her face is something that he can''tprehend either. "It''s alright Hera, it''s not your fault. I believe that I also have an apology to make."


    He walked closer to her, Hera''s breath caught in her throat. She forced herself not to take a step back. "A-Apologize for what?" She stammered as she gripped the hem of her clothes tightly. He moved a bit closer and stopped a feet away from her "I wanna apologize for kissing you again."


    Hera breathed nervously, he was standing too close to her "It''s alright Sir, I forgive you."


    A smile tugged at his lips "But that doesn''t mean that this would be thest time I would kiss you again. The next time I kiss you, I promise that you would be the one asking for it."

 Prey And Predators

    Hera swallowed visibly at his statement. She thought that she had somehow managed to reach out to him but here he was, telling her that he won''t stop and that she would be the one begging for it. Why would he even say that? She thought that she had somehow managed to reach out to him but it was pointless. He wasn''t listening to a single word that she just said.


    Her eyes wandered everywhere around his bedroom but his face.


    She couldn''t bring herself to look at him. Not after what he just said to her.


    The sisters at the Convent weren''t lying when they said that the outside world wasn''t a safe ce for innocent people.


    She felt like a prey walking in the midst of hungry, blood thirsty predators who would pounce on her anytime soon.


    He towered over her as he spoke, "You don''t have to worry about me touching you." He groaned in a deep voice. "And besides, I don''t touch my employees except they want me to. And trust me, they always beg me to." He said with an air of finality. "I am not like your previous employees Sir." She challenged him. Bryce was taken aback. He most definitely wasn''t expecting this.


    "I''ll take my leave now" she muttered before exiting his bedroom.


    Halfway through the stairs, she bumped into someone.


    "I''m so sorry sir" she apologized with her head bowed down. "I swear I didn''t mean to." Why was she always caught up in the middle of these problems.


    "Hey it''s alright doll!" He stopped her from bbing. "I''m fine. Thank you."


    "Okay"


    "Is your boss in?"


    She pointed upstairs "Yes, he''s in his bedroom"


    Hera replied sharply before proceeding to make her way out of the mansion.


    Max grinned from ear to ear as he watched her leave.


    Damn! The bitch was loaded.


    Making his way towards Bryce''s room, he stopped at the entrance and knocked on the door softly.


    "Hera?" The door flew open in an instant.


    Bryce was disappointed as his countenance fell drastically at the person who he saw standing outside the door. He was hoping that she hade back to him but how wrong had he been, it was none other than max. "You look disappointed" Max pointed out to him.


    "Is it because I''m not miss hot and sexy who just left?"


    "Shut up!" Bryce shunned him before walking back inside, leaving Max to follow.


    "I never knew you employed a hot maid." Max eximed "Jesus, that bitch is fire!"


    Bryce eyed him and his mouth snapped shut "She''s not a bitch and her name is Hera."


    Maxughed "You even know her name? This girl has really done a number on you. Have you tasted her yet?"


    Bryce took his seat as he pretended to ignore the question. "Nope. Apparently she wants us to be friends. Whatever that means." Bryce muttered thest part under his breath.


    Max eyes widened in surprise "She friend zoned you? Fuck that''s brutal!"


    Bryce''s mind drifted to what had happened earlier. He wanted so much to believe that he had been dreaming but it wasn''t a dream. She did tell him that she wanted absolutely nothing to do with him in a sexual kind of way.


    "I can''t believe that you got friend zoned" Max mocked "Does she know that you''re a hot shot in Los Angeles? Women trip over you all the time."


    "She lectured me Max" Bryce felt his ego being bruised as he recounted what had happened "So told me that only married people should kiss and have sex."


    Max was really roaring now. His eyes had already started to water fromughing too hard.


    "Damn the nerves of that girl!" He mumbled "I don''t me her though, she''s from a fucking convent." Bryce dropped the bombshell.


    "Hell no!" Max shook his head in denial "That freaking goddess is from a convent?"


    "Full blown nun if I must say."


    "That shouldn''t be a problem for you then. You don''t do nuns remember?" Max reminded him.


    Yeah, he doesn''t do nuns but sometimes one''s perspective''s gotta change right?


    "Listen, she might be a virgin for all we know" Max deadpanned.


    It was Bryce''s turn tough now. "Yeah right. That makes me a saint then" He said in betweenughs "There are no fucking virgins Max. That shit is old." "I''m telling you that she could be a virgin."


    Bryce shook his head "Not a chance Max!"


    "How about I have a taste to confirm?" Max insisted and Bryce''s face res up in anger.


    "Cool down big guy. You don''t do nuns and you hate virgins so how about I take that problem off your hands." Max offered with a wide grin on his face.


    "No!" Bryce replied sharply.


    "Come on dude. Don''t go all greedy on me now. You don''t even want the bitch."


    "She considers me her friend and friends don''t sell each other to people who can''t can''t control their sexual desires and is controlled by their dick instead of their brain."


    "You know that she''d be more safer with me than she ever will with you" Max gave him a cornered look Bryce shrugged like he didn''t see it.


    "You''re the manwhore here" he pressed "Tell me that you haven''t kissed her yet?"


    "I''m not answering that" He stated when he remembered thest kiss they shared together. Well technically, he kissed her and she ran out after that so he''s pretty sure that it doesn''t count because he doesn''t know if she liked it or not. "Come on dude. We share women amongst ourselves all the time. Why is she any different."


    "Correction" Bryce began "We fuck women amongst ourselves. Don''t give people the wrong ideas and plus, Hera is off limits even to you."


    Max looked at his friend. He couldn''t believe what he was hearing.


    He wondered if it was the Bryce that he knows or that someone had managed to take his ce. Bryce was a sex machine that doesn''t give a fuck about women only when they''re straddled underneath him so why does he care so much about this one? How is she any different from the others?


    "She''s too innocent and I can''t risk her getting close to you."


    "What if she''s already had sex and just doesn''t want to do that with you?" Max argued.


    Bryce face tightened in a frown. The fact that someone else might''ve touched her doesn''t sit well with him.


    "It could be possible but even if she has then it must be with a boring guy from the Convent so it doesn''t count."


    "She really has you wrapped around her fingers" Max said incredulously.


    "Why did youe all this way Max?" Bryce asked, staring at him with intent.


    "I heard that Natalie is in town." Max informed him with a smile.


    "No way!"


    "She is so I thought that you could use that piece of information to your advantage."


    Max watched as all the colors drained from Bryce''s face only to be reced by something he couldn''t describe.


    "I will have her!" He swore to himself. A solemn promise that he intends to keep.

 The Gorgeous Fuck Boy Of Los Angeles

    Max left Bryce hourster after his visit. He couldn''t believe that Natalie is in town. It was finally his turn to get revenge.


    He was going to use as her bait and then discard her like she meant absolutely nothing. Oh he will relish her to the point that she begs for her life when she is straddled underneath him. The slutty bitch!


    Thinking about it pumped some sort of excitement through his veins. He''s going to woo her with his charms and then make sure that she wouldn''t be able to walk for the many years toe.


    Max had given him the address to the hotel where she was currently lodged in aynow it''s about time he makes his move.


    Stepping into the bathroom, he takes a cold shower then applied some lotion into his skin after toweling himself dry. Reaching for his wardrobe, he pulls out a simple tank top with Jeans and finished the look with a pair of white sneakers.


    Satisfied with how he looked, he spritz a generous amount of perfume before picking up his car keys and exiting the bedroom.


    Outside his mansion, he took one look at Hera''s apartment and a bile of guilt rose to his throat. He felt as though he was betraying her. Well it wasn''t betrayal if she only wants him as a friend. Plus, she said that they can''t share a kiss or have sex and until he changes her mind and fucks her like crazy, he''s going to make do with other options.


    Technically, he was keeping his promise by doing it to other women instead of her. Well yed!


    He shrugged and got into his Mercedes Benz E350 4Matic, started the ignition before pulling out of the building.


    Bryce arrived at Preston Hotel and took a seat at the reception area. He picked up a magazine that he sawying around and decided to nce through as he waited for the woman of the hour. The one that would be gracing his bed soon.


    As if on cue, she walked out of the elevator towards where he was seated on the quality stress reliving couch. She was d In ck crop top and and a white ir skirt. Her feet were covered in thigh high boots and her lips was covered in a sultry red lipstick. Her curls fell in thick strands over her shoulders. She looked like a porn star that fell straight out of magazine.


    His cock twitched when he thought about the crazy things that he was going to do to her.


    He saw her whisper something to the receptionist before she exited the hotel. Bryce followed till they arrived at the parking lot.


    She was waiting for an Uber so he pretended to identally brush past her, making his belongings fall to the ground.


    "Shoot!" She eximed as she bent down to help pick them out.


    Bryce took the opportunity to steal nces at her inner thighs. He bet they were as refreshing as they looked.


    "I''m so sorry" she apologize, snapping him back from his sex dazed world.


    "It''s okay. I had no idea-"


    "Bryce?" She called out when her eyes came in contact with the person she had knocked down. She looked at him shocked. He could see the expression on her face as she tried to take him in. He was a beauty to behold after all. "Oh my goodness Natalie" He feigned surprised "I can''t believe that it''s you. What are you doing here?"


    He helped up find her footing as they both stood up.


    "I just got back from the states. I decided toe and see my parents and head back. College remember?"


    He gasped "Wow. I''m so happy for you."


    "Thanks. I didn''t think I''d see you again after the newspaper incident." She said avoiding his eyes.


    She had once published an article on him when she was an intern in one of those broadcasting houses. She came in disguise to take a survey but ended up digging more than intended.


    He read the papers then. She wrote the he was a whore and flirt that had slept with different women. Even went further to address him as the gorgeous fuck boy of Los Angeles which proceeded to tarnish his reputation.


    He spent a great deal to clear his name and destroy the papers from the web but then and there, he promised himself that he was going to have her as well. He won''t be the fuck boy if he doesn''t taste the one person that called him that. Plus, that was far from the reason why he wanted to have sex with her.


    He rolled his eyes dramatically "Forget about that Natalie. It''s all in the past now." He waved her off.


    She breathed in relief "Thank You. I felt kinda bad after the incident."


    "How about we forget about it. Deal?" He extended his hands and she took it gratefully.


    "Deal."


    "So where are you headed?" He asked, changing the subject.


    She looked around "My friends and I are having a girls night at the Achilles club so I''m headed right there now."


    "No wonder you look so damn pretty" heplimented and her cheeks heated up in a blush.


    "Thank you."


    "Mind if I drop you off at the club? It''s actually on my way."


    "I don''t want to be a bother and plus, I''m waiting for my Uber X"


    He shrugs her off "Oh please. For old times sake?"


    He thought about it for a while before nodding her head in approval "Alright then."


    Bryce led her to where his car was parked and opened the door for her.


    She got in and seatedfortably. She must''ve have been wondering how he was such a perfect gentleman.


    The foolish girl. He was going to be more than a perfect gentleman tonight.


    She ruined his life and he was going to do same as well.


    Opening the door to the other side, he stepped in and gave her a gracious smile before starting the ignition.


    First stop, The club and next, my bed with you screaming out your lungs.


    The thought of it brought a satisfied smile to his lips. He still had time though. The night was far from over and this was only but the beginning.

 Finger-Fucked In A Bar

    They arrived at the club and Bryce insisted on going in with Natalie.


    He told her that he wanted to get a drink and would leave afterwards. She agreed even though she doesn''t know why though. He could tell that she felt somewhat uneasy in his presence but he didn''t care. He was getting that pussy tonight. Bryce insisted on having his drink from the VIP area. It was usually very private and less crowded.


    She muttered a yes and he left her to her friends. He wouldn''t want to make her feel too conscious and scare her off. He wanted her toe to him and not the opposite.


    When he arrived at the VIP section, he sat down and ced a call across to Max. He told him to make the necessary requirements for the night.


    Then he asked the bartender to send drinks to Natalie and her friends.


    Bryce sipped his wine as he watched the bartender carry out his bidding. His eyes was fixated on Natalie who was surprised to see the order. She turned around and waved her ss to thank him and he did the same. Soon enough, she was climbing up the stairs toe and see him. The security let her in after gaining clearance from him.


    "Hi" she greeted, sitting next to him on the exquisite couch.


    His lips breaks out in a smirk "You''re here?" He asked with furrowed brows.


    "Yeah!" She half yelled so that he could hear her voice over the music. "I see that you haven''t left yet?"


    He rxed himself on the chair facing her "I want to but then, I decided to stick around a bit."


    "Why?" She pressed "Are you waiting for someone? A hot shot perhaps?" She teased.


    Heughed at her statement "I believe I''m the hot shot here and I don''t have to find them, they find me instead."


    Natalie rolled her eyes at his ego. He had a lot of it for someone who dominated the female poption "Thank You for the drinks."


    He waved her off "It''s fine. I really don''t mind."


    "You know I really thought that you were stalking me and intentionally followed me here but I guess it was all in my head." She voiced out.


    "I told you it was all in the past. Share a drink with me?" He offered, filling her ss with vodka.


    "Of course."


    They clinked their sses and he watched her take a sip while he engaged her in different conversations.


    Bryce noticed when the alcohol slipped in. She was getting flustered with each passing minute that he had to stop her at some point from drinking.


    "You know..." She started "I''m d that I''m here right now"


    "Won''t your friends-" she shushed him with her fingers. Her other hand supporting her throbbing head.


    "They won''t even know that I''m gone. How''s it like when you have sex with those women Bryce?" She asked, pushing herself closer to him. He knew that it was the alcohol speaking. "That''s a question I normally ask, not the other way round" He replied, eyes staring at her exposed cleavage.


    "Is this another survey?" He teased and sheughed.


    "It''s not. I actually don''t want to do that right now."


    "What do you want to do then?"


    She raised her hands to trace his Jawline reaching down to his hard muscles that ran down his torso.


    "I want you to touch me Bryce." She said with a pout.


    He smiled. Mission aplished.


    "You''re going to regret this decision by tomorrow mi amor." He drawled seductively.


    She shook her head "No I won''t. I want you to touch me and I want it now."


    Pulling her up to sit on his thighs, he ced her legs at both sides of him then traced his hands over the edge of her covered breasts. Her pussy was rested directly on his hard and turgid flesh. She threw her head back as mixed emotions sizzled through her, all at once.


    Pulling her head down towards him, he took her mouth in a feverent kiss. She moaned into his mouth and it only encouraged him to push further, delving deeper.


    When they pulled apart, she was gasping for air.


    "Let''s not do t-this anymore" she stuttered but Bryce moved his hips so that his dick touched her core. She shivered from the intense friction.


    "Oh fuck!" She gasped, eyes closed as she enjoyed the contact of his dick to her pussy.


    "Do you want me to stop?" He asked, teasing herpletely.


    "I don''t know" she replied, her eyes still closed as she arched herself closer to him.


    She was moaning loudly but the music from the stereo was too loud for anyone to pick up anything.


    He nibbled on her ears and bit his way down to her chest "Do you want me to touch you?"


    "Yes please" she whispered, her breathsing in pants.


    Bryce slipped his hands under her dress and released her breasts from it''s confinement. He rubbed and pinched and teased softly. Her nipples puckered as they became hard. "Oh my god!" She reeled her head from the impact of the assault.


    Dipping his head, he took her nipple into his mouth and sucked on the soft flesh. She shivered at the contact as he sucked her ravenously In hard tugs.


    Bryce buried himself in her bosom while his hands worked on the other breasts.


    She doesn''t taste like Hera. His brain reminded him but he managed to push the thoughts to the back of his head. He wanted to savour this moment. Sliding his hands lower, he lifted up her skirt and touched her on her swollen clit through her panties.


    "Oooh!" She quivered, rubbing her clit on his hands to create more friction.


    He rubbed and sucked till she was thrashing from under him.


    Just when she thought that she''d had enough, he shifted her panties to the side and inserted two fingers deep inside her wet hole.


    "Holy fuck!" She tried to force herself to stand up but he held her in ce as he plummeted his fingers deeper, breaking past her barrier. "Yes...oh god yes!" She screamed.


    Bryce had her on the edge now but he was determined to push her further.


    Twisting his hands inside her tight sheath, he thrusted deeper and faster, his lips still glued to her round and perky boobs.


    He pushed her to the edge till she came all over his thighs. Beads of sweat rolled down her face as she tried to still her already convulsing body. Stroking his chin, she spoke "I want you to fuck me Bryce."

 Did You Squirt For Me?

    "What did you say?" He asked trailing kisses up her neck down to her chest area. He slipped his fingers out of her pussy and tasted her essence on his tongue.


    Natalie stared at him as he licked on his fingers. She found the mere sight of him doing that highly erotic.


    "You taste like fresh mint." He closed his eyes and hummed on his fingers.


    Natalie felt her womanhood tightened. Her lower abdomen spasmed and fluttered. She doesn''t know if it was the alcohol talking but she wanted him to do that to her and more. She reached for his jeans but he stopped her halfway with a wicked smile.


    "You don''t need to rush" He trailed his fingers on her already swollen bud and pinched. "I''ve got you little one."


    Bryce adjusted her dress and led her outside the club. Her legs were still shaking that at some point, he had to carry her all the way to his car.


    When he got in, he pulled out of the building and made a U-turn to his penthouse.


    Earlier, he had called Max and told him to help set up the room and his buddy was very happy to be given such task.


    When they arrived, he led her inside the penthouse to his bedroom.


    She wasn''t that drunk but a lot tipsy. She had a lot to drink.


    The minute he mmed the door shut, he got into a heated dualbat with her lips. He kissed her like his life depended on it, making sure to touch that sensitive spot just between her legs.


    "I want to im you Natalie" he said in a husky voice, breaking the kiss for a short moment.


    She stared at him. Her eyes were dazed but he wouldn''t stop.


    "Would you let me?"


    She squirmed when he kneaded her breasts together with his palm through her clothes.


    "Yes..." She threw her head back "im me Bryce. Touch me"


    He mmed his lips back to her demanding mouth and sucked on them vigorously. She was out of breath and tried to stop him but he only continued.


    When he finally pulled away, her lips were already red and swollen.


    "Come to bed with me" He offered, walking her close to the bed till she was seated on it.


    He tugged off her clothes and skirt and proceeded to do the same with her shoes. He left her with just her bra andce panties.


    Pushing to the bed, he hovered over her and kissed her deeply on her full lips.


    "Let''s have ourselves a lite BDSM shall we?" He questioned.


    Before Natalie could assimte what was going on, he had her left hand strapped to a pair of handcuffs that ran from the bed down the ceiling.


    "What are you doing?" She asked, gaining some clearance. She looked more sober than she was five minutes ago.


    "I''m doing what you want me to do. You told me to fuck you and that''s what I''m about to do" He grimaced.


    He grasped her right hand and strapped it to the cuff at the other side of the bed.


    "Please don''t do this Bryce." She kicked and pped her legs but he only smiled and strapped them to the chains at the end of the bed.


    "I have a boyfriend" she whispered softly "I don''t want to cheat on him please."


    Bryce gave a low chuckle "You came onto me willingly at the bar mi amor. You asked for this and now I''m going to make sure that the only name you scream is my name and oh, will I make you scream." He swore vehemently. She shook her head sideways in disagreement..she doesn''t want this.


    "Feel free to make all the noise you want because you are under the mercy of the gorgeous fuck boy."


    Her eyes flew open at that statement.


    "Please Bryce..." Her words caught up in her throat when he kissed her heated core through her panties. Gosh! It''s supposed to feel wrong but it feels good.


    He licked her clit through the thin fabric of her panties and she jerked.


    She wanted to push him off her but it was impossible with these cuffs that was tied to.


    He licked up and down her clit repeatedly till she was thrashing. Her toes curled up in pleasure.


    "Oh fuck!"


    "Tell me that you want me" he teased.


    "Never" she challenged.


    He only smiled and grazed his teeth on the surface of her clit. She spasmed and lets out a hot fluid involuntarily from her opening.


    "You don''t want me but you squirt for me?" He asked amusingly "That''s not fair mi amor." He groaned


    "Stay away from me" she pleaded but he responded by sucking on her swollen bud. He sucked on her till she had her first orgasm, all the while muttering words that he couldn''t understand. "Yes god yes!" she moaned with her eyes closed.


    Bryce tore the panties off her her to expose her well shaved and glistening pussy.


    "Beautiful" he mumbled and inserted a finger inside her. She thrashed and thrusted forward to meet his assaulting fingers.


    "Fuck me like that, yes" she moaned loudly.


    Bryce added another finger as his mouth sucked on her. She screamed out his name. Her body was on fire, hot liquid fire.


    He thrusted faster and she came in his mouth with a loud scream. He stood up and licked off every drop of her cum in his mouth.


    "I''m better than your boyfriend Natalia, you know that too and I know you want my C?ck more than you want his."


    With that being said, he dropped his pants to the ground and got rid if his clothes. Natalie stared at his monstrous manhood. She gulped fearfully, wondering if he would fit inside her. She watched him rub the cap of his hardened cock before he got to bed next to her.


    Natalie moaned loudly as Bryce teased her pussy with his dick. He rubbed on it till she felt herself getting more wetter than before.


    "Mmmh" He groaned softly.


    In one swift movement, he ced his cock at her extrance and thrusted deeper.


    "Oh my fucking goddddd!" She drawled when he waspletely buried inside her.


    He moved slowly at first and began to increase his pace with each stroke he took.


    "Oh yes, fuck that pussy." She screamed out as he rammed into her hot pussy continuously.


    The sound of skin to skin pping themselves and their erratic breathing added tension in the bedroom.


    "Tell me you love my dick" He rubbed on her clit and she struggled to catch her breath.


    "I love your cock. Don''t stop fucking me!" She proimed. "Don''t you dare stop fucking me!"


    He unsped her bra and pped her breasts till they were fiery red.


    Then he dipped his head and took a nipple into his mouth.


    Natalie''s body was on fire now as she writhed from side to side. She wanted him to stop but then she needed him to continue fucking her.


    "Take my pussy Bryce. Fuck yes!" she chanted loudly when he hit that spot where all sensations magnified by a hundred folds.


    "I''m gonna cum, fuck!" She screamed till she was thrashing. Her hair fell over her face as her eyes rolled to the back of her bed. "Cum for me Natalie!" He urged, rubbing her clit more desperately.


    "Oh yes fcckkkk!" she let out a loud piercing scream as she exploded on his fingers.


    He pulled out of her tight sheath and licked her dry.


    "How about we go for round two?" He asked with a widened grin on his face.

 Friends With Benefits

    The next morning, Bryce sat down next to the balcony of the huge bedroom and threw his face outside the window.


    He asionally threw nces at the nakeddy sleeping peacefully on his bed. He had the strangest urge to wake her up but who was he kidding, he did a number on her anyways so it''s only fair that she''s still asleep. Soon enough, he heard her mumble and her eyes fluttered open to take in her current environment.


    Fear and terror nketed her face but she quickly became calm when her eyes found Bryce seated at the far end of the bedroom.


    He was fully naked and didn''t bother to cover up.


    His lips stretched into a full blown smile and she was forced to smile back at him.


    Her body ached down there but she wasn''t in the leastining about it.


    Without bothering to cover up, she stood up from the huge master''s bed and and rounded the bed to where he was seated.


    She ced her legs on both side if his thigh and straddled against him.


    Bryce didn''t move or say a word.


    Who was he toin after all?


    "Aren''t you supposed to yell or shout at me?" He asked when she didn''t say anything but only straddled on his thighs with a solemn look on her face.


    "I want to but then I also wanted to say thank you." She blurted out, shocking him.


    "Why?" He asked, brows knitted together in ardent confusion.


    "I broke up with my boyfriend." She sighed heavily "The only reason why I agreed to go to the club was because I needed a distraction. I wanted to take my mind off things. And then you came along and made my job a whole lot easier." A small smile broke out on his lips.


    "So in order words, you needed me?" He grimaced, not breaking eye contact.


    "I was probably going to fuck some random dude but you were alright. It was better than any options I''ll ever have." She brushed his damp hair with her fingers and shifted closer so that her breast was stered on his chest. "Where are you going with this?"


    Bryce watched her inch closer to him "Let''s make a truce shall we?"


    "About?" He asked with furrowed brows.


    "How about we be friends with benefits. I want to forget about my shitty past and you''ll have me to your beck and call. It''s a win win for both of us." She suggested.


    Heughed "Listen, you don''t get to call the shots mi amor. What we had yesterday was purely just sex-"


    "And I''m not asking for more." She cut him short "I just want something to hold onto when I''m feeling bored and seeing the way I reacted to your touch, you''re a better candidate for the job."


    Bryce thought for a while. She was right. It was a win win situation but what she didn''t know was that he was going to be the biggest winner here.


    "Alright then." He agreed atst "I really don''t mind at all."


    She dipped down her head and kissed him on the lips. "Now let''s get started shall we?"


    ***


    Hera finished her job early.


    She had promised not to put herself in anypromising situations with her boss. She would do her very best to avoid him so that she won''t be lured into his life of sin.


    It would''ve been nice if he had agreed to let go of his sinful act but she knew better not to force him.


    But deep down she hoped that he would change because for some reason, she was drawn to him and she doesn''t like it.


    She arrived at her apartment and got inside to clean herself up. She missed her sister so dearly as well as the other sisters from the Convent. She doesn''t have a working phone otherwise she wouldn''t mind talking to them all the time. Maybe she would ask Mariam about it.


    She''s the only person here who would understand her plight and try to help her out of this predicament.


    Hera cooked her meal from thefort of her apartment, before deciding to meet up with Mariam.


    She got to the other side where Mariam lived and knocked softly on the door.


    The door swings open and Mariam peeked through.


    "Hera?" She called surprised. She quickly opened the door to let thedy inside.


    "Sorry for bothering you ma''am. But I need your help." She said with a glint of worry registered in her eyes.


    "Is everything alright?"


    Hera shook her head no.


    "I want to speak to my sister. I miss her but I have no idea on how to reach them. Is it okay for me to borrow your cellphone. Just for a few minutes? I promise I''ll give it back." She was quick to add.


    The older womanughed heartily.


    "But of course you can. Wait here."


    Mariam disappeared into her bedroom and came backter with what she had asked for.


    Hera took it gratefully "Thank You so much Ma''am."


    She brushed her like it was nothing but seeing the smile on Hera''s face just told her that it meant everything.


    "Feel free to use it whenever you want. You can always give it back afterwards."


    Hera threw her arms around her neck in a tight hug before hopping out of the building excitedly.


    She arrived at her apartment and brought out her diary where she had written down the contacts of everyone in the convent.


    She would call the sisters first and then Christina.


    She punched in the numbers and was about to hit the dial button when a knock resounded on her door.


    Maybe it was Mariam. She thought out loud.


    It couldn''t be her boss because she had already registered in her mind that he mighte homete today since he didn''t sleep at home.


    Keeping the phone down nicely, she stood up and stalked towards the door to open it.


    When she did, she was surprised to see none other than her boss standing at the entrance of her apartment.


    Her thin lips parted in confusion.


    Now what was he doing here by this time of the day?

 Complete Sexiness

    "Sir?" Hera called out, not believing who her eyes were staring at.


    He was the veryst person that she had been expecting to see. Why would he show up here? Hera studied him closely, he looked worn out and pretty much exhausted but she''ll be crazy before she tells him that. She was pretty certain that he knows that as well. "Are you okay sir?" She was forced to ask because he doesn''t look good at all.


    "Can Ie in?"


    Hera hesitated. Thest time they were alone together, he had kissed and done certain things that almost fried her senses. Was it worth it to risk letting him into her apartment? What if he does something worse to her?


    Bryce saw the indecision in her eyes as she fought within herself. He knows that he could be a prick but why couldn''t she trust him? He had promised not to touch her-yet.


    And he thought that they were finally on the same page? She was still very much scared of him.


    "I won''t do anything you don''t approve of" He added, and she looked up at his face to confirm if he was truly being sincere with her.


    A minute passed and then two before she finally let go of the door knob and shifted to the side for him to enter.


    She watched him take slow strides and she held the door for him, as though she was his entourage or personal bodyguard.


    He got in and she quietly shut the door before proceeding to the couch where she had left her items unused.


    "What are you doing?" He asked pulling off his shoes.


    Her eyes lit up at that question "I''m trying to call my sister from the Convent sir. I''ve really missed her. I haven''t been able to call ever since I started working here."


    "And why is that?" He questioned with an arched brow, expectantly waiting for her answer.


    She bit her lower lips nervously "Well because..." She trailed off. She was too embarrassed to tell him the reason but she knew that she has to because she cannot lie to him. She doesn''t lie.


    "I don''t have a cellphone" she blurted out "I promised to get one as soon I get my paycheck but that isn''t happening until the end of the month so I opted to use that of Mariam''s."


    "Is that what you were too scared to tell me?" He inquired and she nodded yes.


    Bryce looked at her closely. He doesn''t like them innocent but why is this one so different than the rest?


    "We''re going out tonight." He announced.


    He removed his shoespletely and rested his head on the couch that he was seated on.


    "But where are we going?" She asked, perplexed.


    Hera saw him close his eyes shut. Was he sleeping on her couch?


    There was no escaping from this now. He was in her apartment. What is she going to do now?


    "Sir?" She called out but only incoherent noises came as a reply. He was fast asleep and snoring lightly.


    Hera abandoned her mission. There''s no way she''s calling the sisters with a man in her apartment. If they should find the slightest idea about it, she''ll be doomed.


    She decided to take care of theundry that was lying hopelessly on the couch.


    Today was just not her day at all.


    ***


    Bryce didn''t know how long he passed out but when he opened his eyes, he realized that he wasn''t in his bedroom.


    He scanned the entire room and that''s when it hit him that he was in Hera''s apartment. He nced through his watch. It was alreadyte In evening. Damn!


    He rubbed his face slowly with his palm and straightened himself to full length. He had been so stressed out that he passed out without realizing it.


    "Where is Hera?" He asked no one in particr. He remembered seeing her on the couch before he fell asleep. Did she go somewhere?


    "Hera?" He called out again but he was only met with silence.


    Forcing himself up from the sofa, he walked around the apartment, starting from the kitchen to the small hallway that led to another room that he presumed was her bedroom. Just as he was about to turn back, he bumped into her.


    She clutched onto her towel a little too tightly when she realized that she just bumped into him. Bryce found it too difficult to look away. He felt the heated tension between them and it messed up his senses. "You''re awake?" She muttered, wishing that he would just leave without saying anything to her.


    "I um...I was looking for you and.." He trailed off, trying to focus and not get drowned by the beauty ofplete sexiness standing in front of him.


    "Oh." She mumbled incoherently "I decided to get ready. You said that we were going out tonight."


    "Shoot!"


    He took a quick nce at his watch. He had already promised to take her out for the evening. How could he have forgotten.


    "That''s right. Why don''t you get changed? I''ll pick you upter."


    He turned and dashed out of the house the minute he said that.


    Hera lets out a deep breath. She had been so nervous thinking that maybe he had caught her when she was trying to shower or something. Thank goodness that wasn''t the case.


    She would go out with him and thene back to call the sisters.


    Hera changed out of her towel and wore one of her nice dresses. A simple shirt and a pencil skirt. She tied her blonde hair up in a simple bun that framed her face nicely then threw her feet into her neat pair of ts. "All done." She mumbled wistfully as she thought about the possible to cancel.


    She couldn''t though even if she wanted to. It''s an order from her boss after all.


    Hera picked up a small purse before exiting her apartment, making sure to m the door shut.


    She met Bryce outside and he gave her the look.


    "I''m ready sir." Hera proudly announced with a wide grin on her face.


    "You''re what?" He asked, taking in the state of her dress.


    Maybe he should''ve just picked out an outfit for her. She looked like a glorified secretary. They were going out and not taking a trip to the business conference.


    Hera who had noticed the sudden look on his face shifted ufortably.


    "Do you not like my outfit?" She asked, not understanding why it was suddenly important though.


    Bryce blinked "No." He blurted out "It''s beautiful. You look really beautiful."


    Hera''s cheeks heated up at thatpliment and she felt a tingly sensation bubble inside her.


    She couldn''t understand why hispliment made her feel all sort of strange things and what is worst is that she couldn''t describe if it was a good feeling or a bad one.

 The Light To His Darkness

    Bryce threw asional nces at the woman seated next to him. Her head was very much outside the window and the wind blew up the fallen tendrils on her face as sheughed out her lungs toplete nothingness.


    He shouldn''t be staring but the innocence that radiates on her face was calling out to his darkness. It marveled him how he was so taken in with this woman when he had been telling himself countless times that he wanted absolutely nothing to do with her. "Where are we going Sir?" Hera asked, her voice echoing through the silence that nketed the car.


    He shifted his gaze when he realized that he had been staring too hard. He doesn''t want to stare but he finds himself doing the opposite of what he wanted to do.


    "I don''t know." Came his casual reply.


    Her brows knitted together tightly. He was resisting the sudden urge tough. She looked like someone who just came out a horror movie. He found it very cute and alluring.


    "Then we''ll get lost." She blurted out slowly.


    "Why would we get lost when I''m the one behind the wheels bellissima."


    Hera blushed hard. He called her beautiful. She had lived in the convent all her life to actually understand the meaning of that word. Most of the sisters at the convent had travelled far and wide and so she was able to learn and grasp a good number of foreignnguages as well.


    "Because you just said that you don''t know where you''re going and if you get lost, then I''ll get lost as well." She replied truthfully


    Bryceughed hard. Thest restraint he held onto was gone as heughed his lungs out.


    Hera watched her bossugh. The more he did it, the more it made her smile. She wasn''t sure what she said but he found it funny. Maybe she did something stupid and that''s why he''sughing at her.


    "Did I say something wrong?" She asked when he had calmed down a bit.


    "You didn''t. It''s just how you said it." He took a U-turn "Just so you know Hera, I won''t get lost and neither will you" He reassured her.


    "It''s okay Sir. I''ll trust you with my safety then. That way, we won''t get lost." she responded before throwing her face outside the window again.


    She trusted him?


    How is it that he''s affected by every word that spewed out of her mouth. No woman had ever used that word but this girl was doing the opposite of what he was used to.


    A smile ghosted his lips as he pondered on what she just said. She was doing the most and wasn''t even aware of it.


    They arrived at their destination and he pulled up in front of the parking lot before alighting the car and going to help her do the same.


    "This ce is hugeee." She squealed happily, doing a three sixty degree turn to take in her surrounding.


    "Since I figured you''re from the convent, I decided to show you around"


    She eyed him curiously. She wasn''t convinced that her boss would bring her here, just to show her around. She wasn''t scared of him but she still doesn''t feelfortable around him as much as she wanted to. "What do you want to do first?" He asked, staring at her.


    "What do you want to do first sir?"


    "Bryce" He corrected.


    "I don''t think I can call you that." She responded truthfully.


    He faced her squarely, hands dipped inside his pockets. "And why is that?"


    "You''re my boss." She said incredulously.


    "How about we make a deal, you call me Bryce for tonight and I''ll reschedule another outing session for both of us."


    Hera stared at him wide-eyed.


    This a pretty good deal. She thought in silence for a few minutes before saying "Deal Bryce."


    "You learn fast."


    Holding her hands, they walked together inside the shopping mall.


    "Wait here!" He told her when they got inside. "I just need to get something, I''ll be right back."


    Hera nodded sharply.


    Bryce took the otherne till he disappeared out of sight.


    Hera waited patiently for him. She smiled happily to the people who greeted her and waved back those who waved at her.


    She wasn''t sure how long time had passed until Bryce showed up in front of her with a shopping bag.


    "What did you buy?"


    "Something that I thought I''d need. Let''s go" He took her hands in his and led her outside the mall before she could protest.


    Hera was excited to be outside, exploring the city. She wouldn''tin if he dragged her anywhere because she wasn''t tired. The city was beautiful and she''d give anything to wander around till she gets tired and worn out.


    They got to where the car was parked and Bryce held out the door for her to enter. He was bing more of a human and it surprised him.


    He drove to a fancy restaurant where they had dinner before deciding to call it a night.


    When they got back home, it was alreadyte into the night.


    He helped her out of his car and just then, Ne approached them.


    "I didn''t know you were stepping out today" It was more of a statement than a question.


    "I thought I''d take a drive around town. Have you been here for long?" He asked.


    "Not too long ago." Came Ne''s gruff reply.


    Hera watched the exchange between the two of them. She felt like a third wheel and so she did what any sensible human would do, she excused herself and quietly turned to leave.


    "Hold on Hera" Bryce called out to her and she stopped in her tracks. He had noticed her leaving.


    He walked up to where she stood and handed the shopping bag over to her. She gave him a quizzical look but still took it anyways.


    "This is for you"


    "What''s inside?"


    "I don''t know. Find outter." He smiled at her "Good night Bellissima." He ruffled her hair and gave her a quick peck on the cheeks before walking away with Ne.


    Hera watched him leave. The air in her lungs vanishing all of a sudden. He kissed her cheeks. She felt her knees go jelly. It intrigued her a lot to know why her body always reacted the way it did when he does things like that to her but she couldn''t exin it no matter how hard she tried to.


    She shook the bag gently to get a clue but it was pointless because she didn''t know what was inside.


    She''ll just have to find outter then.

 Sex And Temptations

    Hera turned to go into her apartment feeling happy and giddy with excitement when she spotted Mariam staring at her with intent. She was standing at the front porch of her own apartment and her hands were folded together nicely. Hera rushed towards her "I went out today ma''am" She announced excitedly. The fact that her evening went better than she had anticipated made her feel a lot lighter that evening.


    Mariam stared at her with worried eyes. She loved the fact that Hera was having fun but the fact that the boss was trying to get close to her was something she doesn''t understand.


    Mariam had always hoped that Bryce would change for the better but she doesn''t know if Hera''s Innocence wouldst long enough to keep her safe or If she would get swayed by the boss eventually.


    She knew that the boss wouldn''t hurt her but she just couldn''t shake off the feeling of uneasiness and restlessness that settled inside her gut.


    Her boss was a manwhore and Hera knows absolutely nothing about men and their twisted intentions and it bothered her deeply. The woman was too pure for him and it made her think if she would be able to tame him or the other way round. "I can see that." Mariam responded atst "Did you have fun?"


    "We drove through the big city and then we had dinner in a beautiful and fancy restaurant." She exined in details to Mariam who watched her with rapt attention. Hera had a way of making the the most boring event sound beautiful and very fun to listen to. "Then he gave me this bag." she held up the bag for Mariam to see "He said it''s a gift but I still don''t know what''s inside though." She added softly.


    "I''m sure it''s something you''d like. The boss is very thoughtful when ites to giving gifts."


    Mariam had remembered one time when he helped out with her son''s tuition. He not only paid for one semester but made sure to cover all schooling expenses till he would graduate. That''s why she couldn''t stop serving him and that''s also the reason why she believed that he still had some good buried deep inside him despite his sexual sexcapedes.


    "I thought so too. I''m sorry I haven''t returned your cell phone yet. I couldn''t use It because Bryce asked me to go out with him" Hera voiced out sadly but what surprised Mariam was that she called him by his first name.


    She was already getting in too deep and it was pretty obvious.


    "It''s fine Hera. I''m not even angry at you but please be careful alright?"


    Mariam''s response brought a deep smile to Hera''s face.


    "I will. And thank you so much Mariam. You''re the best. I''ll see you tomorrow then." She waved at her before getting into her apartment.


    Once inside, Hera ced the bag nicely on the couch and proceeded to take a shower. She finished and wore the nightie that she had already picked for herself earlier.


    She was full from the dinner they had so she ruled out food for the night and decided to open up the gift that her boss had gotten for her.


    She gently removed the content from the bag to reveal a box. She opened it and there it was lying there. A new cellphone.


    Hera couldn''t believe that he had gotten her one. she had nned to get one herself but he already bought it for her. She squealed happily. Now she won''t have to use Mariam''s phone again.


    Mariam was right. The boss was very thoughtful when it came to gifts. He must''ve noticed when he came to her apartment earlier on. She sped the phone tightly to her chest as a feeling of warmth spread throughout her body. She had to thank him.


    It looked expensive which means that it must''ve cost him a fortune to get it for her.


    With her new felt conviction, she threw a light jacket over her night wear and proceeded out of her apartment to Bryce''s Mansion. His car was still parked so she hadn''t gone out either.


    She was certain that he wasn''t sleeping because the light from his mansion was still turned on.


    When she got in, she made her way upstairs towards his bedroom when she didn''t find him In the living room.


    She knocked at first but when she didn''t get any response, she pulled the door open and made her way inside. The room was dimly lit up but he wasn''t inside.


    "Bryce?" She called softly, her eyes wandered across the entire bedroom to get a glimpse of him.


    "Bryce" she called again when she heard loud noises followed by a shadow like structure on the wall. It wasing from the bacony of the other side of his bedroom.


    Hera hasn''t been to that side of his bedroom so she took steady steps towards the balcony. She wondered what he was doing there and why she could hear estranged noises. She decided to walk in there only to receive the shock of her life. Bryce was standing naked with an equally naked woman whom she hade to know as Ne. He was buried deep inside her while she screamed out her lungs. She stared at them wide-eyed not believing what she just saw.


    They were both too busy to notice her presence In the room so she quickly rushed out of the bedroom as she hade in.


    So much foring to show appreciation.


    She couldn''t believe it. She had walked in on them having an intimate moment. She caught them having sex.


    The thought of it didn''t sit well with her. He wasn''t kidding when he told her that people do stuff like this all the time. That could only exin the reason why he had fawned over her and tried to kiss her several times. Hera walked out of the mansion and made her eat towards her apartment. She doesn''t know why but it seems as if she was surrounded by temptations from different angles with no way through.

 Tied Up And Naked

    "Where did you go? And who was that girl?" Ne inquired as they made their way inside the house.


    They took the stairs up to the bedroom and Ne plumped herself on the huge bed in his bedroom. He pretended as though he didn''t see her and went ahead to undo the button of his t-shirt.


    "She''s the new maid." He replied conversationally, eyes still pinned on the button that he was struggling to undo.


    Ne knew that Bryce had a policy of not associating with the help over the years. No matter how beautiful or sexy they were, he just doesn''t feather a close rtionship with them so why was he getting involved with the new maid all if a sudden? Did anything out of the ordinary happen when she left for her business trip?


    "Since when do you take your maids out?" she teased and stood up to help him with the buttons. He let her do it.


    "Since we became friends." He replied tly.


    Ne wanted tough at that Statement but she couldn''t because he sounded pretty serious about it. It wasn''t a joke as she had hoped it was.


    "You?" She asked bewildered "You are friends with a woman?"


    Has she lost her hearing or this a dream? It has to be the first because she pinched herself and it was extremely painful.


    "Surprisingly, I am." He replied truthfully. "She''s different somehow. She isn''t fazed by anything I have. She''s friendly and appreciates the slightest things."


    Ne was getting upset now. She doesn''t like the fact that he was talking so freely about amon maid. She didn''t like the fact that he was taking someone else other than her for an outing.


    She doesn''t care if he sleeps with the entire poption of women but as long as he would alwayse back to her was something that she had pacified herself with.


    She knew that he liked her in his own twisted way and that fact consoled her but if Bryce was taking an interest in this woman then she just couldn''t allow it. "Have you fucked her yet?" She asked in a straightforward manner.


    Bryce threw her a surprised look. Wondering what she wanted to do with that piece of information.


    "Does it matter?" He countered.


    She shook her head sideways "No it doesn''t. I just wanted to be sure."


    "We are just friends Ne so I don''t think that you should concern yourself with my business. Our rtionship was not centered on what I do outside these walls."


    "I''m sorry." She apologized and tugged his shirt off his shoulders "I was just curious Bryce. I didn''t mean to get you upset."


    He turned to go but she held him by the shoulders so that he was facing her "Let''s forget that I said anything. Okay?"


    His jaw ticked in a tight frown. He wasn''t happy with what she just said and it shows on the angered look he had on his face.


    "Can we just pretend that I never asked that question? I don''t want us fighting over such a trivial issue." She whispered softly, holding his face firmly.


    "It''s alright Ne."


    "Can I make it better?" She asked tracing her fingertips on the seam-line of his jaw. Pushing herself closer to him, she stoop on her tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the lips.


    "I''ve missed you Bryce so let''s forget I said anything alright?"


    "I''ll just use the shower." He held her hands to keep her in ce before turning to leave.


    Bryce spent an entire hour In the shower. He didn''t know why but suddenly, it didn''t feel right to go outside. He must be out of his mind considering that Ne is out there waiting for him. This is what he had always wanted but for some reason, when he looks down on a woman, he sees a blonde haired girl with blue eyes staring at him. If this is not madness then he doesn''t know what else to call it.


    He needs Hera. Even her name feels right on his tongue. That girl had done a number on him so it''s only fitting that he gets a taste right? But she wouldn''t let him. She''s as stubborn as a client who wants a refund for a bad service. The stubborn woman. Wrapping his white towel around his waist, he finally made his way outside the bathroom but Ne was no where to be seen.


    Maybe she got tired and left. But she would''ve said something if she wanted to leave. It could be work or something more important though. Who was he kidding.


    He walked towards the mirror and lets his towel loose and proceeded to dry his hair.


    Just then, he felt warm hands tightened around his waist in a firm grasp.


    "What the-"


    "Let''s just stay like this Bryce." It was Ne. The realization came with a sudden headache as well. She stered her body to his back in a firm embrace. It was at that particr moment that he realized she was naked.


    "You been awfully quiet." She whispered, intentionally kneading her firm breasts to his bare back. She knew that he wouldn''t be able to resist. He never does. Bryce would alwayse back to her. She knows how to get him as long as she ys her card rightly. "I have a lot on my mind." He lets out a slow and haggard breath.


    "Then let me ease your mind off those things." She pushed herself forward till she was standing in front of him "Would you let me?"


    Before he could respond, she already has her hand stroking his dick. He closed his eyes briefly to relish the feel of her hands on his hard turgid flesh.


    The action was like an electric current sending bolts of currents through his bloodstream.


    Crouching down, Ne stroked and massaged and rubbed before running her tongue up and down the cap if his manhood.


    She heard him take in a sharp breath while his eyes flustered shut.


    Bryce thrust forward and Ne instinctively opened her mouth to take him in. She sucked and licked till he was making guttural sounds from his throat.


    He held her head in ce and continued to thrust forward while he fucked her mouth.


    Ne made sure to take him all in. The actions causing her womanhood to flood with desire.


    Picking her up from the below he pushed her towards the table but she quickly made for the bed and lowered herself on it.


    "Let''s do something fun tonight Bryce" She suggested, licking off the precum on the side of her mouth while she stared at him seductively.


    "And what could that be?" He asked with dazed eyes.


    "I want you to tie me up to this bed and fuck me." She whispered, her eyes pinned on his in a firece challenge.

 Treat Me Like One Of Your Whores

    "I want you to tie me up to this bed and fuck me Bryce." She whispered, her eyes pinned on his in a firece challenge while her breath came out pants. She reached for the pillow beside her and brought out different tools, throwing it on the bed before him. Bryce stared down at the naked woman on his bed who had just challenged him to a sex duel.


    "Ne" He whispered softly "Trust me, you don''t want me to do that."


    "But I do." She responded sharply "I really do Bryce."


    "I can''t do that to you Ne. You''re my childhood friend so I can''t subject you to such hard sex just to please myself."


    "But I want you to do it Bryce. I''m notining. Please I want to know what it''s like." She stated firmly. She knew that Bryce likes this stuff as well. If she wanted to please him then she had to do things his way. Maybe then he''ll see her differently and take the next step to their rtionship. She really loves this man and it''s just so sad that he only sees her as nothing but a friend. It was this love thatpelled her to strike that deal of bing his sex partner.


    When she had left the country for business, she thought that the mere attraction would go away but after that night together, she realized that it was more than a mere attraction. It was a deep longing and a void that only him could fill.


    "Listen to me Ne. I can have sex with you but not the way you''re asking. You''re not my whore" The words rolled out of his tongue before he could stop them. He noticed her countenance change immediately he said that. "I''m sorry I just..."


    "It''s okay, I understand." She waved him off and proceeded to pick up the things that he had rejected.


    "Ne" He drawled sympathetically but she wouldn''t look at him. She was immersed with what she was doing.


    Reaching for her hands, he held it, stopping her movement.


    "You''re crying."


    "I''m not crying. I just don''t think that you consider me to be your friend Bryce. I just made one simple request and this is what I get." Shemented. He was holding back from her. He would do this and more to other women but he was holding back. "You''re my friend Ne and that''s the more reason why I can''t do that to you"


    "I want you to." She raised up his hands that was supposed to hold hers In ce and ced light kisses on them.


    "For tonight, treat me like one of your whores." She continued kissing him and he watched her do it with solemn eyes.


    "I promise that I won''tin okay" she whispered in a calm voice and sucked on his fingers. She licked and twirled it around her tongue while she made alluring sounds from her throat.


    Pulling it out of her mouth, she guided his fingers down her stomach and ced it at the entrance of her already dripping womanhood.


    "Touch me" She urged and he immediately began to circle his fingers on her clit.


    She closed her eyes and threw her head backwards, arching herself closer to him. He gripped her by the waist and pulled her towards him in a firm embrace while he worked her down there. The scent of arousal filled the air as she rotated her hips to meet his demanding fingers.


    He yed with her clit, teasing and rubbing till she was moaning into nothingness with her eyes closed.


    Retracting his fingers, he inserted them into her tight wet cunt.


    "Bryce" She moaned as he fucked her with his relentless fingers. She was almost on the edge but before she could make it, his fingers had already left her hole. Reaching out for the items she ced on the bed, he strapped her to all four corners and blinded her eyes with the blindfold that she had offered him earlier.


    "I want you see you." She protested in a small voice.


    "It''s more surprising if you don''t." He whispered in her ears "It''s a lot better when you don''t know what I''m about to do next. You just have to wait expectantly Ne and then feel it when ites in contact with you."


    She swallowed hard and tried to wriggle her fingers but it wouldn''t bulge. She asked for this after all. He was going to take her today and she''ll be one step closer in making him hers.


    "What are you doing now?" She was curious. He hadn''t done anything to her yet. He hadn''t touched her. She couldn''t see him so she wasn''t sure of where he could be at that particr moment. Soon enough, she heard the humming sound of something faint. What could that be?


    "Bryce?"


    At that minute, she felt someone hover over her naked body.


    "I think you should-FUCK!" She cried out in a loud voice when she felt something vibrating on her clit. She tried to push herself up but the action was indescribable. It kept on sending millions of sensations through her viens which pulsated and rippled through her body all at once.


    "I''m not even started yet" She heard Bryce''s deep voice in her mushy dazed world.


    "What was that?"


    "Something that''s expected to make you loose your senses." He replied huskily while his fingers yed with her clit.


    "Take off the blindfold" she pleaded softly.


    Heughed mirthlessly, inching his face closer to hers "I''m sorry Ne but the prisoner doesn''t call the shots."


    He kissed her neck and made his way down towards her breasts.


    He stared at her beautiful chest that was blessed with such endowments. His kissed the seam-line of her breasts and then proceeded to do the same with her nipple.


    Ne drew in a sharp breath when his tongue encircled her hard and swollen bud.


    "You''re beautiful Ne." Heplimented and took it into his mouth, making sure to suck in hard tugs.


    He did the same to her other breast before making his way down to her womanhood.


    He kissed her core and she vibrated.


    Lapping his tongue over her tight folds, he sucked on her clit, repeating the action till she was crying out to him, begging for release.


    "Holy shit!" She moaned loudly when he reced his tongue with the vibrator. He continued the process over and over again and she came apart with a squirt.


    cing the vibrator on the bed, he kissed her thighs and pulled himself up as he watched her trying to catch her breath.


    "Now I''m going to fuck you Ne and I hope you''re ready for it as well."


    Pulling her legs far apart, he ced his dick at her entrance and thrusted deep into her warm sultry flesh, making sure to fuck her like she wanted while she screamed his name on the top of her lungs.

 The Handsome And Sexy Devil

    Hera woke up quite early the next morning. It was a Sunday and she needed to finish her chores early so that she could get ready for Mass. Picking herself up from bed, she made her way into the kitchen to make breakfast, afterwards she took her shower and dressed up nicely. She nced at the clock and realized that she was an hour early. She decided to fold up herundry while she waited for time to move quickly. Soon enough, she heard scratches and growling at her door. Instinctively, she knew that it was King so she went ahead to open up the door. True to her words, it was the little fury animal.


    "Hi King" she greeted smilingly but he responded by wagging its tail and walking past her into her apartment.


    At the centre of her living room, he circled round it and sat down on his hunches. She chuckled when he watched her with his big round eyes.


    "Where''s your owner King?" She inquired as she went ahead to fold up the remainder of her clothes that was seating on the couch.


    He barked loudly.


    "I''m sorry King but I won''t be able to y with you today, it''s Sunday and I have to prepare for mass" she exined to the dog as though he could hear and understand her.


    He barked again but only this time, more loudly than the first.


    "Please understand King." She sighed sadly "I promise to y with you after mass."


    At that moment, she heard another knock on the door. Her heart did a flip and when she thought of the possibility of who could be knocking.


    It had to be Bryce.


    Mariam neveres to knock on her door so early in the morning. It''s him no doubt but why was he here?


    She bit her fingernails nervously. After what she had seen yesterday, she doesn''t know if she wanted to be friends with him anymore. He was too immersed in the darkness that it terrified her. She wasn''t scared that he might lure her in but she was scared that she might one day be consumed by it. He was like the devil but only handsome and very wellpelling.


    She had caught him sharing an intimate moment with Ne. What If he one day does it to her? He had already kissed her more than once so what if he goes further?


    And the fact that she might actually like it as well didn''t sit well with her as well.


    Taking steady steps towards the door, she twisted the door knob and pulled it open. She was right. It was her boss alright.


    "Good morning Sir" she greeted unconsciously.


    He raised a brow at her and that''s when she realized what she had just said. He called him Sir instead of his first name.


    "Good morning Bryce" she quickly corrected herself and he smiled at her.


    "Good morning Hera. Can Ie in?" He questioned, waiting for her response.


    "Are you here to pick up King?"


    Bryce looked past her to see King seatedfortably at the centre of her living room. The animal. He wasn''t surprised. The furry animal has the same taste as he did.


    "I had no idea that he came here" He blurted out.


    "He came here quite early. Please take him with you, I have to get ready for mass." She announced suddenly and turned to go back to what she was doing. He stared at her ass as she walked over to the couch. Bryce let himself in and shut the door behind him.


    "You''re getting ready for mass?" He asked out of the blue.


    She nodded once, not bothering to look at him. It killed him inside that she was doing something else other than paying him the attention that he needed.


    "So what, you''re going to pray and sing those churchy songs?"


    She threw her face at him "Yes Bryce. I''m going to pray and sing those churchy songs. We do that to serve him up high." She pointed up but he rolled his eyes. "Do you want to join me?"


    "I''ll pass" He waved her off abruptly.


    "Do you have a problem with him?" She asked softly and he shrugged at her question.


    "He didn''te to help when I needed him the most so I stopped acknowledging him up there." It was supposed to sound funny but it didn''t.


    Just what this this man go through? Hera pondered on what he just said. Did something maybe happen in the past that''s making him behave this way?


    "He always listens Bryce and he does things his own way. You just have to believe that he''s there and he''ll show himself."


    "Right!" He drawled amusingly "I guess by the time he finally shows himself, I might be buried six feet under."


    She chuckled "I don''t know what you went through Bryce but for the fact that you''re still standing means that he has already shown himself to you. I know that you won''t believe me but I hope that you will someday." Standing up from the couch, she made her way towards him and took his hands in hers "And if you need someone to talk about it then I''m here. I promise not to judge you. We all have skeletons in our closets after all."


    Bryce didn''t understand what was happening but he would be lying if he said that this woman wasn''t getting to him in the worst way possible. The fact that she made everything seem simple and easy, intrigued him and he couldn''t help but get drawn to her. "Oh and, thank you for the cell phone." She said out of the blue "I wanted toe and thank you person yesterday but...I decided to do it today."


    She left out the part where she had caught him having sex with Ne. The fact that she saw it had been eating her up sincest night so she won''t dare to say anything about it.


    "You''re wee Hera."


    She smiled at him and turned to go but he gripped her hands firmly.


    "Is something wrong?"


    "Will you be free to go out with me today?" He asked and she went silent for a while before muttering yes.


    "Oh shoot!" She eximed loudly "I''mte for mass!"

 She Looks Too Beautiful To Eat

    Bryce waited.


    He had no idea why he was waiting but still he did. She had gone inside for close to three hours now. He waited for her to finish up her prayers while he yed with King on her couch.


    He couldn''t understand his feelings and emotions towards that woman but he doesn''t want to stop them. Even though she wasn''t letting him touch her, he still liked the fact that he was still by his side. He''s seen a lot of women and he''s had his own fair share of them as well.


    As far as he was concerned, he''s tasted every single one of them. Ranging from big boobs to bigger butts, hot shot models, strippers but none of them was as pure as this woman.


    She radiates a certain innocence that calls out for him. He might be screwed in the worst way possible but at least, he''s fine with being friends with her, for now.


    Bryce rubbed on King''s stomach while the dog stretched out himself for him to continue.


    At that moment, his cellphone vibrated in his pockets. He brought it out to stare at the screen. It was Max.


    Pressing the retriever button, he ced it on his ears.


    "What''s up?"


    "Are you up for a game this evening?" He asked "There''s a basketballpetition and I''d like to go and see."


    "Sure. That should be fun. Text me the address and I''ll meet you there."


    "Alright then." He hanged up and I ced my phone back on the couch.


    "You''re still here?" Hera''s small voice came from behind. He turned to look at her. She had changed her clothes and was putting on a light ir gown with spaghetti straps. Her hair was tied up in a loose bun as usual. She doesn''t wear her hair down. He doesn''t know why but she simply refuses to. She always prefers her hair ties up in a up do.


    She looked too beautiful. Too beautiful to eat. Just watching her has his dick twitching in his trousers. Her fair skin was as bright as the morning sun rising from the east.


    "I thought that you had left already." Her voice brought him back from his thoughts.


    He had zoned out on her. She was messing up his senses and he was almost at his limit now.


    "I thought I''d wait for you to finish." He smiled at her.


    Hera felt her stomach flutter when he said that. She always felt weird whenever heplimented her. It made her self conscious and very much shy.


    "That''s so nice of you Bryce. Thank you so much." She walked up to where he sat and ran her fingers over King who gave into her touch.


    Bryce scrowled at him. The attention seeker. What a yer.


    "Are you done?"


    She nodded in affirmation "I finished a while ago. Would you like to stay for lunch? I cooked." She flushed shyly and he was mesmerized. She had a way of getting to him without trying too hard.


    Of course he was going to stay. He was going to damn stay. He didn''t even have any ns of leaving anytime soon.


    "Of course. I''m hungry and I think that king is as well."


    "Oh my. I didn''t even remember that he came so early in the morning. So sorry King, I''m warming it up right now." She pressed herself forward and rubbed his stomach causing him to bark.


    Bryce stared at her. She was too close. Too close to him and it''s intoxicating. Her dress fell a bit further to the front and he caught a glimpse of her bra that housed those titties.


    He would give anything, anything in this would to rece that material and be the one holding them in ce instead.


    Hera was oblivious of Bryce''s hard stare. She was still smiling at King who was being sassy as usual.


    At that moment, her cellphone rang out from inside.


    She quickly ran inside, leaving Bryce to battle his demons that were struggling to overthrow his emotions.


    "Hello Sister Martha!" She smiled happily, taking steady steps outside her bedroom.


    "Good afternoon my dear, how are you?" The caller asked with such enthusiasm in her voice. The phone was on loudspeaker, so Bryce heard the conversation that transpired between whoever she was talking to. He caressed King''s head as he watched her talk freely and happily to whoever that just called.


    "I''m doing very well thank you. How is Christina and the rest of the sisters?" Hera asked calmly. She misses them so much.


    "Everyone is fine and doing okay. We''ve all been trying to resch out to you but we couldn''t. How is work over there?"


    "Work is fine sister Martha." It was very fine apart from the fact that her boss might be out to get her but it was all good. "I''m sorry I wasn''t able to call, I couldn''t do so because I didn''t have a cellphone yet but I was finally able to get one. My boss got it for me as a gift and that was how I managed to text you because I knew that you might be busy with work around there. I didn''t want to disturb you.." "Your boss?" The woman inquired. Bryce could hear the uncertainty in that outburst. "Your boss got you a phone? Is that what you''re telling me?"


    "Yes sister Martha." She continued "He''s very nice and he takes good care of me as well."


    Bryce arched a brow and smiled proudly. She was talking about him to whoever was listening and it gave him a certain satisfaction.


    "Okay. Did you attend mass?"


    "Yes I did sister Martha and-"


    At that moment, King barked and Bryce asked him to keep quiet.


    "Who was that?" Martha inquired when she heard Bryce''s deep voice.


    "Actually, I''m in the process of serving lunch. Bryce..." She paused "I mean my boss and his dog, the one I just told you about, he lives next door and is just here with me right now. I''m making food for all of us." She smiled and Bryce arched his brow at her. "Wow, that''s great. Put him on the phone dear." She said.


    Bryce was already shaking his head "No" but Hera smiled wickedly and ced the phone to his ears.

 A Sweet Temptation

    "Don''t you dare ce that phone to my ears!" Bryce murmured heatedly but Heraughed and ced the phone to his ears.


    He took the phone, ring at her. Maybe he must''ve made a terrible mistake by getting her one as a gift cause she has now decided to use it as a weapon to torment him. The little she-devil.


    He cleared his throat "Good morning ma''am" he greeted formally. Heraughed at him again before heading into the kitchen to arrange lunch and serve it for them to eat.


    She was really enjoying this wasn''t she? She was really enjoying the fact that she was making him ufortable.


    "Good morning my dear, I hope you slept well?" She asked.


    "Yes I did ma''am."


    "Did you attend mass?" She asked and his facial features drowned drastically. He wasn''t expecting that sort of question.


    "No I didn''t."


    "I''m sorry, a lot of people attend different churches so I was thinking..."


    "I don''t go to church, ever" he stated vehemently and she went silent for a while.


    "It''s okay. Then I''d like to invite you to mine. We''re having a Thanksgiving service in three weeks and I want you toe along with Hera as a guest." She asked so nicely and her voice was also as soothing as Hera''s. Is that a thing that all woman possess in the convent as a gift?


    "Erm...well I..."


    "Just think about it dear. Hera is like a daughter to me and she tells me that you take very good care of her so it''s my way of showing appreciation for helping her out over there. It''s so nice to know that there are still good people in the world."


    "Okay ma''am, I''ll um... I''ll think about it." He said in a stutter as he tried his best to salvage the situation. He hasn''te across such situation before.


    "Good. Please put Hera on the phone."


    At that moment, Hera came out of the kitchen. He handed the phone over to her and she went ahead to continue the conversation.


    He waited for her toe out of the kitchen after she was finished with the call.


    Feeling impatient, he got up from the couch and went into the kitchen. She was done with the call as predicted.


    "Hey..." He started.


    She darted her eyes towards the door. It still surprised her that he walked around her apartment so freely andfortably. She wasn''t even able to go to his mansion without thinking about it from Mars to Jupiter. "I''m almost done Bryce. Let me finish and set it up on the table." She cut him off and walked past him with the tes to serve it for both of them to eat.


    When she was done serving the food, she called out to him. He sat down opposite her while she dished out for both of them. She put some steamed beef and vegetables in a te for King and he delved in immediately. Bryce watched her say a little prayer before she started eating. This woman was on the verge of ruining him and it wasn''t even a joke.


    He picked up his spoon and started eating as well.


    "This is very good." He eximed when he had a taste. "I know you are a master chef but this is mind-blowing Hera."


    Her face lit up like a Christmas tree "Thank you so much Bryce. I learnt how to cook from the sisters at the Convent. They taught me everything I know."


    "Do you feel better talking to them now?" He asked, trying to make conversation.


    She nodded "Although I didn''t get to talk to my sister but I know I''ll do that some other time.i have a phone now, thanks to you."


    The fact that she gets excited for the tiniest things intrigued him. For goodness sake, it was just a phone but she made it seem like he had given her the world.


    "I''m d then." He continued eating.


    They were almost done with their meal when somehow the food got caught up in the wrong side of his pipe that he started couching loudly.


    Scared, Hera picked up a ss of water and offered it to him. He gulped it down till the ss was empty.


    "Are you okay?" She asked worriedly.


    "I''m fine Hera."


    She pushed the dishes aside and reached out to him at the table where he was seated.


    Picking up a serviette from the table, she wiped his mouth clean. She looked like a mother tending to her child. It felt warm. Very warm and he was just staring at her all through.


    "This is why they came up with the rule of not talking while eating." She scolded him. The little woman.


    "But I just said that I''m okay."


    "You act so much like King that it''s very hard to believe." Wait! Did she just call him a dog indirectly?


    She stopped wiping his mouth and sadly he didn''t want her to. He liked the fact that she was very close to him. He didn''t want her to stop. She turned to leave but he grabbed her by her waist and pulled her closer to himself. A shocked gasp escaped her lips.


    He''d never met her type before in his life. He resisted the urge to kiss that small lips she always scolded him with intentionally.


    "You really have very beautiful eyes Bryce." She said innocently as she gazed into his eyes. That was his undoing. Thest thread of restraint that he was holding unto was gone.


    "This is beyond me dammit!" He groaned in a deep voice and pulled her closer so that she fell into him. With his hands steadied around her waist, he swiveled his head and shed his mouth to hers.


    Hera was shocked for a moment while he kissed her full lips, licking and coaxing her to open her mouth to him. His lips moved against hers. Skimming. Licking. Barely touching.


    Her pulse raced and she shivered slightly.


    "Breathe Hera." She felt his warm breath against her mouth.


    His lips were soft. Enticingly soft. Heat curled up in her stomach and burst into a sweet ache. He leaned closer, rubbing his lips over her small mouth and nibbling on her lip. It was an enticement and a sweet temptation.

 The Kiss Of Blatant Possession

    her bottom.


    Hera moaned softly and opened up to him. His tongue delved in, gently, urging, begging. His hands were tender as one curled up around her neck holding her in ce while the other raised up slowly from her hips, tracing the line of her back and resting possessively on A me sizzled through her, pumping and shooting up into her bloodstream like a volcano. Wide and hot. She kissed him back. A kiss filled with inexperience and pure innocence.


    She wasn''t kissing him to impress him, but she was kissing him because she couldn''t control the desire in her to do so. The thought of it had Bryce''s head reeling in happiness.


    His mouth hardened, bing hot andpelling. Soft cries escaped her lips, driving him crazy.


    His mouth was fastened hard on hers as he kissed her thoroughly.


    For a few minutes, she kissed him back but with a whimper, she wretched her lips away from his.


    She shot up immediately, blushing furiously, her lips wet and swollen from being kissed.


    "Please stop Bryce, you can''t keep on doing this..." She whispered and pulled away from him, trying to catch her breath.


    "I don''t want you to pretend that it''s not happening Hera." He stated, staring at her.


    He looked so cool, very calm and coordinated while she was practically heating up. Her whole body is on fire. It''s almost like she just came down with fever but that wasn''t the case. She knew better to understand that this hotness was from another type of sickness that''s not fever. "But this isn''t right. You''re supposed to be my friend Bryce." But why does it feel so very right?


    "Deny it all you want Hera, but you know you can''t deny the fact that it is happening." Bryce couldn''t understand what he was saying. All he knows that is that it''s beginning to prove more difficult keeping his hands off her. "Whatever is happening, is something that I don''t want to explore. It''ll ruin us." It''ll ruin me.


    She said thatst part to herself. She couldn''t take the image of what she had seendy night off her head. She couldn''t trust him with herself. He''ll end up hurting her and probably use her like he did to Ne and the other girls that she doesn''t even know from Adam. Bryce studied her closely as she battled with herself. Her hands were ruffling the hem of her dress and she couldn''t bring herself took him in the eye.


    Even though it was hard, he had to respect her wishes. She was the only person that cared about being friends with him. Others, only cared about ending up on his bed.


    "It''s okay Hera. It''s fine." He assured her and she smiled back at him.


    "Thank you Bryce. I''ll clear the dishes now."


    She quickly went back to pretending as though the kiss didn''t happen. He was upset because to him, it did and he couldn''t deny it.


    "I overheard sister Martha invited you to our Thanksgiving service. You don''t have to go if you don''t want to, I''ll exin to her that you had something else to do. She''ll understand."


    "I told her that I''ll think about it and besides, it isn''t till the next three weeks so I still have a lot of time to do so." He still had other things to think about, like the way he''s feeling the persistent urge to please and impress her.


    "Okay then no problem. Tomorrow is Monday, are you going to be busy?" She asked when she was done with the table.


    "I have some files to work on but I''m not going to the office. I''ll just work from home." He exined to her and a feeling of disappointed washes over her.


    Heughed heartily "You want to go somewhere don''t you?"


    She scratched her palm nervously "Well..."


    "I''ll take you somewhere tomorrow when I''m done with work and besides, we still have a basketball game to go to this evening remember?" He arched his brows at her.


    Her face lit up instantly "Right. How could I forget? Silly me." She unconsciously pped herself.


    Heughed at her flimsy excuse of being forgetful.


    "I know. God, I never knew women like you still existed." He groaned, his fingers spreading on her soft hair.


    "Women like me?" She asked in a small voice.


    "Yes, you''re...unique. Everything I haven''t seen in a woman and more."


    "Oh..." She flushed shyly.


    A loud knock on the door, broke up their little moment together. The knock was so insistent. Bryce had no choice than to match the door while grumbling angrily. He twisted the door knob and threw it open. It was Mariam.


    "Oh my goodness sir, I had no idea that you were with Hera. I coulde backter If that''s okay." She apologized and rubbed his face slowly. She just interrupted their moment together.


    "It''s fine Mariam. I was just about to leave anyways. Hera is all yours." He told her yfully and she smiled back at him.


    "Thank you sir."


    Bryce turned to look at Hera "Don''t forget about our outing this evening. I''lle and pick you upter and if you''re not ready, then I''d drag you to the basketball court if I had to." He teased and her lips stretched into a contiguous smile. "I won''t forget Bryce. Promise."


    Mariam watched the exchange between the two of them. Her boss was smiling? That''s something that you don''t get to see everyday.


    "Come on King." He called after the dog whoid down sprawled on the hard surface. He jumped up immediately and dashed towards the door where his owner was standing, patiently waiting for him.


    Bryce stepped out of her apartment with King trailing behind him closely.


    Mariam saw the look on Hera''s face, the glint in her eyes as she watched him leave. Could it be what she was thinking?


    Was her boss actually falling for Hera or is this just his ploy to get her on his bed? She doesn''t fully trust him with Hera and the fact that she was also taken in with him was something she couldn''t understand. The boss was a handsome man alright but deep down, his personality reeks and as much as she thought he was a good person, he still wasn''t good enough for Hera.

 He Is Too Dangerous

    The minute Bryce was out of sight, Hera ushered the older woman into her apartment. When Mariam was settled in, she shut the door and proceeded to join her where she had sat down on the couch. "You seem to be in a good mood!" Mariam spoke up the minute Hera wasfortably seated on the couch.


    Hera blushed at the woman''s outburst. She was struggling to hide her shyness and excitement.


    "I am in a good mood ma''am." She replied gleefully. Thrilled that she would finally be going out today. "Bryce is taking me to watch a basketball game this evening."


    The older woman smiled at her innocence. She looked like a child that was just offered candy and to think that her boss was the one giving her that candy doesn''t sit well with her.


    "Did you attend mass?" Mariam asked,pletely changing the topic of their discussion. Hera became serious at that question.


    She nodded vehemently "I did ma''am. I was also able to talk to the sisters at the convent. They invited us for a Thanksgiving service scheduled in three weeks time." "Us?" Mariam repeated,pletely appalled


    "Yes. Me and Bryce. Although I still don''t think that he''ll be able toe though, he isn''t a fan of church and God." She whispered sadly.


    "Then why was he here? Did he join you?"


    Hera shook her head "No he didn''t. He actually came quite early. I thought he came to pick up King but he stayed back and waited for me till I was done with service"


    The more she spoke, the more Mariam thought that she was beginning to loose her hearing. Her boss, Bryce, spoke to the sister''s at the Convent? Could it be that he was slowly starting to open up to Hera? Was he falling in love with her? And why would he wait for her to finish mass if he didn''t feel something for her?


    Everything that Hera had just told her felt too good to be true. Her boss does not wait for women. He loathes her specie for personal reasons and the only reason why he tolerates them was when he wants to enjoy a very good time with them. Other than that, he doesn''t necessarily get close to them out of his own free will.


    "Did he say that he was going to attend? The Thanksgiving service I mean?"


    Hera shrugged visibly "He did say that he was going to think about it so hising is a bit under probability. I''m not certain for now."


    "Hera" Mariam took the hands of the little woman in hers "I want you to be careful. Promise me that you will. I''m starting to get worried about your close rtionship with the boss."


    Hera''s face had gone stiff as she looked back at the woman who wore a serious face like a second skin. Hera had already gotten a clue to why the old woman was saying those things to her.


    Her boss is...well, he wasn''t a bad man but he does bad things and the older woman is just concerned about that fact. But Hera consoled herself with the fact that he won''t do anything to hurt her. He always listens to her and he had never forced her to do anything that she didn''t want to do.


    More importantly, they are friends aren''t they? She just can''t just stop talking to him and if she tried to avoid him, he might notice and get upset so she won''t do it. He might be different from her but It still doesn''t change the fact that he wasn''t a bad person. "Hera" Mariam patted her hands slightly and she jolted back from her quick reverie.


    "You zoned out on me."


    "I''m sorry Mariam. I didn''t mean to." She apologized in a small voice.


    "I know but please promise me Hera, that you will keep the boss at arms length. Promise me that you will be extremely careful with him. He might not be a bad person at heart but he is too dangerous for you my dear and I''m scared that you might get hurt." Hera gently squeezed the woman''s hands in hers "I promise Ma''am. Bryce and I are just friends but I will be careful."


    "Thank you." She voiced out which was followed by a huge breath release.


    "Did you have breakfast already? I cooked." Hera eximed In an excited voice.


    "No I haven''t. I had been busy with the mansion all morning."


    Hera''s hands flew to cover her open mouth "Oh dear, I didn''te for cleaning today. I''m so sorry Ma''am. Hope it wasn''t too much trouble?"


    "It wasn''t my dear. Everything is already well taken care of. You don''t need to bother about anything."


    Hera engulfed the woman into a tight embrace "Thank you so much Mariam. You''re the best."


    "Oh please."


    "I''ll get you a te. I''m pretty sure that you must be famished at this point."


    Hera rushed into her kitchen to grab a te for Mariam as well.


    "Why do you always cook on Sundays?" Mariam asked when Hera resurfaced with a tray containing her meal and a ss of water.


    "I don''t know." She responded casually "It kinda reminds me of home. We always cook on Sundays."


    Mariam smiled at her "That''s very good my dear and I''m not surprised if you were in charge of cooking cause you make very delicious meals."


    "I was taught by the best. Bryce said the same thing too." She blurted out and Mariam gave her a knowing look. She hade to realize that Hera couldn''t stay a second without mentioning his face. Does she like him too?


    She''s a very innocent person so she might not know even if she is. She might be confused because all these feelings might be strange for her.


    Oh dear lord!


    "Hera" Mariam called out all of a sudden and Hera darted her eyes towards her.


    "Yes ma''am." She replied while her hands were ying with the cute embroidery on her dress.


    "Do you like Bryce?" She asked all of a sudden.


    Hera froze at that question. She doesn''t know how to respond to that. Why would Mariam ask her such question all of a sudden. "What do you mean?"


    "I''m asking if you like Bryce." She repeated while she waited patiently for her answer.

 Consumed By His Burning Lust

    "Do you like Bryce?"


    Hera chuckled and with her fingers, she jabbed the older woman''s thighs yfully "Ohe on Mariam. Yes I do like Bryce. I mean I like him as a friend. Is there any other like apart from that one?" "Actually there is." Mariam responded leaving Hera astounded "There is another like apart from that one."


    "What type of like is there? Back at the Convent, we were taught that you can like a person as friends and also as a married couple but I think thetter should be love and not like." She spoke carefully as though she was trying to remember everything that she had been taught. Deep down she knew that she likes Bryce but she also knew that she likes him as a friend.


    Althoughtely, the strange feeling at the pit of her stomach whenever he is closer to her makes her thinks otherwise. The feeling cannot be described or simply exined by words.


    "Well, you can like a person as friends but you can also like a person as lovers as well. It''s called showing affection which is bigger than the one orded to people whom we consider as our friends."


    Hera crunched her face in confusion. "I don''t understand anything Mariam. I''m already confused as it is. Isn''t the both one of the same thing?"


    Mariamughed heartily. How is it possible that a woman like her still exists? It baffled her all the damn time. Though she was an adult but she has the mind of a child. It''s very cute but also at the same time, very frightening for someone her age.


    "Let me ask this more appropriately so that you would understand me better my dear." Mariam ced the tray on the stool beside her "Do you feel strange whenever you''re with Bryce? Do you feel something, anything at all when you''re alone with him?" Hera thought about the question for a while.


    Yes she always felt something whenever she was next to him but she had thought that they were normal feelings that one is supposed to have for a person you consider a friend.


    And recently, she had found out that she always gets sick whenever he kisses her. Not really sick to the point of taking medications but sick to the point of having an invisible fever and a flutter in her stomach.


    And moreover, she always enjoyed hispany. He always listens to her and made sure that she was okay so why won''t she like him?


    Staring at the older woman directly in the eye she spoke "I do feel strange." She responded truthfully "Whenever I''m with him, I always get nervous and I feel like my heart is about to explode. Sometimes, it feels as if I''m about to suffocate but in a good way." She exined with a small grin "Is it a bad thing? I wanted to ask the sisters about it but I don''t know exactly how I''m going to considering the fact that we haven''t had such conversations before."


    Mariam stared at the woman in front of her with a concerned look. She doesn''t know it yet but she''s starting to get attracted to Bryce.


    Mariam was very confused that she doesn''t know if it was a good or bad thing. What if this was all a ploy to get her to his bed. Knowing her boss, he would do anything to take a woman to bed. She had lived with him long enough to know exactly how he ys his game with different women.


    "It''s not a bad thing to feel such emotions Hera. It''s okay andpletely normal considering that you are a human but my only fear is that you are too innocent and it might actually consume you. I am scared that you might give in to those emotions under pressure." Mariam ryed her worries to Hera who listened with rapt attention.


    She had gotten a clue as to what the woman was talking about. She knows that Bryce is way too dangerous. And considering the fact that she had seen him with a woman once, she doesn''t know how to cope with it.


    But she had promised to try her best so that she doesn''t get consumed by this burning lust that seemed to lurk everywhere around her.


    Wrapping her hands around Mariam''s, she gave her a reassuring smile "You don''t have to worry about me Ma''am. I promise that I''ll be fine. Bryce..." She paused briefly "He would never do anything to hurt me." She said with a conviction that she also wanted to believe, herself.


    "Okay then."


    Mariam picked up her tray that she had ced on the table earlier to continue with her meal while Hera looked on.


    When Mariam was done, Hera discarded the tes and they spoke for a while before she decided to get ready for the gameter that day.


    "You''re going out I see."


    "Yes." Hera replied gleefully "I''m going to watch the basketball game with Bryce. And it''s almost time. I hope he''s not going to be upset that I''m not ready yet." She rambled, eyes ncing at the clock asionally.


    "I guess I''ll leave you for now. Have fun."


    "Thank you so much ma''am." Hera walked the woman to the door and the minute she left, she walked back inside to get ready.


    She hurriedly changed out of her outfit and settled for a flowery dress and ts. She nced at the mirror when she was done. Satisfied with her choice of clothes, she picked up her small bag and swung it over her shoulders. She grasped her phone from where she had ced it and made her way outside only to see Bryce leaning on his car waiting for her.


    She smiled at him and he returned it with a more cheerful one.


    "You''rete." He stressed out when she got closer to where he stood.


    "I was talking to Mariam and lost track of time. I''m so sorry. Did you wait long?"


    He shook his head "Not really. I got here not too long ago."


    "I''m d then. Shall we? I''m dying to watch the game."


    He nodded once "Let''s hope that Max saves us a seat then. He can be dense sometimes"


    They shared augh while he opened up the door for her.


    "Hera?" He called when she was about to get inside her seat. She stopped abruptly and turned to face him. "What is it?"


    "Do you always wear your hair up?" She asked and her hand unconsciously touched the neat bun on her head.


    "Oh" she flushed shyly. "It''s very convenient for me when it''s tied up."


    "Let''s shake it up a bit shall we? Just for today."


    She nodded in agreement.


    His hands worked the stic that held her hair together and he gently pulled it down.


    "There."


    "It feels different." She said with knitted brows.


    Heughed "We''re going out for a game Hera, not a business meeting and besides you look more beautiful with your hair let down."


    "Oh" she eximed, her cheeks tinted with a light blush "Thank you but I''m definitely tying it up when we get back."


    He raised both hands in surrender "As you wish ma''am."

 The Game

    Bryce watched her patiently till she was settled perfectly in her seat. She smiled at him and he took it as his cue to leave.


    He waspletely mesmerized by how pretty she was with her hair let down. She was the perfect definition of the word ''beautiful''. He had never seen her like this. Her blonde hair entuated her pretty eyes that he found himselfpletely lost just by staring at them. "Are you okay?" Hera was forced to ask when he didn''t move an inch from the spot where he stood.


    He blinked rapidly "I''m very okay."


    As he made his way to the driver''s seat, he envisioned her pretty face and a smile masked over his face.


    Taking the seat next to her, he started the engines and pulled out of the mansion. Minutester, they had already hit the road, drivig to the location where the game would take ce.


    "Why the long face?" Bryce question when he noticed that Hera was sulking. She looked like a child begging for attention and he found it extremely cute.


    "I don''t have a long face."


    "Yes you do." He argued "You were smiling before we started this trip and now you''re sulking. Is something wrong? Do you need my help with anything."


    She crunched her face at his question "I don''t need your help with anything. I''m just hoping that we don''t miss the game since I took so long in getting ready."


    He chuckled. He had thought that she was upset because of something very serious but she was only upset because she thought that her dy in getting ready would prevent them from seeing the game.


    How is it possible that this woman isn''t bothered about the other aspects of life? Why was she interested in the smallest things that doesn''t seem to matter even to him? He thought that he understood women but Hera was a different subject that he found a little too challenging.


    "We won''t bete." He responded atst and she batted her eyshes at him with a pout on her small full lips.


    This woman would be the death of him and it''s not even a joke. She ignited a feeling inside him that almost resembles that of hell and sadly he wanted to get burned.


    "How do you know that we won''t bete?" She questioned, oblivious to the fact that he was battling his emotions that was almost on the verge of setting him up in mes "It''s not like you can see the future." She added.


    "Trust me mi amor. We won''t bete." He gave her a reassuring smile and took the next route and in less than ten minutes, they had already arrived at the parking lot and upied a space there as well.


    "We''re here." Bryce announced and Hera pped her hands in excitement.


    Stepping down from the car, he turned to her side of the door and pulled the door open. She hopped down and carefully secured her bag on her shoulders.


    "Shall we?" He asked with an outstretched hand and she took it in hers before they proceeded into the court to take a seat and watch the game.


    Bryce suggested that they take thestne so that they would get a better view of the game and they did just that.


    Just then, his phone vibrated in his pockets. He reached out to his pockets and brought out his cellphone to stare at the dialled number.


    "Hera it''s Max. Wait here okay, I''ll go and get him." He informed her and she nodded in understanding.


    "Don''t forget to get snacks." She called out to him and he bowed his head at her before exiting the building.


    Minutester, he arrived with Max trailing behind him.


    "Has it started already?" He asked when he got closer to where she sat.


    "I don''t think so."


    "Good." He handed over the items that he had bought to her and she received them gratefully.


    "Hello Hera." Someone called from behind her and Hera looked to see that the voice belonged to the man that had just walked in with Bryce.


    "Hello." She scrutinized him to remember where she had seen his face. He looked very familiar but her brain couldn''t process any information about him. "The name''s Max." He blurted out, saving her from her misery "We bumped into each other the other day at the mansion."


    Hera''s face glowed up at that instant "You''re right. We have met. My name is Hera"


    "Oh I know. I''ve heard so much about you my dear." He drawled, throwing Bryce and amused look while Bryce tried his very best to avoid his gaze.


    Hera silently watched the exchange between the both of them. Between Bryce and Max, she wondered who was older. They both had the same body build and was very physically fit. They looked like protectors that spent the entire day working out at the gym. Not that she''sining though.


    "Which team are you cheering for Bryce?" She questioned when Max had taken his seat.


    "The Underdogs."


    "Who are they?" She asked Innocently.


    He found out that she knew nothing about this but it delighted him to teach her.


    "The team wearing white."


    "Oh..." She gasped. "They''re shiny and white. I love the color."


    "Why?"


    "It represent sacredness and purity. A very good choice"


    Bryce stared at her as she spoke. The more she talked, the more he wants her to continue. He wanted to know more.


    "I guess I like White too."


    She smiled at him "I''m d that you do."


    Soon enough, the games began and Hera watched in anticipation of what would happen next. When either of the team threw a ball into the of the opponents, she stood up from her seats and cheered for them.


    Bryce and Max couldn''t help theughter that erupted from their stomachs when she did that. At a point, the game was forgotten and all their attention was focused on Hera would didn''t fail to give them a good show.


    It continued for hours until the games were over.


    "I really had a good time." She announced happily.


    "I''m sure you did. You kept on cheering for both teams." Heughed heartily.


    Hera gave a nervousugh "I had no idea that I did that. I guess I got too excited. Hope I didn''t ruin the game?"


    "I guess so too but it''s alright and honey, you made the game whole lot interesting." He patted her head lovingly.


    "Great. Is it okay if I use thedies before we go?"


    "Sure. I don''t see why not." He responded casually.

 Meeting The Handsome Stranger

    "Meet me out here when you''re done." Bryce had whispered to her and she nodded before going in to use thedies, leaving him to locate his car after dropping her off. Hera got inside and walked through the sign that separated the men''s bathroom from thedies.


    When she got outside the restroom, she washed her hands and stood for a few minutes to catch her breath. After she was done, she stepped out of the restroom and approached the door that led outside the building when she bumped into a hard surface. She almost lost her bnce as her knees gave way to the ground but someone caught her just in time before she could make any contact with the hard surface.


    "Are you okay?" Hera heard a deep voice calling out to her in her blurry dazed world. Thank goodness she didn''t fall to the ground. It would''ve been embarrassing and worse, she could''ve injured herself in the process.


    "I''m fine. Thank you very much sir." She responded gratefully and proceeded to dust her outfit and crease out the wrinkles.


    Hera stared at the face of her savior for a brief second. He was heavily built, although not as much as Bryce and he also had muscles popping everywhere. Hera wondered if it was a thing with all the men in Los Angeles. His hair was geled back and he was d in a ck shirt and trousers. The first two buttons on his shirt were open, which exposed his chest. He also had piercings on his ears as well.


    The man In question stood still watching her as she continued with whatever she was doing.


    Hera looked up to meet the eyes of her savior for the second time. He smiled at her reflecting his dimpled cheeks.


    "Do you need help?" He went further to ask.


    She shook her head "I don''t need any help. I''m very fine on my own. Thank you for saving me from that fall." Shemented before walking out of his presence.


    "I didn''t get your name." He called after her.


    Hera turned and flushed feeling embarrassed. She didn''t think it was necessary though. "My name is Hera."


    "Benjamin." Hemented.


    She walked out of his presence wondering why he insisted on knowing her name when they probably won''t see each other again. She had spent a lot of time in the bathroom and was hasty because Bryce might be looking for her at this point.


    When she got out of the building, she searched the premises frantically, trying to see if she could maybe catch a glimpse of Bryce. He was supposed to be here by now.


    "Waiting for someone?" Someone asked from behind her. She turned around to see the man from earlier. Benjamin.


    "Yes. I''m waiting for my boss. He''s supposed to be here by now." She exined.


    "Your boss brought you to see the game?"


    Hera nodded "Yes he did." Hera answered in a calm voice.


    "Interesting." She heard him mutter to himself. It got her curious.


    "What''s so interesting Benjamin? Are you referring to the game perhaps?" She asked innocently.


    He chuckled "The game was interesting indeed but I wasn''t referring to the game." He voiced out, his eyes pinned on her as he spoke. Hera found itpletely strange that he was staring at her. She didn''t feelfortable around him even though he hasn''t done anything to her.


    He was being friendly but she found it weird. She wasn''t used to being around other men except Bryce and she wanted to keep it that way as best as possible.


    "Oh okay." She primped, taking two steps further away from where he stood.


    "Do you mind if i-"


    "Bryce!" She called out to someone, waving her hands in the process so that he gets to see where she was standing.


    Bryce walked up to Hera, his face tightened up in worry. He was pissed and it showed that he was upset.


    "How is it possible that you take so long in the bathroom? I''ve been waiting for you. I even went ahead to check around the premises thinking that you''ve lost your way or something"


    Hera chuckled "I didn''t loose my way." She said in her usual soothing voice, trying to abate his fears and worry. "I was just caught up in a sticky situation but it''s all good now"


    Bryce darted his gaze to the man standing next to Hera. He doesn''t look familiar and the fact that he was here with her didn''t sit well with him.


    "I''m sorry but do I know you?" He questioned, trying to recall If maybe, he had met him somewhere.


    "Probably not. The name''s Benjamin" He extended his hands for a shake and Bryce took it begrudgingly.


    "He helped me when I almost fell to the ground. If it wasn''t for him, I would''ve gotten badly injured." Hera primped, making sure to exin the situation at hand so that he doesn''t misunderstand Ben''s intentions.


    "Alright then. Thank you for helping her out. We''ll take our leave if you don''t mind." Bryce reached out to Hera''s hands and held it firmly in his.


    He pulled her away towards the direction of where his car was parked but she stopped abruptly and turned to face the stranger.


    "Bye Ben. And thanks again." She called out to him and he gave her an affectionate smile. Bryce looked back from Hera to the man who was starting to get him upset for doing absolutely nothing.


    "Can we go, now?" He asked again, his voice came out harsher that intended. He couldn''t help himself. She was smiling at him and he doesn''t like it. He''s not about to pretend that he did. And the idiot was smiling at her too.


    This was too wrong on so many levels.


    Without waiting for her to say anything more, he pulled her away, making sure to take her straight to his car where Max was waiting for them patiently.


    "You''re finally here." Max stressed out "I thought that I had to find security to conduct a search for both of you." Max scrutinized Bryce''s face only to realize that he was upset. He''s known him long enough to understand every single face he puts up.


    "Did something happen?" His eyes were pinned on Bryce but the question was redirected at Hera who shrugged, looking clueless.


    "Let''s go. I''ll drop Hera at home and we''ll drive to your hotel if it''s okay."


    "Alright then." Max knew when to pick his battles and sadly this wasn''t one of them. Whatever had him reeled up in this manner is not something that he would love to delve into at this particr moment. He consoled himself with the fact that he would let him in on it when he wants to.


    "Get in Hera. Let''s take you home." He announced and turned around to take the driver''s wheel, leaving Hera to ponder on what might''ve actually made him change his mood so quickly.

 Are You Jealous Bryce?

    Hera noticed all through the drive that Bryce wasn''t talking to her. And she was lost because she had absolutely no idea what exactly could be the cause of his sudden mood swing. They were fine just some minutes ago so what must''ve happened and why wasn''t he giving her the chance to exin.


    What would she even exin at this point when she doesn''t even know her crime in all of this.


    He was talking to Max alright but when she said something, he would simply ignore or pretend as if she wasn''t saying anything at all. It felt like she was invincible but that was not the case.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Max had been engaging her in different conversations, she would''ve actually believed the fact that she was invincible.


    "Bryce?" She called out to him. He shifted on his seat and she knew then that he was listening to her. He heard her loud and clear but only silence met her call.


    She wasn''t used to this side of him. He was always willing and ready to talk to her when it need presented itself. He had never given her the silent treatment before.


    She took in a deep breath when she found Max''s eyes staring at her through the rearview mirror. He looked just as confused as she was. His eyes seemed to say it all. He also wanted to know the reason to Bryce''s sudden change of mood.


    Hera watched him take a U-turn, his hands firmly holding the steering wheel. He titled his head to s side and his pressed together as though he was lost in thoughts.


    "Did something happen at the game?" Hera pressed on, wanting to make him talk to her.


    He shook his head negatively "Everything is fine Hera and nothing happened at the game. You don''t need to beat yourself up over nothing. I''ll be fine." He replied but she still heard a tint of anger in his words. He wasn''t fine. He was only putting up a show because he wanted her to think that everything was okay.


    She might not have known him for a very long time but she knew that this wasn''t how he acted whenever he was around her.


    He was always jovial, yful and very much happy.


    "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked in a soft voice. Max threw his head back to rest it perfectly on the head stand. He wasn''t going to say anything concerning this conversation because for starters, it had nothing to do with him In the first ce. "There''s nothing wrong with me Hera and even if there is, I don''t want to talk about it." He didn''t mean to yell but he couldn''t help it.


    "Okay." Hera replied after a few minutes of wishful thinking. Maybe she would leave him for now and talk to himter when he was a bit calm and in the right frame of mind.


    After driving for hours in silence, they finally arrived home. She pushed the door open and stepped out of the car without wasting any more time.


    There was no point In saying anything more when he didn''t want to talk to her in the first ce so she''ll just give him space for now.


    She got into her apartment and minutester, she heard the car pull out. He did say that he was going to Max''s hotel after dropping her off. She had wanted to go so badly but she just couldn''t tell him because he was upset with her. "Hera?" Someone called from behind. She turned to find Mariam waving at her. Hera ran into the woman''s arms catching off guard.


    "Is everything okay?"


    She nodded with slightly parted lips. How does she tell her that everything is alright when sadly, it isn''t?


    ***


    "Are you ready to talk about it?" Max asked the minute Bryce pulled out of the mansion. He had promised not to pry because he kept on telling himself that this matter had nothing to do with him but he couldn''t help it. Bryce had been sulking for the longest of time and it was beginning to get to him as well.


    "Talk about what?" Bryce asked feigning Innocence. Why does everyone keep assuming that he had a problem that he needed to talk about? He was fine for goodness sake. Why wouldn''t they believe him?


    "If you were shy to say It in front of her, she''s gone now so do tell."


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." He pinched his nose slightly and sucked in a deep breath through his thinly parted mouth.


    "So you''re telling me that you''re okay but snapped at Hera because you''repletely fine and there''s nothing wrong with you?"


    Bryce blinked rapidly. The stupid man just doesn''t know when to give up.


    "You acted all lovey dovey during the game but you suddenly became hostile in a matter of minutes."


    "Drop it!" Bryce threatened, his hands gripped tightly on the steering wheel.


    "You might as well just drop me over here so that I can book an Uber andplete the rest of my journey to my intended destination because I won''t sit here without you telling me why you''re so grumpy." "What happened at the game?"


    Bryce swallowed. His reason for being upset might be a small deal to others but it was one heck of a big deal to him. Even he, doesn''t know why he''s so angry at himself. He had never felt this way before. It was all a new territory to him. He also didn''t understand it at all. "I saw Hera." He began, trying his best to look everywhere but Max''s face.


    "You saw her doing what?" Max urged desperately. He wasn''t a fan of unnecessary suspense when it''s not a movie.


    "She was talking to a guy and it seemed as if she liked it and the useless prick was trying his very best to flirt with her." He cussed angrily "I know that it might sound crazy but I''m a guy and I know when a guy is trying to hit on a girl. That''s what I do anyways and I''m just bothered that she might be taken advantage of because she''s too naive to understand the workings of the real word."


    By the time he was done exining, Max didn''t know if he was supposed tough at the situation or console his dear friend.


    "Let me get this straight?" Max shiftedfortably on his seat before facing him "You''re upset because Hera was talking to a guy? Hold on, Are you jealous Bryce?" He questioned, eyes pinned on Bryce who tried his very best to avoid the question.

 She Doesnt Taste Like Hera

    Bryce avoided the question and kept his eyesight focused on the road in front of him. He''ll be damned before ever admitting to the fact that he was jealous. Why would he be jealous anyways? He never gets jealous. He made people get jealous and not the other way around so this particr question was totally uncalled for. "Are you going to answer or keep on avoiding my question like a gue?" Max primped.


    Bryce darted his eyes at him briefly and resumed driving again.


    "I''m not jealous." He snapped. His Jawline ticked and his brows knitted together. His lips pressed together in a tight frown and he lets out series of exasperated sighs. "Good. Then it shouldn''t be of any concern to you if Hera gets involved with another man." Max said with an air of finality.


    Bryce was confused. He didn''t understand what Max meant by that particr statement. He was supposed to be his friend but the idiot apparently didn''t care about him or his feelings. He was supposed to side with him on this one. What exactly did he mean by saying it shouldn''t be of any concern to him? If he was having all of these emotions then shouldn''t it be his concern?


    "I don''t understand!" He blurted out atst. His brain calcting.


    "What exactly do you not understand?"


    "You''re supposed to be my best friend Max. You''re supposed to support me here. Is this exactly how your decide to end the conversation?"


    "You just said it yourself that you''re not jealous." Max reminded him with a sudden eye roll.


    "And what does being jealous have to do with any of this?"


    "Because if you''re jealous then it only means that you like her? Are you going to admit that you like Hera?" Max asked him for the second time and Bryce went silent Instantly.


    "That''s exactly what I thought." Max dismissed the conversation and threw his face outside the window.


    His friend could be daft when he wanted to. Max could see right through his dear friend that he had some twisted feelings for his maid. Which is surprising because Bryce doesn''t involve himself in feelings or any of that sort.


    He knew him like the back of his palm. This is one of those rare asions that he gets to witness his friend frowning and grumbling because of a woman. Bryce fucks them, he doesn''t give a shit about what happens afterwards. But Hera was an entire new and different territory.


    Bryce grew up in a dysfunctional home where love and rtionship felt like a game to both his parents. He didn''t believe in love because he had concluded that all women were the same but that was before he got involved with this sudden Temptation. The innocent woman from the convent and now his walls are breaking down.


    Ever since he saw how affected he was thest time she turned down his sexual advances, he knew that Bryce would definitely pick up the challenge of trying to woo her and so far, he had failed miserably at it.


    It intrigued him to know that such women existed. He had never met one and doesn''t want to ever meet one.


    Well the ball was now in Bryce''s court and he would be here to see exactly how he yed it. This should be a fun game to watch.


    Minutester, Bryce pulled up in front of Max''s hotel. He decided to drown himself with a bottle of tequ before heading back home. His mood for the rest of the day has been spoilt so far.


    "I''ll meet you at the bar. Give me a few minutes. Max excused himself and walked out of his sight leaving Bryce to focate the bar himself. He got in and the bartender gave him a shot which he took in one swig.


    The bar was eerily quiet but he knew that it was only for a moment. The ce would be flooding very soon as it always does at night.


    "Hi" Someone called from behind him. He turned to see the gorgeous figure of Natalie standing beside him. She pulled out a stool and sat down before proceeding to ce her bag in the counter in front of them. "Natalie?" He called looking surprised. He wasn''t expecting her to be here of all ces. Was she stalking him? Or maybe she came here for something else?


    His eyes did a sweep on her outfit. She was dressed rather casual except for the blouse that exposed her cleavage.


    "What are you doing here?" He asked, eyes searching everywhere but her face. He wasn''t in a mood to exchange pleasantries.


    "I saw you drive in and so I followed."


    "What are the odds?" He teased and picked up the other shot that the bartender had poured out for him.


    "You never reached out to me after


    that day and so I was worried. We''re friends with benefits after all. I


    thought that I had done something I wrong. She reminded him before ordering the bartender to pour her a ss as well.


    Bryce scrutinized the woman seated in front of him. On another day, he would''ve found this funny but he didn''t. He was too upset to think about anything else. Could Max be right?


    Is this really what it feels like for someone to be jealous? If it does then it really sucks.


    "I''m so sorry Natalie. I''ve been busy with work for sometime now. It has nothing to do with you." He


    apologized even though deep down he knew that he didn''t sound sincere about it. He wanted her gone and that''s a first because he had never ever had the urge to send a woman who had willinglye to see him away.


    "Okay then. Since you apologized so nicely then I have no choice but to forgive you." She smiled at him "But on one condition." She lifted a finger at him and her lips twitched into a small smile. "What kind of condition?"


    "We''re in a hotel Bryce so you should do the math. What do you think that I want?"


    She rolled the ss around her fingers and drowned the contents before cing it on the counter. Then, she pushed herself closer to him and sealed their lips in a kiss.


    The first thought that popped into Bryce''s head at that moment was Hera.


    She doesn''t taste like Hera. She''s not Hera. His brain reminded him while he struggled within himself to either go with the flow or push her away from him.

 Overwhelming Emotions

    "Maybe I did something wrong" Hera voiced out to Mariam worriedly, she massaged her hands nervously with slightly furrowed brows.


    "And what exactly did you do?" The older woman inquired expectantly. She had been with her ever since they got back from the game. Hera has been in a ck mood and she didn''t know how to console the little woman. She had wanted to sympathize with her but how could she do that when she doesn''t even know what could''ve caused the problem in the first ce.


    All Hera did was sign asionally and me herself ever since she got back. She had refused to disclose what must''ve happened at the game.


    Did they fight or was it worse than what she might be thinking?


    "I won''t know how to help you if I don''t know what''s wrong Hera." Mariam held her hands and squeezed gently "So if it''s that big of a problem then you might want to tell me first. What''s wrong?"


    "I don''t know..." She trailed off, her eyes downcast as she gazed at the floor instead of the woman''s face. She was too embarrassed. Why was he mad at her? As far as she could remember, she didn''t say or do anything wrong or did she?


    "I think that Bryce is upset with me."


    The older woman straightened herself to listen attentively "What do you mean by he''s upset with you? Did you do something wrong?"


    "That''s what I don''t know." She cried out in utter frustration. "The game went fine and his favourite team won the match so I don''t understand why he suddenly snapped at me."


    Mariam tilted her head as though she was lost in thoughts. Even she was confused so how was she going to help her out now.


    "When did he start giving you the cold shoulder?"


    Hera went silent for a while before responding "I remember that I had gone to use the bathroom after the game so I waited for him toe and pick me up but before then, I almost tripped and someone caught me from falling down and we chatted for a while. That''s when Bryce came and his mood changed after that. He became upset and refused to talk to me till he dropped me off."


    Mariam smiled. Her brain finally being able to process that the real issue was at the moment.


    Her boss was jealous. If Hera was saying the truth which she knew it was because she doesn''t lie then that''s the only sensible exnation that she coulde up with. He was jealous to the bone.


    But could this be a bad or good thing?


    "I think that he''s just stressed out Hera. You don''t have to beat yourself up about it. I thought that somehow bad must''ve happened but clearly that''s not the case." Mariam stated and slowly patted Hera''s shoulder to offer herfort.


    "I guess you''re right ma''am. Bryce would never get angry at me intentionally. Maybe he''s stressed out. I''ll talk to him when he gets back." She muttered with a smile.


    Mariam stared at her, wondering where this unlikely friendship will lead to. She could understand the plight of the little woman seated next to her. These emotions were all new territory for her but her boss on the hand had learned to exploit each and every one of them. Her only prayer is that he doesn''t do the same to Hera cause she''s too weak and fragile.


    She might not be able to handle it well and it might lead to her getting hurt or heartbroken.


    "I''ll take my leave now ma''am. I still haven''t changed out of my clothes yet." She told her with a cating smile that the older woman was forced to smile back at her.


    "Alright then dear. You di that and make sure to rest too. It''s been a long evening."


    Hera flung herself into the woman''s arms before leaving for her apartment.


    When she got there, she decided to take a shower and clean herself up and she did exactly that. By the time she was done, it was alreadyte into the night.


    She put on her night dress and peeked through the curtains of her living room but his car hasn''t pulled in yet.


    Maybe he won''te back for the night. He might decide to sleep over at Max''s ce ande back in the morning.


    Whatever happens, she''d make sure to speak with him and possibly apologize to him.


    Just as she was about to go into her bedroom, she heard the familiar sound of his engine from afar. She peeked through the curtains for the second time and she was right He was back home. A wave of happiness coursed through her at that moment.


    ov


    She would finally get to apologize after all. The sister''s at the convent had told her once about not letting an argument progress to the next day and that''s what she was going to do.


    She watched him pull out something from the back seat of the car before he made his way into his mansion.


    Now would be a good time. She reminded herself and threw on a fleece nket over her shoulders before stepping out of her apartment.


    Wearing her flops, she immediately proceeded into his mansion. Luckily it''s not always locked.


    "Bryce?" She called out, a bit unsure if her idea was going to work out but she didn''t have that much of a choice.


    Instinctively, she took the stairs up to his bedroom. She opened the door and was greeted by King as he wagged his tail at her.


    "Hi boy." She crouched down to touch his fur and he burrowed deeper into her touch. "Where''s Bryce?" She asked as she made her way Inside the bedroom but King stopped her from going further. This is weird.


    Instead, he circled around her.


    "I just want to have a word with him king, I promise to y with you afterwards." She pledged her allegiance to the fury animal who only barked in response.


    "You''re just so cheesy aren''t you king?" She teased and rubbed his fur.


    He barked at her question, causing her to burst into a fit ofughter.


    "Hera?" Bryce''s voice boomed from


    behind. She turned towards the direction of his voice only to see that he had just stepped out of the bathroom. She quickly lets go of King and rose to full length so that she was facing him. His eyes had an unreadable expression and just staring at him had her feeling all


    sorts of emotions.


    He had a towel tied around his waist while the other one massaged the water from his hair In an attempt to dry them outpletely.


    "I had no idea that you were in the


    bathroom" She muttered nervously "I


    guess that''s why King stopped me from going in further" She thanked the animal in her hearts of hearts for not letting her make another big mistake.


    Shoot!


    The fact that she always came at the wrong time is another mystery that she needed to solve.


    "Why are you here sote at night? You should be asleep." He asked and walked past her towards his closet. He opened it and rummaged through his clothes.


    Hera tried to remain focused. She hade here with a mission after all.


    She scratched her head to the point that he was forced to look at her.


    "I wanted to apologize..." She trailed off while he just watched her without uttering a single word.


    "Whatever about?" His voice clipped which indicated that he was still upset.


    "Did I do something wrong?" She blurted out the words that she had been itching to ask.


    Shutting the door to the closet, he stalked towards her and bridged the gap between them so that he towered over her. Her breath hitched. He was too close. To close that she could feel her heart racing.


    "And what makes you think that you did?" He asked, his eyes peering deep down at her while she fumbled a response. Her brain came out nk as she struggled to find a suitable response to his question.

 Screwed In The Worst Way Possible

    Bryce couldn''t do it.


    No matter how hard he tried to, he couldn''t kiss her back. Hell no! Whatever exactly is wrong with him? He had always been the one to jump on an opportunity like this one. Natalie was offering herself on a silver tter right in front of him but some some weird reason, he seemed uninterested. This was as far as he could go.


    He was slowly loosing his mind and he could tell. He was almost at the verge of insanity. This couldn''t be him? Something definitely was taking control over him. How is it possible that he couldn''t think straight and why couldn''t he get it up? Fuck it! He was screwed. Natalie continued with the kiss while his brain kept on firing different questions at him. Compelling him to stop whatever he was doing.


    Feeling frustrated, he snatched his lips away from hers and took another swig of alcohol. Maybe he wasn''t drunk enough. But then again, since when does he need to get drunk to sex a woman? He had never attempted such a feat before and even if he did, he had never relied on alcohol to give sexual pleasures to a woman. Never ever!


    Being sober enough to watch them scream under his touch was something that he had always anticipated and looked forward too.


    "Are you alright?" Natalie reached out to hold his hands. He looked flustered and quite upset. Something was definitely up but she couldn''t put her finger on it.


    "I''m fine." Came his casual and swift response. He suddenly felt suffocated. He didn''t like it here anymore. He wanted out of this ce. He needed help. He needed to seek the advice of a medical practitioner because this sickness is a new breakout and he couldn''t understand the symptoms that came along with it.


    "You don''t look fine?" She voiced out In concern. Her words narrowed the concern that showed on her face.


    Yeah, of course he doesn''t look fine. He looked anything but fine right now. He looked like someone who had just lost something dear to him in the worst way possible which is weird because he doesn''t own anything dear to him.


    "I just need to be alone for now Natalie. Please." He pleaded when she didn''t want to leave him alone. For Pete''s sake, couldn''t she read between the lines. He was on the verge of loosing his mind right now. Does he need to spell it out? He''s not okay. "I really thought that you-"


    "I''m sorry." He primped "I''m not just feeling it right now Natalie and no, it''s not you. Work has been he hectic and stressfultely. I lost a major jobmission with a very important client and I''m trying toe to terms with it but so far, it''s been hard and draining." He lied through his teeth to let her down easy and just then, he saw the understanding and pain sh through her eyes. Not like he cared anyway.


    "Oh my goodness." Her hands flew to cover her mouth "I had no idea. I''m so sorry Bryce. You should''ve just told me. I know that our rtionship is purely sex with no strings attached but I can offer advice when needed. I can also be a friend if you want me to." She squeezed his hands to offerfort. Nope! It didn''t sound as sincere as when Hera had said it to him. God he was screwed and in the worst way possible.


    Besides, the only advice that she could offer was the different positions she''d like him to take her from. Ironic!


    "It''s fine." He whispered instead and patted their joined hands with a fake smile.


    "Alright then. I''ll leave you for now. Call me when you''re sane enough to be with me. I''ll be waiting." She reached for her purse and pushed herself down the stool. After she gave him a peck on his cheeks, she swayed her hips and walked out of the building leaving him alone with just his thoughts and beer.


    "You didn''t tell me that you lost a major client andmission" He heard Max''s taunting voice from behind him and he was forced to roll his eyes at the bastard.


    "That was the only way to get her to leave me alone."


    Max stared at his best friend in disbelief "You just turned down Natalie?" His voice quaked. He reached out to touch Bryce''s forehead with his palm.


    "Are you sick? Do you have a fever? Are youing down with something? Cold perhaps?" He rambled and Bryce was forced to push his hands away.


    "I''m very fine thank you very much."


    "She has really gotten under your skin hasn''t she?" Max stated the obvious as she shook his head sideways negatively.


    Bryce refused to answer to that even though he knew what Max meant by that statement.


    "I refuse to be your object to get a goodugh." Bryce ced the ss on the table and rose to full length.


    "Where are you going?" Max inquired, wondering why he was in a hurry to leave. They just got here and he never leaves that early.


    "Home. I need to take a quick bath and rest for tomorrow" He patted his shoulders and set out to adjust his clothes.


    "You''re not going to stay? I thought that you would be spending the night here?"


    "I can''t." He replied truthfully. "Right now, I can''t really think straight. I feel like my head is full but sadly, it''s not. Then again I''m overthinking thingstely and I have never done so for the longest of time." He really had it bad for her and the dumb prick was oblivious to that fact.


    "Maybe you need to let off some steam. It''ll do you a whole lot of good. Trust me and just stay." Max pressed on and waited anxiously for his reply.


    Whatever he would say now would confirm his doubts about his friend.


    "No." He blurted out unfortunately "I don''t feel like sleeping out today. I''ll talk to youter and thanks for the drink. I know that I don''t have to pay I cause its on the house." He jokingly nudged him before making his way out of the hotel.


    Outside, he approached his car and got inside. He started the ignition and pulled out of the premises. Hopefully he doesn''t get Into an ident because he wasn''t in the right frame of mind at the moment.


    Halfway through his ride, he decided


    to get a peace offering for Hera. He


    doesn''t know why he snapped at her earlier but he was certain that she might be angry at him. Who


    wouldn''t. He had refused to give her an exnation and just went out to yell at her.


    She was the only friend he had and sadly he didn''t want to mess that up. Yes, he knew that he came from a broken and dark ce but she was the only light illuminating through his darkness and he didn''t want to lose that as well.


    When he arrived, he got out the


    items from the car. His first impulse


    was to knock on her door but seeing that her lights were turned off, he decided against it. She might be sleeping and he''s not about to ruin her night for the second time that day. He would go to bed and talk to her in the morning.

 Forgiveness And Open Confessions

    Bryce was in the shower when he heard soft whispering voices. He paused to listen. At first he had thought that it was only a figment of his imagination but when it came again for the second time, he was convinced had to agree to the fact that someone was in his


    bedroom. Was it Ne?


    It can''t be Ne. She always called and asked for permission whenever she wanted to see him ore over and they haven''t really spoken to each other for days now. He would''ve said that maybe his house was being robbed but the girly giggle didn''t sound like a robber. Whatever it was, it still didn''t change the fact that there was someone in his bedroom.


    He quickly finished with his bath and tied a towel around his waist then he reached for the other one that was meant to dry up his hair before stepping out of the bathroom.


    There, he came face to face with the woman whom he had been avoiding all evening. Her back faced him so she didn''t know that he was standing behind her. Was this supposed to be another temptation? All he ever wanted to do was sleep through today and pretend as if it never happened but how was he supposed to do that when the universe kept on throwing her towards his direction.


    He could do this all day but it won''t do him any good because she had always managed to give him a boner without trying too hard.


    But when she said that she hade to apologize, it had him intrigued. If he could remember correctly then he was the one who acted like a total dickhead so why would she apologize?


    He had been upset and just when he thought he''d heard it all, she went further to ask if she did something wrong.


    "And what makes you think that you did something wrong?" He had asked, closing the bridge between them. He noticed how nervous and ufortable she had be underneath his gaze. Was she scared? Frightened? He didn''t have a clue. He''s not the one to understand a woman''s feelings but this particr woman was slowly breaking the standard that he had held up for himself to this very moment.


    "I don''t know..." She trailed off and folded her arms across her chest. "You got angry at me after the game. You stopped talking to me. I tried to get you to say something but you kept on ignoring me and so I figured that you were still mad at me." "Hera..." He breathed heavily "I am not mad at you."


    "You are too." She bickered and pukered her lips in an angry pout. It was supposed to be serious but so far, he found it funny and alluring.


    "Just tell me what I did wrong so that we can settle our differences and go back to being friends." She prompted.


    Friends? He was slowly beginning to hate that word. It came with a lot of boundaries that he didn''t think he was prepared for. Whoever invented that crazy word needs a mental check because so far, it had done nothing but ruin his life. "It''s not very nice to hold a grudge and if we don''t talk about it, it might cause bigger problems in the future." She reached for his hands and held it "Let''s not fight Bryce. Please." She pleaded sincerely.


    This woman would be the death of me. He thought to himself.


    "You want to know what you did?" He asked and she nodded once.


    "That guy at the game, the one you were talking to. You kept on smiling at him and as if it wasn''t enough, you waved him goodbye. Do you know him from somewhere?" He rushed out the words before he could stop them. Hera looked at him confusing. She slowly lets go of his hand "I don''t know him. He only helped me out, that''s all. I was waiting for you like you had asked and we only talked for a short while."


    "So then, why''d you wave at him goodbye? You were with me Hera and I didn''t like the fact that you...smiled at him" He fumbled with his words.


    "Is it wrong to smile at someone?" She asked innocently "I was just being friendly."


    "I''m only looking out for you Hera." He went ahead to say when she remained quiet "This city is flooded with wolves and I don''t want you getting hurt and that''s why you''re supposed to stick to me no matter what okay?" She smiled at him. That smile that fried his Brain whenever she looked at him.


    "Okay Bryce. I will always stick to you and not smile at anyone else." She crossed her hands over her chest in a solemn promise.


    "I''m sorry I got upset." He pulled her in for a hug and she melted inside him.


    The more she held on tighter, the more he found it difficult to let her go. Focus man! You don''t want to scare her off do you? You can''t


    touch her. She''s your friend, He


    thought out loud in a bid to calm his raging hormones that were already running wild.


    She pulled away "It''s fine. I forgive you." She smiled gleefully.


    "Oh and I also got you a peace offering." He reached out to his table, picked up a packaged box and handed it over to her.


    Hera opened it excitedly. He had noticed that she had thing with gifts. She was always happy to tear a package open and it only encouraged him to do more.


    "It''s a box of zed donuts." She squealed happily when she got to see the contents inside the box.


    Bryce chuckled and walked back to his closet. He pulled out loose top and shorts. "Would you like us to eat it together?"


    She nodded "Yes but after you put on some clothes." She pointed to his bare chest. Isn''t it weird that a lot of women wanted to see him shirtless while this particr woman always wanted him clothed.


    "Why? Are you affected?" He drawled amusingly. He loved teasing her and always loved it when she squirmed or tried to hide herself from getting taunted. "I''m not affected." She challenged boldly. Although he could see right through her. She was as scared as a mouse who had just been caught in a cheese trap. Throwing the clothes on the bed, he stalked towards her. Hera held onto the box tightly as she took a step backward.


    She hit the bed and sat down on her butt while he caged her in with both hands.


    "You look affected Cara." He whispered and she breathed


    nervously. He heard her sharp intake of air. Her whole body froze under his influence. Her eyes pinned on him like a predator stalking


    its


    prey.


    "Don''t look at me like that" He warned when her eyes couldn''t leave his. She had no idea on what to do next. She wanted to stop staring but found it incredibly hard to do. She felt her stomach ache and her heart beating ten times the normal rate.


    "Why?" She mouthed in a small voice. Their faces only inches apart. "Because then, I''ll be forced to kiss you again." Came his sharp reply.

 The Last Thread Of Sanity

    Bryce stared down at the temptress sitting down in front of him. He had warned her to quit staring but she had refused to. Should he kiss her? Maybe have a taste to get his brain working again. Would she let him? This was a battle between himself and his over raging hormones. God, what sort of punishment is this? You brought in a hotdy from your church and ced her in my household. You already know that I''m addicted to sin. Is this your way of telling refraining or encouraging me to continue? Bryce thought to himself as she looked down at her puckered lips that was in a They looked so inviting. This woman had turned him into a patient battling with insanity. He hasn''t had a decent sleep in ages and the worst part of everything was that he hasn''t screwed anyone ever since she made that open deration of being friends.


    frightened pout.


    He needed it so badly but how could he do it when it wasn''t going to be with her. Call him crazy but he wanted her. He needed her. God the blood in his veins are were going haywire just thinking about it.


    "Bryce..." Hera called out slowly. Her boss had been staring at her for ages now and she was starting to get ufortable. She didn''t know if it was in a good way or bad way but whatever it was, all she could say was that she was getting more ufortable by the minute. "Talk to me." Came his reply. He hasn''t moved an inch and for the life in him, he doesn''t n to do such a preposterous thing. He liked it here. He liked being close to her. He would give anything to stay right where he is now and not move on to anywhere else. "You''re...still not dressed up yet" She muttered, her eyes looking everywhere but his face. She was trying to avoid his gaze. He knew the effect he had on her and it made him proud to know that no one else can make her feel so shy like the way he did. Bryce held her chin and brought her face to meet his "Don''t try to look away from me Cara. I love it when you look at me."


    Hot!


    Hera was slowly beginning to feel the heat pull up inside her. Was it what he said or how he said it? She couldn''t tell but all she knew was that something was definitely going wrong inside of her but she couldn''t differentiate if it was right or wrong. What is this ache that was suddenly brewing inside of her?


    Hera yed with the package in her hands nervously as she tried to maintain and match his piercing gaze.


    "I''m not trying to l-look away." She stuttered. "I just want you to get dressed so that we can eat the donuts." She rambled, the words came out faster than intended.


    Bryce smiled at her innocence. How was he developing a hard on whereas all she could think of was eating donuts? If he had the opportunity to choose, he''d rather eat her as food for dinner and breakfast instead of the fucking damn donuts. "Don''t you want to know what I''d like to eat instead?"


    Hera swallowed. Why was he suddenly speaking in parables? He was the one who had insisted that they ate the donuts together. Why on earth would he ask her something like this? Why was she always in a tight spot when it came to him. "Are you no longer hungry for the donuts?" She counters his question. Her eyes pinned on his in ardent confusion.


    He shook his head negatively "I don''t think I am anymore Cara."


    "What would you like to eat then?


    Tell me and


    make something for


    you." She nced at the clock in his


    bedroom It''s quitete so you''ll


    have to wait a while for it to g


    ready but I''m sure I can manage."


    She made to stand up but he


    pushed himself closer so that she sat back down on the bed.


    "What makes you think that I''m hungry for food?"


    The question came as a surprise to her. Hadn''t he just told her that he was hungry? Why was he making his words difficult andplicated for her to understand?


    "Because you just said that you were Bryce. What else could you be hungry for If it''s not food?" She whined inint.


    "You." Came his swift reply. "I''m hungry for you Hera." He repeated when she didn''t say anything.


    Hera froze. This wasn''t exactly what


    she had in mind when she had


    mind


    asked that question. How could he be hungry for her? Is it even possible for someone to get hungry for another person? She was merely trying to get used to this feeling that always resurfaced whenever she


    We


    was with him and now this? The look on his face wasn''t helping


    matters either.


    She knew that look, she recognized it. It was the one he always had whenever he kissed her. Hera did a silent prayer within herself. She cannot be drawn to this. It always felt so good that it made her scared.


    "Bryce I don''t think-" Before she could finish that statement, he pushed his face to her neck andpped his tongue over her cor bone. She shivered, moaning softly.


    Hepped that spot again and again making it thoroughly wet before cing open mouthed kisses on that sensitive spot. Then he ced his nose right there and inhaled very deeply.


    Hera''s eyes fluttered close. Her breathing had skyrocketed and she had been thrown into a frenzy by her desires.


    "You smell likevender. I''m slowly beginning to like this scent. It''s unique and belongs to only you." He whispered In a hoarse voice.


    He was too close. Hera knew at the back of her head that this was too wrong but she''d be lying to herself if she didn''t admit that it felt right too.


    Bryce pulled away from her. He had


    going to break that trust. If he must do this, then it had to be consensual. She had to agree to it as well.


    Instead, he kissed her for a moment and broke it. Their foreheads joined together.


    "Hera?" He groaned, a sound of stark need. She hummed against his lips.


    "Let''s eat the donuts." He whispered against her lips and quickly snatched his face away from hers and made for his closet.


    No, he cannot loose it. He''ll hang on to thatst thread of sanity no matter what it''ll cost him.

 Her Hurt And His Pain

    Hera felt a little hurt when he pulled away from her. Why would she be hurt in the first ce? He did a good thing by stopping whatever he wanted to do right? Why then did she suddenly feel bad about it? If he hadn''t stopped when he did, she was a hundred percent sure that she wouldn''t have been able to stop him. Trying to stop him from kissing or touching her was like trying to stop a bee from getting attracted to honey which was utterly impossible, to say the least.


    Her hands instinctively went to her shoulders to touch where his lips had been earlier. She felt the multiple goosebumps as they broke out on her skin. An active volcano has erupted inside her no doubt.


    She pulled up her fleece jacket to cover up herself while her other hand held onto the donuts a little tighter. If she didn''t know any better, she''d say that she was squeezing the life out of them.


    "Ready?" Bryce''s voice boomed and she jerked back to reality. She must''ve been thinking to the point that she didn''t hear him. Something must really be going on with her. Well, something had always been going on whenever she was close to him. She had to remind herself constantly that Bryce is too dangerous for her. The life he led was not something that she wanted to get attached to.


    She smiled at him "Of course. Should I grab a te or would you rather eat out from the pack?" She raised up the package and shook gently.


    He paused to think for a while before saying "Let''s eat out from the package. I don''t want you stressing over nothing."


    She muttered a silent ''okay'' and proceeded to sit down on the floor by the edge of the bed. King cicrled around her and quietly ced his head on her feet. Bryce took the empty space right next to her and he watched her serve the meal for both of them. "Where did you go? Today after the game?" She had asked after handing one donut to Bryce who took it gratefully.


    "Max''s hotel" He replied casually and took a bite of his donut.


    "Max has an hotel?" Her eyes lit up Instantly.


    "Yup." He nudged her to continue eating "He has an hotel, a bar and a strip-" He paused and noticed her eyebrows arched at him when he nced at her


    "A strip what?" She looked at him confused.


    "And a club." He corrected himself smoothly.


    Thank goodness he didn''t let that slip. What would he have said? And how would he have been able to salvage the situation if she had asked about what it meant. Heaven knew just how much she would''ve scolded him should in case she found out about it. The fact that he was willing to tame his tongue because of her had him reeling. His was letting down his walls gradually which was something that he never thought he would end up doing.


    "Would you like to go there? Check out the ce perhaps?" He asked when she had gone silent for a while.


    She crunched her face in a weird manner as though she was lost in thought before squealing in delight.


    "Of course I would. How about we go there the day after tomorrow?" She asked and his froze for a bit before letting his donut fall to the ground.


    "We can''t." His voice clipped.


    Hera became rmed. She had never seen him act this way before. It was like she was looking at aplete different side of him.


    His jaw tightened and the scrowl on his face deepened.


    "Bryce?" She reached out to hold his hands and he suddenly flinched, causing her to be scared as well. What just happened? And why was he acting like this all of a sudden? "What happened?" She proceeded to ask.


    He pulled away from her touch and discarded the remnants of the donuts back into the package before standing up to full height.


    "Nothing is wrong Hera. Please is it alright if you go back to your apartment?" He asked her nicely. He saw the shocked expression on her face and he knew that somehow he had hurt her but he cannot help it.


    How on earth could he have forgotten what the day after tomorrow meant until she had reminded him unknowingly?


    It was supposed to be a day that he should never forget. Never ever!


    It was considered on of the worst days of his entire life so how could he forget?


    "My apartment? Why?"


    "I''ll exin it to you some other time please." He begged with pleading eyes that she had no other choice but to give into his wishes.


    "Alright then." She stroked king''s fur with her hands and proceeded to give him a hug, one that he didn''t reciprocate.


    She crouched down to pick up the empty box from the ground.


    "I''ll throw this on my way outside" she announced but he only nodded his head at her, urging her to continue.


    "Good night" she called out to him before exiting his bedroom. Maybe she said something and that''s why he''s acting like this. But then, what could she have said and why not talk to her about it rather than pushing her away? They had barely started talking again after an argument and now this? How was she supposed to cope when he''s acting like this now? How would she reach out to him?


    The minute she left, Bryce mmed the door behind her breathing heavily. She never should''ve reminded him of that day. Now it was going to live rent free in his


    head before it passes. He''ll be


    stay away from anything that might trigger his memory to that day, even if it meant staying far away from Hera.


    Bryce located the calendar in his bedroom and there it was. The exact date circled on the calendar with red ink.


    The exact day where all his


    problems began and the exact day


    where his lost his innocence as a child. He''ll never be able to forget. It had haunted him for ages and it''s only just a few days away. A few days to go through the pain again just like he had done every year.

 The Thought Of Seeing Him Again

    Hera knew the exact moment that Bryce left for work. He didn''t stop by her house or anything but she heard his car driving out of the mansion when she had woken up earlier to pray in the morning. The fact that he didn''te to her apartment was enough proof that he was mad at her. She knew deep down that he was somehow upset but the fact that she doesn''t know why was eating out on her.


    They had just begun talking again so why was he upset? She only mentioned going out with him. It''s not like she wanted to sacrifice him or something.


    And he had refused to tell her what she did wrong. How was she supposed to pacify him if she didn''t even know where to begin?


    cing the already washed dishes in the sink where they belong, she stepped into the bathroom to have her bath.


    When she was done, she sluggishly walked into her bedroom and pulled out a simple dress from her closet. She examined it thoroughly before putting it on. It was no longer news to her that her day was already ruined in the worst way possible.


    Stepping out of her bedroom, she was about to heat up her food when a knock sounded on her door. She quickly dropped the idea and hurriedly rushed out to open it but was a bit disappointed to see Mariam standing there instead.


    "Good morning Mariam." She gave a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. Today was definitely not looking up to her as she had hoped.


    "You don''t look happy to see me." Mariam pointed out conversionally "Were you expecting someone else?" Mariam eyed Hera curiously but she shook her head negatively.


    "I wasn''t." She lied through her teeth "I just wasn''t expecting to see you here so early in the morning."


    "I know. It''s a matter of great importance." She proimed and Hera stepped aside and opened the door wide for her to enter.


    "Thank you my dear." She told her gratefully and took a seat on the nearest couch.


    "What''s wrong Mariam?"


    "I need your assistance with shopping for groceries today." Mariam announced finally. Hera, could not believe it. She had thought that something bad had happened and that was why she came to her apartment so early but it was only because she needed help shopping for groceries? "Mariam..." Hera tugged her arm yfully "You had me worried."


    "I''m sorry child. I promise that I didn''t mean to." She apologized sincerely "Bryce had asked me to do some shopping since he would be busy and I decided to do just that. I''ll just need an extra pair of hands to carry them back home."


    Hera smiled through Mariam''s exnation. She didn''t know how much she missed hearing his name until Mariam had mentioned it. "It''s okay Mariam. Of course I''ll help you but I''ll have to eat breakfast first before we go." "That''s not a problem. This woman can wait."


    Hera left Mariam to heat up her food which she tried her possible best to finish up quickly.


    When she was done, his driver had driven them to the grocery store.


    Hera was fascinated at how big the store looked. She had never been to one before and she was extremely d to havee with Mariam otherwise she would''ve missed out on this.


    When they were done shopping, Mariam had left her to pick up something that she had forgotten from another aisle while Hera watched the salesperson wrap up their groceries.


    Just then, she felt a light tap on her shoulders. She turned around and is surprised to see the stranger that she had met from the game yesterday.


    "Benjamin?" She called out, stunned. She most definitely wasn''t expecting to see him here of all ces.


    "Hello Hera" He shed her a killer smile that made the dimple on his cheeks visible before proceeding to ce the items that he had bought on the counter. "What are you doing here?" She went further to ask.


    "Came to do a little bit of shopping." He pointed to the remaining items on his trolley and she nodded in understanding. "I wasn''t expecting to see you here though."


    His eyes did a sweep of the area as though he was frantically searching for something "I don''t see your boss anywhere? Did youe alone?"


    Hera bit her lips with a sad smile "I came here with someone else. My boss is at work."


    "Oh..." He trailed off "Well Hera,st time we met you left in such a hurry and I didn''t get enough time to talk~~ to you. Do you mind if I get your number so that we can talk moreter? He requested and reached out for his cellphone in his pockets.


    At first she hesitated. Bryce had warned her about not getting close to strangers. But Benjamin is not a stranger is he? And he looked downright friendly. Plus, he was only asking for her number right?


    "What are you thinking about so bad?" He chuckled when he noticed that she had zoned out on him. "You''ve got creases on your forehead" "Nothing." She blinked twice and tried to maintain herposure.


    "So what do you say? I''m simply asking to be your friend Hera and that''s it." He added.


    Hera stared at the cellphone In his hands before taking it slowly. She punched her number into the device and handed it back to him.


    "Thank you." He smiled at her and just then, Mariam approached them.


    "Hera, I think I finally found the " She paused when she noticed that they were having a conversation.


    "Hi ma''am" Benjamin greeted and Mariam replied with a curt nod.


    "Hello dear." She took a step closer to the counter "If you don''t mind then I''ll pay for this and we can go."


    Hera nodded vehemently and Mariam immediately set out to settle the bill. When she was done, they picked up the grocery bags from the counter as they made to leave.


    "Alright then Hera. Talk to youter." He waved at her and she did same before they exited the grocery store.


    "Who''s that?" Mariam had asked as they approached the car.


    "A friend. I met him at the game yesterday. His name is Benjamin." She primped and ced the bags at the back of the car.


    "Oohhh" She muttered a reply.


    "Is that everything?" Hera inquired.


    "Of course."


    "Let''s go home then." Hera made to enter but Mariam pped her head as though she had forgotten something important. "Shoot!" She eximed.


    "What''s wrong?" She worriedly asked as she tried to understand what could''ve gone wrong now.


    "Bryce had asked me to bring a file that he had forgotten to work so we''ll stop by at his ce before heading home." "His ce? At work?" She repeated


    "Oh I forgot, you have never been to hispany before so we can do so now" Mariam answered gleefully before joining Hera in the car.


    Hera on the other hand was in a fix.


    Other


    She wasn''t certain if she liked this new development. Although she liked the thought of getting to see him but for reason, she didn''t want to. Not after what had transpired between themst night.

 Caught In The Act... Again!

    They arrived at Bryce''spany and Hera suddenly decided to wait for Mariam in the car. Somehow she doesn''t feel the need to see him let alone talk to him. She was still convinced that he was still angry and didn''t want to talk to her. "Are youing?" Mariam had asked the minute they arrived but she shook her head slowly.


    "I''ll just wait right here for you Mariam." She answered "I don''t think it makes a difference if any of us goes up to give him the file."


    Liar! Of course it does. She wanted to see him with the excuse of giving him the file but deep down In the pits of her stomach, she felt unsure and a little bit frightened to do so.


    "Of course it does. Come on. I won''t let you sit here all by yourself!" Mariam reached for her hands and slowly pulled her out of the car.


    They made their way past security and into the building. When they arrived, they were greeted by his secretary who was typing away on herptop to give a single care in the world.


    "Hello!" Hera greeted with a cating smile "I''d like to see the owner please." She voiced out in the calmest voice that she could muster.


    "Is he expecting you?" She asked. Hera didn''t fail to notice the look the woman in question gave her from head to toe.


    "Yes!" Mariam responded sharply "He asked us to bring a file to his office so I''d like to give it to him."


    "Oh..." The secretary trailed off knowingly "Please mind my manners. He has been expecting you all morning. He asked me to let you in when you arrive. I''ll just call to check if he''s in his office because he has a visitor." She informed them.


    "Hold on." The secretary reached out to her telephone and punched some numbers before cing it in her ears. Hera heard it ring for a few minutes but the call came back unanswered.


    "That''s strange." She mumbled to herself "I''m sure he''s in his office. You know what?" She ced the phone right back on the stand "One of you can go inside to give it to him. The file in question is very important and he needs it for an important meeting so please..." She pointed at the route that was supposed to lead them straight to his office.


    "Thank you so much!" Mariam whispered thankfully before turning to Hera "You can go inside and give it to him dear. I''ll wait right here for you."


    "But Mariam-"


    "It''s just a file Hera." She silenced her protests "I''m not sending you to the lion''s den so just drop it off with him so that we can both go home. I would''ve done it myself but she said that only one of us is allowed to."


    "Okay" Hera breathed out after minutes of silent thinking.


    "Just go down the hall. His office is situated by your right!" She directed and Hera nodded, clutching the file tightly to her chest before following the direction that the secretary had given her.


    When she got to his office, she immediately recognized it because there was a gold te on the door that bears his name.


    Instinctively, she knocked but there was no response from the other end. Maybe the secretary made a mistake. Maybe he wasn''t in his office. But she was certain that he was because the secretary had told her that he had a visitor. Oh well, since it''s important, she''ll just have to put it in his office and leave. With that thought, she opened the door and walked inside.


    She took few steps and immediately stopped when she saw the sight in front of her. Bryce was pants down with a woman on his table. She recognized the woman to be Ne. The one that he had introduced as his childhood friend.


    She stood frozen on the spot and


    her knees went weak. And to think that she had seen this happen before in his bedroom. But she thought that he had changed. He never tried to do this whenever he


    was with her so what changed all of


    a sudden?


    Is he that angry with what she said yesterday that he decided to do do this? And here she was thinking that she would apologize to him and make everything right but she must''ve been so wrong.


    "He-Hera..." He beckoned with a


    stutter. Her already dead brain


    began functioning again and that''s when it hit her that she wasn''t dreaming. He quickly pulled up his pants and she looked away from the scene. She felt her heart crushing but she couldn''t understand why.


    "What... what are you doing here? Goodness!" He approached her and she was forced to look at him.


    "I brought you the file!" She gave a weak smile "Mariam said that it was important and that you needed it for a meeting, I''m sorry that the


    wanted to bring It to you be


    secretary didn''t let her in. She


    Hera exined while he looked at he like she had grown another pair of head.


    Is she being for real right now?


    "Hera... listen to me..." He was saying but she held up the file for him.


    "Please take it, I want to leave now! It''s suffocating here." She confessed shakily "I feel suffocated. I don''t know what''s happening to me but I want to go home now." Her voice cracked and was a lot calmer than what he had envisioned. She wasn''t shouting or yelling at him. She was hurt but she still talked to him like she was having a normal conversation. That''s Hera, she never raises her voice at anyone.


    "It''s not what you think Hera, okay?"


    "It''s okay Bryce, you don''t have to exin!" She gave him the file and walked straight out of his office. She walked briskly to the reception and Mariam stood up upon seeing her. "You''re back!" She announced "Was he in his office?"


    Hera nodded silently "Yes he is."


    Mariam noted the change in Hera''s voice. She didn''t look as energetic as she was when she had gone in to give him the file. Did something happen that she wasn''t telling her? "Hera..."


    "Let''s go back home Mariam. We still need to unpack the groceries and get started for dinner." She reminded her with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. Mariam was forced to nod in agreement.


    "You are right about that." She breathed out before turning to the secretary "Thanks for your help but we''ll take our leave now."


    "The pleasure is mine."


    Mariam took Hera''s hands in hers and they both exited the building as they made their way towards the parking area.

 He Needs You

    "Are you okay Hera?" Mariam asked for the umpteenth time when she noticed that Hera had been washing a particr dish for more than ten minutes now. This had never happened before and so when she saw her doing so, it took her byplete surprise. Hera nodded in response to her question.


    "I don''t think you are" Mariam argued visibly. Come to think of it, when she hade to take her grocery shopping earlier, she wasn''t looking as excited as she always was. And when she came out of Bryce''s office, she looked sad and her facial features were more hard to read thto earlier. Did something happen in the office that she wasn''t aware of? And why is Hera keeping it away from her in the first ce? Why isn''t she saying anything about it? She''s not good at pretending to be fine when clearly she wasn''t.


    "Hera!" Mariam tapped her shoulders lightly causing her to flinch. The bowl slipped off her hands and came crashing to the ground breaking into a million pieces.


    Hera crouched down to pick up and identally cut her finger causing it to bleed.


    "Don''t do that! Just look, you''ve cut yourself!" Mariam shrieked in a high pitched voice and pulled her away from the broken ss "What were you even thinking? That stuff is dangerous Hera." She cried out to the little woman whose eyes now burned with tears. "Are you" Mariam stopped talking when she noticed how teary her eyes had be. Heavens!


    Without saying anything, she pulled her to herself in an embrace and just let her stay there while she sobbed in a small voice.


    Did something perhaps happen at the convent that she wasn''t letting on? Or did it have something to do with her boss?


    "What happened Hera?" Mariam asked softly as she rubbed her back in circr motion and waited anxiously for her to respond.


    Hera on the other hand doesn''t exactly know what''s wrong with her or how to say it. She doesn''t understand what''s going on with her ever since she walked in on him in that office but all she knows is that she''s hurt and the pain is something that she had never experienced before. Something that she wasn''t used to at all. It was something that she couldn''t describe.


    It''s a lot different from the pain you get when you''re scolded at or when you loose something. This particr one had gotten to her to the extent that she feels as if she''s not herself anymore.


    "Are you alright now?" Mariam asked when her sniffs and hups had died down a bit.


    Hera nodded once and slowly pulled herself away from the older woman''s hold.


    "For a second there, you got me frightened Hera" Mariam voiced out in fear "I know that maybe you don''t feel okay talking about it now but I just want you to know that I''m here for you if you need me alright."


    "Thank you ma''am." She smiled through her tears. "I really appreciate that"


    "I think that you should get some rest at this point. I''ll clean up the kitchen when I''m done."


    "But-"


    "No buts!" She shunned her "Apply some antiseptic on your cut and have some rest. I''ll let you know if I need you." She assured her but Hera knew that she wouldn''t call her. She''d rather do everything on her own than send for her. "Okay." She whispered In a small voice and exited the kitchen.


    When she arrived at her apartment, she went straight to her room and gentlyid down on her bed and folded herself to sleep.


    Hera didn''t know how long sheid there but when she finally woke up, it was alreadyte at night.


    With a loud huff, she stood up and went into the bathroom to shower. When she got outside, she dressed up into her nightie and decided to check on Mariam before having dinner.


    Outside her apartment, she heaved a sigh of relief when she didn''t see Bryce''s car parked outside. He wasn''t back yet and she was a bit grateful for that because she wasn''t ready to face him after what she had seen at his office. She''d rather stay away from him for the time being and put herself back together.


    Hopefully, she makes it through this job to go back to college and get her life back on track. The sooner, the better.


    When she got back to her apartmentter, she heated up her food and ate silently She was about to discard


    her tes when her phone rang out. She picked it to see an unknown number on the screen.


    Swiping the receive button, she ced it to her ear.


    "Hello..." She trailed off, waiting patiently for the person at the other end to speak up.


    "Hera, it''s Ben!" He announced and she gasped knowingly.


    "Oh hi Ben" She answered gleefully, her heavy spirit suddenly lifting up.


    "Sorry if I called at the wrong time, I figured you''d be done with work now so I decided to call."


    She smiled at his thoughtfulness "I appreciate that Ben. Thank you."


    "How was work?"


    Hera bit her lips nervously. Work hasn''t exactly been the same like the previous days considering the fact that she and Bryce were longer in talking terms now.


    "Work was fine. I was about to retire for bed before you called." She lets the words roll out of her mouth smoothly.


    "Oh sorry about that" He paused "Will you be free tomorrow?"


    "Well...I don''t think so."


    "How about a lunch date or maybe a dinner date? Whatever works for you would be great." He suggested.


    "I don''t know Ben but I''ll most definitely think about it." She assured him.


    "That works fine too. I guess I''ll let you go to bed now."


    "Thank-" She was saying when she heard a loud bang at the door.


    At first her heart skipped a beat at the possibility of Bryce knocking on her door. She didn''t even hear his car drive in and she wasn''t ready to face him yet.


    Turning off her phone, she ced it next to her on the couch. Should she answer or should she pretend as though she didn''t hear it? "Hera?" The voice boomed and she recognized it as Max. Why would Max be here at her apartment by the time of the night?


    Standing up, she hurriedly rushed towards the door and opened it.


    "Max?" She called out in disbelief "What are you doing here?"


    "No time for that. You have toe with me right now." He stated sharply.


    "But-"


    "It''s Bryce!" He blurted out suddenly "I think that he needs you Hera and fast!" He added when she didn''t say anything more.

 His Subtle Confession

    The drive to Max''s hotel was silent. Neither of them said a word to the other.


    Hera wanted nothing more than to ask what was happening but she couldn''t. When Max had told her that Bryce might be in some kind of trouble, she had refused to go but after much persuasion from his end, she caved and finally gave in to his demands. She knew deep down that she was a bit upset with him but still, she had badly wanted to ask Max If he was alright. He didn''t give her any details and she couldn''t guess either, the cause of what was happening. So much for wanting to have a peaceful night free of drama.


    Somehow she wondered what she was thinking when she let him get so close to her. She thought that she was changing him for the better. She thought that she was getting through to him but she wasn''t. "Are you alright?" Max inquired when she hadn''t said anything since they started the journey.


    "No." She answered softly.


    "Listen, I know that Bryce may seem like a bad person but trust me, he''s not. He just has a lot of baggage that he has been fighting alone for a very long time now" He exined with an asional sigh. "I''m not saying this because I''m his best friend. I''m saying this because I know that he feels something for you. Don''t give up him Hera. At least not yet. He truly needs you."


    "I''ve seen the changes myself these past few weeks. Even I am surprised at what you''ve done to him" He added.


    Hera threw him an rmed look "I haven''t done anything."


    "Yet." He replied sharply "You may think that you haven''t but you have."


    "Max?" She called out suddenly.


    "Hmmm" He hummed a reply. His eyes still focused on the road.


    "What happened to Bryce''s parents?" She asked and he darted his eyes at her for a brief second before gazing at the road again.


    "What do you mean?"


    "He never talks about them and he..." She trailed off with a sudden pause "He always gets this dark glow in his eyes whenever I identally mention it to him. It''s almost like he never wants to be reminded about them."


    Hera saw him blink repeatedly. His hands on the steering wheel tightened a bit and his lips pursed together in something that resembled anger or was it displeasure. She couldn''t quite put a finger on it.


    "I cannot tell you anything Hera. It''s in his ce to let you know, that is if he wants you to. I''m sorry." He lets her down easy.


    Her face fell sadly. That was definitely not the type of response that she was hoping to get. She had wanted him to go into details. What if Bryce never says a word about it to her? What if he doesn''t trust her enough to let her in on what is going on with him? She was his friend wasn''t she? And friends are supposed to help each other out.


    "Hera" Max tapped her arm slightly, jolting her back from her quick reverie. "We''ve arrived"


    He went further to pull out his seat belt before turning to the other side to let her out.


    Hera remembered that Bryce had told her that Max had an hotel but she wasn''t expecting to see something like this. The building was bigger and more extravagant than anything she had ever seen. Was it right to call this ce an hotel or a pce. "This way. Bryce is in the bar area" He informed her whilst pointing towards the direction.


    At first she froze. Her hands shook slightly and her chest constricted again.


    She still didn''t want to see him yet. She wasn''t prepared to face him but then again, not after what she had walked in on earlier today at his office. Was it even worth it? Why is she even doing this? This and many more thoughts flooded her brain but she pushed them to the back of her head where the sun doesn''t shine.


    If Bryce needs her then she''ll definitely be there for him, irrespective of who he was and what he had done. He was her friend and he might actually be in serious trouble.


    "Take me to him." She ordered in a firm voice and he led her straight into the building. They arrived at the bar area and it was heavily crowded with people who were drinking and dancing to the music that sted through the loud stereo system. She even had to shut her ears at some point to prevent herself from going deaf.


    When they arrived at his table, she found him chugging down another bottle. His table was a mess and so was he. This wasn''t the state that she had expected to see him. Whatever happened to the Bryce that always drank coffee?


    "He has refused to stop drinking ever since he arrived here." Max grunted at him with an angry re.


    "I tried all I could to get him to leave


    but he wouldn''t even listen to me. He''s so adamant and stubborn so figured that you''re the only person to talk him out of whatever this is He pointed to the littered bottles on the table with an exasperated sigh.


    Hera bit her lips nervously. Bryce wasn''t even looking at her. He was too preupied with whatever he was doing.


    Taking a seat next to him, she tapped his shoulders lightly.


    "Bryce..." She called out in that soft voice that was uniquely hers.


    His eyes widened at that instance and he turned to look at her. His eyes held shock and another look that she couldn''tprehend.


    "W-What are you doing here? Howe you''re here?" His voice was filled with remorse and regret as he spoke.


    She reached out for his hands to pull him up. "Let''s get you out of here Bryce. Max will drive us home since you''re in no shape to do so." He shook his head negatively.


    "Listen to her buddy. You''ve had enough to drink for one night. No more please!" Max chirped in a bid to get him to listen.


    "Hera?" He called out softly and rested his head on her bosom. "I''m so sorry. I didn''t mean to get you upset."


    "I know and I promise to forgive you only if you''lle home with me. I don''t like it here." She added. She had never been to a bar before and just the thought of sitting here with him made her skin crawl in a weird way. He nodded sharply "Agreed!"


    Max watched the exchange between his friend and his supposed maid. He couldn''t believe his ears. Was this man his friend or someone else? What exactly happened?


    Hera helped him get back on his feet. They were about to exit the bar when someone pulled Hera by her waist.


    She yelped at the sudden invasion and fell down to the bar stool next to him.


    "You are one hot chick!" His breathy, alcohol induced voice whispered to her while his friend cheered him on.


    Max was about to go after the guy but Bryce beat him to it.


    With one hand, he pulled up Hera to


    his side. He grabbed the so called bastard by the cor and pushed him to the wall. He gave him a punch that bloodied his hands and threw him over the counter making him smash the table and hitting himself on the wall.


    Hera stepped in to intervene but the next word that left his mouth had her in a bind.


    "Don''t you evere close to my woman ever again!" He threatened while she watched him In awe, her ears not believing what she had just heard.

 CAGED IN HIS ARMS

    that much of a problem to him.


    "Thanks for bringing us home Max." Hera smiled graciously at Max as soon as they arrived back at the mansion. He had driven them all the way back here. Although she was worried about his safety driving back home but she figured that he was used to it so it wouldn''t be "You''re wee Hera. Can you..." He pointed to Bryce who was very much rested on her shoulders.


    "It''s okay. I can handle it from here." She affirmed his thoughts, waving his doubtspletely.


    Well, there''s nothing to worry about anyways. If there''s anyone who can take care of Bryce right now, it''s none other than Hera. He trusts that she knew what to do.


    "I would''ve loved to stay and help but he made quite a mess at the hotel and I need to clean it up as quickly as possible." He exined his current situation to her and she nodded in understanding.


    "You don''t have to worry about it and I''ll make sure he apologizes for the rukus he created tonight." Hera assured him.


    Max stifled back augh as his lips broke out into a wide grin. Bryce apologize? He can''t wait to see it happen. He''d make sure his ears are wide open so that he didn''t miss a thing to tease him aboutter. He''d also get it on camera If possible.


    "If you say so then." He added "And if you need my help with anything, and I mean anything at all, don''t hesitate to call me."


    She nodded once and he took it as his cue to leave.


    The minute he got into his car and zoomed off, she helped Bryce take slow and steady steps into the mansion till they arrived at the confinement of his bedroom.


    Once inside, she let him lie down on his bed and proceeded to help him out of his clothing.


    At first, she couldn''t do it. She couldn''t bring herself to strip him out of his clothes. It wasn''t something she was entirely used to but she knew that she needed to, so pushing her conscience that always guilt stripped her to a corner of her brain, she did just that. Leaving him only in his inner wear and shorts.


    No way was she touching him down there. Taking off his clothes was one thing but his shorts, was another battle on its own that she wasn''t prepared to face, at all.


    At that moment, she noticed the almost dried up blood on his hands and decided to clean up his wounds but he wouldn''t let her.


    He held her hands tightly to himself so that she wasn''t able to move let alone stand up.


    "Bryce?" She beckoned softly "Let go. You''re injured and I have to take care of your wound before it gets infected."


    "Bryce?" She called out again when he didn''t react to her first exnation.


    Hera tried to get up but he pulled her down so that their faces were only inches away from each other.


    Flipping her over, he straddled his weight and hovered over her small framed body.


    She panicked when she found him staring at her. His eyes held a different expression, it was nothing like she had ever seen before. They were cold, angry and bitter. At that point, it registered on her brain that this wasn''t her Bryce. He always looked at her with warmth in his eyes and not with this kind of expression.


    "Bryce..." She trailed off, slowing pushing him away so that she could free herself but it felt impossible. Why was he built so hard like a rock.


    He brought his face down to hers and ced his lips at the nape of her neck.


    Hera jerked suddenly. He wasn''t in his right frame of mind. She''d have to do something before he does something he''ll regret. She was already shivering in fright and beads of sweat popped out everywhere.


    Her heart beat had elerated ten times the normal rate. This wasn''t what she expected when she agreed to take care of him for the night.


    "Bryce..." She whispered out in fear. Her lips quivered and her eyes dted when she found it impossible to move from this hard ce. She was literally trapped!


    He trailed his hands down her skirt


    and struggled with to get it out of the way. Then, peppered small mouthed kisses on her face and proceeded to do the same with her lips


    Hera snatched her mouth away from the invasion.


    "Don''t do this Bryce!" Her voice came out trembling. Her eyes burned in tears when she realized what was about to happen.


    "Please..." Her eyes watered and somehow he snapped out of his drunken state. His eyes widened in sheer horror when he realized what he was about to do.


    "Oh my goodness!" He shrieked and rolled down her body. Her clothes were ruffled and tears streamed down her cheeks.


    "Hera?" He reached out for her and pulled her closer to himself "I''m sorry." He whispered, breathless.


    "I''m so fucking sorry Cara. I didn''t mean to do this to you." He apologized continuously whilst patting her back to offerfort. "It''ll never happen again okay?"


    "It''s okay Bryce." She pulled away from his embrace "You''re not in the right frame of mind so I won''t hold it against you."


    "I know that you would never hurt me intentionally." She added. Bryce looked at her as though she had grown a second pair of head.


    "Now, let''s clean up your wounds


    now shall we?" She smiled at him. A


    sad smile that didn''t reach her eyes before walking into the bathroom Bryce knew that she was still hurt but knowing Hera, she would never try to show it. She''d rather hide everything and pretend as though it doesn''t exist.


    When she stepped out of the bathroomter, she approached him with a bowl of water and a soft towel. "Are you angry at me?"


    She nodded once "Yes. I''m pissed at you. Anger is an understatement Bryce."


    She held up his hands and wiped off the blood that was settled there.


    "You stopped talking to me and I saw you..." She paused when she processed what her brain wanted to say.


    "I mean, you went to Max''s hotel and got yourself drunk. You even fought and got yourself injured as well So yes, I''m angry at you." She added with an angry pout.


    "What should I do to make it up to you?" He blurted suddenly, his voice sounded remorseful.


    "I don''t like seeing you angry at me Hera so I want to make it up to you."


    "I''ll tell you how to make it up to me tomorrow but tonight, you''re going to rest and that''s an order." She stated firmly, her eyes never wavering away from his.

 Seeing Her Hurt

    by him and help him out whenever he needed it.


    Bryce woke up in the middle of the night to find Hera sleeping next to him in a seated position. At first he wondered who on earth asked her to babysit him for the night. He had done a whole lot of awful things that didn''t sit well with her but she still always managed to stay She was just too kind and too innocent for his liking. The fact that she always turned a blind eye to his mistake is another thing that baffled him. Not once had sheined orshed out on him.


    He felt at loss for words. He doesn''t deserve this woman or her kindness and that''s a fact. She was too good, even for him.


    His hands traced the her forehead and and his lips broke out into a smile.


    Forcing himself up from the bed, his eyes caught her ruffled dress and the memories of what had happened that night flooded through his head.


    Oh no!


    He had touched her. He had touched her inappropriately. His head seared and his emotions cut through him likeshing fire. He wasn''t supposed to touch her. Damn! He knew just how much he wanted her but then she was off limits, even to him. How on earth did he get drunk to the point of trying to rip her clothes off?


    Silence. Ultimate Silence met his question.


    Pulling a few feet away from her. He watched her sleep In the silence.


    He was just as bad as his father. He tried to take advantage of a helpless and innocent woman but then again, should he me himself? His father made him who he was. He was just another reincarnated monster like him.


    His jaw ticked and his hands clenched and unclenched beside him.


    Angry, he pulled out the sheets and rolled out of bed quietly so that he doesn''t stir her awake.


    He made his way into the bathroom to relieve himself. When he was done, he sshed a handful of water on his face. His wounds stung causing him to hiss in pain.


    He had almost forgotten that he had injured himself but he knew that the pain isn''t as bad as what Hera was going through.


    Staring at the bathroom mirror, he came to a resolution that he was too dangerous for her. He had to keep her at arms length. Her being close would only bring out the animal in him.


    What if he does something worse?


    No! He cannot risk it. They were better off as strangers than acquaintances because then she wouldn''t be close to him anymore.


    He was more than certain that she hated him now. Even the man she served up high had given up on him once. There''s no way In hell she would forgive him too and even if she did, she had to give up on him as well. Wiping his face clean with a dry towel, he ced it neatly on the rack and made his way outside the bedroom only to find her already awake and in a seated position.


    He didn''t know how to feel or react in her presence.


    "Go back to sleep Hera." He instructed "It''s alreadyte to go back to your apartment anyways."


    She didn''t say anything. Her eyes were fixed on his arm but she didn''t say anything.


    "How are you feeling now?"


    He nodded once "Better."


    Then, she stood up and walked up to him. She took his hands and studied it carefully. "You''ve opened up your wound Bryce. I''ll have to apply something on it of it won''t heal properly."


    He snatched his hands away from her grasp. "I don''t need help and I don''t want you doing anything for me. Go back to sleep."


    "Are you angry with me?" Her tiny voice had gone a little higher "You were the one who came back drunk andpletely wounded Bryce. I made sure to stay by your side all night and you''re upset with me."


    He opened his mouth to answer but words weren''ting out. He was tongue tied. Nothing had ever prepared him to face an angry Hera.


    "Do you know how hard it was for me to not get afraid and sleep by your side even after what you tried to do to mest night?" She questioned with hurtful eyes.


    "I was scared!" Her lips quivered "But I didn''t leave because you''re my friend and I care about you a lot. That''s what friends do. They look out for each other and they always stand by each other no matter what." "Hera-" He tried to hold her but she took a step back like he had burned her.


    "Ever since yesterday, you have been avoiding me. You never talked to me and you never tried to reach out. You''re always hiding something that you don''t want to share with me." He used him and his face tightened. "I can tell just by looking at you that something is bothering you. It has been eating you out but you still try to bury it deep inside you"


    "I''ve tried to always stand by you.


    I''ve tried to understand you because I thought that one day, you woulde around but instead you just run away. And when I try to get


    close, you push me away as well. Do


    you how how much it hurts?


    "You got drunk. I was so angry to see you there, in that position but I neverined and I never med you for anything but you always say that you don''t need help!"


    "Do you the slightest idea about how


    scared I was when Max came


    knocking at my door that you needed me? I thought that a part of me had died. I couldn''t breathe properly because I kept on thinking that something bad had happened to you" She ranted. Tears falling down her face like twin rivers.


    He watched her wipe her tears aggressively. Why does it hurt to see her like this? He doesn''t like seeing her like this.


    "Since it''s settled that you don''t need


    people around you then it''s fine. I give up on trying to reach out to you Bryce. I can never fit in or


    understand the kind of world you live in anyway so it''s best that I don''t even try. Plus, I don''t want to anymore. I think it''s better that we go back to being an employer and his worker because that is the only rtionship you understand!"


    Again, he didn''t say anything to her tantrums. Maybe because she was right and he didn''t know how to tell her.


    She picked up her phone from his desk and crouched down to pat King on the head.


    "Goodbye Buddy."


    He made sad noises but she only gave him a sad smile before rising up to full length.


    "Hera..." Bryce trailed off, his voice betraying him.


    "Good night Sir" She answered and gave him onest look before she marched out of his bedroom.


    King barked loudly the minute she mmed the door behind her as if to tell Bryce that he had been an idiot all along.


    What just happened? And why couldn''t he wrap his head around anything yet? Did Hera just leave because he pushed her away?

 Hiding From Him

    One week.


    It had been exactly one week since Hera set her eyes on her boss after their fallout. She had always tried her very best to avoid him as best as she could.


    In the mornings, she would do her job as soon as he leaves for work and makes sure to get dinner ready before he gets back home from work.


    Her routine had been like that and she was certain that she wouldn''t be changing it anytime soon. The more space she gives, the better.


    "Are you finally ready to talk about it?" Mariam had asked that evening when they were both together in the kitchen prepping for dinner.


    Ever since it happened, she had remained quiet and had refused to say anything to Mariam. She didn''t think it was important to let the olddy know what was going on.


    Plus, it wasn''t a subject that she was proud of speaking about so what''s the point of doing so?


    "Hera" Mariam coaxed when she didn''t respond to her question "What happened?"


    Hera shook her head negatively "Nothing happened Ma''am. What makes you think that something happened?" She retorted.


    Mariam threw the knife that she was holding on the counter "I''m not a fool Hera. I know that something happened between you two and you being silent and avoiding the question, proves it already."


    Hera sighed deeply "The only reason why I''m being silent is because it''s not that important. There''s nothing to talk about." she said in her defense.


    "Did he do something wrong?" Mariam asked straight out of the blue. "He did right?"


    "It doesn''t matter ma''am. You don''t have to worry about anything." Hera assured her with a cating smile.


    "Last night..." Mariam began, forcing Hera to stop abruptly and listen to what the woman had to say "I heard when Max came in to call you and I was awake when the both of you came back home with Bryce and I noticed after that day that the two of you barely speak to each other and you have been avoiding him as well."


    "So tell me Hera, am I imagining things now or did it really happen? And don''t try to tell me that I don''t have to worry about anything because I do." She added.


    "Bryce...I mean Sir has a lot of problems and I don''t want to be caught up in the middle of them." She exined.


    "What kind of problems?" She pressed.


    "He...um...he" she stammered, her words failing her.


    "Did he do something inappropriate to you?"


    Hera thought about the question for a while. If she should tell Mariam that he almost overpowered herst night, it would make him look bad and besides he had already apologized to her because he wasn''t in the right frame of mind so there''s no point in saying anything. "No Mariam." She answered sharply "He didn''t do anything that was inappropriate with me."


    "That''s a relief" Mariam touched the part of her chest where her heart was located "Then why are you upset with him?"


    "I''ll let you know when I''m ready ma''am. I don''t want to talk about it now."


    She nodded her head "Okay."


    Hera finished helping with dinner and went back to her apartment. She knew that Bryce would being back soon and didn''t want to run into him by chance. Hiding saved her from a lot of unwanted heartaches. She wouldn''t deny the fact that she missed him a lot. These past few days had been hell. Not to mention that Martha had taken it upon herself to constantly ask about him each time she called. She wanted to know if he would still be attending the Thanksgiving service. Hera had given her a befitting reply though but she wondered how long it would take Martha to figure out her current situation.


    She was like an open book to them. Either ways, she would cross that bridge when she gets to it.


    Tired, she decided to take her shower and the minute she stepped out of the bathroom, she was weed by her ringing cellphone.


    She picked it up from where she had kept it and swiped the receive button when she saw the caller ID on the screen.


    "Good evening Ben!" She greeted casually.


    She had Ben had developed a kind of friendship after the whole mess with Bryce. He always called and gave her a listening ear whenever she needed it.


    She was grateful that apart from Mariam and the sisters from the Convent, she had someone else that she could share her problems and worries with. "How are you? You didn''t reply my text or answer any of my calls since yesterday. I got frightened that something bad might''ve happened to you." She chuckled "I am alright Ben. Just busy that''s all."


    "Do you ever take a break?" Came his question "You''re always busy whenever I call or does it have something to do with your boss?"


    Hera had opened up a teeny tiny bit about what had happened between them. She didn''t go into full details but he had an idea that something was wrong.


    "It doesn''t Ben." Her small voice sounded through the phone "Sorry I missed your calls. I didn''t mean to."


    "You don''t have to apologize. I''m not angry or anything." He answered causing her to smile at his words. "Are you free for dinner this evening?"


    Hera nced at her phone screen. It''s a minute past seven.


    "But-"


    "No buts!" He chimed "You stood me up the first time remember? So you owe me a date little one."


    "Alright then." She agreed after giving it some thought.


    "Great! Just send me your address and I''ll pick you up in.... let''s say thirty minutes."


    "Alright Ben. See youter"


    "You too!" He replied with so much enthusiasm before disconnecting the call.


    Hera decided to get dressed after texting him her address. There was no point in sleeping anymore. She''d restter when she gets back from dinner.


    Walking into her bedroom, she


    approached her mini closet and scanned through her dresses. She settled down for a knee length floral gown and ts. She decided to let down her hair. Bryce likes it when she does that. She shouldn''t be


    thinking about him but she couldn''t help it.


    Ben arrived a lot earlier than she had hoped. After gaining both permission and multiple warnings from Mariam, they both set out to leave.


    "Come on Hera, get in." He told her when they approached his car that he had opened up for her.


    She was about to enter when Bryce drove Into the building. At first she halted and her heart skipped a beat like a child who had just been caught stealing.


    Bryce stepped down with his eyes fixed on hers/He had an unreadable expression on his face. She couldn''t tell if he was angry, annoyed or both but the scrowl and ardent frown told her that he wasn''t happy to see Ben. She averted her gaze when she found herself staring at him a little longer than usual.


    "Wee back Sir" she greeted him with a curt bow.


    Ben greeted him as well but he wouldn''t answer. Instead, he red at him.


    "Let''s go Ben. She alerted him and got into his car. He shut the door and got inside. He started the ignition and pulled out of the building leaving Bryce to


    all by himself as he watere


    leave. .

 Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place

    Bryce was furious. His breathing had gone from erratic pants to an outburst of cusses and swearings. Thest thing he had expected was walking into his building to see Hera leaving with someone else and the worst part of everything was that it was none other than that


    dude from the game. Were they seeing each other?


    No. He knew that Hera was way too cultured for that. She would never go against her principles to be with someone but then what if she did? He knew that he was supposed to trust her but now, he just didn''t know anymore.


    Was she that angry at him? Hera had never been the one to hold a grudge. She tries as much as possible to iron out their differences before they escted and got out of control so why now? Why isn''t she trying? Why is she avoiding him instead and to make matters worse, why is she going out with that guy? damnit!


    He had thought that she would''ve moved past their issues by now but she hasn''t.


    This week as been the longest and excruciating week that he has ever experienced in his entire life and to make matters worse, Hera also wasn''t talking to him.


    He couldn''t concentrate at work when he wanted to and he hasn''t been able to sleep a wink without the image of her telling him off, flooding through his brain. For how long would he go through this bitter torture? For how long would he endure it?


    "You''re back!" He heard the familiar voice of Mariam boom from behind him. He turned to find her approaching him with steady and unhurried strides. "How was work?" She asked when she finally approached him.


    Bryce couldn''t bring himself to answer her questions. He was still in denial of what had just happened and to top it off, he wasn''t sure that the words that mighte out of his mouth would sound right.


    "Was that Hera who just left?" Mariam proceeded to ask when he didn''t reply to her previous statement. He clenched his hands tightly to his sides as the wave of anger washed over him.


    He made to leave but Mariam''s words stopped him.


    "Whatever happened between you two, I think it''s better that you sort it out yourself boss. Hera wouldn''t say anything and I''m pretty certain that you won''t too but she''s hurt and has barely been herself all week." He told him and he turned to face her for the second time. "Sometimes..." She continued. "Pushing those who care for us away, would only hurt and cause more pain. Even if you have problems that you''re not ready to share, at least reassure her that when you do, she''ll know about it. Running away and hiding from each other would only do more harm and cause a strain to your friendship."


    "Hera is a warm soul and no one would feel better after loosing a good friend like her." And with that, she walked back into her apartment. Bryce was left utterly speechless. He felt as if he was stuck between a rock and a hard ce.


    Just how on earth would he be able to fix this now. Ever since they became friends, Hera had always done the fixing and now that he''s left with that unbearable task, he doesn''t even know where or how to begin. He had never had a friend before. His only friends are the women whom he constantly sleeps with and to think that she had walked in on him in the office is just so disheartening. He had really hurt her. That much he could admit to himself.


    He not only pushed her away but he had pushed her into the arms of any man. Well done Bryce. Now you''ve gone and done it haven''t you?


    No!


    He''d have to fix it one way or the other. He definitely won''t let this escte into what it is now.


    Getting back into his car, he started the ignition and drove off with only one ce in mind - Max''s hotel. Maybe if he spoke to his friend then he might be able to resolve things ore up with something to help him out of this predicament. He was too lost to think of anything now.


    Bryce arrived and he was immediately led up to Max''s office. Everyone who worked here knew how close they were to each other and so no one would even stop him from seeing Max even if he was buried inside a woman.


    The minute he got there, he pushed the door open.


    "If you break down my door, you''re getting a new one. I''ve done enough cleaning on your behalf in the past one week so please, no more." Max chided him but he ignored and took a seat opposite him.


    "What did you do?" Max inquired when he saw how restless he looked. He was an open book to him so he wasn''t surprised that he was able to pick up his mood when it changed.


    Bryce blinked rapidly. He didn''t know how best to exin and worst of all, he didn''t want his friend to judge him because he knew just how stupid the situation he had caused sounded even to him. "It''s Hera isn''t it?" Max breathed out when he didn''t say anything to his previous statement.


    "You know at this point, I don''t even know what to say to you anymore. Did you push her away? Did you yell at her? Dear goodness, please tell me that you didn''t do anything stupid to the poor girl?" Max questioned, his eyes fixed on Bryce who couldn''t bring himself to answer any of his questions.


    "I knew it!" He blurted out knowingly. "Will you fucking say something?"


    "Hera is mad at me and I don''t know what to do." He muttered atst. "I thought she''d get over it and we''d be back to talking terms like before but now, it''s just worse. She''s refusing to talk to me and she tries her very best to avoid me in any way she can and to top it off...." He trailed off with a sharp intake of breath.


    Max listened to him attentively as he spoke. Not wanting to miss out on any details.


    "What happened?"


    "I think she''s seeing someone. I walked in on them leaving the house together. I don''t why I''m upset or angry but I am. It''s suffocating and I can''t shake off this pain........I just don''t know what''s wrong with me." He supplied.


    Max wanted to hit his friend on the head and let him know that the only reason why he felt like that was because he loved her. But then he couldn''t. Bryce wasn''t used to this. It was a whole new territory for him and he understands why he''s oblivious to his own feelings.


    The only contact Bryce had with


    women was sexual and nothing


    more. Hera had really done a number on him for him to feel this way and now he''s battling between telling him what he truly feels or offering him emotional support. But all the same, he would let him figure this out on his own ande to terms with his own feelings. He''s done ying the middle man. It was time for his friend to man up and take the reins like he was supposed to.

 Do You Like Hera?

    "Bryce, do you like Hera?" Max''s voice prated through Bryce''s dark hazel world and he straightened himself to look at Max who eyes were fixated on him.


    Does he like Hera? Does he even know what that word means? All he knew was that he wanted her close to him. He didn''t like it when he saw her with someone else that''s not him. He was overly protective and jealous when she''s in thepany of another man. He loved seeing herugh, her smile seems to warm his heart for some reason and even though he didn''t want to think about her, he couldn''t help but do the exact opposite. Does that count as liking someone?


    "Bryce I cannot help you if you hold back from telling me exactly what''s going on with you. Do you like Hera or not?" Max repeated and watched closely to see his friend''s reaction.


    Damn! Hera was good and he''d give her that. She had managed to thaw his best friend''s frozen heart and has somehow managed to break through his thick barriers.


    "I don''t know." He blurted out atst and fell back to his chair with an exasperated sigh.


    "Alright then, I''ll make it easier for you. When was thest time you had sex?" He questioned with a straight face.


    "And what does that have to do with any of this?" Bryce grumbled feeling frustrated. He hade to his best friend for help and the idiot kept on asking him twenty one questions as though, he was in an interview or something. "Everything!" Max primped in a firm voice. "You answering this question would solve a whole lot of problems and probably make you realize that you may or may not like Hera"


    "That''s a silly assumption to make. I like her as a friend."


    "Idiot." Max cussed under his breath. He knew that his friend was a lot of things but definitely not as stupid as he had hoped.


    "It''s been a two weeks and a half." Max noted out of the blue.


    "I don''t understand."


    Pushing his files to the center, he faced him, staring directly into his face. "It''s been two weeks and a half since you came here or found another woman to satisfy your sexual urges Bryce."


    "I think you should know where I''m going with this Bryce and connecting the dots might help you realize if truly you like her or not." Max added with a knowing look on his face.


    Bryce wanted to believe that he did but he couldn''t. There''s no way. He had promised himself to fall for anyone. He had promised himself not to let anyone in. There''s no way in hell that he was in love with Hera. That word doesn''t exist to him. It didn''t.


    "You''ve changed a lot these past few months." Max voiced out. "Even I am surprised at the amount of changes going on around you because I know that you are a lot different from what I am used to but I''ll have to admit that it suits you a lot Bryce and no matter what happens, don''t push Hera away. She''s good for you."


    Bryce left Max''s hotel but his mind kept on wandering around what his friend had said. Even he would admit that he had steered clear away from women these past weeks. At first he didn''t ''t think he could do it but when


    he thought about what might happen if Hera found out about it, he just couldn''t go through with it. Maybe Max was right. Maybe he did have a soft spot for her after all.


    He''d have to apologize and sincerely tell her just how sorry he was but would she listen to him? He had hurt her so badly and even he would admit that he had been such a jerk to her.


    Bryce arrived home and got inside his house after parking his car. Mariam served dinner but he was too preupied to eat. His thoughts were eating out on him and to top it off and add to his frustration, Hera wasn''t back yet. He had hoped to run into her on his way back but she hasn''t returned.


    Now he was beginning to get worried. It was alreadyte and she didn''t quite know her way around the city. What if something bad had happened to her? What if the idiot she went out with had done something to her.


    He paced around his room tirelessly, his ears on alert to pick up the sound of any iing vehicle. Damn, he had it this bad and it only took him loosing her twice to realize that?


    The weather suddenly became


    heavy and humid, with a distinct


    change in the air as the clouds became thicker and more menacing-looking. The atmosphere felt tense, as if a storm was brewing. Bryce noticed a drop in temperature and a change in the wind direction as it became gusty and erratic. He immediately got rmed. It was about to rain and she still wasn''t back yet.


    He contemted between calling her or letting her be but settled for the first. She might get upset with him but he was her boss after all and he needed to make sure that she was safe.


    As the rain began to fall, it started as a light drizzle and scattered drops before increasing in intensity.


    Bryce dialled her number and ced it on his ears. She picked up after the third ring.


    "Hera listen, I know that you''re upset and probably don''t want to talk to me but I have no choice. You''re not back home and-"


    "T-This isn''t Hera. It''s Ben." The masculine voice came from the other end, interrupting his well arranged forgiveness speech. How dare he?


    "Like I give a fuck about who you are. Where is she?" He asked instead, ignoring the anger that was slowly rising up inside him.


    "At my house." He responded casually and Bryce swallowed viciously. He had the audacity to take her to his house and she willingly followed him. Hera would never. She might be upset with him but she would never do something like this to spite him. "Bring her back home." He ordered. His voice firm and bold.


    "I wish I could but I can''t." Came his nonchnt voice. Bryce scoffed with an emptyugh.


    "Hera doesn''t want to see you and she made it very clear to me but if you''re insisting that you want see her then,e and pick her up


    yourself. I''d text you my addresse


    And with that, he disconnected the call. Bryce was still struggling to understand what happened and that''s when the message


    notification popped up on his phone. What exactly was this bastard ying at?

 The Promise To Woo Her

    All through the drive, Bryce thought of a million and one ways to murder that bastard when heid his hands on him. First he would beat him up to a pulp and then he would offer him as a burnt offering to his ancestors so that they would see first-hand, just how stupid and


    foolish he was to have gotten himself tangled up with his woman.


    Yes, he might not want to admit it yet but Max was right. Hera just wasn''t a friend to him. She was more than that and he has realized that too. Earlier today when she hadn''te back home, he felt as if something inside him had died which was weird on so many levels because he had never felt anything strange to the point where he would be driving at such high speed in the middle of the night just because he wanted to get to a woman.


    It was both intriguing andughable. All his life, he had done absolutely everything in his power to not get entangled by any woman. Hell, he had even refrained from anything that would take him down that path and now all of a sudden, the whole concept was about to change because of a woman from the convent who hade to live in his house as maid. Ironic!


    Maybe this was the universe''s way of punishing him for all his deeds but why punish him In such manner. This was the hardest anyone could go, including him.


    Bryce followed the map meticulously so that he doesn''t make or mistake or get lost. Thest statement might be a little bit incorrect. He was the king of Los Angeles, so there''s no way he''d get lost.


    After driving through the rain at such high speed, he finally arrived at the gate that was supposed to be the motherfuckers house. Just looking from outside, he was impressed. He must be swimming in money to afford a ce just like this one. Thank goodness he drove down here in one of his expensive cars so that if Hera wanted to choose between the two of them, she definitely go for him.


    Not that Hera was that kind of girl but still, it was a lot better to assume so. These days has been pretty rough for the both of them and even if he didn''t want to admit to it, he was a bit scared that he might loose her to this pompous dude that seemed to be wind up in his business.


    Bryce honked the horn of his car and dimmed the lights. Just then the gates slid open and he drove in. Without giving it a second thought, he stormed out of the car and made his way towards the entrance. Luckily, the idiot was outside with his hands folded together as though he had been waiting for him.


    Unlike Bryce who was angry and drenched by the rain, he looked somewhat calm and collected.


    "Where is she?" Was the first question that escaped his lips but he only took in the state of his undress without uttering a single word.


    "I swear that if something had happened to her under your watch..." Bryce clenched his fists beside him as the anger reverberated inside his bones. He was fighting the urge to beat him up at the moment. "If something happens to her, you''ll be working on all fours by the time I''m through with you." He threatened but he only chuckled.


    Did he say anything funny?


    "And now suddenly you care about her?" He retorted leaving Bryce speechless. "She left your house to go out with me. It''s not like I forced her to and besides, I wouldn''t have called you all the way here if I had any intention of doing anything bad to her."


    "I''m still struggling to see what Hera sees in you." He clicked his tongue. "She deserves so much more than being with a man like you but hey, it''s not like I can question her choices."


    He walked away and stopped a few feet after before taking the initiative to face him. "Are youing?" He asked and continued walking while Bryce trailed behind him till they got to the living room.


    He spotted Hera sleeping peacefully on the couch and he felt something weaken inside him. Just as he was about to go after her, Ben stopped him.


    "I promised Hera that I wouldn''t let


    youe close to her anymore." Ben red at Bryce. The anger in his eyes visible. "We were supposed to have dinner and enjoy a lovely evening together but so far, every discussion and every topic was centered around an annoying man Who couldn''t read the signs as they endlessly presented itself in front of his very eyes." Ben lectured him.


    Bryce on the other hand felt like a kid who was given a disciplinary speech before being sent off for suspension. He hade with the intention of hitting this man and yet, this man was lecturing him.


    "Hera is hurting or better still, you''re hurting her. Intentionally." He blurted thest statement a little louder as though he couldn''t hear him before.


    "I don''t know what sort of twisted rtionship that the two of you share but I know it goes beyond whatever you think it is. And with that being said..."


    Before Bryce could assimte what was happening, a hard punch hadnded on his right cheek. He groaned and sucked in the pain as she red daggers at the pervert who had just assaulted him and inflicted such pain on his face.


    "That''s for hurting her and this..."


    Ben punched him again. "This is for being stupid. You better man up and take full responsibility for your actions otherwise, someone else will do it and no, I''m not joking. If you knew that you didn''t want to have anything to do with her in the first ce then you shouldn''t have led her on. She''s in this mess because of you."


    Bryce looked over his shoulder to the woman sleeping in a folded position and the pain he was feeling at that point, vanished. He was hurt and he couldn''t exin it.


    "You don''t know how lucky you are to score a woman like Hera. And I think that you don''t know just how lucky you are that she had chosen you... somehow."


    Ben ran his hands over his hair to dishevel it and his ear piercing came into view.


    "If sheins onest time, I''m stepping in, fully." He threatened. "And I''ll do whatever I can to woo her over to my side and that''s a promise. You''re free to take her with you." He stepped aside and made his way to the bar to pour himself a ss of wine. Bryce watched him briefly before averting his gaze to the blonde that stirred lightly in her sleep. He approached the couch and crouched down in front of her, pushing a strand of hair out of the way so that he could get a better view of her face.


    This was the closet that he had gotten to her after their previous episode. What a jerk he had been. He had let her suffer through all of this alone despite knowing that it was her first time just as much as it was his as well. He would try to make it up to her somehow so that she forgives him.


    Taking her hands in his, he kissed


    her knuckles Let''s go home Hera." He announced before he gently swooped her into his arms in bridal style and she snuggled closer. Without paying attention to anything else around him, he slowly led


    eli


    out of the house as he made his way to his car parked outside.

 The Feelings He Has For Her

    Bryce drove home after cing Herafortably on the car seat. She didn''t wake till they arrived home and he simply let her sleep till he drove into his mansion. She stirred awake then and her eyes fluttered as she took in her surrounding. She was in a car? She looked around and her apartment came into view. When did she leave Ben''s house? She was sleepingfortably over there so when did she leave?


    "You''re awake." She heard the familiar voice of Bryce from opposite her and she clenched her fists angrily. Ben had done what she clearly asked him not to do. He had called Bryce to pick her up. She didn''t want to see him so why would he do that? And without her permission as well? He was thest person on earth that she wanted to talk to. She had been avoiding him for a reason after all.


    "Let''s get you inside" He tried to reach out to her but she pulled away as though he had burned her. Her reaction left him hurt andpletely speechless. Hera had never tried to avoid his touch neither has she ever tried to stay away but she was doing it now and he hated to say it but it pained him, deeply.


    "I can manage." She blurted out, unable to meet his peering gaze. "Thank you for driving me home." She tried to unlock his car but he tapped a button that did a central lock shutting all doorspletely. She struggled to get out while he remained silent, watching her. "It''s refusing to open." She mumbled to herself but he heard her loud and clear. He wouldn''t dare open that door. At this moment, that door was his enemy and he wouldn''t dare open it. Not when she was still mad at him and definitely not when she was still trying to run away from him. If he lets her go without sorting out their issue, it''ll get worst and for the life In him, he wasn''t ready for that.


    He was already tired of it. He has had enough sleepless nights because of this and he was slowly begin to loose focus at work and everything that needed his attention.


    "Please open the door." She whispered in a small and calm voice but he didn''t move an inch. "I''m feeling sleepy and I would like to get off now."


    "You''re not feeling sleepy Hera and you''re clearly noting down now." His voice clipped and he immediately turned off the engine. "You''re trying to run away to avoid me and I can tell but if that''s not the case then you wouldn''t mind sleeping here in the car right?" He asked and Hera whipped her head towards his direction. "You can sleep here in the car, I don''t mind at all. After all, you didn''t hesitate before falling asleep in a stranger''s house so just go ahead with it. When you wake up and decide that you''re finally ready to talk to me then we''ll do just that. I''m here and I''m definitely not going anywhere anytime soon."


    She looked at him like he had just said something abominable. What does he mean by she could sleep here? She doesn''t want to get any more closer to him than she already is so why on earth would he assume that she needed that talk?


    Bryce on the other hand, rested his head on the car seat as he waited for her to calm down and be ready to talk to him again. Does he have a lot of work on his te? Yes, of course he does but this woman was more work than he could ever door. The little viiness.


    "I''m... I''m ready to talk now." She whispered and rubbed her hands together nervously. He fluttered his eyes open and straightened himself look at her. Killing the lights in the car, they both remained silent as they waited for the other to start up a conversation. The only noise that could be heard was the rain tapping the roof of the car heavily.


    "Why did you go over to his house?" Was the first question that escaped his lips.


    Hera looked at him in disbelief. She had expected him to talk about what happened between them and how to resolve it not asking why she did what she did.


    "Is that really what you want to know Sir?" She swallowed and red at him. The nerves of this woman.


    "You''re really starting to piss me off Hera." He grumbled in a deep muscr voice that specially belonged to him. "I told you not to-"


    "And I also told you before that at


    this point, we are not friends


    ve are


    anymore. You established that fact


    in


    when you snapped at me angrily in your room the other day,


    en


    remember?" She reminded him "I am just your employee and you are my boss. And that''s all that there is." She said in a calm voice as if she hasn''t just told off his entire generation.


    Bryce thought that he had heard incorrectly but he hasn''t. He was slowly beginning to get scared now. The thought of this conversation not ending well and her leaving him has slowly started to eat him off.


    "About that night..." He started and grabbed onto the steering wheel. "I didn''t mean to snap at you. I would never snap at you on purpose Hera. I might be a lot of things but I''m definitely not a bad person. I care about you too much and I was hurt to see you that way. There was this pent up anger inside me and I didn''t


    know how to let it out."


    He closed his eyes briefly with a pause. "I am sorry that I said all those things to you Hera. I shouldn''t have, not especially when I care about you so much."


    "Y-You c-care about me?" She stuttered. She didn''t know if she should call it a good or a bad thing. She was certain that she cares about him too. How else would she exin running off to him and trying to help him out when he was in slightest danger.


    "I care about you a lot Hera. I¡ª" He


    stopped abruptly. His brain unable to form words, Ben was right. He really feels something deep for this woman, Something unexinable but how does he put it in words. He wasn''t used to this and he wasn''t about to pretend that he was but what if he stalls and something else happens to her? What if he stalls and someone takes her away from him?


    Ben had already threatened him once. What if it''s not Ben in the future and someone else? What would he do then? Would he be able to live with the fact that she wouldn''t be next to him anymore? "You what?" She asked when he didn''t say anything more after that sentence.


    "I think I''m-" He stopped again. "I''m not just ready to loose you as my friend Hera so please, forgive me and let''s start over again." He whispered softly while Hera looked at him, at a loss of words.

 Promises And Conditions

    "Can we start all over again Hera?" Bryce asked when she remained silent and didn''t say anything more about his previous remark. He was lost and utterly confused and the fact that she was incredibly silent at the moment, didn''t help matters at all. He didn''t know if he had finally managed to get through to her of if she had forgiven him. Her silence was slowly starting to scare him, which is weird because he never gets scared when it has something to do with Hera.


    But whatever her response would be, he knew one thing would always be certain, he would not stop apologizing until she is finally ready to forgive him. He would make sure that no matter what happens, she would learn to forgive him.


    Hera on the other hand felt conflicted. She was battling with herself and her principles at the moment. epting to be his friend again only meant one thing; She would be back into his life again and she would not be able to escape all of those things that she tried to escape. She would not be able to avoid him and what''s worse, he would always be this close to her even if she doesn''t want him to.


    The past few weeks were hard and she knew just how much his actions tugged at her heart strings. Going back only meant that she was giving him another chance to repeat his actions. What if this time it gets worse to the point that she wouldn''t be able to bear? What would she do then?


    She had been utterly miserable trying to figure out why she was so drawn to him and why she couldn''t move past what he did to her even when it hurt so deeply. Would she be strong enough and able to go through this again?


    "Let''s start over." He offered, jerking her out of her thoughts. She looked at him briefly as she tried to get her mind preupied. "I promise that I will listen to whatever you say. I will never shout at you. I will never push you away and if you want me to go celibate for the rest of my life then I would dly do so. I will agree to any of your terms Hera withoutins but please, don''t disappear again." He swallowed hard when she remained unmoved. Bryce mentally pped himself when he recalled all that he had just said.


    Really? Celibacy? Of all things? Damn! What was he even thinking making that promise. Would he be able to keep it? All these thoughts wandered through his mind but he pushed it away. For Hera, he was willing to do anything as long as she stayed by his side. He had lost her once, he wasn''t prepared to go through that shit again. If he''d have to abstain from everything he believed him to get her to trust him again then he would.


    Does she trust him? Or is this just another promise that he would break anytime soon?


    "What do you say, huh? I''m loosing my mind here." He whispered desperately.


    "I don''t think that you should make those promises to me." She whispered softly but Bryce heard her loud and clear.


    "Why?" He blurted out, confused abd utterly perturbed.


    "Because you never keep to your promises." She stated firmly. "I told you before didn''t I? I told you that promises as sacred and can never be broken but you always break them right after you make them to me, so I think that it will be of our best interest if you don''t make any promises concerning this matter."


    "Hera?" Bryce called softly, willing her to look at him. "I promise and this time, I won''t break them."


    Hera looked at him. She wasn''t certain that he was being sincere but the fact that he was willing to take such a bold step to make her forgive him, told her that maybe, just maybe he was willing to change this time around. The sisters at the convent had told her that it was not easy for someone to walk through the path of light after being submerged in the darkness for long. It takes years of dedication. Rome wasn''t infact built in a day. With that thought in mind, she decided to forgive him.


    "I forgive you." She told him and he couldn''t help the smile that formed on his lips. "I''ll forgive you but on two conditions." She added and he sat up straight.


    "What are the um...conditions?"


    "Firstly, you would have toe with me for the Thanksgiving festival at the convent just like you had promised the sisters. It''s only a few days from now. They are all expecting you toe and you promised them so you can''t go back on your word." She said as a matter of factly. Bryce was speechless but he agreed nheless.


    "Second condition?" He asked.


    "Remember the night that we had an issue together when you came back drunk and messed up Max''s hotel?" She asked and he nodded. "You''ll have to apologise to him for doing what you did that day."


    Bryce shook his head negatively. "Apologize to Max? We''ve already straightened it out with each other so I don''t need to do that. Max and I have been friends for the longest of time so there''s no need to."


    "Or would you rather we skip the forgiveness part and don''t talk to each other anymore? Your choice She indulged him. She noticed how tensed he became after that


    Ver


    statement and she couldn''t help but


    try to stifle herughter.


    "Did he put you up to this?" Bryce asked incredulously because knowing Max, he was willing to go to any extent to get to him. Why should he ever have to apologize to that excuse of a friend?


    "Nope." She titled her head to the


    side. "It was at me. You ruined his ce of business and made him do all the work alone to clean up the area. The least you could do as friend is apologize to him. He Was


    met


    also the one who brought you back home to ensure your safety so what''s so wrong in saying sorry? If you can''t do that much then we


    shouldn''t be friends again."


    "Okay fine. I''ll apologize to him." He agreed atst. The little Hellion. He''d get back at her one of these days and that''s a promise. And Max, of only she knew what that ce of business entailed. "Good!" She eximed, proudly.


    "I also have a condition of my own."


    "And what could that be?"


    "You''ll have to stop sleeping at a stranger''s house. Don''t even go out with them if they ask you to." He warned her sternly but Hera only found it amusing. "If there''s any ce you''d like to go then tell me and take you there. If you''re feeling sleepy or tired and can''t make use your apartment, mine is not so far away so don''t you ever go anywhere with anyone without my knowledge."


    "But I can''t sleep at your house. It''s not right." She stated the obvious. "And I only slept at Ben''s house because I was tired and it was about to rain too so I couldn''te home." Bryce could not believe how naive she was. His only happiness at the point was that Ben was not him. Because in the worst case scenario, he would have done something to her or worse.


    "Whatever the case, you''re not permitted to. I told the sisters that I would keep an eye on you and I''ll do just that even if it means locking you up." "Okay Bryce."


    He froze when she called him by his first name. He never thought he''d hear it again. "Let''s go back to being friends again." She added with a cheerful smile.

 Memories From His Past

    "Are you dried up yet?" Bryce asked from the living room in Hera''s apartment where they had been seated ever since they alighted his car. For some reason, he couldn''t go back to his mansion and had decided to crash at her ce for the night. Hera knew that it was a big step, letting a man into her apartment to spend the night but she let him anyways. She couldn''t send him away even if she wanted to. Especially not after what they had just being through tonight.


    "Almost." She answered from her bedroom. She had been trying to wipe her hair dry ever since she got out from the shower. Drying her hair had not always been the easiest chore but it was either she tried to or got her bed wet tonight with dripping water. She sat down at the edge of the bed and ran the towel through and through, in a bid to get all the water out.


    "You''re not going to get it out like that." She heard Bryce''s voice from behind her. She turned around to see him leaned against the door of her bedroom. For how long has he been standing there, watching her? She was tempted to ask but refrained from doing so. He was d in baggy pants that he had probably gotten from his house when she was in the bedroom. Now that she looked at him so closely, she couldn''t unsee it anymore. He looked so adorable. Has he always looked like this or she just didn''t notice? "Let me help you." He offered and stepped into hr bedroom fully. She tried to protest but she was toote. He was already standing in front of her. He took the towel from her hands and slowly began to work his way through her shrunken mass. Hera rxed and her tensed shoulders plopped down as he gently massaged her scalp with the towel. For some reason, it felt so good. No one had ever done something like this for her before. It was an entirely new feeling and it sent tingling sensations throughout her entire body.


    Bryce worked slowly, careful enough not to hurt the woman under his care. He has never had anything worth protecting in his entire life but this woman, she was the only thing standing between his rules,ws and ethics. He still couldn''t understand what had changed. Why was she different? Why was there longing? Why was there unstacked need? Why couldn''t he bring himself to behave the way he normally does when he was in the arms of a different woman. Why was her mere presence changing everything? "Does it feel good?" He asked and she nodded lightly.


    "You are the first person to dry my hair." She proimed. "No one has ever done something like this for me."


    "I''m d then." He mused. His lips stretched in pride. There was a certain level of happiness that coursed through him at her revtion and he basked in it. He always wanted to be her first in a lot of things. "The only person who has helped me dry my hair... well, it was my mom."


    Hera noticed that this was probably the first time that he was saying anything about himself concerning his parents. He had always closed that chapter of his life and had always shunned her whenever she said or mentioned anything about it. She could remember vividly how his countenance had changed when she hinted at it before.


    "What was she like? I meant your mom?" She proceeded to ask. Careful to take things slow and not rush him before she scares him off. He was like a little rabbit tying to leave his hole at this point and she would guide him, not scare him.


    She handed the towel over to her and took a seat beside her on the bed. Hera noticed that he had a anxious look on his face at her question so she ced her hand on his.


    "You don''t have to tell me if you don''t want to." She encouraged. "But I''ll always be here if you want to say something about it."


    She made an attempt to stand up to her feet but he held her back and she willingly obliged.


    "She was..." He trailed off as though he was trying to remember. "Well, she was the nicest person to have ever walked this." He mused. "She was kind, selfless, brave and one of the courageous women knew. Plus, she was incredibly stunning that most times I find it hard to believe that she''s my mother." He joked and they both shared augh.


    "What happened to her?" Hera took a step further but when he retreated, she realized that she might''ve overstepped. "I''m sorry if I''m asking too many questions. I won''t happen again¡ª"


    "No." She cut her short. "I want you to know Hera. I want to tell you everything. If here''s anyone that I would like to tell the truth then I want it to be you and no one else." He confessed and she shook her head slowly.


    Hera knew that this was probably the biggest step he had even taken. To trust her and to let her into his dark and scary past that he was scared of telling anyone. She felt ted that he wanted to open up to her. "I''m here for you Bryce. Don''t rush it and I promise you that I will listen."


    He nodded his head at her request. Well since she had offered it, he would have to dig up those memories from his past that he had tried so hard to bury in the deepest and darkest part of his brain.


    "My mother and my father were the


    ideal couple. At least that''s what they made me and everyone believe." He started with a deep breath. "They never failed to show the world just how much they loved each other. I grew up thinking that I would have something like their rtionship or better, but then I realized that it wasn''t as easy as they made it sound. It wasn''t perfect. There were too many cracked holes that she was trying so hard to glue together so that I didn''t notice. I was twelve when the first tragedy struck." He muttered while Hera listened with rapt attention, waiting for him to continue.

 Flashbacks And Deep Regrets

    "My father was a bastard. A very big one." Bryce muttered and Hera swallowed. She wasn''t used to such vulgar words but he was hurt so she would let him. If this is the way he wanted to express himself and let out all the pain, then she would encourage him as long as he felt better afterwards. "My mother and father were not always in love as I had imagined. They were forced to get married by their parents and had always pretended to be together for public eyes."


    "My dad was an abuser and a maniptor." He said atst. "I didn''t know because mom was so good at hiding it. He would protray her to the world as someone who was mentally unstable and couldn''t put her shit together. She would cover her scars with dresses, wear heavy make-up and would smile to the media that she was okay. Everyone thought that her marriage was heaven on earth, but they didn''t know half the shit that happened at home behind closed doors." The more he spoke, the more he gripped her hands tightly. Hera felt his nails digging into her skin, it hurts but she couldn''tin, she wouldn''t.


    "When I turned twelve, I started to get a grasp of everything that was happening. Things suddenly became clearer. I started to understand most things that seemed hidden and that''s when I realized that not all was as it seems." He rasped and lets go of her hand but as if working on instincts, Hera held onto him. She definitely wouldn''t let him go through all of this on his own. It was already bad enough that he was saying this to her because she could literally see the pain in his eyes.


    Bryce on the other hand was grateful that she was there with him. He had thought that with time, he would be able to move past this but it only haunts him and every year, on that exact date, he relives that day over and over again.


    "What happened to your mother?" She asked, still squeezing his hands gently.


    "She thought that she could change him." His stated and turned to face her, his eyes gauging hers to see her reaction but she remained unmoved.


    "She loved him apparently and would not leave despite everything that he was doing to her. She thought that if she stayed then things would get better. She thought that since she bore him a son then he would finally learn to love her too." He paused. And then. "He didn''t." "He did all sorts of sinful things to her Hera." His voice cracked and his eyes reddened. "She couldn''t hide it any longer. She confronted him and decided to be more open about her feelings thinking that he would listen but he...he got upset and started hitting her. She passed out cold in front of me. She was pregnant Hera and she lost the baby."


    Hera felt her eyes getting misty. The tears had gathered and settled there.


    "She never recovered." He added and that''s when the tears fell freely from her eyes. She couldn''t hold it in any longer when she understood what he meant by hisst statement.


    "The doctors mentioned something about her bleeding internally. I was too young so I didn''t understand anything about medical terminologies but dad lied that mom had taken a fall and that''s why died. He was good at ying the victim so of course everyone believed him and a funeral was held on her behalf." He paused briefly as though he had forgotten about something and took in a huge breath.


    "We can stop here if you want-"


    "No." He answered sharply,pletely cutting off her statement. "I don''t want to stop. I feel like I would drown if I should stop here without going further and I don''t want to drown Hera."


    She nodded her head at his remark as if urging him to continue.


    "We got back home after the funeral was held." He swallowed. "I remember it as if it happened yesterday. My dad came back home drunk and wasted that day with his friends and another woman. I believed that they had gone to the club and came back for an after party. I didn''t want to believe that he was celebrating mom''s death but it sure looked like it did because there was no better exnation for his actions. And it''s not like he loved her to be mourning over drinks so I concluded that he was happy being free and was celebrating."


    "I remember locking myself up in my room because it was too loud outside." He continued. "The music died afterwards and moments after, someone came into my bedroom." He swallowed. "He um...he was one of dad''s friends and he...I don''t know if he was drunk or doing it on purpose but he started touching me inappropriately."


    Hera''s hands flew to cover her mouth temporarily. The shock on her face evident. "Oh my goodness!"


    "I remember screaming and crying


    and begging him to stop. I..." He trailed off which was followed byplete and total silence. "I begged him Hera." Bryce looked at her and Hera noted the pain and vulnerability in his eyes. He was hurting, Just hearing him say those things had broken her that she couldn''t stop he tears as they fell freely.


    She bawled her eyes. It didn''t happen to her but it felt as if she was sharing his pain.


    "I begged him to stop. I screamed out my father''s name but he didn''te and do you want to know what''s funnier?" He asked in an amusing tone but she wasn''t finding it funny.


    "I called on him up there." He said in


    reference to God. "I asked him to save me. I begged him to. My mom always told me about how he swoops in to save people. She made me believe that he was some sort of superhero and that I could


    count on him toe to my rescue whenever


    I was in trouble but he didn''te.


    He deserted me."


    "I''m pretty certain that she called on him severally too but he never came. She believed he would but he show up and she died. I believed he would but he also didn''te for me. Instead, I kept on loosing. I lost my mother and my Innocence." He blurted out. "And that''s why I never ever pray to him up there anymore. I havee to a conclusion that he has his favourite people in the world and sadly, I''m not one of them." He added with a hurtful smile.


    Hera didn''t say anything. Not because she didn''t want to but because there''s nothing she would say right now that''ll change his mind, especially if he was still in this state.


    "And I vowed never to involve myself


    with


    any woman." He told her truthfully. "Marriage, love and rtionships are nothing but a


    family crumble in front of my very eyes so what was I going to to expect if I should indulge in one? I would only be repeating the same circle because I do not even trust myself."


    "That is not true." Hera disagreed. She wouldn''t let him degrade and me himself for something that he had no control over.


    "You are not your father. You are two different people and there''s no way you are anything like him." She said in a bid to persuade him so that he burns that thought in his mind. "I have seen you Bryce. I know you. Maybe notpletely but I know you well enough to know that you are different from him."


    "But it still doesn''t change the fact that he is my father and you know what''s worse?" He asked and she shook her head negatively.


    "It''s the fact that I still can''t forget it no matter how hard I try to. My father might''ve gotten what he deservedter on but I''m still the one who''s paying for everything that he had done. He ruined me and I took it out on you the other day. I''m so sorry." He whispered painfully. She pulled in him for a hug and they remained there. "I am not angry anymore Bryce. I have always forgiven you."


    Her words touched a nerve and he melted into her warm embrace. Maybe, this right here, was exactly what he had always needed.

 She Didnt Leave

    Bryce woke up to find Hera''s side of the bedpletely empty. Thest thing he remembered was curling up on her thighs till he drifted off to sleep so where did she go? They had slept together and he was sure of it. There''s no way in hell that she''d leave him to sleep somewhere else. The possibility of that happening was one hundred to one percent but he was hoping that she didn''t. Just then, she walked into the room holding a tray containing breakfast of different sorts. "Good morning." She greeted and a smile lit up on his face. He was genuinely happy to see her. She didn''t leave.


    "You didn''t leave." It was more of a statement than a question. He thought that telling her his past had maybe scared her off or maybe he had thought that his presence had scared her away from her own bedroom but he was wrong. He didn''t want her to feel scared or threatened by him. He was hoping that they had crossed that bridge. He was really hoping that she didn''t consider him a monster like he''d hoped.


    "I made you breakfast." She held up the tray for him to see. "Mariam mentioned that you barely touched your foodst night and I was worried. Why didn''t you eat? You could fall sick you know." She chided him. Her words made him feel warm. She was genuinely worried about him.


    "Because someone was making me worry about her in more ways than one. How did you expect me to eat when you were barely talking to me. I hated it." He tilted his head to the side with a grin on his face. "Come here." He opened his arms wide and as if being controlled by a gaming pad, she ced the food on the bed and walked right into them.


    There was something incredibly soothing andforting when he hugs her. He can''t tell if it''s thevender fragrance or the fact that she had always carried this aura of positivity around her. Either ways, he found itforting. It always seemed to calm his nerves. "The smell ofvender." He sniffed and pulled away. "It''s faint. Why is it faint?"


    She pulled away. "I haven''t washed my hair Bryce. And how is it that you can always tell when I haven''t used this shampoo anymore? Are you some sort of detective?" She arched a brow at him.


    "For you, I can be anything you want me to be." He proimed and her cheeks heated up. Is it wrong that she let him into her room? This was the first time she let a guy sleep over but why doesn''t she feel guilty about it? The sisters at the convent would probably eat her out if they find out about this. She was breaking more rules than one and although she didn''t want it to be that way, she can''t help it. She liked being close to him. She had found out these past few weeks that she hated it when she didn''t speak to him. She didn''t like it so what should she do about it?


    "Are you going to work today?" She asked, still hugging him.


    "Not really. I intend to spend as much time with you to make up for the ones that we had lost. You have me all to yourself for the day Hera." He dered proudly. "So, if there''s anything that you''d like to do or a ce that you would like to visit then, I''ll be more than happy to take you there myself."


    "Great." She chimed. "Because I invited Max over. You remember that you do owe him an apology right? You promised that you would."


    "You can''t be serious." Bryce couldn''t believe his ears as he pulled away from the hug to look at her. She had gone ahead to do it didn''t she? The little hellion. Damn! He thought that he could escape this one but it''s looking like he won''t be able to.


    "I was serious when I asked you to


    apologize to


    hotel because you were dr


    hotel becam. You ruined his


    day. Whoever told you to take alcohol in the first ce?" She lectured him. Her tone serious as she tried to divulge whatever she was trying to say to him.


    "Fine. But my apologyes with a price." He said with a smug grin on his face.


    "You''re still asking for a price when you''re not done paying yours?. That''s not how it works Bryce." She lectured him. "You''d have the fulfill all my conditions before we talk about what you''re offering to apologize to your supposed best friend."


    Hera made to stand up from the bed


    where she sat but before she could aplish that mission, Bryce held her pulled her down to the bed along with him Hera was flustered and her cheeks heated up in an instant, She was incredibly close to him and his breath fanned her cheeks. He was staring at her so closely that she wondered what exactly was running through his mind at the very moment because of how quiet he had be.


    "What are you thinking about?" She proceeded to ask but he only smiled down at her.


    "I''m just thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life Hera." He confessed and she couldn''t help the blush that crept up her cheeks and settled there. She wasn''t used to his open confessions yet.


    "You''re the first woman who had


    stuck with me and not judge me. I


    expected you to run away after everything ''told youst night. I


    thought that you would avoid


    considering the fact that it in


    your line of religious beliefs but you didn''t." He sighed deeply. You stayed and it means so much to


    me."


    She brought her hands to his face and touched his cheeks affectionately. He held them and ced a kiss before squeezing it tightly.


    "It''s not your fault and I don''t want you ming yourself for it. Not anymore Bryce. You''d have to move on. I know it won''t be easy but I''ll be here to help you in any way that I can."


    He snuggled close to her, resting his head between the space of her neck as he breathed her in.


    "Move in with me." He blurted out and she froze. There''s no way on earth he just said what she thought she heard right?


    He slowly raised up his face to look at her. "Move in with me Hera, please." He requested again for the second time leaving her speechless and at a loss of words.

 Move In With Me

    Hera pulled herself away from his touch and sat upright on the bed. At first, she thought that she didn''t hear him clearly but she did. He was asking her to move in. There''s no way she could do that. They''re not in any rtionship whatsoever and she doesn''t know If it''s the right thing to do at this point. Moving in was a very big request and she doesn''t know what to say or how to even respond to that. She most definitely wasn''t expecting him to say such to her.


    She was trying not to feel guilty that he had slept here and he was asking her to move in? She would just have to tell him that she couldn''t do it but why was it so hard for her to do so? Was it because somewhere In her hearts of hearts, she was considering it? Hera heard ruffling of sheets behind her as he tried to get up as well. "Why are you so quiet? Did I say or do something wrong this time?"


    She shook her head no. "Not really. I''m just...I don''t think that I''m ready to move In with you Bryce. I don''t want to." She ran her hands up and down her arms nervously.


    He smiled at how nervous she had be. "I wasn''t forcing you to move in with me Hera. I just requested it. You are free to say yes or no to my request. I wouldn''t drag you there with me and you know that."


    "You''re not mad at me?" Her tiny voice cracked. She was feeling bad for turning him down. She doesn''t know why though. It was the right thing to do after all but it felt as if she was wrong somehow.


    "I am mad at you." He admitted. "Not because you refused to move in with me but because you were too scared to tell me how you felt about my request. I have never forced you to do anything, have I?" He asked and she shook her head no.


    "I''m sorry Bryce." She apologized. Fondling with her dress. Her conscience pricking at her entire being.


    "That''s settled then." He touched her cheeks with a wide grin. "But it doesn''t change the fact that you are going to move in with me. I won''t force you to but you will agree to it, willingly and I won''t stop until you do."


    "I''m not going to agree to it." She challenged openly but he onlyughed. She really didn''t know how persuasive he could get when the need presented itself. He''d have her eat her wordster. "Not now you''re not." He reached out for the food that she had brought for him. "Do you want to go anywhere today? Do you have anything in mind? Just say the word and I''ll make it possible." "Can we visit Max''s hotelter today?" She requested. "I''ve been dying to see it for a long time now. It''s quite big and I noticed it thest time I went there. I never knew he had such a big hotel."


    "Sure. I don''t see why not." He answered conversionally. Picking the food on his tray, he ced it in his mouth to chew diligently. Savouring every taste and letting the vor mate with his tongue. He hade to a conclusion a while ago that Hera is a keeper. Her cooking skills were unmatched. Second to none. Even the best chefs in L.A has got nothing on her.


    He finished his meal and Hera apanied him to his house to change. When he was fully dressed and changed, he got out to the living room to find Max already waiting for him. Apparently the idiot was engaging her in a conversation. When they noticed his presence, Hera indulged him to apologize to Max. After many futile and failed attempts, he was finally able to say those words to his dear friend. Not that he even wanted to but he couldn''t say no either because he wanted to please her. He had found himself doing a whole lot of thingstely because he wanted to please the little woman and he wouldn''t say that he hates it too.


    "See..." She encouraged him. "It wasn''t so bad now was it?" She asked but he only threw his face towards the opposite direction. She just made it look easy when in real sense, it wasn''t. His ego and pride has been brutalized.


    "Of course it wasn''t!" Max chiped in. "Don''t worry Bryce, I have the proof and evidence of what happened here so I''ll be able to save it for future references. Thank you so much for today Hera." He whispered smilingly and turned his attention to a grumpy Bryce. Max left hourster after Bryce promised to visit his hotelter in the day leaving just Hera with his friend. Today had been tricky filled with a lot of surprises. When Hera asked him toe over because Bryce wanted to apologize, he couldn''t believe his ears. He had been friends with the man for a very long time and could almost read him like the palm of his hand.


    Bryce was never the one to apologize. Hell, he never even admits to the fact that he was wrong In cases where he was but today, Bryce apologized. Nope, he s in love with the conventdy and today is enough proof that he is. His only hope is that he doesn''t break her to the point of no return. The Bryce he knew isn''t capable of love or showing affection and although the changes might be as clear as day, he still wasn''t convinced.


    The minute Max left, Bryce turned to Hera whose eyes were fixated on him as though she was watching a movie.


    "What''s wrong?" She proceeded to ask when he didn''t say anything but continued staring. She would never get used to it no matter how much she tried to.


    "I told you before that my apologyes with a price Hera and you insisted that I went along with it by inviting Max over so now.." He took a brief pause. "You''ll have to pay up littledy." He added with a smug grin on his face. "Why do I have to pay the price for you apologizing to your friend?" She tilted her head to the side. "It was the right thing to do."


    "Because you insisted on it." He answered casually. "And you told me that we would discuss about what I''m offering as a price after I''m done apologizing so you cannot go back on your word. That won''t be very nice of you." Her brows furrowed together in worry. She obviously didn''t think this through. Oh dear lord! What of he asks for something outrageous? It was Bryce after all.


    "Alright then." She started. "What are you offering as a price for doing the right thing?"


    He took a step closer, a truimphant grin on his face. "It''s something simple Hera. We even talked about it this morning. Move in with me. That''s my price for apologizing."


    "Bryce..."


    "I''m only asking you to stay with me


    for a few days Hera. Weeks if you want to." He requested. "I don''t want


    to live here all by myself our fiet


    You can always go back to your apartment whenever you feel like it." He bridged the gap between them and stared down at her. "Please. It''s just for a few days."


    Hera weighed the pros and cons In her mind. It''s just moving in right? Nothing else? And it''s not like he would hurt her. He had never done anything that she didn''t approve of. He even slept in her apartmentst night and not once did he try to do something funny. It won''t be easy but it also won''t be too hard, right?


    Taking a deep breath, she lets it out slowly. Her heart was willing but her mind was not.


    "What do you say?" He repeated. "I promise that I will be at my absolute best behavior and won''t give you any chance toin about me. You have my word."


    She nodded her head slowly. "Alright then. But first, I''ll need to grab a few things from my apartment."


    His face lit up like a Christmas tree. Today was definitely going better than he anticipated.

 Resisting His Charms

    Hera was able to pick up a few things and Bryce helped her with the move. She didn''t know why though. It''s not like his mansion was far away from his apartment. They were basically living inches away from each other but when she insisted on doing it herself, he didn''t let her.


    "Is that all the stuff you would be needing?" He asked when shut the door to her apartment. She gave a slight nod.


    "For now, yes. I can alwayse back here should in case I forgot something. It''s not like I''m moving somewhere far away." She answered and he nodded in agreement.


    Mariam who heard themotion walked outside to meet the scene in front of her. At first, she thought that Hera was moving away but when she saw Bryce heading towards his mansion with Hera''s luggage, she was sure that something else was going on. "Oh hi Mariam!" He called out to her. His face beaming with smiles. This would probably be the first time she would see her boss smiling so openly to her. What changed?


    She had thought that they weren''t on good terms and that Hera was giving him a break? Did she finally forgive him? Is that what''s happening because she couldn''tprehend a single thing.


    "Good morning Sir." She answered nevertheless. Her questions would definitely be answered somehow.


    "Hera?" She called out to the little woman who answered by walking towards her.


    "Good morning Mariam. Did you sleep well?" She asked with a cheerful smile. The one that had somehow managed to trap her boss in a million ways than one.


    "I did my child." She replied affectionately. "What is going on and why is Bryce helping you move into his mansion."


    Hera flushed shyly. She didn''t know how to say this because it wasn''t an easy topic on her part too. "He um... Well, we are um..."


    "Are you moving in with him?" Mariam took the words right out of Hera''s mouth and she had no other choice but to admit to the truth.


    "Yes I am but only for a couple of days." She blurted out.


    Mariam didn''t know if it was wise to say anything concerning this but she also knew that It is not in her ce to say so. If Hera had decided then, she must''ve given it a lot of thought.


    "Alright then." Mariam said atst. "I don''t have anything to say other than telling you to be careful and that''s it."


    "I will. Thanks ma''am." She responded and made her way towards the mansion. Mariam knew that her boss was unpredictable but then again, she trusted Hera. She had somehow managed to bring out the best in him and she knows for a fact that Hera would not do anything that she didn''t want to do. She trusted her that much. The only person she might have a problem with was her boss. Hopefully, he doesn''t do anything stupid to screw this up.


    "Wee home, roomie!" Bryce greeted her with so much enthusiasm in his voice. If Hera didn''t know any better, she''d say that he had won the lottery but indeed he has won the lottery. It wasn''t very easy on his part to convince her to move in with him but he was d that at least, everything worked out for him in the end.


    Now, he wouldn''t have to worry about not seeing her everyday or yearning for her. She''d be right next to him all the time. He doesn''t n to be clingy but he most definitely ns to stick to her like glue until she gets used to him always being around. Until she gets used to seeing him all the time.


    He was tired of how all his ns to win her over to his side had failed woefully. All of them literally backfired. With her, it felt like he wasn''t even trying. No girl has ever been able to resist his charms. No girl until Hera. If he didn''t know any better, he''d say that she was an alien but she wasn''t. He had never had a real challenge with anyone until she came along.


    Hera didn''t know if her decision to move in with Bryce was the right one but she definitely knew that it wasn''t her best decision yet. Her nerves were all over the ce and although he had promised not to do anything, she still doesn''t think it was the best idea to walk straight into the lion''s den. Thest time something like this happened, it was in the bible and God performed a miracle right? Maybe he''d perform another one on her behalf if things decided to blow out of proportion.


    "Don''t tell me that I''m the only one excited that you decided to move In with me?" He began but she didn''t know how to answer that question. For now, he was the only one overly excited and not the other way round.


    "I''m still not used to the idea of living together under one roof." She whispered softly. Her hands gently caressing her temples. "Maybe with time, I''d adjust to it." She consoled his efforts so that she doesn''t ruin his excitement.


    He hugged her. "I know it''s a lot more difficult on your part but thank you Hera." He said, running his hands up and down her back.


    "Now..." He slowly pulled away. "Let''s take you to your room." He led the way and she purposefully followed like a dog blindly trusting her master on where to go and what to do next.


    They arrived at his bedroom and she stopped abruptly, her forehead creased in worry as though she was lost in thought.


    "Why aren''t youing in?" He inquired, from inside the bedroom. He wondered why she stood there and hasn''t taken another step.


    "Am I supposed to?" She shot back, eyes pinning him down. "You said that you were taking me to my bedroom, This doesn''t look like my bedroom. It''s more of your bedroom and I know that because I clean it everyday so what are we doing here? Or is there another bedroom that looks exactly like this one that you''re not telling me?"


    Bryce chuckled. She had gotten so bold with asking questions that he doesn''t know if it was a good or bad thing now. He had always wished that she expressed herself more and now, it was indeed happening in front of him. Did he do the right thing by encouraging her at all. "There are no other bedrooms that looks likes mine." He answered. "I brought you here because you''ll be staying here with me."


    Her eyes almost bulged out of their


    sockets. "We never talked about us sharing a bedroom. Moving in is one thing but sharing a room, that''s another territory entirely." Now she was beginning to question her decision to stay here. Was he really thinking that she wouldn''t object to it?


    "We shared a room at your apartmentst night." He primped. Challenging her to say otherwise. "Nothing happened and we scaled through didn''t we?"


    "And that''s because I only have one bedroom in my apartmentst night." She reminded him casually. "I wouldn''t have slept in the same room as you if I had other options."


    "Ouch!" He pretended to be in pain.


    "And besides, I never said I would move into your bedroom so no." She stated adamantly, shaking her head negatively. "If there are no other bedroom then I can easily move back to my apartment."


    "Nice try." He folded both hands over his chest and approached the next door. Twisting the doorknob, he pushed it open. "In here. You can stay here."


    Hera walked into the bedroom and was surprised to see that it has an extension to Bryce''s room. Howe she never noticed this?


    "You''ll be sleeping here miss." He announced. "Your own room which is not far away from mine. That way, you''ll always be a few inches away from me because I am not letting you out of my sight, not even for single second bell¨¦sima." He inched his face closer to hers so that she was looking at him directly. "You can count on that."


    Hera swallowed. Not knowing if his words werta threat or if he was just merely saying it.


    "I''ll let you unpack for now." He kissed her forehead. "But don''t forget that we have to visit Max''s hotel today."


    "Right." She answered with shortage of breath before watching him leave. She had thought that she could handle this, that she could resist his charms but it was slowly starting to be more difficult than she had hoped.

 Good Or Bad Influence

    Hera took the next few minutes to unpack her belongings. She was busily arranging her stuff to put them away neatly. She wasn''t used to a disorganized space. She liked it when everything around her was kept where they should be and in good condition for easy ess. After unpacking, she decided to wash off in her bathroom that was specifically built in her own side of the bedroom. She has never been exposed to this sort of luxury in her entire life. When she was done, she wore a casual dress, sat down on her bed and took in her


    supposed bedroom for the umpteenth time that afternoon. Just then she noticed the door and stood up to slide it open.


    She twisted the door knob and it gave way. Just like he said, she stepped into his bedroom. He wasn''t joking when he said that he wasn''t going to let her out of his sight cause her room is intertwined with his. When he said next to his, she had thought that he meant side by side or opposites but how wrong had she been. It wasn''t side by side at all. Her room practically lives in his room.


    "Oh dear God!" She whispered to herself. Her hands flew up to scratch her head nervously. She couldn''t believe it. No wonder he was so calm about bringing her here. Bryce, the maniptor.


    She should''ve known not to trust him more often. She should''ve learned to cross check and double check by now. Just as she tried to take in everything around her, she heard preceding footsteps approaching her. She quickly abandoned her thoughts and made for her side of the bedroom.


    She heard the door open and after a while, it was shut close. Her brain registered that he was back. Her heart was thumping loudly. He wasn''t even in her side of the bedroom so why was she this nervous? Is this how it''s going to be from now henceforth? Maybe, she should''ve just struggled harder to disagree rather thane here to live with him.


    If given the chance to switch choices, would she have made the same choice or a different one? Because it seems like ever since she met Bryce, she has always been making the choices that she normally wouldn''t make if she was still in the convent. Was he a good or bad influence on her?


    "Hera?" He called out to her. "Did youe into my bedroom?" He mused. His voice a mixture of amusement and excitement. None of which felt reassuring at the moment.


    "Well...er-" She paused. "I was a bit curious when I saw the door and decided to check it out. I didn''t know it led to your side of the bedroom. You didn''t tell me that it did." She whispered thest part to herself.


    He chuckled. "But I already told you didn''t I? I''m not letting you out of my sight even for a single moment. You''re stuck with me bell¨¦ssima."


    "How did you know?" She asked, shying her eyes away as though he could see her. "How did you know that I was in your bedroom?"


    "There''s only one woman in my life who usesvender." He answered knowingly. "I don''t need to try too hard when ites to you my dear. I know you like the back of my palm." Bryce stated proudly as though he had won a trophy.


    Hera flushed at his words. It wasn''t supposed to sound so good but it did. The door demarcating their room slide open and Bryce walked in fully. He was surprised to see Hera seated on the bed quietly. Hemended her effort at making her side of the room spotless and wholesome.


    "You''re not ready?" He asked and that''s when she noticed that he was fully dressed. "We were supposed to visit Max today remember?"


    "Oh." She cooed softly and stood up to her feet. It had almost skipped her mind that they would be having a night out today. "I''ll get changed now. You can wait outside for me."


    "Alright. I''ll be waiting for you outside." He informed her before making his way outside her bedroom. Hera sighed deeply. She had no idea that she was holding her breath for so long. Living under one roof with Bryce isn''t going to be a walk in the park like she had hoped. "I''m ready!" She squealed in delight as she approached Bryce who had been standing next to his car, waiting for her for ages. At a moment, she even thought that she had cancelled and would not want to go anymore.


    "What took you so long?" He reached for the door and opened it.


    "First day moving in. I''m still getting used to my bedroom. It''s somehow exciting." She answered and settled herself in the car. Actually no, she wasn''tte because it was her first day moving in. She waste because well, she didn''t think it was a wise idea go visit Max after the rukus that had happened thest time.


    "You''re always excited about the simplest things so I''m not surprised at all." He got in and started the ignition and minutes after, they were off on the road.


    Halfway through the ride, Hera inched her face closer. "Do you think that Max would let us explore his hotel for a day?" She inquired and Bryce choked on his saliva forcing him to cough so suddenly. Hera offered him a bottled water after opening it.


    She wondered what must have happened or was it something she said?


    "I don''t think he''ll let you explore his ce of business Cara. You know that he''s a busy man right?" He tried to sway her thoughts so that she doesn''t make any attempt to do what she had just said. If she decides to explore the hotel, it''ll be the end of him. How would he exin himself? And what would he say hees here to do? Just thinking about it had his head reeling in more ways than one.


    "Oh..." She puckered her lips in a pout. "It''s alright then. Maybe next time when he''s free."


    "Right." He confirmed and exhaled softly.


    They arrived at the hotel and made their way inside. Max came to wee them upon arrival.


    "If it isn''t our Hera." He hugged her briefly and pulled away with a radiant smile on his face. "I don''t know what it is that you''re doing to this man but please, keep on doing it."


    Bryce rolled his eyes at Max inplete mockery while Hera struggled to hold back herughter. She had no idea what Max meant by what he said but how he said it and Bryce''s reaction in the end was funny.


    "I didn''t say it like it''s a bad thing.


    You look positively radiant my dear friend." Maxplimented. "By the way Hera, my dear friend Dara here would give you a tour around the hotel while Bryce and I catch up. Is that okay with you?"


    Her eyes lit up in an instant. "Really? I can have a tour?"


    "Of course. You deserve it for getting me that apology from this annoying human being." He consented. "Dara would bring you back when you''re done."


    "Thank you." She whispered gratefully and wandered off with Dara.


    "You shouldn''t have done that Max." Bryce growled in panic. "Your hotel is crawling with "


    "Please. We took care of it before you got here. I wouldn''t want to spoil your friendship with little miss nun from the convent and have you pin it on me." He started towards the elevator and Bryce followed, closely trailing behind him. "Thank you."


    "She has you good!" Max mused as they made their way towards his office. He might''ve as well asked for the address of the convent so that he could offer thanks on his friend''s behalf because this was certainly unexpected.


    "I told Hera about everything." Bryce blurted out as soon as he shut the door to Max''s office. "She knows everything now. I couldn''t hide it from her anymore so I just told her."


    "What did she say? How did she


    react to it?" Max knew just how hard


    it was for Bryce to open up to


    someone. It took him ages before he was able to get a peek into his friend''s life. He never speaks about it. It was a part of him that he


    had


    sessfully buried until now that is.


    He chuckled. "She didn''t judge me like I feared she would. She stayed with me. I thought she would run or try to avoid me but she didn''t. She even moved in with me after I pleaded with all my sanity." "She''s a keeper." Max chimed in. "Don''t ruin it because I know you buddy. You ruin everything so please don''t ruin this one." Max warned him sternly. "So what''s the next step?" "What do you mean?"


    "You''re obviously getting attached Bryce and you can''t keep her next to you if you know that you''re not ready for it."


    He breathed heavily. "I''m still not open to any rtionship and I don''t think I ever will but I don''t think that I''m ready to give Hera up Max. She''s different."


    Max nodded slowly. "I know but it''s up to you to decide whates next after this because you can''t keep her next to you forever Bryce. That''s not how it works."


    "You have to decide if this is truly


    what you want. Hera is not a toy that you can keep forever Bryce. She''s human so think carefully before you get in too deeper than you are." He concluded before rounding his table to his desk to sit down while Bryce battled with his emotions,

 The Woman Who Changed Him

    "Is there anything else that you''d like me to do sir?" Doris, his secretary asked Bryce as they made their way towards his office while he tried to readjust his tie to let in some air into his already sweaty body. He had just closed a deal with a major investor from another Stepping into his office, he rounded his desk and lowered himself on his chair before facing her. "Nothing really Doris. Just submit those files to the manager and he''ll handle the rest from there."


    country and he couldn''t help but feel aplished about it. He had been stressed about it and now, it was finally over.


    She smiled, feeling at ease and a lot contented. This week had been a hectic one and although her boss has been a lot nicer than he usually was, she still felt like he would have fired her at the spot if she had made any mistakes prior to this meeting. Her life and apparently her job has been hanging on a single thread since then.


    "Alright sir. I''ll make sure he gets them." She picked it up from his table and made to leave when he stopped her.


    "Oh and Doris, you can take the rest of the day off. You''ve earned it."


    Her jaw dropped to the ground. "Really sir? Thank you so much!" She squealed In delight and just before she could twist the door knob open, his phone rang from the table and he picked it up instantly. The speed at which he did that was pretty rming. Since when did her boss embody the element of lightening just like the sh? She has never remembered thest time he picked up something that quickly and the smile on his face told her that it''s the same person that has been calling everyday for the entire week.


    He usually has that glow on his face whenever he talks to that person. She knows because she has seen it constantly. Hell, he even excused himself one time during an important meeting to talk to her. Shaking her head from left to right, she gave her lovesick boss onest look before walking out of his office.


    Whoever that person was had changed her boss entirely. She didn''t know how to put it but he was different now. Plus, those whores had taken a break froming over to his office which was also a rare urrence that she had noticed as well. He was less grumpier, more friendly and less scary. Well, the only conclusion to her theory is that her boss is in love which would be stupid because she knows that he doesn''t do love but still, it''s not bad for a girl to hope.


    She would keep on praying that it continues this way so that she can work her way up a promotion while he''s still in love ind. It shouldn''t be much work now and besides, she deserves it as well.


    Bryce on the other hand ced the phone to his ears when he saw the caller ID. He has had a long day but surprisingly, this was his favourite part of the day.


    "Don''t tell me that you miss me already Cara." He teased and fell back on his seat. "I''ve only been away for like a couple of hours now. You don''t have to miss me so much."


    She chuckled. One of his favorite sounds to listen to. "I''m calling to check up on you Bryce and not because I miss you." She shot back and he rolled his eyes at her words. He knows she misses him. She might not say it but he knows.


    "You don''t check up on people you don''t miss Cara. That''s not how it works." He corrected her. "You must''ve thought of me at some point, hence the call."


    "Dear God." She cussed to herself which was followed by a little batting of hershes involuntarily. He had learnt a lot ever since she moved in with him. She was like an open book at this point. One he doesn''t get tired of reading. The little details are enthralling as much as they''re alluring. The perks of being roommates at this point. It''s been a whole week and yet it feels like yesterday.


    "How was the meeting? Did it go well? Did you get the deal?" She proceeded to ask.


    "I closed the deal." He answered proudly and he could hear her tiny screams from the background. She was genuinely happy for him. So this is what it felt like? Having someone who you would talk to and someone who was willing to listen. It wasn''t so bad after all. "I''m so happy for you Bryce. I knew you could do it. When are youing home?" She asked and he couldn''t help but smile. These days home, sounded nice. It sounded fun. It sounded like something he would always look forward to. And the idea of knowing that someone was waiting for him at home felt nice and reassuring. It wasn''t so lonely and boring anymore. Hera was home.


    "In a couple of hours." He answered after ncing at his watch. He wished that time would just move on quickly. "Have dinner and don''t wait up for me okay?"


    "Can''t promise but I''ll try. See you when you get home Bryce. I''ll be waiting for you." And with that, she hanged up. Now, he just wishes that he''d flew over there. He didn''t like the idea of being at work anymore but then he couldn''t just leave. Can he? Should he? It was exhausting just thinking about it.


    Work went on as expected and by the end of the day, he was practically running out of his office. If anyone had seen him at that point, they would''ve concluded that he was running away from the authorities or perhaps a mental asylum. Who get excited to leave for home anyways?


    The drive back home took him approximately forty five minutes after navigating through the traffic. He met Mariam on his way inside.


    "Oh hi Mariam. Lovely day we''re having don''t you think?" He waved at her and she waved back with the same smile on her face. "Of course sir. Wee back."


    "Thank you." And with that, he made his way inside. Mariam had sworn not to get surprised each time her boss pops out a new emotion because this week has been nothing but full of surprises. Bryce made his way inside to see Hera perfectly seated on the couch in the living room. She was watching another episode of her favorite series.


    "You''re back." She adjusted herself on the couch.


    "Wait here. I''ll be right back." He dashed into the bedroom and took of his clothes. He quickly made for the shower and settled for something pleasant before joining her at the living room.


    "Would you like to have anything for


    dinner?" She asked but In response to that question, heid down on the couch and ced his head on her thighs A habit he had formed over the week whenever she was seated here.


    As expected, she didn''t nag and push him away neither did she act fazed like she did the first three times he did it. She had somehow gotten used to it now. Instead, she ran her fingers into his thick mass of wet hair as she yed with it.


    "You washed your hair with my shampoo didn''t you?" She asked and he breathed out slowly. It felt good being here, in thefort that only she could bring.


    "Howe you didn''t notice the first three times I used it."


    Hera couldn''t believe her ears. "That''s stealing."


    "We''re roommates so it''s not. You can use any of my stuff if you want to." He snuggled closer. He wasn''t joking when he said that he would definitely stick to her like glue. "I''m notining." "Of course you''re not." She picked up the remote. "Do you want to watch anything else?"


    I just want to be here with you. I don''t care about what''s on the television." He confessed and she smiled cheekily. Bryce always had his way with words. It has been that way ever since she moved in. "Can I go out tomorrow?"


    "I


    "I''ll be busy at work tomorrow Cara and I don''t think I''ll be back home untilter. Can we reschedule?" He asked instead.


    "Not with you." She replied and he sat up to face her. "I''ll be going back to the convent in two days time for Thanksgiving and I wanted to see Ben and buy some stuff for everyone at home before I leave." "Why can''t I go with you?" He look on his face had gone from soft to rock hard in a matter of seconds. "Why Ben of all people?"


    "I just wanted to hang out with him. We''re going on a fun date, together." She answered, oblivious of the situation at hand. "And plus, he''s my friend and it''ll be thest time I see him after I leave." "Sure." He swallowed hard. "I mean of course. You can go."


    "Thank you Bryce." She smiled at him and he stood up to his feet.


    "I''m going to bed. Join meter?"


    She nodded at his request and he stormed into his bedroom. What is this rush of anger pumping through his veins at the moment? Was he angry? But why? It''s not like he has a right to He doesn''t share any romantic rtionship with Hera right? So he shouldn''t be upset that another man is taking her out on a date. Damn! He''s pissed as hell and a terrible liar too. Of course he''s upset. Who wouldn''t be? At this point, it''s like Max''s intuition is slowinging true.

 Romantic Feelings

    care if he''s a good person but the fact remains that whoever she was going out with, was not him and that''s a problem.


    Bryce watched Hera pray that morning as different thoughts wandered through his mind. Usually he would say the asional ''amen'' like he usually does every morning but now, it''s like he wasn''t even interested. She was going on a godamn date with that man. He doesn''t The way she had casually said it didn''t sit well with him. He knows that she''s not used to the workings of this world and that''s another problem. A date to her might sound more like a friendly outing, a trip to church or something like that. What if the idiot is nning something? And why has he been thinking about this shit sincest night? Why does he feel the increasing urge to murder someone? What is the meaning of these emotions? "Good morning Bryce." Hera jolted him out of his thoughts. "Did you sleep well?"


    No, he didn''t. He did everything but sleep wellst night. He had crawled to her side of the room like his routine even before she started her morning devotions but he didn''t tell her that otherwise, she''d start with the million and one questions which he might not be able to answer.


    "Are you still going out today?" He asked the particr question that has been lingering in his mind up until now. "With Ben, I mean." Godammit! Even his name on his tongue doesn''t feel right.


    "Yes Bryce. We already talked about itst night and you said I could go." Came her earnest reply. He would give anything to have her cancel or take back his words but it seems like her mind was already made up and plus, he didn''t want to make her unhappy. "When will you be back home?" He asked instead.


    She pondered on the question. "I don''t know but it would take a while. You might get back home from work before me."


    "Alright then." He stood up from his bed and took steady strides towards the door that separated both their rooms but stopped halfway as though he had almost forgotten something crucial.


    "Be careful Cara. And should in case anything happens or you feel ufortable at any point during the date, then call me right away, okay?" He imposed and with a smile on her face, she nodded at his request.


    Bryce had always thought that he was immune to all kinds of pain but the pain of watching Hera leave with Ben that morning was different. It felt unusual. He felt angry and the worst part of everything was that he couldn''t show it. He didn''t like it one bit. He didn''t like the fact that she smiled at him when he opened up the car door for her. He also didn''t like that she had hugged him. He watched their silent banter in pretext that everything was fine but deep down, he wanted to burn himself and drown in the sea of jealousy.


    They drove out after she bid him goodbye and for a while, he remained frozen at the spot, contemting if he should leave or follow them closely. Hera wouldn''t like it if she found out that she was being followed so he dropped the idea. Since when did he be a stalker anyway?


    "Are you okay sir?" Mariam asked from behind him. She had been watching the whole scenario for a while and she was starting to get worried because for some reason, her boss had taken the form of a statue.


    "It''s nothing Mariam. I''ll be going now." He answered politely before making his way to his car. He got in and drove out almost immediately leaving the poor woman speechless and at a loss for words.


    Bryce was reluctant to leave for work but he didn''t have that much of a choice. At least Hera had promised to give him a call should in case things gets ugly. He would hold onto that. And if things spiral out of control then he knows where to find the bastard and for his sake, he certainly hopes that things doesn''t because he won''t take it sitting down.


    He arrived at work shortly after and all through the day, he was in a foul mood. He couldn''t concentrate and had even opted to call Max but decided against them. The idiot would only use his current predicament against him and he won''t hear he end of it for as long as he lived.


    The day kept on dragging and he was literally counting the hours before he knocks out from work and go home. To make it worse, Hera hasn''t called him yet. He had been checking his phone at intervals like someone who was almost on the verge of going crazy waiting for an important call for a major business deal.


    "Sir?" Doris called for the umpteenth time that afternoon. She had noticed that her boss wasn''t his usual self and had been zoning out all through the day. It had something to do with that woman because she noticed how upset he looked whenever he checked his phone and saw nothing.


    "You haven''t said anything about your scheduled meeting with the team. Should I cancel or-" She paused in order to chose her words carefully because if he snaps, she might be kissing her job goodbye today.


    "Just leave for now Doris." He waved her off. "We''ll pick it upter." He added and with a curt nod, she exited his office. Bryce drowned himself in his thoughts. He wasn''t able to do anything when the image of Hera kept on dancing in his memory.


    Frustrated, he decided to head back home. He wouldn''t be able to achieve anything if he stayed here anyway so it was better to fuel his emotions at home instead of his workce. After giving further directions to Doris, he headed outside the building with his suit strapped on one arm as he approached his car.


    Getting in, he started the ignition and pulled out of the building. He drove home without making any stops. The minute he arrived, he briskly made his way into his mansion and the first thing that caught his attention was Hera seated on the couch watching television. She stood up almost immediately when she set her eyes on him. "You came back early."


    Without saying anything, he marched towards her and pulled her into a deep embrace. His breath matching hers as he breathed her in to calm his nerves. He felt his heartbeat slowing down to the normal rate as they remained there, her hands wrapped firmly around his back. He had missed her. The shocking realization was nothing but the truth.


    "You didn''t call so I got worried that something might''ve happened." He whispered through her shoulders. This was him letting his guard down but he didn''t care. What matters is that she was right here with him and in his arms. "How was the date?" He asked when she finally pulled away. It''s not like he cared anyways but somehow he wanted to know if maybe she enjoyed her time with Ben over him. Call it petty or childish but he still wouldn''t care. He hated loosing, especially to that bastard.


    "It was... okay but I couldn''t stay." She left out the reason as to why she couldn''t though but even if she didn''t say, Bryce was ecstatic that she couldn''t stay. Take that universe!


    "You couldn''t stay? Why?" He proceeded to ask, bridging the gap between them. "You were excited this morning about hanging out with him today so why couldn''t you stay?"


    She looked away, not knowing how


    to answer that. Hera spent her entire day in the absence of Bryce and in the presence of Ben. That was the only thing it took for her eyes to be crystal clear. That was what it took for her to know that she really likes Bryce and not just in a friend way anymore. It scared her to death but she couldn''t deny it either.


    She has always been known to be true to her feelings and sadly, she couldn''t shake this off even though she tried. Ben was the perfect gentleman. Everything about the outing was as it was supposed to be but she couldn''t have fun. She couldn''t stop thinking about Bryce. Of going back home to him.


    She couldn''t find humour in the funnyments made by Ben. She couldn''t rx long enough to enjoy hispany. The sad realization hit her when she realized that he wasn''t Bryce.


    When Ben had even gone further to propose that they became more than friends, she tantly turned him down and she didn''t regret it. He might''ve picked it up too that she didn''t like him in that romantic sort of way because he didn''t push it further. He even apologized and brought her back home after that. She was d that he still wanted to be friends with her though.


    "Hera..." Bryce whispered softly. "Why aren''t you saying anything? You''ve been awfully quiet. Did something happen that you''re not telling me?"


    She shook her head negatively. Bryce couldn''t make out anything of her silence. She wasn''t giving him enough words to work with either.


    "Did Ben do something to you?" That statement was followed by an rush of anger waiting to explode like a volcano but when she said no, he rxed visibly.


    "Then what could''ve happened that you decided not to stay?" He urged. He didn''t like asking this question but he wanted to be certain that she was alright before he dropped it. He has never been this patient with a woman before but then again, she just wasn''t any woman. She was Hera.


    "I couldn''t stay because he wasn''t YOU." She muttered softly but loud enough for Bryce to hear. "He just wasn''t you." She added.

 I Want You!

    "What did you just say?" Bryce inquired for the third time that evening. He didn''t exactly what to feel or how best to contain the excitement coursing through his veins.


    Listening to Hera say those words to him felt like a dream. A wild dream or was it a fantasy dream? What exactly do you call a dream that you didn''t think was ever going to happen but then it did happen and now you''re suddenly feeling ecstatic about it? Yeah, that was exactly how Bryce felt at that particr moment. Like he could suddenly carry the entire world on his shoulders. For the first time ever, he felt good about himself.


    He knew just how tight-lipped and reserved Hera was so saying something like this to him had definitely taken a lot of courage and a lot of guts. He felt proud to know that he was the first person that she had ever opened up about her feelings to. This right here, was the moment he had always craved. The moment he had always wanted to happen. He had been waiting for this day patiently and now, it had finally happened. And to think that his day at the office had been nothing but a series of anger and tant irritation only toe back and hear those words directly from her mouth.


    If he was having a bad day before, he was definitely feeling better now. A whole lot better. If he knew that things would turn out like this and that Hera would eventually fall for him, he would''ve introduced Ben into the picture years ago. Anyways, it''s happening now and that''s what matters.


    "Are you okay?" He asked when he noticed how quiet she had be. She was no longer talking and for a moment there, he had almost mistaken her for a statue. She rubbed her hands together nervously and when she brought her eyes to meet with his inquisitive ones, he saw that tears had gathered in them. She was on the verge of breaking down and the way she rubbed her hands together like a child who had been caught, proved it.


    "I don''t know what to do." She answered in a low voice. A stray tear rolled down her cheeks and she wiped it away massively. Hera was sure that she liked Bryce. If she was being honest with herself, she more than liked him but she felt guilt deep from inside her. Like she had done something very bad and unforgivable. Like she had done the unthinkable. What would the sisters at the convent think of her now if they should find out about this? Would they hate her or worse?


    The main aim ofing here was to find a job so that she can live a better life but now she has gone and Involved her heart in it and she doesn''t know how to feel about what she had just said to him. She felt like a fhim too. She had been trying to suppress her feelings and one outing was all it took toe running down at her.


    Bryce took steady steps towards her so that he doesn''t scare her away. Thest thing he wanted was for her to run out on him. He couldn''t afford that at this very moment. When he was sure that he had gotten close enough, he held her with both hands and pulled her towards him. She willingly gave in without fighting, without struggling and without any form of resistance.


    "You didn''t do anything bad Cara." He ran his hands smoothly up and down the te of her small back. "Liking someone isn''t a crime you know. It''s just like saying that you like God or something like that." Damn!


    He doesn''t even know what he was saying. Was he quoting the scriptures now? He has never had to convince someone about love or anything rted to that topic. The length that he was willing to go for this woman baffled him to the core. "And if it makes you feel any better, I like you too Hera. Screw that, I love you Hera."


    She pulled herself away from his warm and gentle embrace. She couldn''t believe what he had just said to her or maybe she heard wrong. Bryce doesn''t know how to love a woman. He doesn''t believe in love either. His parents failed rtionship had robbed him of the chance of loving anymore properly or being happy so he definitely couldn''t mean what he had just said to her, right?


    Maybe he said it to calm her down so that she doesn''t feel bad about confessing her feelings to him. That was the only reasonable exnation to what he had just said to her.


    "Liking someone isn''t wrong and trust me, you didn''t do anything bad okay?" Bryce tried to console her but knowing Hera, this was far from over. She''d question everything she believed in at this point and me herself to the point of no return. He had to get through to her somehow and he had to make her understand that she wasn''t alone in this. Her thought of liking him just as friends had backfired so greatly and now, she doesn''t know where to begin or how to take it all in.


    "Hey..." He primped, holding up her chin with his index finger as he gently forced her to look at him. "You didn''t do anything bad and you''re not wrong for liking someone Hera. Now, how about I change into somethingfortable ande back to tuck you inter?"


    She nodded vehemently. "Please


    do." She whispered softly. He led her


    to the couch and made her sit on it before sprinting into his side of the bedroom When he was finished, Ke


    joined her back in the living room where she was eagarly and patiently waiting for him toe back. Her favorite show on the television was on but she was barely paying any attention to it. She couldn''t even bring herself to focus on today''s episode.


    "Are you ready to sleep yet?" He asked, towelling his hair but she shook her head negatively. Thest thing on her mind right now was getting under the covers even though it felt like a reasonable thing to do. He took his position on her thighs while she took over from him to dry up his hair. It helped to distract her for a while and she couldn''t be more grateful.


    "Do you think I''ll be able to get past this?" She asked and he sat up. He suddenly straightened himself on his seat next to her. What does she mean by being able to get past this? Why does she want to get past this?


    "No." He answered almost immediately. "That''s not how it works Cara. You just can''t get past it." Hell. Where are all these thoughtsing from? He wouldn''t let her get past it. Not now, not ever.


    She sighed deeply. "Well, at least it''s good though...that I like you instead of someone else. I can learn to live with that." She chuckled politely. "I like the fact that it''s you instead of someone else."


    He sucked in a sharp breath, reeling


    in his emotions as quickly as they came. She was saying things to him. Things that felt like deep


    confessions that tugged at his heart strings. "God, forgive me but I can''t do this anymore." And that was the only warning she got before he kissed her thinly parted lips as though his life depended on it. For a moment there, she kissed him back. He didn''t imagine it. She actually did kiss him back.


    He broke the kiss and stered their foreheads together. "I know i said that i won''t do anything Hera but..." He paused and then, "I want you. I want you so bad that it hurts." He dered openly in a low and gruff voice.


    "Ever since you left with Ben this


    morning, i have been loosing my mind to the point where i thought that i would actually go crazy." He started, spilling out the words as they formed in his head. "God, what am i even saying? I did go crazy Hera never liked the fact that you were smiling at each other or that you were hugging him. I badly wanted toe over and ruined that date because i didn''t even want you spending any more time with him. I wanted it to be me so badly."


    "Do i sound crazy because it feels as if I''m sounding crazy?" He asked and she chuckled lightly. "I honestly don''t know what''s wrong with me Hera but i do know that you''re at the centre of it all so please, put me out of my misery Bellesima." He pleaded in a deep voice that warmed up her insides.


    "I know that I''m not the purest man on earth Hera but i do know that i care about you a whole lot. Believe me, I''m not forcing you to agree to this. In fact, you can even disagree with this. You can say no and walk away. I promise that i won''t force you neither will i push it. I will step back and even pretend that none of this ever happened. I am slowly loosing my mind and i needed to put this out there because="


    She touched his cheeks with her hands. A small smile ying on her lips. "I want you too Bryce. I want to make love with you too." She answered, leaving him speechless and at a loss for words.

 Untouched!

    Hera touched his cheeks with her hands. A small smile ying on her lips. "I want you too Bryce. I want to make love with you too." She answered, leaving him speechless and at a loss for words.


    As she stared back at those eyes that was fixed on her face, she couldn''t muster a single regret or mortification about her decision. Bryce knew that she was vulnerable at that point and had all the time in the world to take advantage of her but still, he didn''t. Normally, when a woman goes out of her way to say such words to him, it makes it easier for him to jump at the opportunity and do whatever he wanted without a single care in the world but he didn''t. Instead, he was waiting.


    That was the only thing it took for his eyes to be crystal clear. Max was right all along. He had always loved this woman and wanted to be more than friends with her. This was the very first time he wanted something more than what he usually had. He knew that for a fact because he had met different women all his life. He had slept with a lot of them too but nothing wouldpare to this very moment.


    Bryce stood up from the couch and graciously lifted her into his arms as though she weighed nothing. "Hey, put me down, what are you doing? I''m going to fall Bryce." Hera gasped out, startled at his sudden move.


    He would''veughed it off if he wasn''t so sexually tensed. Did she think that he would drop her? It sounded as hrious as he had heard it. "Rx Hera, you weigh no more than the hairs on my head."


    She wanted to protest to that statement but he stopped whatever she wanted to say when he kissed her. He delved in, mating with her tongue. She forgot everything she wanted to say and then, her back touched the bed. It took her a few minutes to realize that she wasn''t on her side of the bedroom, this was his side. His scent was everywhere so it was quite hard to miss.


    Bryce kissed her full on the lips. His mouth hardened, became hot and determined,pelling her to respond to him, urging her on. Tongues of fire raced along her skin. Every nerve ending came alive. Her blood boiled with need that she couldn''t understand. Her body craved, ached, until her arms crept around his neck and her body came in close contact with his.


    Hera could feel the coolness of the sheets against her back as he pressed her into the mattress. He unbuttoned her Pajamas top, swept it away without a care in the world and ot dropped carelessly on the floor.


    She couldn''t resist the urge, her hands came up immediately and covered her breasts as much as she could. Her eyes casted down, shy and embarrassed.


    He palmed her cheeks with both hands and slowly raised it for her eyes to meet hispelling ones. "Hey, you don''t have to be embarrassed, Hera. Not with me, Cara." He gently pried her hands away from her body.


    His breath hitched, a husky and deep gutteral sound escaped his throat. He has never seen anything so beautiful. She was beautiful. "You are beautiful Hera." He murmured out loud for her to hear.


    Her full breasts were rounded and high, her rosy nipples pointed straight at him, begging for his mouth and attention. He was already as hard as a granite, but he took extra care not to allow that part of him touch her body and frighten her. She was still so very new at this and he didn''t want to scare her further away from him.


    Joining their faces together, his mouth found hers again while his hands trailed over her skin from her shoulders, over the swell of her breasts. He cupped it, it was more than a handful. Exquisite.


    Her breasts arched with need, her body throbbed. His touch was gentle,pletely at odds with the terrible hunger burning in his eyes down to the pit of his stomach. He bent his head slowly to her breast, his breath reached her skin first. Warm. Most. Soft. His lips were soft.


    Hera jumped slightly under his seeking mouth, all at once so sensitive. Even the brush of his hair was erotic against her skin.


    Go slow. Go slow. Don''t frighten her. Don''t scare her away. The words bit like litany in his head. A poem that he was suddenly beingpelled to memorize as though his life depended on it. He was determined to go slow, stay in control, hold his terrible hunger for Hera under some sort of rein. Thest thing he wanted to do was snap this little thread of restraint and frighten her.


    There would be plenty of times for wild cravingster. Right now, right here, it''s not about him. It''s all about this little woman straddled underneath him.


    Bryce had never felt the way he was feeling now for any woman he took to bed. It had always been about sex. Rough, hard and banging kind of sex. He had never cared about a woman''s pleasure or need before but surprising tonight, he wanted to pleasure Hera. He didn''t want to fuck her like it has always been for him. He wanted to make love to her.


    He closed his mouth over one and exerted an immediate, gentle suction. Her body jerked as if struck with an electric jolt and he increased the pull of his mouth until she arched toward him, panting out her need.


    "Bryce" His name was a long, drawn-out moan of desire.


    No music had ever sounded sweeter


    or lovelier to his ears. He adored her instant response to his slightest touch. She was the most responsive lover he''d ever known. Other women might have been more


    knowledgeable about the practiced technique that stirred a man''s senses, but none of them had made him tremble with need. Only Hera could do that.


    He yed with her creamy, soft flesh. Kneading her with fingers that shook, tasting her with his mouth and nipping at her with careful provocation. Soon, not only her back was arched toward him in a silent demand for more but her pelvis was tilting up toward him with the same fierce abandon.


    "Bryce!" Hera cried out again. Her body on fire.


    He suckled her lush breasts, his mouth teasing, his teeth scrapping gently while he kneaded the other breast with his hand. She whimpered, the sound choking on her throat, arousing him so much that he had to remind himself to be gentle and not tear her apart like he wanted to. He kept on until she was burning in a feverish pitch, her breathing out in short desperate gasps. Hera didn''t understand what she was feeling and what was going on with her body.


    What was he doing to her? She craved something, she needed somw kind of release but she didn''t know how to go about it. His hands worked on her pajamas and before she knew it, he was pulling ot down and discarding it on the floor with his shirt but he kept his trousers on.


    Instinctively, she locked her knees tightly together. He bent down and took her lips in a hard kiss, their mouth fused together, his lips devouring her. With tentative hands, she explored him, her hands mapping out his back, tracing his broad shoulders and the hard muscles of his body.


    Without breaking the kiss, he snaked his hand between her legs which she opened a little bit wider for him, giving him ess to the center of her womanhood. He dipped his hands and touched her slightly.


    She moaned into his mouth. Her body moving on its own ord, pushing against his fingers.


    He took the invitation, sliding his hand up the inside of her thigh and then cupping her mound in another moment of possession, so primitive he could barely admit it to himself. She cried out, shivering in his arms. He found the center of her womanhood and caressed it for a moment, then he pushed a finger into her tight channel.


    She jumped and tore her lips away from his, her wide eyes filled with unanswered questions and uncertainty. It became crystal clear to him then. Not only has she never had sex before, she had also never been touched so intimately. Untouched. A pure virgin.


    At the back of his mind, he guessed that he had always known. Max had even mentioned something about it before but it''s still shocking to discover firsthand that Hera was still a virgin. At this age.


    No man had touched her. He''ll be the first man to be inside her, the first to watch here apart in pleasure, the man that would teach her about the intimacy between a man and woman. Feelings he could never exin spread through him. Protective. Possessive. And that particr one that had been there for sometime now. The one that makes him afraid to loose her.


    She''s mine! This woman right here is mine. A voiceced with pride, in his head roared.

 His For The Night!

    "I''m so sorry if i had hurt you Hera. I didn''t know." His hands reached to caress her thighs softly. He repeated the process over and over again till she went calm under his touch. She stared at him with those eyes that held so many unanswered questions but he only smiled at her in a reassuring manner. He might as well get down on his knees and apologize for scaring her in that manner. He had been trying his very best not to scare her and now, he finally has.


    Who would''ve thought that this woman was a virgin at such age. He had thought that those things were myths and tales that only happened in books and movies but Hera was proving him wrong with every step. God just kept on throwing obstacles at him to test his patience and he mustmend him for doing such a great job. No pun intended.


    "I promise that I''ll be careful this time." He inched closer to her, making sure to take his precious time so that she doesn''t run away from him. "Trust me, Hera." He kissed her eyelids, slowly answering the questions in her eyes and kissing away the uncertainty in them. Sheid back on the bed while he kissed her shoulders. When he grazed her neck with his teeth, she gasped, a shiver running through her body. She''s the most responsive woman he''d ever met.


    He slipped one long finger into her again. She stiffened but didn''t scrabble away like she did moments ago. He kissed her lips softly while he worked his fingers inside her tight body.


    She wrapped around his finger, holding it in a tight grip. He had to prepare her for taking a man of his size so that he doesn''t hurt her. She was so wet, she coated his fingers making it easier for him to thrust in and out of her. "Ooh..." Hera moaned repeatedly while pleasure cascaded her.


    He fingered her until her body started moving on its own ord, seeming to have a mind of its own. He wanted her mindless in pleasure when he''ll take her so that it wouldn''t hurt much. He dipped his head and took a rosy nipple inside his mouth, suckling on it. Hera was overwhelmed with pleasure she didn''t understand. What was happening to her? She felt herself climbing, climbing, reaching for something she couldn''tprehend. She fought it even as the feeling tried to overwhelm her. It scared her to pieces. "Bryce?" She breathed, fear in her eyes even as her body kept thrusting to meet his seeking finger.


    "Let go Cara. Allow it to happen." He encouraged as he dipped his hand and inserted a second finger into her slick body, his mouth tugging on her nipple.


    She screamed as her body bowed and her insides clenched in one almost vicious spasm after another. The explosion of pleasure going on inside her was so intense that her surroundings went fuzzy around the edges and then ckness imed her. When she came through, she was lying on the nket with Bryce leaning over her.


    Her body was so liquid from pleasure. It was as if reality hadpletely receded and what she and Bryce were doing was all that existed in the universe at that time. Sheid there staring at him, her eyes filled with exhaustion, tiny shivers racing down her body. He''d never watched a woman climax before. He had never cared. But watching Herae apart in his arms was the most amazing and satisfying sight he''d seen in a long time.


    He took pleasure in her pleasure and he nned to give her more and more of that pleasure in the future.


    "I want to see you." He said, his voice strained from unspent pleasure and passion. "All of you. And then i want to taste you."


    "But-"


    "Do you trust me, Honey?"


    Hera was silent for a while. "Yes." She choked out a reply.


    "Then, rx. I promise to be by your side every step of the way."


    Heraidtent as Bryce moved into a kneeling position between her legs, pushing her thighs apart and her knees up. She had never been this open to a man but Bryce wanted to see her and after the pleasure he had given her, she couldn''t deny him. Watching him look at her was unbearably weird and embarrassing. It made her feel vulnerable but his expression was so clear and intent, so filled with desire.


    His eyes showered approval down on her, warming her insides as effectively as his touching did. Then he leaned down and kissed her until her body was involuntarily straining up toward his, seeking the contact of skin to skin. She wrapped her arms around him, reveling in the feel of his hot strength beneath her fingers.


    She moaned when he broke the kiss but he moved down her body again, kissing and licking her everywhere. The things he did to her belly button made her cry out in pleasure. It was simply too much.


    "Bryce, I can''t handle this." She cried out in a desperate plea for release.


    "I must taste you."


    That was all the one she got before his head delved between her legs and his tongue took the ce of his thumb.


    She called out his name desperately. Her voice thready with need and a fear she was despairing trying not to feel. He flipped her clit, licking her repeatedly. Her musky scent of arousal caressing his nose.


    She arched her pelvis upward, pressing herself to his mouth. "Bryce, I can''t stand it! It''s too much. You''ve got to do something." She gasped out as she tried to press her legs together.


    He slid his hands between her legs, pushing her thighs apart just as if she wasn''t trying to push them together as hard as she could. His strength would''ve astonished her if she wasn''t already dazzled by his expertise at loving. Exerting pressure until her muscles were stretched just to this side of pain, he relentlessly opened her bodypletely to hs questing mouth.


    "Oh God!" She gasped as he kissed her swollen, slick flesh with his tongue until she was straining against the hold of his hands on her thighs and her fingers were buried in his hair, pulling and pushing from one second to another. Then he took her highly sensitized swollen nub between his teeth and sucked in hard suction.


    She felt the feeling again, starting from deep inside her. She shattered into a million tiny pieces, her screams echoing around them. Bucking around the tongue that would not stay still, mini tremors shook her body, keeping every muscle in her body tense. She began to sob. The pleasure was just too much.


    "Stop. Bryce, please!" She sobbed.


    He lifted his mouth and she copsed back onto the nket. Her body trembled from head to foot. He kissed the inside of both of her thighs and then her now damp tiny curls with his lips. "Cara, you are amazing."


    He got up and removed the remains of his clothing, he got in between her legs which fell apartnguidly for him. He kissed her again, mating with her tongue. She tasted herself on his lips as he sucked on her. He wanted her mindless and drowning in pleasure so that she doesn''t pay attention to anything around when he took her.


    Lost in her own world, he positioned himself between her legs. He ced his manhood at her entrance then, he pushed himself inside her, he felt the thin barrier. He wished there was another way to protect her from the pain that will eventuallye but there wasn''t. Still kissing her, in one long stroke, he pushed past the barrier and buried himself home.


    Hera tore her mouth away from his and cried out. It hurts. She felt like she''d been torn apart, like she''d been cut by a hot knife.


    "It burns." She whimpered, blinking back the tears threatening to spill.


    "I''m so sorry, Hera. It''ll never hurt again, I promise, Sweetheart." He groaned, calling her his little stars and any other endearment that his brain could think of. He held a tight grip over his control, holding himself still to allow her tight body to grow ustomed to the invasion even as her inner muscle protested, wrapping around him tightly. He


    gritted his teeth to keep from


    a tight fist.


    He kissed her pain-etched face, kissing her lips. He caressed her breast also until she started responding to his kiss. He withdrew from her almostpletely and thrust in again slowly.


    He repeated the process for sometime, until she flexed her body to meet his slow steady thrusts, moaning softly in her throat. He started to plunge into her with powerful thrusts. Each stroke hit some secret spot inside of her body that made her shudder with pleasure over and over again. She drew up with each thrust, moving with him.


    The sensation grew more and more


    devastating until her cries grow louder, she bit the back of her palm in an attempt to shut herself up. A muffled scream vibrated around, her throat as she splintered apart, explosions going off inside her with


    the power of a nuclear rener with


    in


    meltdown. Her body contracted around his hardness and she bowed up against him with more strength than she knew she had, lifting them both off the bed.


    "You are incredible, Cara." He drawled out, his voice edged with need. Sweetie, you''re incredible.


    "No more please." She begged. She really didn''t think she can take more. She had never thought that something as painful as what she had experienced would also be as powerful as this to throw her entire being off bnce.


    He smiled down at her, "Onest time, honey.


    She groaned. He had showed her that her body was capable of prolonged pleasure, she had never known anything like this. It was indescribably sweet and devastatingly powerful, both too much. The only sounds she could force out of her tight throat were unintelligible groans.


    And he didn''t stop, didn''t even slow down. How could any person maintain such powerful action for so long?


    More tension built low in her belly and this time she was determined not to go through the cataclysmic explosion alone. She wrapped her trembling legs around his hips, her quivering arms around his neck, and then stretched up so she could take his nipple into her mouth. Those actions were impulsive, she didn''t even know what she was doing.


    She bit him gently and caressed him with her tongue. When she started sucking, he went rigid and then flooded her with pulsing heat while his shout rang in her ears. She followed him.


    "Bryce!" She screamed out his name. A raw scream drawn from deep inside her, her body convulsed again, this time sharing the experience sopletely with him that she felt like they were one person.


    She didn''t faint, but she was light-headed and it was all she could do to keep her arms wrapped around him. She felt like overcooked spaghetti noodles.


    He went to pull away, but she held him to her. Barely. Her arms trembling in exhaustion. "Please, Don''t leave me." She whispered softly, the wave of drowsiness calling out to her.


    "I am too heavy, Baby."


    She clinged onto him. "No. You aren''t." Her eyes blinking sleepily.


    "I am, Sweetheart." His smile was so gentle. He held her body and in one swift motion, he rolled over. Sheid down on top of him.


    "Now, go to sleep, Cara. Tomorrow is a new day." He kissed her temple, and looked down at her. Hera was already fast asleep.


    This was usually the period when he gets up to scramble for his clothes. This was usually the time he said goodbye. But surprisingly, with this woman who slept angelically and very exhausted in his arms, he didn''t want to leave her. Not tonight. Maybe not ever.

 Hers To Ruin

    Lavender scented candles. Maple syrup with blueberry pancakes and cottage cheese. It smells so good


    Hera smiled heartily in her sleep as the aroma from the meal hit her nostrils causing her to salivate. Who could be making such a delicious meal so early in the morning? It smells Divine. Could it be Bryce? She highly doubted that. The man doesn''t even know his way around the kitchen talk more of making such a masterpiece. She has been the one doing most of the cooking for weeks now.


    She groaned deeply, her lips halfway parted as she tried her best to squint her eyes closed when the warm rays of the sun seeped through the curtains of the bedroom and hit her face through the covers. She turned to the other side of the bed and slowly opened her eyes to take in her surrounding. That''s when it hit her that she wasn''t in her bedroom.


    Memories fromst night and what had happened between the both of them flooded through her head and she jerked awake in an instant, pushing the covers off the upper part of her body. She became self conscious and rmed when she realized that she was naked under the covers. It really did happen. She did go through with it didn''t she? Somehow, she felt a little tinge of guilt and possibly regret but she tried her best to surpress those thoughts from taking root in her head. It had already happened and there was no point in feeling guilty anyways.


    Pushing those thoughts at the back of her head, she tried to make it out of bed but her entire body restricted her from making such a preposterous movement. She felt sore and her body was utterly brutalized so she couldn''t. After many failed attempts, she gave up the idea of even trying to stand.


    "Breakfasting through." She heard the familiar sound of Bryce as he approached the bedroom. Petrified, she gathered the bloodstained sheets but before she could make an attempt to hide them, Bryce had already walked into the room.


    She flushed feeling embarrassed. Her cheeks heated up as she squeezed the thick covers, trying her very best to avoid his piercing gaze. He had caught her red-handed. There''s no escaping this one even if she tried to.


    "Good morning Cara." He greeted lovingly and ced the tray that he had brought at the side of the desk. He joined her on the bed and ced a kiss on her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"


    She nodded once, praying in her hearts of hearts that he doesn''t talk about the sheets that she was struggling so hard to hide but instead he grabbed them from her hands. They both struggled with it until she eventually let go, her eyes downcast.


    "I''ll wash them or get you a new one..." She trailed off but he only smiled at her. His Hera had always been so innocent and it always brought a smile to his face whenever she acted the way she did.


    "I''ll take care of this." He answered instead. "Hera i am not upset about this. If anything, i am very happy and proud. You don''t have to feel sorry about this becausest night was the best night of my entire life and i wouldn''t trade it for anything. Thank you." She smiled at his heartfelt words, not knowing exactly how to react or respond to what he had just said to her.


    "I made you breakfast in bed." He announced proudly in an attempt to change the subject and lighten the mood. It did work because then, she wasn''t so invested in the previous topic anymore.


    Hera nced at the tray and back at his face. "I know you Bryce and i know for a fact that you don''t know how to cook so how did you manage this?"


    He chuckled and ced the tray on the bed in front of her. "You underestimate me a lot woman. I''m a full package, you just don''t realize it yet."


    She furrowed her brows at him,


    urging him to say the truth because deep down, she knew that he wasn''t


    t


    telling the truth. There''s no way he could''ve made this. He was surprisingly good at other areas of his life but definitely not the kitchen. She had even forbidden him countless times from going there. Last time he tried to help out, he almost blew out the microwave. That''s how bad he was.


    "Alright fine!" He raised his hands in surrender. "I did fry the first batch of pancakes but um...it didn''t turn out well." He confessed. "They were sugar infested so i asked Mariam to help out. I did make the coffee though and I guarantee that you will like it." "Well it''s the thought that counts anyways. Thank you for breakfast Bryce. I really like it."


    Bryce felt his heart do a little flutter. How does she do it? How is she always able to make his smallest efforts look so big. He had only made her breakfast. It''s not like he offered her the world on a tter but still, she always appreciated him She always appreciated the little things. She was the most simple Woman that he had evere across. Herpliments always motivates him and push him to do more. He had always found himself at her mercy. This little woman was his ruin and to think that he never thought a woman could bring him to his knees in this manner.


    Leaning forward, he kissed her full on the lips. "Eat up quickly so we can get ready. The sooner we leave, the faster we arrive at the convent."


    Her eyes shone in bewilderment. She couldn''t believe what she had just heard. "You still want to go? Really?"


    He scratched his head. "Yes. I already promised sister Martha that i would think about it so i did think about it. Plus, I''ll be bored to death in this house for an entire weekend without you here. I may end up not liking it but you''ll be there with me the entire time so I''ll be fine." Pushing the tray aside, she protested against her pains and threw her arms around him. "Thank you very much."


    She knew just how much churches, God and the likes of it terrified him giving the fact that he doesn''t believe in them but he was still willing to take that step because of her. It made her feel warm inside. She felt happy knowing that he was doing this for her.


    Bryce chuckled. His voice resonating throughout the walls of the bedroom. "Not a problem Cara. Now have your breakfast quickly and I''ll run you a bath when you''re done."


    Hera obeyed his words like a little


    child that was offered Candy. She


    finished her breakfast and true to his


    words, he ran her a bath as promised and she soaked herself in therr for a while, letting the water work its way on her tired body. When she was done bathing, she helped pack up the remainder of his bags and together the loaded them into the car trunk.


    "You sure you''ll be fine by yourself for the whole weekend Mariam?" Bryce asked the older woman who brushed off his question.


    "This isn''t the first time I''ll be home alone." She answered with a cating smile. "Don''t you worry about me Sir. I''ll be fine." She added and Bryce surprised her by hugging her. This was the very first time he was doing so. She was stunned by his attitude but she tried her best not to react to it. Instead, she hugged him back.


    "Call us if you need anything." He said to her.


    "I will. You both have fun." She said and it was Hera''s turn to hug her too. After exchanging goodbyes, the got into the car. Bryce wasn''t sure what awaited him there or if he had even made the right decision to go. He wasn''t sure if he was ready to face his demons yet but hopefully, things doesn''t get to that.

 She Loves Him

    "You''re here!" Christina squealed happily at the top of her voice when the car came to a halt in front of her. An unfamiliar handsome and well built-up man opened up the door for her sister but that was the least of her worries. Her sister was finally here. She didn''t know if she wanted to hug her sister to pieces or jump on her but she knew she wanted to do both. She was dying with so much eagerness inside her. Hera took the first step when she noticed how excited and surprised she was to see her.


    "I missed you." She whispered affectionately, wrapping her hands around her tiny frame so that she doesn''t let go. Christina reciprocated the same action. Tears stung her eyes but they were happy tears so she didn''t bother to wipe them off. She basked in delight instead. She was finally back at the convent. Took them all day to arrive here. She has been excited, nervous and scared but now that she''s here, she felt alive again although a little guilty.


    "I couldn''t stop thinking about you on the way over here." She confessed with a wide grin on her face. Her smile spread out from ear to ear. "It''s been so long hasn''t it?"


    Christina nodded from her shoulders before pulling away. "I''ve been expecting you ever since the sisters told me that you would being back home for Thanksgiving. I have a lot to talk to you about, a lot to ask you."


    Hera touched her cheeks affectionately. Her kid sister had grown so much in her eyes. She couldn''t believe that she was the same person she had left months ago. How quickly time flies. King barked from behind them and they both turned their attention to the dog that had sat on its hunches next to Hera, his tongue sticking out of his mouth as he took in hurried breaths.


    "You have a dog now?" Christina asked in astonishment. Her eyes widely open as she crouched down to the height of the dog to pat his head. "I''ve always liked one."


    "Actually, he belongs to me." Bryce chirped in and Christina darted her attention to the broad man standing in front of her. "And his name is King." He added.


    "Good day Sir. You have a very nice dog." She greeted nervously, rubbing her palm together. Bryce took of her behavior which was almost the same as Hera in so many ways. They were indeed sisters weren''t they? Judging from her looks and appearance, he would probably say that Hera was a few years older than her but still it felt like she was a little innocent kid who would never do wrong.


    "Call me Bryce." He corrected her after a brief silence. "I''m your sister''s..."


    "Boss." Hera interrupted. "He''s my boss from the city where i work." She somehow felt guilty with what she had said but it wasn''t entirely a lie. Besides, Bryce hasn''t defined their rtionship so that was the safest avable option.


    Bryce smiled at her attempt to cover up the situation. Not that he wasining though but after their wild sessionst night, he felt somehow hurt hearing her address him as her boss. Was he asking for too much or does he suddenly want more? She wasn''t just his maid to him anymore. Although he was scared ofmitting but he knew that she was in a higher status in his life and not a maid.


    "The sisters told me so much about him." She informed Hera. "Thank you for taking care of my sister over there. It means a lot to me that she has you to rely on big brother."


    Big brother? No one has ever addressed him as such. It felt warm and deep down, he sort of liked it even though he couldn''t voice it out that he did. The idea of being a big brother to someone wasn''t looking so bad all of a sudden.


    "Christina, why did you keep your sister standing outside when you could''ve escorted them inside?" A familiar voice asked as she approached them with two otherdies who took turns in hugging Hera.


    Bryce could tell that the one who spoke was sister Martha. He''d recognize that voice anywhere.


    "Forgive us sister Martha. It''s not her fault. We had a lot of catching up to do." Hera covered uo for her sister so that she doesn''t get scolded.


    "You must be Bryce?" She titled her head to the side, giving him a chance to admit that her suspicion was correct which he did with a nod of his head.


    "We''re so d to have you join us this weekend for our Thanksgiving." She weed him with a smile before proceeding to give him a hug. "We thought that you wouldn''t want toe."


    His eyes washed over Hera''s frame in a subtle nce and a small smile ghosted his lips unconsciously. "I certainly cannot survive the weekend without Hera so i had toe. Thank you for having me and of course, King."


    Martha noticed the little body interactions that went on between the two of them but she chose to pretend like she didn''t see it. She had always had a keen eye so it wasn''t a surprise that she would pick up things that no one paid any attention to.


    "We prepared the guest room for you." She informed him. "It might not bepared to what you''re used to but we can all guarantee that it is certainlyfortable and will serve it''s purpose. Hera will apany you to put your things away and then you can join us for dinner." "Thank you so much for everything." He answered politely.


    "Bless you my child." Martha touched his face affectionately before making her way inside, with the two other sisters trailing behind her.


    "I''ll take your things to your room Hera and meet you both at the table for dinner." Christina informed her. "Come on, King." She called out to the dog who readily wagged its tail as he followed her closely. She wanted to stop them but Bryce told her not to. Apparently, he didn''t mind.


    "Shall we?" He picked up his bag, urging her to lead the way which she did. They arrived shortly at the room and she helped him put his things away nicely while he sat down at the edge of the bed. "I can''t believe how big this ce is. Did you grow up here?"


    She nodded once before answering. "Yes. Our house went up in mes by ident and both our parents didn''t make it because they chose to rescue us instead."


    "I was only six years old." She


    muttered as she paced round the


    room to organize his things. "We became homeless. That''s when we met the sisters. They always donated to the homeless where we lived. They took pity on us and decided to bring us back here with them to raise us. Christina and i were lucky to have met them. I don''t know what life would''ve been like if they didn''t make that decision to take us in."


    "I''m so sorry Hera. I didn''t know." He apologized but she only smiled.


    "It''s okay Bryce. We''re okay now." She said to him lovingly.


    Bryce stared at her. His eyes unwavering. Just how was she smiling after going through such? How does she always try to stay positive and see the good in people when she has gone through something as painful and heartbreaking as this?


    "If you don''t feelfortable at some point then, you can go. I promise that i won''t get angry orin." She blurted out. "I know that you don''t like this ce and it''s nothingpared to your mansion so i don''t want to act selfish by asking you to stay here when you don''t want to."


    He stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her from behind. She was startled but tried not to show it. "You can be selfish all you want Hera, I''m notining and I''m definitely not leaving here without you. We came together and we''d leave together." "Are you sure?"


    He breathed her in. Her scent calming his insides. "How else would you want me to prove it to you? Trust me, I''ll do anything you ask me to."


    "Thank you." She whispered with a


    full smile on her face. She didn''t


    know if this was wrong but she knew that she loves this man. Every second that she stays next to him she loses pieces of her heart to him. It felt scary because she knew t that she was threading on dangerous waters but she couldn''t help it. Her persistent feelings was a realization that she couldn''t hide it anymore but she also knew that he probably doesn''t feel the same way about her and it troubled her.


    "I''m just upset that i can''t share a room with you anymore. It''s heartbreaking." He said to her, his eyes still closed with his head rested on the bridge of her shoulders. "It''s going to be a lonely night without you Cara. I''m already used to the idea of knowing that you are next to me but now, we''ll be separated for two whole days."


    She wiggled free from his grip. "it''s not that bad. You need some time on your own as do I."


    "You really don''t mean that, do you?" He arched a brow at her, dipping his hands into his pockets. She giggled. "Possibly."


    "Dinner is ready!" Came Christina''s voice and she knew then that it was finally time to face her family.

 He Is Not Just Your Boss

    "Pass me the sd Christina." Hera overhead Martha''s voice as she approached the dinner area with Bryce trailing behind her. She entered to see that they had prepared a grand feast for dinner. They''ve never really had a huge dinner such as this one before so she


    already knew that they went all out because of Bryce. They wanted to make a good first impression to her boss.


    "You''re here." Christina squealed happily. "Come and sit next to me Hera." She tapped an empty space next to her and after giving Bryce a brief nce, she walked towards the empty seat and lowered herself on it.


    Bryce felt conflicted. He was banking on sitting next to Hera for dinner and maybe for the rest of the night but he doesn''t see that happening anytime soon. Hera was with her family and they''d probably want to spend more time with her since they haven''t seen her in a long time. It would be selfish of him to try and get in between that and besides, it''ll only be for a couple of days and Hera would be back with him again so for now, he''d have to endure the pain that came with this painful, temporary separation.


    "You can seat next to me Bryce." Sister Martha called out to him and he obediently obliged. He couldn''t say no to her even if he wanted to. She seemed nice and plus, she was one of the reasons why he got to meet his Hera and for that, he was internally grateful. "The food might not be what you''re used to at home but take it from me, it''s very delicious and you will definitely like it." She assured him, her fingers going up to her face to adjust her sses.


    "Well If you made it yourself then I know for a fact that it is indeed delicious." Brycemented. "Hera told me how she learned from you and every dish she has ever made for me is a hundred percent satisfying so i can definitely vouch for you if you ask me to." He added, his eyes zing over Hera warmly. She ducked her head shyly at his words and reached out to grab the te that has been offered to her by Christina.


    "So Hera, how has work been over there?" Sister Theresa threw her a knowing question. "Have you been doing okay? I know how difficult it must be staying in the big city all by yourself without your family by your side."


    "Work has been going great and i made some friends over there. Plus..." She trailed off. "My boss has been really nice. He takes care of me and makes sure that i don''t encounter any difficulty throughout my stay there." Bryce dug into his food with a broad smile on his face. She was talking about him to her family and it really felt nice.


    "What about your ns to go back to school?" Martha asked out of the blue. "You''ve always talked about how you would want to go back to college and start something for yourself. How are you going on with that n? Anything in motion yet?"


    Hera flushed a little. "For now, I''m still trying to get ustomed to my job and how the city works but with time, I''d make a n on that. I''d still need to gather a lot of funds for college and we all know it''s not easy."


    "I''m d that you''re still thinking about that. It makes me incredibly happy and with the lord''s help, it will happen so never loose hope my dear. We''re all rooting for you." Theresa said in quiet constion.


    "And don''t forget to pray about it in church tomorrow alright?" Martha encouraged Hera. "It''s detriment that you do, so that God will guide your path and teach you the right one to follow." "Thank you sister Martha and yes, i will."


    "I also can''t wait for you to hit it big so that i cane over to stay with you in the big city." Christina sulked. "Don''t forget that you promised me." With the way she spoke, one would think that she was a child but she was an adult who was still innocent to the harsh realities of the world.


    "I know and i still intend on keeping that promise." Hera assured her with a smile. Christina reached out for the meat on her te and fed it to King. Bryce looked surprised to see that he had been hiding there all these while.


    Dinner went smoothly apart from the asional chitchatting that went around the table. They were mostly talking about the Thanksgiving service tomorrow and how they nned it to go. Bryce also got to learn that it was one of the biggest events to happen at the convent and they kept telling him how happy they were that he would be in attendance.


    "Hope the food is to your liking?" Martha asked Bryce and he replied with a nod.


    "Thank you."


    Dinner finally came to an end and after cleaning up, Martha requested that Hera visited her in her studies. Hera didn''t know why Martha had requested that all of a sudden but she simply obeyed. She was like her mother and besides, she couldn''t avoid seeing her even if she didn''t want to.


    "Sister Martha?" Hera called out to her with a tiny but persistent knock on her door.


    "Come in my child." Martha permitted and Hera gently pulled the door knob, pushing the door open as she let herself in. She shut the door behind her and approached Martha''s desk where she was asked to take a seat.


    "I''ll be with you shortly." Martha said to her and soon enough, she arrived with a stack of books that she ced neatly on the table by the side.


    "Do you need any help?"


    "Not really." She answered. "I''ve been organizing my study and I think that will be all for now. How have you


    been my child?" She asked. Heraet


    would''ve sworn that she had asked the same question on the dinner


    table earlier so why was she asking


    it again?


    "I wanted to speak to to ask about your well-being and i didn''t want to do it in front of everyone. I wanted to have a special bonding time with you and i figured that since we would be busy tomorrow, why not do it now. I hope you don''t mind."


    Hera shook her head vigorously. "No. No, I don''t." Hera felt somewhat scared and guilty as she was seated in front of Martha. She felt like the woman could see right through her and it showed.


    "Has the city been treating you nicely my child?" She asked in a calming tone as her eyes were fixated on Hera.


    "It hasn''t been all rosy but its been good." She casted her eyes to the ground.


    "And your boss?" She muttered out of the blue forcing Hera to look at her. "Has he been treating you nicely too or are you only saying all those good things about him to cover for him."


    "Bryce is very nice. He is a good man." A pause and then. "You know that i can never really hide the truth from you Sister Martha. If he was a bad man then you would''ve known even before I opened my mouth to say anything."


    "He takes care of me and makes sure that i don''t get into trouble." Hera''s eyes lit up as she spoke about Bryce. A smile casted on her face as well. "He looks out for me and-"


    "You are in love with him aren''t you?"


    Martha dropped the bombshell forcing Hera to pause in her words "He is not just your boss Hera or is he?" She asked again but this time with intent that told Hera that there was definitely no escaping this time.

 Her Relationship With Him

    Hera was tight-lipped.


    She never expected Martha to ask her this question. She had always known that Martha had a sharp eye but still, what are the odds that she would figure something like this out in just the few hours that they had arrived here?


    And how on earth does she answer all these questions without spilling the truth. She wasn''t the one who lies and she definitely cannot start now. She wasn''t even good at it and Martha would fish out the truth even before she was able to make aplete sentence. Whatever she says would definitely have to bring out the truth somehow. This was her biggest fear in taking this trip back home and now, it''s unfolding right in front of her very eyes.


    Her hands trembled and she felt cold shivers run up her body at Martha''s intense stare. She was scared and every breath she shuddered was enough proof to that im.


    "Do you love him or not?" Martha repeated with the same intensity as before. "Is he just your boss or not?"


    "Bryce is¡ª" She stuttered, her mouth not being able tomunicate the words that her brain was telling her to. "Well he''s my..." She trailed off feeling somewhat frightened and a bit deste.


    "I raised you my child." She started, adjusting herself on her swivel chair as she bnced her hands on the table to support her weight. "I watched you grow into the woman that you have be. I know every little thing there is to know about you because i consider you my own child Hera. Both you and Christina are my children so how on earth did you expect me not to notice when something has changed?"


    "I can promise you that nothing has changed sister Martha." She sniffed, her eyes watered involuntarily. Thest thing she had ever wanted was for Martha to get upset and disappointed with her and judging from how things were going, it looked like she was.


    "Which brings me back to my previous question. What is your rtionship with that man?" She eyed her curiously. "I noticed the way he looks at you ever since you arrived and even at dinner, he couldn''t stop talking about you. Plus, I noticed how you reacted to every stare he gave you. You could barely keep your eyes off each other and it got me thinking that maybe, just maybe, my little Hera is not so little anymore. Is she?"


    Hera didn''t know what to say to that. She had been trying to push past these questions but they kept oning back to her. It was heart wrenching because she couldn''t lie to get herself out of this even if she wanted to.


    "I love him Sister Martha." She blurted out atst in a forced but thoughtful confession. The tears that she has been struggling to keep at bay spilling freely from her eyes like they werepelled to.


    "You''re right. Bryce is not just my boss anymore. He is more than that." She continued, hupping at every breath she took. This wasn''t as easy as she had anticipated. "I tried not to Sister Martha. I knew that it was against everything we stood for but the more i tried to push him away, the more he kept oning back."


    "I don''t even know how it happened. At first i couldn''t exin these feelings that was growing inside me, tormenting me at every thought i had of him but it was persistent." She rattled on. "I wanted to exin everything to you but i didn''t know how you would take it. I''m so s-sorry sister Martha. I know that i have disappointed you and i know that you are angry with me."


    "I didn''t even know how to face you today because i had been so guilty and i can''t help but feel ashamed of myself. Please forgive me. I''m so sorry." She casted her head down to the ground and bawled her eyes out.


    She was so lost in her tears that she didn''t even realize that Martha had left her seat and rounded the table to where she was seated. Martha reached out to her and wrapped her hands over her in a warm embrace. Hera allowed herself to be nestled her arms. She was too scared to fight her off anyways.


    "I-I thought that you were angry with me sister Martha. I thought that you would hate me." She sniveled, bringing up her face to look at her. Her tear stained face gleaming in the not so bright room.


    "How can i hate my daughter?" She asked, kissing her hair affectionately. "Yes, I''m angry at you for keeping all these things bottled up inside you without letting me or anyone know about them but that doesn''t mean i would hate you Hera. No mother can ever hate their child. I love you my Hera and that will always remain so."


    "Come with me." She took her hands and led her to sit down on the sofa that was at the far end of the room so that she wasfortable enough to go through the entire conversation.


    "Are you feeling better now?" She asked further and Hera nodded her head vigorously in response.


    "You know..." She began. "The reason why i asked all these questions was because i was always worried about you Hera. The day you told me that you wanted to leave the convent was by far the most dreadful days of my entire life." She said. Her eyes were sad and somewhat lost as though she was thinking about it.


    "I have always known that you would want to make a path for yourself in this world and that you wouldn''t want to stay here forever so it got me a little scared but that wasn''t the only thing that bothered me."


    "I was scared that the world outside


    would be too difficult, dangerous and too challenging for you." She went on. Her voice calm and soothing as she exined to Hera in details. It felt like i was releasing an innocent bunny into the woods to be preyed upon by wild animals. That''s Why i was a little relieved when you told me that you had found a good ce for yourself over there."


    "I did find a good ce for myself over there and Bryce has been very helpful. I made a lot of friends too. They take really good care of me." Shemented with a sheepish smile.


    "And Bryce, does he feel the same way about you too?" Martha asked and Hera sulked a bit. Even she doesn''t know the answer to that question. He had told her that he liked being around her and that he didn''t want to loose her but he hasn''t gone further than that.


    Not that she wasining about


    it though. It''s just that he hasn''t defined their rtionship so she couldn''t put abel on it for now. He doesn''t like it when she addresses him as her boss neither does he like it when she calls him her friend. So even she doesn''t know what they afe at the moment. She bas


    admitted that she loves him and to


    her, that was more than enough.


    "I don''t know yet. He''s not quite open about the term love and rtionships but i know that he cares about me too." She replied atst.


    "And why is that?"


    Hera swallowed. "He had a very rough childhood sister Martha. He doesn''t even believe in God. He never wants to get married and is very scared of beingmitted. That''s what I''m actually scared about. What if he never feels the same way about me? What if he leaves in the end?"


    Martha only smiles and took Hera''s hands in hers. "He''s here Hera."


    "W-What do you mean?" She asked curiously. Her eyes scanning the room where they were in. Martha only chuckled.


    "I don''t mean in this room my dear.


    What i mean to say is that Bryce is here in this convent with you." Squeezing her hands gently she continued. "He travelled all the way down here despite not believing in God because you''re here. He left his house and possibly a good weekend to rx in hisfortable mansion at home and brought you all the way here. If that''s not love then i don''t know what it is."


    "Most people are not very good at expressing what they feel sometimes because even they don''t know what it is and that''s because they''re not as brave and courageous to be open about them and that''s okay." "He might not be saying it but he is showing it to you and that''s what matters isn''t it?" She asked and Hera nodded her head firmly.


    "You know, even God doesn''te down to tell us that he loves us but his actions has proven to us countless times how important we are to him and that''s what we rely on. For Bryce, i think you should rely on that too." "You cannot force him and you definitely cannot pressure him into agreeing to his feelings. It doesn''t work that way. You''ll just have to be patient enough for him to realize it."


    "Bless you my child." She kissed her hair. "Now let''s get you to bed because for the love of God, we have so much to prepare for tomorrow''s thanksgiving and the sooner we get you rested, the better."


    "Thank you sister Martha."

 Do You Like My Sister?

    Bryce woke up to an empty bed. It took him seconds to realize that he had indeed slept on his own and that Hera had slept somewhere else. Has he gotten so used to her to the point that he could no longer sleep if she wasn''t anywhere close to him? At home, his


    bedroom was only a few seconds away from each other but here, he doesn''t even know which room she had slept in or how to locate her.


    He had stayed up all night in hopes that he could at least get a glimpse of her before going to sleep but he didn''t. It was almost like she had disappeared into thin air right after dinner. He doesn''t like this at all. Ever since they came here, he hasn''t had the chance to talk or even spend time with her. Hopefully, they get everything done and dusted with so that they can both return back home together. He missed snuggling up on herp and what''s worse is that he missed having her all to himself.


    He wouldn''t want to call this trip a bad one because Hera''s family had weed him so warmly and shown him a lot of love and kindness. It was the first time in ages that he didn''t feel out of ce and had actually enjoyed thepany of other people that wasn''t his family. He was a bit skeptical about how they would treat him if he came here with her but all his worries flew out the window at when he saw how nicely they treated him.


    It would''ve been a bit hard not to get attached. They were good people. No wonder Hera acts the way she does. She was raised in a loving environment, unlike him.


    Rolling out of bed, he threw on one if his shirt and made his way outside the room. There, he scanned every bit of the environment to see if he would at least get a glimpse of Hera around the premise. The whole ce was bubbling as everyone tried to set up stuff and put things away in ce for the festivities at hand. He couldn''t believe it but then again, he was in church for the first time after his mother''s death so what''s more strange than that?


    "Good morning big brother." The voice of Christina pulled him out of his wandering thoughts. He brought his face to hers and was weed by her charming smile.


    Looking down, he saw King wagging his tail from behind her. Even his dog had abandoned him and taken a new owner in just a short while of their visit. Talk about animals and their loyalty. King had ditched him the minute he walked into Christina''s arms and to think that it was his dog. Traitor!


    "Good morning Christina." He touched her hair affectionately. She was a grown up yet it felt like she was his little sister. Her radiated nothing but innocence at such age. "Did you sleep well?"


    "I should be asking you that question seeing that it''s your first time here." She rubbed her temples nervously as though she had spoken too much. "The sisters were worried that you might have had a little trouble sleeping since you''re not used to a lot of things around here."


    "True." She was outspoken and he liked that for her unlike Hera who was soft-spoken. He still can''t believe that they were sisters. "But i still had a good night nheless. Sometimes, changes can be good."


    Liar. His night wasn''t all that good because he hasn''t seen the one person he wanted to see yet. Wait, wasn''t it bad to lie in a convent? Well, he lied to himself and not to anyone so it doesn''t count as a lie, does it?


    "Have you seen Hera perhaps?" He asked. His eyes still searching the premise. He didn''t want to make it obvious but Christina could read through his entire act. He wasn''t fooling her and that''s for sure.


    She nodded in response. "My sister has been awake for a while. I''m guessing that she''s helping the sisters set up for the Thanksgiving service. Are you looking for her perhaps?" She eyed him curiously. Bryce didn''t know why but he liked her personality. She was somewhat bold and honest. She reminded him of Max.


    "Maybe." He answered with a smile. "Shouldn''t i be? I haven''t seen her all morning."


    "Do you like her?" Christina asked out of the blue. "Do you like my sister Hera, i mean?"


    She had been struggling to understand why a man like him would choose Hera over the other girls in the big city. She had never liked that gender but he somehow proved to be different in a lot of ways. "Isn''t it that obvious?"


    "I don''t know what it feels like to like someone but when i see the both of you together, think it dawns on me what it actually means." She said with a smile. Bryce wanted to ask what she meant by that statement but he decided against it. "I was against Hera leaving but then again, it didn''t turn out so bad so I''m d she didn''t. You both look good together." Sheplimented.


    Just then, King started barking and ran off towards the opposite direction. Their eyes followed him and that''s when Hera came into view. Bryce didn''t think he''d miss her this much until he saw her walking towards them. She looked breathtaking as always. Has she always been this beautiful or was he


    only just realizing this now?


    "Good morning King." She crouched down to his size and greeted him with a flushed look on her face as her hands ran through his fur. He barked and she chuckled at her outburst. "And yes, i missed you too."


    Her smile widened when she casted her eyes on Bryce. She had thought that she wouldn''t have made it through the night but seeing him now, she suddenly felt alive. Christina who noticed the unspoken tension between them, took King away for a walk to give them some space.


    "Good morning Bryce." She greeted


    warmly. Her heart was pounding


    deep inside her chest. She was nervous and she doesn''t know why Maybe it was because of what Sister Martha had said to her. Maybe it was because somehow she knew that Bryce indeed had some sort of feelings for her too even though it wasn''t clear enough at the moment.


    Bryce looked at her closely. He looked at her as if he wanted to take her all in before she disappears again. His eyes roaming around her face in a silence that spoke volumes. She was here in front of him again, his Hera. Was it weird that he had the strangest urge to gobble her up right here and now?


    "Did you sleep well?" She went further to ask but instead of giving her a reply, he grabbed her hands and pulled her along with him into the bedroom. There, he mmed his lips on hers in a passionate kiss. Hera felt her heart race at the surprise kiss but still, she didn''t push him away.


    There was something more to the kiss. It was electrifying. It felt like he had a lot of things to say but couldn''t so he wanted to show it to her this way. He wanted her to feel all the emotions that he could give. He wanted her to understand just how much he had missed her. He kissed her even harder, pushing her against the edge of the door. The gentle waves swung their bodies into each other. It became more passionate with each second that passed. Hera felt lightheaded but still she gave into every demand of his. Her lips attempting to match his in every passion he drew out of her.


    With a small whimper, she pulled away from him in an attempt to catch her breath and still her raging heartbeat from spiraling out of control. The more he does this, the more she keeps on falling harder for him than she already has.


    "Now that''s how you say good morning." He said in a tease, joining her foreheads together. "Good morning Hera. Gosh! I''ve missed you so much. I feel like I''m loosing my mind." He confessed desperately. Hera felt her stomach do a tiny flutter but she only smiled. "I was only gone for the night Bryce." She said in her defense.


    "The whole night." He shrieked. "It felt like an eternity. I honestly can''t wait for us to go back home Hera. Why do i feel like i won''t get to see you for a whole day now."


    "Because it''s thanksgiving Bryce." She reminded him. "That''s how it is on every thanksgiving. You''re supposed to start getting ready so that we can go to service together."


    He rolled his eyes. "So you mean that i won''t get to see you until the day is over? Like literally? Are you kidding me?"


    "I''ll make out time." She leaned in a pecked his cheeks. "I promise. Now go get ready. I''ll meet you outside when you''re done okay?" She asked and without waiting for his response, she dashed out of the bedroom whil


    e he stared at the door as though she was still standing there.

 He Hasnt Let Go

    Bryce followed through the entire process of the Thanksgiving ceremony. Everything felt strange, surreal and extremely hard on him but he didn''t want to give Hera a tough time with her family or make them question his friendship with her so he just had to go through it in silence, making sure to sulk it up as much as he could. Apart from going through the ceremony, It was also the very first time after his mother''s death that he had decided to set his foot into a church. He hade to ept the fact that the more he hung around her, the more his walls were falling apart piece by piece. Although Hera was of the opinion that he didn''t have to join her for service, he still wanted to do it. She knew how hard it must''ve been for him to go through it and she didn''t want to subject him to any kind of pain for her sake but still, he was adamant on the matter. Hera was there with him the whole time.


    The priest had started off with a sermon on God and love and the more he listened to it, the more absurd it sounded. How is it that he kept on emphasizing on the goodness of a God that left him to die and took his mother away from him? How on earth was that even possible. The more he listened, the more it triggered him but Hera offered her hands to him for support. She must''ve seen him fighting and struggling within himself and it made her very worried.


    Bryce kept on mouthing the asional "I''ll be fine" But for some reason, she didn''t believe him. What was she even thinking when she invited him over to the convent. He was struggling and going through all these pain because of her.


    Feeling suffocated and not being able to withstand it any longer, he excused himself and made his way outside the church in order to catch his breath. Hera followed almost immediately.


    "Are you okay?" She asked, her voice dipped in worry. This was the second time she had seen him act like this. The first was the time he opened up to her about his past that night. cing her hands on his shoulders, she willed him to look at her. "Talk to me Bryce. Are you okay?"


    "You can go back inside Hera. I''ll be fine don''t worry." Hemented but how could she? He had rushed outside as though he was being chased by something and now this? How on earth did he think that he would tell her to leave and she would do so willingly without any form of hesitation.


    "I''m not leaving you until you''re okay." She put her foot down adamantly. "Come on, let''s sit somewhere else."


    She led him towards a paved sitting area that was beautifully adorned by hooded trees giving the ce shelter from the sunny afternoon.


    "Did i ruin the ceremony?"


    That was the first question that escaped his lips as soon as she helped him sit down. "I honestly didn''t mean to and you really don''t have to be here Hera. I can handle everything on my own, trust me." She didn''t believe him.


    "Won''t they get worried if you stay here with me?"


    She shook her head. "No, they won''t and besides, this is very important too. What happened to you Bryce? Are you sick?" She ced her hands on his forehead to feel his temperature.


    "I''m exhausted." He breathed out tiredly and rested his head on her shoulders. "I couldn''t help but think about my parents when he kept on saying those things. I felt wronged and i couldn''t bring myself to believe him. It felt suffocating and i just couldn''t do it anymore. I couldn''t pretend that i agreed or understood what he was saying when i didn''t."


    "Thank you for being here Hera. Thank you for taking care of me."


    "I can''t wait for us to go back home." She muttered softly. She nced at his face to see his eyes tightly shut. She could tell that he was really affected by the whole situation but there was nothing she could do to help him. He hasn''t let go of his pastpletely and it bothered her.


    They both stayed together in that position. Hera didn''t know how long they sat there but one thing was certain, they spent a great deal of time there. She didn''t want to force him to leave so she had no choice but to wait out there for him.


    The Thanksgiving ceremony came to an end followed by refreshments for the guests. Hera had thought that Martha would be upset with her but to her surprise, she wasn''t. If anything, the older woman sympathized with Bryce after Hera gave her a little exnation of what he had been through. They scheduled their trip to leave for the next day after all the festivities were over.


    "Are you sure that you can''t stay with us for just one more day?" Christina asked as they took a stroll along the grounds of the convent that evening after the celebration had died down a bit. It felt strangely peaceful and quiet and he basked himself in thefort it provided him.


    "Well i wish i can Christina." It was Hera who spoke this time around." But Bryce has tomence work tomorrow and so do I."


    "I wish you didn''t have to go." She


    whispered sadly. "I''ll miss you Hera. It''s usually not the same without you here." She sulked and for some weird reason, it tugged and pulled at his heart strings. The more he listened to her, the more it bothered him and just then, a small idea came to his mind.


    "Do you really want toe over to the city Christina?" He asked and Hera furrowed her brows at him, wondering why he did.


    "Of course." She answered enthusiastically. "My sister and I have been making ns about it for the longest time. When she''s settled over there, I''ll be joining her too."


    He titled his head to the side, as if lost in thought. "Then how about you focus on your studies and apply for college first Christina." Bryce started and her eyes widened curiously at his next words. "If you ace all your papers and get epted then, you cane and live with us. I''ll consider it."


    Hera was shocked to the bone. That was thest thing in the world that she had expected him to say. And to her sister of all people.


    "You mean that i cane over to the big city?" She stared from Hera to Bryce and vice versa. "Are you serious or is this your own way of trying to pacify me so that i don''t feel bad about you both leaving tomorrow?"


    He chuckled. "I''m very serious. Hera has always talked about how she wanted her sister to live with her as soon as she''sfortable enough to afford it so I''m only helping her achieve that."


    Christina rubbed her palm nervously. "But the money for "


    "I''ll handle anything and everything you need concerning your education. I''ll also inform the sisters as well. You only have to study and ace all your papers. Can you do that for me, Christina?" He asked, his eyes leveling with hers. Not saying anything, she sniveled as tears began to stream down her cheeks.


    "Did i say something wrong?" Bryce turned to ask Hera when he noticed that she was also on the verge of crying as well.


    "No." She answered, wiping her tears as they fell in droplets. "She''s just happy and so am I."


    Bryce was taken aback when Christina walked into his arms, hugging him tight as though her life depended on it. He froze on the spot not knowing what to say or do to console her.


    "Thank you so very much big brother." She sniffed with a small heartyugh. "You truly are God-sent to my sister and I."


    He hugged her back. So this is what


    having a little sister felt like? He felt like an older brother and he couldn''t deny the fact that he loved this feeling. I his father hadn''t yed a huge part in his mother''s death, he probably would''ve been an older brother to his sibling but life happened and in the cruelest way too. "So Christina, your big brother is responsible for you now. Do you ept that?"


    She nodded vigorously through his shoulders before pulling away. "I''ll ace my papers and by this time next year, i promise that I''ll be waltzing into college. I can''t wait to tell the sisters." She sprinted off leaving the both of them alone together. "You really didn''t have to do that Bryce." She chided him even though her voice came out a little grateful than she intended. "I''m just your maid and-"


    "You''re not just my maid Hera." He cut her off. Her breath hitched as she stared at him with her tear stained face. If she wasn''t just his maid then what was she to him?


    "But even friends don''t do things like these for each other."


    "You''re not just my friend too." He countered. "You''re very important to me Hera and I''m willing to do everything just to show how important you are to me."


    She didn''t say anything more because she didn''t want toe


    out as an ungrateful person but Is it bad that she expected more than that title now?

 Can I Kiss You Hera?

    "Goodbye Hera and safe travels." Christina wished her sister with a tight bear hug. She was really going to miss her and it was quite evident. She did the same to Bryce as well while sat on his hunches patiently waiting for the reunion to be over.


    "I''m going to miss both of you." She confessed sadly. Her eyes almost tearing up but she struggled not to. This wasn''t like before when she had no hope of seeing them anymore. She did. Bryce had promised her and the sisters also agreed to it. It didn''t take much


    convincing to get them on board with the n.


    At first, she had thought that the sisters, especially Martha would disapprove but then they didn''t. In Martha''s own words, she even said that she wouldn''t have wanted it any other way. Bryce had really made quite an impression on them so now, it was up to her to fulfill her own end of the bargain.


    "We prepared something for the trip back home." Martha handed them a well packaged basket filled with fruits and other essentials. "It''s not much but we prepared it with love we hope that it''ll do."


    "You didn''t have to." It was Bryce''s turn to hug the older woman now and she let him. She patted his back affectionately. He felt a sense of warmth hugging her. Almost like he was hugging his own mother. It felt nice.


    "We wanted to." She deadpanned. "It''s the least that we can do for everything you''ve done for us so please ept it. And don''t forget that you have a family here now Bryce. If there''s anything we can do to help you in any way then you can always reach out to us or let us know about it."


    Family? That word is suddenly starting to make a whole lot of sense now. It''s been long since he had heard it and it gave him the feels but in a good way. He was d to be a part of something so beautiful. It warmed up his insides.


    "Of course Sister Martha." He pulled away from the hug and faced Christina. "Hope to see you soon little pumpkin and don''t forget our deal." He added and ruffled her hair in an affectionate manner. "Never! I''ll put it my best as though my life depends on it." She dered enthusiastically.


    "I know you would."


    After saying their goodbyes, they left for home. Hera felt sad and a little heartbroken that she was leaving but Bryce had promised that they would visit soon. Plus, Christina would be joining them very soon if everything goes well so she wouldn''t be lonely anymore. "Are you okay?" Bryce asked, cing his hands on hers forfort when he noted how silent she had be. She forced a smile at his question. She didn''t want him to worry or feel bad that he was taking her away so that she doesn''t hurt his feelings but she couldn''t help it.


    "You know that I''m always here to listen if you want to talk right?" He nudged her affectionately. In that moment, she felt very proud at how far he hade. He was being gentle with her. He had changed so much and she only prays that itsts. Everyday, he showed her a new side to him and it marvelled her.


    "I''ll be fine."


    "Thank you Bryce."


    In response to that, he intertwined their hands together firmly.


    "Why don''t you rest for a while? It''s going to be a long trip back home." He suggested and she nodded at him. The trip back home was very long and exhausting and after hours of being on the road, they finally arrived back home. Hera was fast asleep by the time they got home and Bryce didn''t want to wake her up.


    "You''re back!" Mariam came out to wee them when she heard them drove in. Bryce got out of the car and rounded it to the other side where Heraid quietly. "How was the trip?"


    He smiled at her. "Life changing. I had a great time. The best time of my life."


    Mariam noticed how light his mood had be. Whatever happened at the convent thesest few days must''ve been really good to keep him in such a mood.


    "How is Hera?" She inquired, helping Bryce with the luggage out of the car. King raced out of the car and made his way towards the front porch, as if waiting for his master to open up the door.


    "She''s tired so i asked her to rest but she fell asleep." He answered. "I don''t want to wake her up so maybe you cane and see herter when she does."


    "Of course." Mariam conceded.


    Bryce opened the door to where


    Hera was and gently carried her into his arms. She purred softly when her head rested perfectly on his chest Bryce smiled at how innocent she looks straddled in his arms and Mariam didn''t fail to notice how close they had be. Did something happen at the convent perhaps? Her boss was head over heels in love with this woman but the question is, has it realized it yet?


    "Thank you Mariam." Bryce said gratefully when she helped him with his luggage inside his mansion. As soon as the shut the door behind her, King located his spot and settled there while Bryce took Hera up to his side of the bedroom. cing her gently on the bed, he set out to take out her clothing one after the other, praying that she doesn''t curse him when she wakes up.


    Hera shiftedfortably on the bed and slowly opened her eyes. "Are we home already?" She asked in a groggy voice as her eyes roamed around the bedroom. "And why am i in your side of the bedroom?"


    "Because my side of the room is obviously better than yours." He teased. Bryce had thought that she wouldin or ask him to stop undressing her but she didn''t. She was really starting to trust him now even though she flushed asionally from time to time. Hopefully, he doesn''t screw this up.


    "Now, go to sleep." He kissed her forehead and proceeded to take his clothes off once he was finished with hers. Hera was half asleep but she knew when Bryce joined her in bed. The sudden dip of the bed was enough to give that away.


    Turning to the other side, she


    ??? ??


    supported her head with her hands as she faced him. "I haven''t thanked you yet Bryce." She started. He looked at her lovingly. His eyes zedover hers softly as she spoke. She was the only one that could push his buttons and he''d be denying it if he said that he didn''t like it.


    "Thank me for what?"


    She yawned softly. "For agreeing toe with me for Thanksgiving. The sisters were very happy that you did and so was i. Also, thank you for Christina. I honestly can''t thank you enough." She whispered in a small voice.


    "How about we talk about it in the morning?" He suggested, reaching out to caress her cheeks with his free hand. "You need to rest Cara so that you don''t get tired by tomorrow." He nipped the bridge of her nose with his fingers and pushed strand of her hair back. "Should we go out tomorrow and do something that you might like?" She asked but he only smiled. "I want to spend the day with you if it wouldn''t be much trouble."


    "Where would you like to go?" He


    asked, scooting close to her so that they were only inches away from each other. Hera felt the doors of slumber opening up to her but she couldn''t deny the fact that she felt heated due to Bryce''s closeness. One of them was definitely going to get to her first and she was willing to bet that it was Bryce.


    He wasn''t even touching her and she felt the sudden flutter in her lower abdomen just by looking at him and watching him staring down at her.


    "I''ll clear out my schedule and make out time for us to hang out together. Would you like that?" He asked and reached out to hold her face.


    "Of course." She admitted.


    Bryce pushed forward, closing the little space between them and she let him. At this point, he would do anything to her and she wouldn''t stop him. She loved him that much even though he doesn''t realize it yet.


    "Can i kiss you Hera?" He requested, asking for her permission but he must''ve known that she wouldn''t refuse him even if she wanted to. He''d ask for the whole world and she would definitely give it to him. He kissed her forehead and peppered light kisses over her face as if preparing her for what was toe next.


    "What''s your answer?" He asked in a rather husky voice as he nibbled on her lower lip, coaxing her to open up to him. She did and he took it causing her to moan into his mouth.


    "So what do you


    ay Cara?" He asked with a pause. "Can I?"


    She nodded once. "Yes Bryce, you can."

 Wild Night Of Pleasure

    "Yes Bryce, you can." She answered and that''s all he needed to hear. That''s all that he wanted to hear.


    He needed Hera too damn much that it''s almost like a drug, a fever, an addiction. He should''ve known that one taste of her will never be enough to calm his raging desires for her. All through the weekend at the convent, he had thought of only one thing, HER.


    He wanted so badly to be with her, to sit beside her and lie down next to her if possible. It was like he would loose his mind the next minute if he didn''t. He tried to curb his feelings but that was the most hardest task he had ever done in his entire life. Staying away from her. He knew just how much he had missed her. It was enough to make a man go insane. To ruin someone to the nk point of utter madness. He was a goner for this woman and it was painfully inevitable at this moment.


    He swallowed tightly, his eyes trailing her soft pink lips. Full, rosy and plump. So kissable and utterly suckable.


    "Hell..." He growled in defeat and dived for those sexy pouty lips that stared right back at him provocatively and sadly, that was the only warning Hera got. A slow smile teased his mouth before he crushed their lips together. She instinctively grabbed and fisted his hair tight as he drank from her lips over and over again.


    She released his hair, ran her palms down the sleek brawn and sinew of his naked chest, then cupped hard to steady herself due to the pressure borne for his kiss. His skin felt like velvet, the hardness of his muscles a perfect contrast between her fingers.


    His limbs wereced with sinew, so strong, so powerful. A girl could be addicted to such raw intensity without even realizing it.


    "I need you, Hera," He intoned, worshipping her body as if it was hisst day on earth.


    He sped his hands over her jaw and brought her up for yet another kiss. He tasted a swirling storm of hunger as his tongue swept into her mouth and attempted to conquer her.


    He utterly conquered her as he groaned her name, letting it roll out his tongue like a silent prayer.


    "Kiss me, Hera." He breathed against her mouth. He uttered a warm, husky chuckle, then crushed his lips onto hers as he took charge of the kiss. Arousal pounded through him, frantic for release as his tongue dove into her mouth.


    "Be slow. Be steady. Don''t rush it." He warned himself sternly as he fought over his will to dominate herpletely. His hands tunneled beneath the silky material of her light bra. And his fingertips traced the edge of her nipples.


    Hera shivered. Desire pooled between her legs as he took control. The familiar heat she felt the previous time came crawling back but with much more intensity than thest time. Bryce was out to ruin her and it showed. "See." He beseeched. "See what you do to me Hera." He growled between kisses.


    Eyes closed in surrender, he slowly guided one of his hands under the froth of the nket, up her inner thigh and onto the edge of her panties. He was acting out carefully because he didn''t want to scare her off. This might be her second time but she was still very new to all of this. "Here, huh?" He muttered huskily, then slipped past the fragile silk barrier.


    "There. Right-Yes! There." Unable to stop herself from writhing under his touch. She arched herself into his touch, creating more pressure, more friction.


    "Do you feel how much I need you? You are liquid fire, Hera." He praised. He dropped to his knees in front of her, keeping one hand on her panties. The other caressed a path up her feet, calves, and thighs.


    "I want more. So much more." Reverence dripped from his words as he stared at her with hooded eyes.


    "Then take it Bryce." She choked out in a small voice. Her hips writhing as he touched her. He brought his face to meet hers, stunned that she had given him permission to continue, to go on without stopping.


    "I will," He said. "I will take everything you have to give Hera and then I will take even more. I will take so much, you''ll beg me to stop."


    She shivered from his words. Swallowing so hard that her throat almost hurt. Uncertainty, fear and somewhat confusion shed through her eyes but he only kissed her hands to reassure her that she would be okay and in the next heartbeat, he was kissing the wetness between her thighs.


    At the first flick of his tongue, Hera exploded. Fire, joy, pleasure, all seared through her, and her head reeled. Her knees shook but he held her upright. She gripped his head, losing touch of where she was, who she was, only feeling an incredible shiver race through her again and again.


    And just when she thought she might die from it, he kissed her heat again until she could only gasp his name. Bryce tasted her, sucked her made her shiver repeatedly.


    "Bryce!" She cried out loudly as she came.


    Her head arched back as delight ripped across her nerve endings. She moaned and cried out, the sounds escaping on ragged catches of her breath. Her eyelids closed, and she chewed at her bottom lip. "Don''t stop," She told him, panting. "Don''t stop."


    He uttered a chuckle, and the vibrations tickled her thighs but he didn''t stop.


    Only when she screamed his name again did he look up at her. It was like the first time in his bedroom all over again. More hot, but more


    bearable. A heartbeat passed, a


    mere Whisper of time, before his lips touched hers. His tongue moved over her mouth with heady


    slowness, exotic and consuming.


    She tasted herself, and it reminded her of where he''d been and what he''d done.


    "Do you know," He said, his voice growing more hoarse with every word, barely audible as he watched her through the thick shield of hisshes, "That you are the most passionate woman I''ve ever encountered. So fucking responsive."


    His words filled her with heartfelt pleasure. "You make me that way." She admitted.


    "I am d." His hands slidnguidly up her sides and cupped her jaw. He nted breathy little kisses and nips over her nose, her eyes, her chin.


    He chuckled huskily as he tugged her to her tiptoes for another kiss. While his tongue worked magic, he shifted his hands under her butt and urged her legs around his waist.


    She willingly spread her thighs and hooked her ankles at his back until she straddled him and cradled his erection without actual pration. One of his hands ttened against the base of her throat, so warm, so inviting, a heartbeat away from dipping inside her bra and cupping her breasts.


    But that strong, masculine hand remained in ce, teasing, taunting. Tormenting As one expectant minute ticked by and then another her nipples hardened painfully. The rosy peaks anticipated his touch and strained against the silkiness of my bra. She shouldn''t have been this excited but she had alreadye twice.


    "Bryce..."


    "Cara." With his eyes squeezed tightly shut, he traced a path down her sternum. He traced the seam back up again, never once deviating from that path.


    "I want to savor you Hera." He groaned painfully. "I want to memorize each and every part of you. I want to brand you in a way that''s never been done before. I want to make you min


    e Hera but only if you''d let me." He confessed. "Would you let me Cara?"

 Claiming Her

    "Would you let me Cara?" He repeated with a gruff voice like someone who has been starved for a very long time but Hera remained silent. She didn''t understand why he kept on asking her to go on. They had alreadye this far and if she didn''t want him to go on, she would''ve stopped him a long time ago.


    "I told you I want to savor you. Memorize you and brand you." He only uttered a soft but strained chuckle. "But i won''t go further unless you tell me to."


    She kissed his forehead. "You can Bryce. You can go further. I''m not nning on stopping you." She encouraged.


    "In this I will have my way. We''ll just see how long you can hold out." Hera had since lost control over her body where he was concerned, and strangely, she didn''t mourn the loss.


    He pressed his erection against her and she gasped. She rubbed her chest against his, urging him on. He moaned and bit into her corbone. His hands were everywhere, all over her. Every so often he paused to simply look at her, or to whisper erotic promises in her ear but always, he left her aching for more.


    "You feel so good against me, Cara. I have to touch more of you." He whispered seductively in a low tone.


    "Yes, yes," She groaned and then, "No, no," When he did. She was on fire for him. She was literally burning.


    His tongue licked and sucked her exposed neck and chest. He kneaded her butt. She writhed; she melted into him; when she couldn''t take it anymore, she tried to force his hands where she needed them the most, but he always thwarted her efforts by drawing his palms a safe distance away.


    "Bryce it''s too much." She moaned, her voice whiny.


    Hisugh was a taut, desperate purr. His hands dipped inside her bra but instead of cupping and squeezing as he so ravenously craved, he teased a fingertip around her hardened nipple.


    The action only increased her frustration, her need. How was he doing this to her? Why was he doing this to her? Making her want, need and crave more?


    She shuddered slightly when he grazed the tip of her waiting nipple with his teeth. Her hips jerked, and she almost came again. "Yes, there. Right there! Do that again." She didn''t know if any of the words she spewed made sense but she couldn''t help it. She needed some kind of release. Whether frantic or not.


    He gave her other nipple the same treatment. A light grazing, followed quickly by the heat of his tongue. Her lower body arched into him. Just one more touch. One more.


    "Where else do you need me?" He demanded, all touches ceased.


    "Everywhere, Bryce. I don''t know." Instinctively, she reached between their bodies and wrapped her trembling hand around the hardness of his crotch. He didn''t mutter a single word as he stared down at her.


    Watching his face intently, she led his hand to the juncture between her legs and guided his fingers through my bare womanhood. Then she rocked forward.


    Contact. She needed contact. She moaned at the action.


    His hand darted away. He growled and followed. In the next instant, she heard fabric rip, felt the cool air. He has lost thest of his control. Hera was suddenlypletely naked and t on her back. Bryce discarded his remnant of his own clothes quickly and was suddenly naked.


    He stood over her, his chest heaving, his dick ready. His hair seemed lighter than a ray of sunshine, and his eyes... his eyes were zing with passion, bright and crystalline. He gazed down at her body, at her spread legs and wet arousal that wasid bare for him. "You amaze me," He said. Muscles bunching, he knelt and crawled over her. They both gasped as skin met skin.


    "I''d hoped to prolong this, to prolong our pleasure, but you are driving me crazy with your little moans and your bold caresses Cara." He rocked himself against her, careful not to enter her.


    He kissed her breasts, dragged his teeth over her nipples, and positioned himself for pration. He poised himself at the precipice, not actually pushing inside.


    His teeth clenched. "Once I take you, you are mine Hera. My woman. No other man can have you, Cara."


    "Yours." She agreed on a moan, not caring about the consequences of such a vow.


    "I''ll kill any man that you allow privilege to your body ever again." He swore. "I''ll kill any man thates close to you."


    "I won''t, I promise. I am yours, Bryce." She vowed, her head clouded, surrounded by him.


    And then, he plunged inside her.


    A scream erupted from her throat as she heard him groan. There was a burn...so much burn. Bryce noticed her difort and held still. Her nails scratched his back as his lips crushed into hers in the physical act of taking and giving. Then, he started moving.


    He was so big and thick inside her, sliding in and out. He filled herpletely. Passion uncurled with his every movement, seeking total satisfaction, total control.


    She used the strength of her legs.


    and rolled him to his back so she could ride him, so she couldmand the depth of his pration, the swiftness of their pace. Then, she cried out and not with pleasure when the position caused more difort


    "It''s okay, baby. I''ve got you." He groaned as he maneuvered her onto her back. "I''ve got you Cara." He assured her.


    His hands slid from her hips to grasp her ass and jerk her tighter against him. He began moving faster. Faster still. Each stroke a more memorable one than thest.


    "Oh God, Bryce!!" She gasped as he ground against her hard. Perfectly. Deeply.


    He reached between their bodies and circled her clitoris with his thumb. A small scream tore from her throat. Her inner walls tightened and spasmed against him, and he moved faster. Harder. Deeper. It was too much. Too much.


    Bryce didn''t relent. Instead, he deepened his thrusts the more. It became a wild coupling as Bryce pounded her deeper into the mattress. Owning and iming every bit of her with each stroke that he took. "Arh!" Loud cries tore from her throat repeatedly.


    Finally, she understood what he meant when he said he''ll take all that she was willing to give and more. He wasn''t joking about that.


    The tension he was building in her with his rhythm was too much, that she alternated between clutching onto him and trying to push him away. His thrusts didn''t slow but seemed to fly off the scales. Too much tension built....built... built........ And snapped!


    "Bryyyyce!" Another scream tore


    from her throat when an orgasm yanked at her so forcefully, it catapulted her to the stars, this one stronger than thest. Sobs tore from her throat as she writhed beneath him, clutching at him, her nails digging into his shoulders.


    Only when he heard his name rip from his throat did hee with a harsh groan. When thest pulse subsided, he copsed on top of her, pressing her deep into the mattress.


    He must have realized that he was knocking thest breath away from her exhausted body because he suddenly rolled over taking her with him. Theyid side by side.


    Hera passed out after that. If not,


    she would have noticed the way his


    eyes caressed her face


    affectionately. She would havemitted such intense unguarded look of tant possession into memory. One that would''ve told her that the man lying down next to her had given himself to her in more ways than one and have imed her to be his woman.

 In Love With Someone Else

    Bryce was all smiles as he made his way over to workter in the day. He wanted nothing more than to stay indoors with Hera all through the day but sadly, he got an urgent call from his office concerning an important work that needed his attention.


    At first he didn''t want to but Hera had forced him, pleaded with him to go ahead and handle it but he had promised to get back home as soon as he could. He was only here for formality sake and because he wanted to respect her wishes. She''d get upset with him if he didn''t and for the life in him, he didn''t want that. Thest thing he wanted to do was getting on her bad side.


    Doris helped to set up everything he needed for the day''s work and he couldn''t wait to finish up on time so that he could go back home to Hera as quickly as possible.


    "Would you like me to get you anything sir?" Doris had asked after setting up everything that he needed to continue.


    He waved her off. "No. You can go and don''t let anyone in until i ask you too. I want to be left alone for now."


    "Sure thing boss!" She replied before shutting the door behind her as she made her way back to her position.


    Bryce picked up his cellphone to scroll through some pictures of Hera. The ones he had taken of her earlier today before he left the house.


    Damn! He was only away for a few hours but he already misses her terribly. Maybe love wasn''t such a bad thing after all. Maybe it was finally time for him to let himself cave and let go of his fear from the past. Maybe it was time to move on. He just had to admit it and the rest would finally be history.


    "Ma''am you can''t go in there." Bryce overhead the persistent and loud voice of Doris just outside his office. "My boss is busy and you can''t¡ª"


    The door forcefully pushed open and Ne walked in with Doris behind her. Thetter had an apologetic look on her face as if to tell me that she didn''t mean for her to barge into my office unannounced.


    "I''m sorry sir. I tried to stop her but she wouldn''t listen and-"


    He raised a hand at her and she stopped talking almost immediately. "It''s alright Doris. You can go, I''ll handle it from here."


    She nodded in relief and strutted out of the office, gently shutting the door behind her. Bryce knew that one day, something would like this would happen but he wasn''t expecting it to be today. He just wasn''t ready and cut out for facing her today. He waited for her to say something, anything at all but she didn''t so he decided to break the silence himself.


    Resting his hands on his chin, he discarded his work and faced her. "Why are you here Ne?"


    "I think the right question should be, why is your secretary stopping me froming into your office?" She asked, voiceced in contempt. "I''ve alwayse unannounced and not once have you sent me away so why would she try to stop me? Did you instruct her to?" "I instructed her not to let anyone in because i don''t want to be disturbed so it''s not just you." He answered casually. "Now, why are you here in my office?"


    Ne noted the shift in his voice. It waspletely different from what she was used to. If anything, Bryce never spoke to her in this manner. There was something different about him but she just didn''t want to believe what her gut was telling her so she brushed it off. "Why else would i be here Bryce?" She retorted.


    He ran his hands over his face tiredly. "You shouldn''t havee here Ne. You should''ve at least called to let me know that you were stopping by before barging into my office like this?"


    "I should have called?!" She yelled at me and threw her bag on the nearest couch angrily. "Well Bryce, I''ve been doing that for the past three weeks. I''ve been calling and texting non-stop. I''ve been trying my very best to check up on you but it feels as if you were deliberately ignoring all my attempts to reach out to you!"


    "So why don''t you go ahead and tell me why you''ve been ignoring me all these days." She folded her hands across her chest. "Go on. Tell me what you''ve been up to that''s so important to the point where i don''t matter anymore."


    "I''ve been busy Ne." He answered firmly, flipping through the papers on his desk meticulously but he never told her why he had been busy these past few weeks. "I''ve been busy with work, thepany...i mean you of all people should know that?"


    "I''m not a psychic Bryce so how on earth do you expect me to know what''s going on in your life if you don''t tell me?"


    "I was going to tell you... eventually."


    "Oh don''t give me that crap Bryce. You think I''m stupid or something?" She countered, eyes staring him down but for some reason, he remained unmoved. "You''ve always been busy Bryce and it''s not like there''s ever a point in your life where you aren''t neither did it stop you from seeing me."


    He swallowed. "Listen Ne, we can''t keep on seeing each other anymore. The only reason why i didn''t reach out to you all these while was because i didn''t know how to tell you."


    Ne felt conflicted. She couldn''t believe her ears. She had wanted to believe that he was joking but Bryce doesn''t y games. When he says something, he always meant it. When he was done with you, there''s no way on earth that he woulde back.


    "Y-You''re leaving me?" She askedpletely appalled. There''s on way on earth that he was trying to dump her. Not after everything that she had done to make him stay by her side. She had always loved him and that was the only reason why she stuck it out with him all these years.


    That was the only reason why she neverined about his habits or the fact that he was sleeping around. It didn''t matter as long as she had him. As long as he came back to her whenever he needed her. It never mattered as long as she would always continue to be his number one, his top priority over the others so how could he leave her now?


    "I''m sorry." He apologized sincerely even though he knew that it wouldn''t stop her from hurting. This was why he doesn''t keep them close because he knew how attached they would always be but in this case, he just couldn''t anymore.


    "I um...i want to be a better person and i want to fix myself and it wouldn''t be fair if i kept leading you on. I''m truly sorry."


    "N-No." She walked up to him and cupped his face with both hands. "You can''t possibly do that to me Bryce. I''m your friend and other than that, you love me. You''re supposed to fall in love with me in the end. You can''t leave me Bryce. You simply cannot leave me. You-"


    He held both hands and slowly


    brought it down. "No. You and i knew


    With


    from the very beginning that we weren''t meant to be together. I had always made it clear right from the start that i would never end up you. It was my fault and I''m truly Sorry Ne but this has to stop. Whatever we had or shared between us, ends here and now."


    She shook her head vehemently, angry and hurtful tears falling miserably. "Then I''ll wait for you toe back. You can take all the time you need in the world to fix yourself and I''ll wait till whenever you''re ready to be with me Bryce." "Don''t do this Ne."


    "Who is she?" She asked out of the blue shocking him but she only snorted. "You didn''t expect me to think that there was no one else right? The only reason why you want to call off what we have is because of her right so who is she?"


    "It doesn''t matter and you don''t have


    to know that He answered


    conversationally. "But i have feelings for her and this time, it''s the real deal. I have strong feelings for her and i cannot bear the thought of loosing her in my life. She''s the reason why i want to be better. Hell, she''s the reason why i have to be better."


    "She''s the reason why i want to leave this life behind and i cannot do that with you still in the picture Ne so please, just let it go and let''s remain friends."


    She staggered a few feet backwards, eyes fixed on him in disbelief as realization finally dawned on her in the harshest way possible. "You''re in love with someone else." Bryce Donovan was in love with someone else and the sades


    t part of his confession was that whoever he was in love with, was not her.

 Apologies And Grief

    "How long? How long have you um..." Ne trailed off with a suddenugh that shocked her. Her eyes were misty and it''s only a matter of time before the floodgates of tears broke and plummeted down her face like waves. "This woman, how long have you... since when did you realize that you were in love with her?" "That''s not important Ne and you know that." He lets her down easily, not because he didn''t want to tell her but because he didn''t see the point to it. He had already hurt her badly with this news and speaking more on the subject will only aggravate and make things worse. "You''re one of my best friends and that''s the only reason I''m telling you this. It just can''t work between us anymore."


    "So, this is it? For both of us?" She persisted, hoping that he would at least change his mind or tell her that he was joking to say to the least. She wanted so badly for this to be a dream, a very horrible dream that she would wake up from when it''s all over but standing here looking at him, was more reality than she expected.


    Bryce nodded once. "Yeah. This is it for both of us. I''m really sorry and i understand if you don''t want to talk to me after this or if you hate me. I deserve it."


    She couldn''t believe her ears. Bryce was apologizing? Sincerely? Who is this woman and what has she done to him? What did she change that even she wasn''t able to? What button did she push that she wasn''t able to find?


    "It''s fine." She stated atst, the tears rolling down her eyes freely. "Thank you for at least telling me. I know how difficult it must''ve been for you to openly say this to me so i understand and it''s okay."


    She wiped the tears off her face aggressively. "I''ll take my leave now." And with that, she walked out of the office without looking back.


    The rest of the day felt like shit to Bryce. He couldn''t work neither could he concentrate on getting anything done. He felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders now that he hade clean with Ne but the guilt didn''t go away as quickly as the relief came.


    He had hurt her. He had never felt this way before. He was never the one to wallow in his grief and losses especially when it came to women but this time, he couldn''t help the feeling that settled at the pit of his stomach neither could he stomach it all.


    He cursed at himself at the slightest chance he got hoping that if anything, Ne would learn to forgive him. She was the closest thing he had to a family. When he was down and going through his darkest phase, aside Max, she was the only person who stuck around when things were tough. One of the constant people in his life. To be fair, he did tell her that he never wanted a rtionship but it doesn''t make it less hurtful.


    The rest of the day went by slowly and when he was done with work, he decided to stop by at Max''s ce before going back home. He needed someone to talk to and if there was anyone who could make it less worse then it was Max.


    "To be fair, you did tell her that you would never date her so i don''t know why you''re pushing yourself too hard." Max had told him when he rted what happened at his office earlier to him.


    "She expected too much. Can''t say i me i though when you''re the one involved. Plus, i told you not to fuck friends." He scolded him. "Friendsplicate things and sexual rtionships with friends doesn''t usually end well. It''s easy to get rid of a whore than a friend. A lot of things always goes wrong."


    "Ne wasn''t just anyone. Just like you, she was a good person and that''s why i feel bad."


    "Tch!" He clicked his tongue uninterested and in distaste. "I don''t know what you want me to say but she''ll get over it, eventually. Don''t think too much about it."


    Max led him straight to his office and picked up two sses from the bar and a bottle of alcohol. He poured some into his ss but before he could do same for Bryce, he stopped him.


    "I won''t be having any of that."


    Max gave him a weird look. "What? It''s alcohol. You always drink alcohol. Are you scared that I''m going to poison you or something."


    "I promised Hera that i won''t be


    taking alcohol anymore especially after what happened thest time i did. I received a full lecture and even had to apologize to your sorry ass." He informed him.


    He stared at him wide-eyed, not believing what he had just said. "What has the nun done to my friend? Who are you and where is my friend Bryce?" Bryce rolled his eyes at that statement. "Don''t be too dramatic about it. I''m trying to stay clean. You should try it too. Trust me it''s healthy."


    "Never!" He blurted out almost


    immediately''ll support your new change because you''re my best friend but i will never quit drinking for a woman. There''s no woman on


    eho could ever make me stop


    drinking. This is my lifestyle and I''m not changing for anyone


    They stayed quiet for a while before Max decided to break the silence that had covered like a thick skin.


    "You really love this woman don''t you?"


    Bryce nodded once. "I really do. It''s strange even for me because i never expected it to happen this way but it did happen. Hera is different and she makes me want to be a better person." "Well, I''m d that you''re off your streets. It means more women for me." He picked up the ss and drowned the contents in one gulp.


    "I''d like to see you fall in love Max. I''ll be waiting for it to happen."


    Max snorted. "I don''t want to wish that you die before it happens because then, your woman would be heartbroken for the rest of her life so I''ll just tell you that it will never happen." "They aren''t all bad you know?" He said earning a re from him. "One experience shouldn''t make you judge all of them."


    "So what? You''re going to preach the Bible to me now? Did she also convert you into a reverend father?"


    "You''re unbelievable." Bryce rose up to his feet and straightened himself properly. "I''ll be heading back home now. I don''t want Hera to get worried."


    Max shook his head. "You sound like a married man already and I thought that you would die single. Anyways, tell her i said hello."


    "Will do and quit drinking while you''re at it." Bryce added, ignoring Max''s middle finger before walking out the door. Today has been a very long day and he wanted nothing more than to be with his woman right no


    w. Hopefully, things turn out for the better from here on out.

 Big Decisions

    Hera gently tapped on the keys to Bryce''sptop as she tried to figure out and navigate her way through the website. She had asked him for it and after trying to figure out what she needed it for countless times, he had given up and had no other choice but to give it to her. He had even suggested trying to help her with whatever she wanted to use it for but she only asked him to teach her how to use a search engine and after that, she didn''t say anything more. She ended their conversation with saying that she would do it herself. Each time he walked in on her using it, she shut it down and discarded itpletely covering all traces of whatever she was up to online. Somehow it bothered him. Was she trying to hide something away from him or was she nning not to let him figure it out at all. Well, since she wouldn''t let him know what it is, he won''t pry or force her to tell him even though it was eating at his curiosity.


    "Maybe she was texting Ben." He had thought to himself repeatedly but then again, they haven''t heard from him for a while now and Hera had promised to keep her distance away from him. She doesn''t lie so there''s no way in hell she was texting that monster. Just as Hera logged into the website, she heard preceding footsteps and hid theptop under her pillow. She knew it was Bryce. He was the only person whoes into her side of the bedroom.


    The door gently pushed open and he stuck his face inside. "Can ie in?"


    "Of course."


    He opened the door fully and let himself inside. Hera noticed that he looked rather pale than usual and the usual smile and excitement that lit up in his eyes whenever he got back from work wasn''t there anymore. "The business meeting didn''t go well?" She asked when he took off his jacket and made to sit beside her on the bed. "Did something happen at work today?"


    He looked at her briefly not knowing how to answer that. Lying was suddenly starting to look like a chore when it came to her but how on earth does he tell her what had happened today? He was already feeling bad as it is. "The meeting went well."


    She touched his face affectionately. "Then why are you sad?"


    "I had a very long day at work. Plus, I missed you so much as well." He leaned in to kiss her forehead but she knew that it was nothing but a ploy to stop her from asking more questions. He doesn''t want to tell her what''s going on. "Go on." She urged adamantly. "Tell me what happened Bryce."


    He gave her request a little thought before deciding to spill. "I hurt someone today, deeply. Someone very important to me and now i feel bad and guilty about it. Although I''ve apologized but it doesn''t make it any easier for me. It makes me feel like a shit-bad person." He quickly corrected himself. "It makes me feel like a bad person."


    Well the half baked truth was better than a full tant lie. He consoled himself with that. He wasn''t able to tell her what exactly happened but at least he was able to tell something. There''s no way he''d tell her about Ne.


    That was his past and sometimes, the past is better left in the past before it ruins the present. He already had a good thing going on and he wasn''t going to ruin it.


    She ced her hands on his. "You''ve already admitted that you were wrong and apology is the first step to asking for forgiveness. Sometimes we falter and loose our way but when we realize that we were in the wrong and apologize sincerely, even God forgives us." "And since you''ve already apologized, they''ll forgive you." She reassured him. "It might take a while but with time, they''ll understand ande around."


    Her innocence. She was just too innocent for this world. If only she knew that the real world isn''t as perfect as she makes it seem. It was far from that. Here, people go as far as taking revenge on the people who hurt them. Apologies and forgiveness doesn''t usually work especially when it involves humans. It''s a rare trait that they still had to learn.


    "I''ll make you coffee to make you feel better. Be right back." She walked out of her room before he could get the chance to stop her. With a contented smile on his face, heid down on her bed. His head came in contact with something strong as soon as it hit the pillow. Curious, he pulled it out to see and there it was lying there. His very ownptop. The urge to open it and figure out what she was hiding from him came to mind but he brushed it off. He contemted on whether or not he should see for himself.


    Maybe he would just take a quick peek and pretend like he didn''t see anything.


    Just like that, he opened it and scrolled through her search history.


    "College applications?" He said out loud unconsciously and just then, the door pushed on and Hera walked open. Her eyes were almost bulging out of her sockets when she saw him holding theptop. She quickly put down the cup of coffee and dived for the device but he held her down.


    "You''re trying to apply for colleges?"


    "You weren''t supposed to find out about it. I told you not to look. You never listen to me." She was upset. All efforts to keep the secret away from him had been ruined.


    "You weren''t nning on telling me about it? I could''ve helped you out."


    "And that''s why i didn''t tell you." She said with a pout. "I struggled so hard to keep it away from you because i know that you would want to help and i don''t want you to help. Well it doesn''t matter anyways cause you''ve already figured it out." "You don''t want me to? Why?" He asked but she didn''t respond. "Talk to me Cara. Why hide this from me? You thought i wouldn''t like it or "


    "That''s not the reason why i didn''t tell you." She stated in a small voice.


    "Then what''s the reason?" He persisted. "I can''t make sense of anything if you don''t tell me Cara. I''ve been dying of curiosity all week because i couldn''t figure why you needed myptop. You know that I''ll always support you in anything right?" Damn! He was a goner for this woman and it showed.


    She inhaled deeply. "Well i always wanted to go back to school. That was the main reason i left the convent sol saved towards it and that''s why i wanted to apply. With you handling Christina''s expense, i couldn''t bring myself to tell you anything. I was embarrassed and i thought to surprise you after i was done."


    Bryce felt proud. Happiness was an understatement. He couldn''t believe his ears and the fact that she was thinking about him whilst making her ns.


    "I''m sorry." He apologized. "I''m sorry for snooping around even when you asked me not to. I should''ve waited for you to tell me when you were ready. It was very hical on my part and I promise that i won''t do it again, ever." "Thank you."


    "But it still doesn''t mean that i won''t help you." He whispered softly. "I''ve told you before that you are more than just a friend to me."


    Hera nodded at his words. She


    wasn''t asking for too much but it would be nice to hear him say it one day. She wanted to know just how important she was to him. She had told herself that she won''t rush it. She knew that he wasn''t ready tomit because of his past and she would never try to force him to.


    She would be patient with him no matter what. Sister Martha had already told her that most people process emotions differently and might take a while for them to open uppletely. "Are you okay with me helping you Cara?"


    "Only if you promise that we do it together." She made him pinky swear. Bryce didn''t think it was a thing until she made him do it over and over again. Now, he can''t even refuse.


    "If that''s what you want then it''s okay." He nodded in agreement but over his dead body would he let her do that. Hera was quite stubborn and arguing over an issue like this would only make her upset with him.


    He hade to understand the little hellion''s tactics so in summary, he knew when to pick his battles and when to leave them. This particr battle was not up for a debate. "Thank you Bryce."


    He le


    ans closer and kisses her forehead. With her right here with him, what more does he want?

 He Doesnt Want A Family

    Three months.


    That''s how long it has been since Hera had that conversation with Bryce and since then, there had been a lot of changes. True to his words, he had helped her. He didn''t judge her as much as she had thought he would and was very kind enough to show her the ropes of how everything was done. He was very patient with her even though she made a lot of mistakes. Now while he was busy with work, she was taking lessons and he helped her in any way that he could.


    Christina on the other hand was also making significant progress. She was taking her lessons very seriously and if all goes well then she''d be writing her final exams to get prepared for college. Hera made sure to speak to her whenever she had the chance to. Christina was smart and Hera was very confident that her sister would definitely ace her papers.


    She had always been the brain of the family. Not like Hera was bad herself. She knew that her sister would go through any length to finish strong because asides her, she had always wanted this for herself and now the opportunity had presented itself. "That''s the fifth chocte bar you''ve had in the space of two hours Cara." Bryce pointed out to her when he saw her bite on it. "Too much sweet isn''t good for your health and you know that." He scolded her teasingly.


    "I know." She drawled with a tiny pout. "It''s just so good and eating it makes me stay focused on what I''m working on."


    He chuckled. "And since when do you consume this much chocte? You''re not usually the type to eat this much sweets on a stretch. I''m getting scared for you now Cara."


    "Fine. I promise that i won''t have any more after this one." She raised it up for him to see but deep down, he knew that she would. She had done the same yesterday when she almost emptied out arge bowl of ice cream from the fridge in front of him. "Alright." He said instead. "I''ll be leaving now. Mariam will handle everything when I''m gone and if you need anything, anything at all, then feel free to call me okay?"


    "What if you''re busy with work?"


    "I''m never too busy when ites to you." He kissed her forehead and then her lips before leaving. Hera saw him off and minutester, he was gone.


    "Good morning Hera." Mariam greeted her warmly. "You look positively radiant this morning that i almost didn''t recognize you."


    Hera giggled like a little child. "Good morning Ma''am. How are you doing today?"


    "Pretty good. I see that sir has left for work."


    Hera nodded politely. "Yes he has."


    "Bryce is so keen of you Hera. He''s changed a lot these past few months. Whatever you''re doing must be working." The older woman praised her heartily. "It''s rare to see him like this. Very happy and i love it for him."


    "Have you had breakfast yet?" Mariam had asked the littledy who stood innocently by the side. "Bryce had asked me to take care of you since you''ll be busy with your lessons and might forget to eat."


    "I''ve had breakfast but it wouldn''t hurt to eat something else." She answered with a soft smile.


    "I''ll make something right away then." Mariam made an attempt to enter the mansion and Hera decided to apany her. She was an adult but had the innocence of a child.


    "I''ll help you." She held the olderdy by the arm and led her into the house.


    "You don''t have to. You have to study very hard."


    "One day in the kitchen wouldn''t stop me from reading Ma''am so please." She had asked so nicely that Mariam had no other choice but to oblige.


    Once in the kitchen, they set out to work. "What would you like to have?"


    "Chicken broth. I''ve been craving that a lottely." She answered almost immediately with a light chuckle. "Oh and can i have it with rice? I''m very sure that with your cooking, it''d be delicious."


    "Of course child. Help me with the chicken and vegetables from the fridge." Mariam requested and Hera did as she was told. She set up the ingredients then went further to take out the leftover piece of cheese and yogurt from the fridge. "In all my days of making chicken broth child, i don''t think I''ve ever used cheese and yogurt as part of the ingredients for making the soup."


    Hera stared at the items in her hands. "Oh. This isn''t for the soup ma''am. It''s for me."


    Mariam was appalled at her response. "And what do you need cheese and yogurt for? Do you want to bake something?"


    Heraughed at her sense of humor. "No. I want to eat them. They smelt so good earlier when i opened the fridge. I''ll just take a bite out of it." She pushed her hair backwards and went further to dig into the cheese in her hands.


    Mariam watched her with a hard


    stare, trying to figure out what was going on. Who eats cheese together with unsweetened yogurt without making a fuss or a whiny face? She really tooked like she was enjoying it and it had her thinking, her brain calcting the possibilities of what could be happening.


    "Hera are you okay?" Mariam had asked when she noted how strange she was behaving. "Do you feel okay?"


    "I''m fine ma''am." She answered. "Never been better."


    "Do you feel tired or strange these past few days?" She went further to ask but when she didn''t respond, she decided to push even more. "Do you feel nausea or fatigue or any of those sort? Do you find yourself craving a lot of foodtely?" Hera thought about her questions for a while. "A lot but i didn''t think it was anything serious because i was studying a lot so i assumed that i was just a little stressed and overworked." Mariam swallowed.


    "Is everything okay ma''am?"


    Mariam didn''t know if her calctions were right and even if they were, she didn''t exactly know how to tell the little woman that it might be what she was suspecting it to be. And besides, she didn''t want to get her scared over something that she hasn''t proven to be true, yet.


    Her old bones knew what was happening but sadly, the little woman didn''t. I''m pretty sure that she might have heard of it but doesn''t exactly know what she was going through it. And if she doesn''t know then she would bet a hundred percent that Bryce didn''t know either. She had to figure out how to ease her into it because she couldn''t drop it on her like this. One wrong move would send her straight into panicking. Firstly, Hera was from a convent so she knew just how sensitive this topic would be for her.


    "Hera, can i ask you a question?" Mariam started, slowly approaching her. "It''s a very personal question so i don''t know if i should go ahead. Do i have your permission."


    Hera nodded once. "Of course Mariam, you can ask me."


    She breathed in deeply. "When was thest time you saw your flow?"


    Hera paused to give her question


    some thought and not being able toe up with a single date made her heartbeat drop. It''s been three whole months already. She didn''t really think much of it and she didn''t bother to check because she thought that it had maybe skipped a month which was usual sometimes but hearing Mariam ask her this question, startled her.


    "I...I don''t remember." She stuttered and sat down on the nearest seat. She was panicking and Mariam could tell. "Two months ago, maybe three." She rubbed her hands together nervously.


    "Hey, it''s okay." Mariam hugged her forfort. "I could be overthinking it but I just found it strange that you were prepared to consume a whole bottle of unsweetened yogurt and cheese at the same time."


    "I don''t know what to do." She whispered sadly.


    "We''ll do a test to be sure and after that, we can tell Bryce "


    "No." She shook her head vehemently in disagreement as tears rolled down her eyes. "We cannot tell him. Bryce would get angry at me."


    Mariam chuckled at her words and touched her cheeks affectionately. "Now why would he get angry at you? He loves you Hera and you love him too. If anything, he''d be happy if he finds that you''re positive after the test."


    She shook her head again. Tears


    falling down freely. "He wouldn''t.


    Bryce wouldn''t like it. He doesn''t like


    children and he doesn''t believe in rtionships. He had said it himself


    countless times that he doesn''t want kids or a family. He doesn''t want anything to do with it and doesn''t even like talking about it. If i tell him about this then he will get upset with me." She sniveled.


    He couldn''t even tell her that he loves her. He hasn''t even opened up to her in that aspect yet and if he


    finds out about this then who knows what he might do or say?


    She cannot tell him. She simply can''t.

 Carrying His Child

    Oh God!


    Those were the first words that escaped from Hera''s lips followed by a tiny gasp as she stared at the test strip in her hands which had visible bold red lines on it. Mariam had bought it for her and had shown her what to do and how to use it. She had wished that what Mariam had told her before was not true but here it was in her hands in in red.


    She was pregnant. She was carrying Bryce''s child.


    She couldn''t help the tears that clouded her vision before dropping off her cheeks like twin rivers. What would she do now? How does she exin this to him? What would he even say about this?


    "Hera are you okay in there my child?" Mariam''s voice came from outside the door. The more she called out to her, the more she couldn''t stop the tears from falling. Bryce would hate her.


    "Pleasee out Hera so that we can figure something out." The older woman pleaded desperately when she heard the subdued sniffs and hups that came from inside the bathroom. She didn''t need a soothsayer to tell her that the test was positive. She had known all along. The only reason why she asked her to do it was because she wanted her to be sure of it.


    She doubted that the sisters at the convent would have educated her on all of these. They might''ve told her about pregnancy and the rest but she wasn''t sure that they went this far otherwise she would''ve known.


    Hera discarded the strip carefully and sluggishly walked out of the bathroom with her shoulders slouched. Her eyes were red from crying too much. Mariam could tell that she was stressed out and didn''t know exactly what to say to her to calm her down.


    She watched her slowly walk over to the bed before lowering herself on it. "It''s positive Mariam just like you said it would."


    Mariam took to the empty space next to her and pulled her into a hug. "Have you made a decision yet? Would you tell Bryce about it or not?"


    "I can''t tell him. Not after everything he had been through." She thought thest part to herself. Mariam definitely wouldn''t understand why she was adamant on not telling him.


    Bryce had told her about how his dad brutally abused his mother to death and the trauma it had on him after that experience. There was nothing she would say that would sound pleasant to his ears about this. He hates children. He doesn''t want to father them and a family is not even something that he had ever considered.


    When they were at the convent, she saw how he struggled, how he couldn''t let go of the past and if she opened up to him about this then she would be opening up old wounds that he was trying so hard to bury and he might end up hating her for it.


    "You know that he''s going to find out sooner orter about this right?" Mariam reminded her. "You''re pregnant and pregnancy isn''t exactly something that you can hide. One day your bump is going to be visible and he will find out. What would you do then?" "I suggest that you tell him about it and hear what he has to say." Mariam pressed on. "I wouldn''t even suggest an abortion to someone like you because i know that it''s against your belief so your only option is to let him know." She added.


    "And if he ends up hating me? What would i do then?"


    "You''re underestimating the love Bryce has for you Hera. You changed him and there''s no way on earth he would hate you." Sheforted her sincerely. "Listen child, Bryce hase a long way since he met you. He is a different person all because of you and you did that. Maybe you should start believing in that love that brought you both this far." Love? She doesn''t even know if he loves her. He had never said it. Not once. She knew that she loved him and she had also epted that he would never say those words to her. He doesn''t believe in it and she hade to terms with it.


    "Think about it carefully my child before you make any decision. I''ll finish up the soup for you. You still need to eat and so does your baby." She said to her before exiting the bedroom.


    The rest of the day went pretty weary for Hera. She had even preferred it when she didn''t know that she was pregnant. At least back then, she wasn''t this scared and worried about anything.


    Now the hardest part was sharing this news with Bryce. A baby is a blessing. That''s what the sisters at the convent had always told her but she wasn''t feeling it as they said. If anything, it felt like a burden to her because the person who was responsible for it might not want anything to do with it. At the end of the day when Bryce got back from work, she still hadn''t made up her mind yet.


    As usual, he had been very warm and even told her how much he had missed her. He definitely wouldn''t be saying this if he knew exactly what she was hiding from him. They went over their normal routine of him cing his head on her thighs after he has had his shower. Hera''s stomach tied up in knots.


    "Did you have a good day?" He had asked after kissing her full on the lips. She forced a smile and nodded at his question. "And how was your lessons? Did you do anything fun?"


    Today was anything but fun. It was worse than fun. For the record, she had almost wished that today never happened at all.


    "You''re awfully quiet today Cara." He pointed out. "You''re never quiet when you''re with me. Did something happen today? Are you feeling okay?"


    "I''m feeling good. I''m just tired that''s


    all." She lied through her teeth. Well,


    technically it wasn''t a lie because she was indeed tired. The burden of the truth that she was hiding was almost choking her to death She felt suffocated.


    "Are you feeling cooped up at home? Do you want us to do something fun together tomorrow?" He went further to ask when he noticed how damp her mood was. She unconsciously ran her hands through his hair. "You know that you can tell me anything Cara. I''m always here to listen?"


    Now, she felt bad. He had just gotten back from work and she was making his evening bothersome. But she couldn''t help it. She was struggling internally to not burst into tears right now in front of him. "Bryce, can i ask you something?"


    He stood up from her thighs and faced her, giving her his undivided attention. "Anything."


    She swallowed. "Have you um...have you thought of ever having kids?" She stared at him, waiting to see his reaction to her question.


    Bryce was taken aback by her question and didn''t even try to hide it. That was thest thing he ever thought that she would ask him. "Why would you ask me that?"


    "It''s just a question." She tried to y it off as cool but she knew that she was failing miserably at it. "Like what do you think about kids?"


    He thought about her question for a while. "Am i supposed to think anything about them?"


    She blinked to keep the tears at bay. "I just wanted to know if maybe, just maybe you''ve ever thought of having one. So what''s your thought about it?"


    "Nothing." He answered almost immediately and her heart sank down to the pit of her stomach. "Maybe in the future or someday perhaps."


    It was settled. He didn''t want them.


    He was only saying that because he was trying to avoid the question. She knew that he had never wanted


    them. n. He had never even thought of them for once in his life so how could she hurt him by telling him.


    "Why did you ask that Hera?"


    She shook her head. "Nothing. I just thought that I''d ask you what you thought about them because i wanted to hear your opinion on the matter?"


    He chuckled and touched her hair. "Was it part of your lessons?"


    "Maybe." She answered casually.


    Bryce was still dumbfounded that she had asked him such a question. He didn''t know exactly what was running through her mind and she wasn''t ready to say anything further so he didn''t want to push it.


    But deep down in Hera''s thoughts, she already knew what to do and her mind was already made up. She would make sure to act on it as fast as she could before he found out about her present condi tion because the more she dyed, the more detrimental it would be for both of them.

 Running Away

    She would leave. Hera thought to herself as she watched Bryce sleep peacefully that night, draped in his arms just like he did like every other night.


    That was the only solution to this problem. She wouldn''t stay and she definitely wouldn''t wait for him to find out and get angry at her. This is what''s best for everyone. Maybe she''d tell him about it when she was somewhere safe, somewhere he couldn''t reach her so that she wouldn''t have to deal with his anger should in case he snaps. In the meantime, she just had to figure out a way to get out of here and quickly.


    Pulling herself away from Bryce''s arms, she slowly made her way outside the bedroom and down the stairs to the living room. She walked out to the balcony at the left wing of the house and stood there, thinking.


    Too many things were at stake and she doesn''t know exactly how to handle it. Wrapping her hands instinctively around her stomach, she threw her face out the open sky. Was this the biggest test of her life? There''s no way on earth she''d ever be able to ovee this


    now.


    Maybe she should call sister Martha. But if she did, what would she say and how would she tell her? She really needed someone to talk to. Someone to tell her that everything will be alright.


    Holding that thought, she dialled her number and ced it to her eyes. With every ring, she felt her breath shorten and her heart beating fast. What if Martha finds out. Well, it was toote to back out now so she''d just go through with it.


    "Hera my child." Came sister Martha''s voice. Although her voice soundedforting, it still didn''t shake off the guilt and restlessness that she had been feeling all morning. "Why are you up sote my dear?"


    "Sister Martha." She willed her voice to stay strong. If she so much as breaks down then everyone would be worried. "I missed you and i just wanted to talk to you even if it''s for a short while." She confessed sadly.


    "You know that you can always call me anytime my child. I''m always here for you." Her voice came through the other end and Hera nodded to her words as though she could see her.


    "How is everyone over there? And my sister? I feel like it''s been ages since ist spoke to all of you." She asked, another wave of guilt washing over her when she realized that her decision to leave might also affect Christina''s future. God! Why did you have to let this happen now of all time?


    "Christina is fast asleep." She answered. "She has been busy all day trying to finish up her lessons. The exams are starting soon and she wants to be prepared."


    Hera couldn''t hold it in anymore and the next thing she knew, she was already balling her eyes out.


    "My child, are you okay? Talk to me Hera. You''re getting me really worried now." Martha pestered frantically. Her tiny hups and sudden outburst had gotten to her as soon as she heard it.


    "Hera?" She called again when she didn''t respond to the first call.


    "I''m not okay sister Martha." She blurred out in tears. "I''m not okay and i don''t know what to do. I''m trying to figure it out myself but it''s just too hard. I want toe back home."


    "Did something happen with Bryce? Did he do something wrong?"


    She shook her head and went further to wipe her tears aggressively but they wouldn''t stop falling. "No it''s not Bryce. He doesn''t even know what''s going on and i can''t bring myself to tell him sister Martha. He will hate me and I don''t want him to." "Can you tell me what''s going on? At least talk to me." She urged.


    "I want toe back home." She insisted. "I can''t bring myself to tell you over the phone. It''s too big a burden, even for me. Please let mee back home tomorrow."


    "And is Bryce aware that you''re taking such a trip back home all by yourself. He''d get worried you know."


    And that''s why she couldn''t tell him. He''s fond of her and he would get worried. And if he does then she''d have no other option but to stay and if she stays then he would find out. It''s too big of a risk.


    "He doesn''t know and i don''t want to tell him." She answered. "I just need a few days alone to myself and i can''t do that if he''s aware of mying."


    "I understand my child. You cane home." She permitted. "This is also your ce and you''re free toe back whenever you want to."


    She sniveled. Her emotions were all over the ce and she doesn''t know why. "Thank you. I''ll be leaving tomorrow morning and hopefully i would get there before dusk."


    "Alright. Sleep well child. I''ll pray for


    you." And with that, she


    disconnected the call. Hera wasn''t.


    feeling better after the call but at least, it did lighten up the heaviness in her heart concerning the issue. Now, she would just have to wait until Bryce leaves for work tomorrow and she''ll be gone.


    "Hera? What are you doing here?" Bryce called out to her as he approached the balcony where she stood. "Why aren''t you in bed? I''ve been looking for you everywhere. Heined but she only smiled. Thank goodness that he couldn''t see


    ¤ª¤·¤¿


    her face through the dim lights or he would''ve figured out that she had


    been crying.


    "I couldn''t sleep." She muttered in a low voice. "I thought that if i wandered around the house a little, i would tire myself out eventually. You didn''t have toe looking for me though."


    "Of course I''lle looking." He said and pulled her into himself. Hera willingly obliged. Maybe this would be thest time that she would get to hug him like this so she might as well savor it.


    "Are you feeling better?" He asked, breathing her in as he held onto her small frame. She was so fragile that he felt like she would break if he doesn''t handle her carefully. "You acted a little strange earlier tonight and it had me worried. Do you feel better now?" She nodded once. "Yes Bryce. I feel better. I was just feeling stressed but I''ll be okay."


    "Is it the lessons? Do you want to take a break?"


    She smiled at his thoughtfulness but if only it were that easy. If only she could just take a break from everything like he had suggested but she couldn''t.


    "I''ll be fine don''t worry. How about we go back to bed?" She suggested when he wouldn''t let go. He was making her decision almost impossible for her and she felt bad that she had made up her mind to leave him.


    "Let''s stay like this for a while." He insisted and they did. Just the two of them lost in thefort of each other''s arms.


    The next day, Hera hardened her mind to execute her n. She was going through with it no matter what. Bryce had told her that he would stopping at work to sign some papers but will be back as soon as he was finished because he wanted to spend the rest of the day with her.


    If only he knew that he would being back to an empty house. She felt sad about it but deep down, she knew that it was for the best.


    As soon as she bid him farewell, she rushed back into the house to pack up her things. Mariam followed her immediately.


    "How are you doing today Hera?" The older woman had asked as she trailed after her. "Did you manage to tell him about it? Does he know now?"


    "I didn''t and he doesn''t know." She answered and walked into her bedroom. She picked up her suitcase and started throwing in dresses one after the other.


    "What are you doing? Why are you packing a suitcase? Where are you going?"


    "Home." She answered casually. "I''m going back to the convent. I spoke with one of the sisters yesterday night and sister Martha said that i was free toe back."


    "And Bryce?" Hera paused at his name. "What about him? Does he know or are you nning on hiding this from him too?"


    "I know you mean well ma''am but


    I''m scared." She confessed innocently. "Every minute i stay in this house, it only gets worse. I just need to be by myself for a while and thend think of a way to tell him about it. Until i do, please don''t let him know that I''ve gone back home."


    Hera pleaded profusely and Mariam couldn''t help but cave and give into her demands.


    "I''ll grab some things for you from your other apartment." She told her and left. Hera knew that somehow, she was upset by her decision but she only hopes that she understands. Hera continued with what she was doing and a whileter, she heard footsteps approaching the bedroom. "Thank goodness you''re back Ma''am. I was thinking that you-" The rest of her words were caught in her throat when she came face to face with the woman who had just walked into Bryce''s bedroom unannounced and it was none o


    ther than his friend, the one that she had caught him sleeping with the other time-Ne.

 The Darkest Hour

    Hera had mixed feelings seeing Ne standing in front of her. Why was she here? Her mind told her that it was one of two things. It was either she came looking for Bryce or Bryce had asked her toe. She didn''t want to believe in thetter because he would never do


    that to her.


    He had promised that he wouldn''t hurt her so there''s no way he would invite her here or did he?


    "Hera right?" Ne had asked and Hera only nodded, wondering how she knew her name because if she recalled properly, they''ve never really had a proper one on one conversation and they''ve never crossed paths. Did Bryce tell Ne about her perhaps? "Where''s your boss?" She had asked and Hera was tight-lipped. She doesn''t really address him as her boss anymore and she doesn''t know how to tell her that. For the longest of time, she called him by his name as he had requested and it had remained so since then. "Bryce isn''t at home."


    Ne arched a brow at her, stunned. Since when did Bryce agree to formality between himself and a maid? He was not the type to do that so she found it hard to believe. "Bryce? You call him by his first name?"


    "Yes and he''s at work. You missed him not too long ago." She informed her. Ne was too shocked to speak. She hade here to reason things out with him and talk to him about them. She didn''t want to take the risk of getting embarrassed at his office so she decided toe here and now he wasn''t here.


    For days, she had been struggling to get through to him but it seemed like he had blocked her everywhere. He was really serious when he told her that it was over. She couldn''t believe that he had moved on so quickly without batting an eyelid. She couldn''t even show up at his ce without giving it a lot of thoughts. It sucks! He was treating her like trash and she hated it.


    She was his friend for goodness sake! The person who had stayed with him when he was fighting his demons during the darkest hour. She had given him a piece of herself to the point where there was nothing else to give so why couldn''t he choose her? Why couldn''t he love her?


    "Are you okay ma''am?" Hera had asked when she noted how silent she had be but she only shrugged it off.


    "You''re the maid working here so I''m pretty sure you know everything that''s going on around here right?" She questioned but Hera found it hard to answer that question. She wasn''t just a maid anymore. Bryce had told her that.


    "Has anyone beening over to see him?" She asked. "What i mean to say is that...um...does Bryce have anydy friend or woman that he is intimate with?"


    Hera corked a brow at her, confused. Was she indirectly talking about her or someone else?


    She pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling stressed. "I just want to know if he''s seeing anyone that''s all."


    "I don''t know." Hera answered inly. "Maybe you should ask him that. He''s in a better position to tell you if he is or not." She''s not in the right position to put abel on their rtionship when he hasn''t. It muste from him, it has to. "What''s that? You''re packing? Are those your clothes?" She pointed at the clothes scattered on the bed and that''s when it hit her.


    "Yes."


    "You sleep here? In Bryce''s room?" That''s absurd. Why would a maid be sleeping in Bryce''s room of all ces? Ne had thought that she was cleaning up until her eyes caught a stash of female dresses on the bed. Bryce doesn''t let anyone into his room. At least for the years that she had known him.


    It took her years before she was even allowed into his bedroom. He had always told her that it was off limits so it surprised her to see his maid here. Was she missing something?


    "No" The rest of her words were caught up in her throat when Hera suddenly felt the urge to throw up and just like that, she dashed into the nearest bathroom and emptied the contents of her stomach into the sink.


    Her head starting throbbing and she sshed some water on her face to stop herself from feeling dizzy before walking out of the bathroom only to see Ne standing there, waiting patiently for her.


    "What is your rtionship with Bryce Hera?" She had gone further to ask, crossing her hands over her chest. "Are you his sex maid? Are you sleeping with him too? Is that why you''re in his bedroom?" "I can''t answer that, I''m sorry." Hera let''s her down easy. Whatever she shares with Bryce is personal and she wouldn''t want to ruin it by letting other people in. At least, not until Bryce does it himself.


    "It can''t be." Ne muttered to herself. When Bryce had told her about the the woman that he was in love with, was he by any chance referring to her? His maid? Was she supposedly the person who changed him? The person whom he wanted to be better for? "You''re the woman Bryce..." She trailed off, finding it difficult toplete that statement. Even she couldn''t believe it. "You''re the woman that he''s in love with?"


    Hera didn''t know what to make out from that statement. Does Bryce love her? Did her tell her that? Or was she just saying it because she figured out that they were together somehow?


    "I''m not." She answered, wishing that it was true and zipped up her suitcase shut. The words that she had just uttered was choking her. "Bryce will be home in a couple of minutes so if you wait a little while longer then you might see him." Picking up her bags, she walked out of the bedroom and Ne trailed closely behind her. She didn''t want to believe that Bryce had picked his maid over her. That he had casted her aside because of her. No, she wouldn''t let that happen. If Bryce was really in love with her then she''d have to take her out of the picture because if she can''t have him then no one else can.


    "Hera?" Ne called out to her and she stopped abruptly at the edge of the stairs waiting for what she had to say. Each moment she waited, was detrimental to her n to leave before Bryce got back home.


    "I''m sorry." She apologized and Hera was stunned. Why was she suddenly apologizing?


    "For what?" Hera asked but she didn''t respond. Not knowing what else to say, she turned to hurriedly leave and just then, she missed her footing and came rolling down the flight of stairs till shended at the bottom.


    Hera cried out in excruciating pain


    that shot through her nerves to all parts of her body, shaking her internally, It felt like her entire body was disoriented in a single


    heartbeat. Her eyes watered, burning or


    her vision as she couldning


    make any attempt to shift from that position where sheid in a fatal


    position.


    In her distorted state, felt something slippery running down her thighs and she winced and writhed, holding onto her stomach as screams after screams tore through her lips in deep tremors. She felt like something was ripping her stomach in two.


    Moira hurried back inside and Ne was confused. She only fell so why was she making a big deal out of everything.


    "Hera? Can you hear me dear?" Moira called out to her but she was slipping.


    "You pushed her?" She screamed at Ne who stood frozen at the spot, trying to apprehend what was going on. "Can''t you know that she''s with child!? How could you do such a thing?!" She yelled, trying to pull Hera into her arms.


    At that exact moment, Bryce walked


    in to an unforgivable sight in front of him. Moira had phoned him earlier that Ne had dropped by. She felt uneasy seeing here in after he left so she did what she had to do and she was grateful that he came


    as quickly as he did.


    Crouching down next to Hera, he scooped her in his arms almost immediately, careful not to hurt her. "Cara, please can you hear me?" He whispered, calling out to her.


    Hera quivered. The pain was like fire


    burning her legs. She winced. It blew


    up in her head with a terrifying nkness. It was nauseating. Her stomach was on fire. It felt like a hot, sharp knife, covered in salt was slicing through her abdomen and into her muscles and bones. As though her leg had been frozen and a bolt of lightning had struck her body from head to toe.


    She couldn''t handle it anymore. It was too excruciating. It was more than she could bear.


    She fluttered her eyes half open when she felt Bryce holding her. She felt sore, numb and all her body ached tremendously. "Bryce...my..my baby." She mumbled, her voice barely audible as her eyes watered. "I''m going to lo...loose my baby." Bryce looked down at her legs to see the pool of blood that he hadn''t noticed earlier when he walked in and that''s when it hit him. His blood suddenly went cold as fear washed over him from head to toe at t


    he bloody sight. Hera is pregnant and she was on the verge of loosing their baby.

 The Light After Darkness

    Doctors running. Nurses speedily pushing a hospital cart into Hera''s room. The whole ward was in chaos yet Bryce couldn''t figure out what was happening. No one would talk to him and no one would tell him what''s going on.


    He had tried to stop a nurse but even she couldn''t give him a reasonable response. It shouldn''t be what he was thinking. It should never be what he is thinking. It just can''t be. The doctor rushed out of her ward and Bryce had no other choice but to corner him. "What''s happening Doctor? Where is Hera? What''s going on?" The words rushed out of his mouth before he could stop it. "Why is no one talking to me?"


    "She''s crashing sir." He breathed out. "But i can assure you that we''re doing everything we can to sustain her. Hopefully, she responds to treatment because at this rate, all i can say is that you should brace yourself for the worst." The doctor stated and ran off to join the others almost immediately.


    Bryce froze. His head reeling from fear and uncertainty. He has heard those words before. Those were the exact same words the doctor had said to his father back then.


    "...We''ll do everything we can sir..." They had told him that day but they didn''t. His mother died right after. Mariam who heard the what the doctor had said had already started bawling her eyes out.


    Was he really supposed to wait for the inevitable to happen?


    "Sir?" Mariam has called out to him, stretching Hera''s phone towards him. "It''s the sisters from the convent. I told them about what happened to Hera and they want to speak with you."


    Bryce stared at the device in Mariam''s hands. He was hesitant to take the phone from her. What would he say to them? And if they know that Hera was pregnant, what would they say to him? How will they handle that kind of news? She was their family and he didn''t feel good being the one to tell them about it but what choice does he have?


    Without saying much, he took the phone from Mariam and ced it to his ears. "Sister Martha?"


    "Bryce my dear, how are you? How are you holding up?" She had asked instead. He was stunned. He had expected her to yell and curse at him but here she was talking to him as if nothing has happened.


    "I''m so sorry sister. I know that i promised to take care of Hera and i have broken that promise to you and everyone. I feel so ashamed that i don''t even know what to say right now." His voice cracked but he was welding himself to stay strong.


    "It''s not your fault my child. idents happen and ming yourself for it won''t do you any good." She chided him. "You''ve already suffered enough so i won''t allow you take the burden for this one. Hera wouldn''t let you do that as well."


    "The doctors are saying that she might not make it out alive and I''m scared sister. I''m scared that i won''t ever get to see her again." He confessed bitterly, not mincing words. He was pouring out his emotions to her right now and he didn''t care what might be of him after this.


    He doesn''t even care if Hera is forced to stay away from him after this but all he wants is for her to wake up. He wants her to get better and he''d take any chance he''d get just to see it happen.


    He had endangered her life and if he hadn''t let his guard down then Ne wouldn''t have gotten the chance to hurt her. Everything happening right now had his name written all over it.


    "We''re praying for Hera over here


    and we believe that she will get better. You have to believe that too." She told him. "And if you feel like you don''t know what to do and where to turn to, you can always pray to God my child. He listens to a sincere heart that''s desperately calling out to him."


    "I haven''t prayed in ages Martha and i don''t even know where to start from or the right words to say."


    "Open your heart Bryce and say the words." She encouraged him. "It doesn''t have to be perfect. There are no rules on how to pray perfectly. There are no right words. Just look into your heart and say the words you want him to hear. Trust me my child, everything will be fine."


    "Hera loves you Bryce." She told him


    and he swallowed. "She was well aware of your condition but she still loved you even when she knew that you might not love her back. Even when she knew that you didn''t want to be loved and she stayed there, waiting for you to see it and ept it."


    "That''s the same way God loves you too so believe me when i tell you that he had never left you. He has been waiting for you to take that step and believe that now is the time. Take care my dear." She added and the line went dead.


    Bryce handed the phone over to Mariam who took it without any hesitation. Right then and there, he decided to take Martha''s advice. He was going to pray. He didn''t care how stupid it sounded to him but he would do it. Hera''s life and that of his baby depended on it and he did.


    He said the words from his heart as


    they came, blocking off every other noise that surrounded him. He reminded him how he had forsaken him thest time when he took his mother and his little sibling even before they graced the earth and pleaded with him not to do the same with Hera. He asked that he spared her life at least.


    Mariam watched him closely with nothing but respect for her boss. Hera had really did a number on him. It was crazy how one woman could change such a man that the world couldn''t. She would have to admit that Heraing into his life was the best thing that had ever happened to them.


    Bryce felt lighter after pouring his heart to him up there. He didn''t know why and he couldn''t exin it but he did.


    The doctor chooses that exact moment to join them and Bryce braced himself, waiting for the worst.


    "How is she?" He asked even though for some reason, he dreaded that particr question.


    The doctor broke into a huge smile. "Hera is fine and out of danger right now."


    Bryce felt euphoric. He couldn''t exin the happiness that coursed through him at that moment. One minute he was pacing and the next minute, he was hugging the doctor as though his whole life depended on it. Hera is fine. His Hera is okay.


    A thought came to mind and he paused and faced the doctor. "And my baby? What about my baby?"


    "The wee little one is hanging on safely inside his mother." He broke down the news to him smilingly. "Both mother and child are fine and Her


    a. You can go inside to see her now. She''s asking for you."

 He Loves Her Too

    Bryce was led into Hera''s ward after informing Mariam to update the sisters at the convent about Hera''s progress. She''s asking for him and he didn''t know what to expect. Was she angry at him? Would she scold him? Would she tell him off? With every step he took, his fears only heightened. He stepped into her room to find her resting with her eyes closed but when he got closer to her bed, she slowly opened her eyes to find him in front of her. Her once cheerful and peaceful face had gone pale and he suddenly felt guilty.


    Hera on the other hand was ecstatic to see Bryce. She had thought that he had left when he found out that she was pregnant. It took a lot of convincing on the doctor''s part that he was still out there waiting for her and that''s why she asked that he was brought in toe and see her so that she''d know what to believe. If maybe they were lying to her or otherwise but here he was.


    It took everything she had to not jump out of bed and run into his arms but she opened up her arms instead and he walked into them, the tears that stung her eyes, falling freely. Bryce felt relieved that she wasn''t angry at him. His whole world was right here in his arms. "Bryce I''m s-so sorry." She apologized in between sobs and hups. "I lost the baby and i tried to run away from you after hiding it because i was too scared to face you and-"


    He pulled away from her. "You lost what?" He asked suddenly. Didn''t she know? Didn''t the doctor tell her?


    "The baby." She sniveled, her eyes turning red from crying too much. Bryce knew then that she wasn''t aware that she was still pregnant. The doctor had told him and not her. "I know that you hate me now and that you probably wouldn''t want to be with me anymore because i lied to you but i didn''t mean to Bryce. It was never my intention. I was scared that you would hate me and you''re right to hate me "


    "Hera, sweetheart." He drawled soothingly, kissing her cheeks that had gone salty from crying too hard but still, he didn''t mind. "You didn''t loose our baby Hera. Our baby is safe and you''re still pregnant with our baby." He ced his hands gently on her stomach to assure her that he was speaking the truth so that she believes him.


    "I''m still pregnant?" She asked, dumbfounded. "I was bleeding and i thought that i¡ª"


    "Our baby is fine." It took a whole lot for Bryce not to break down in front of her. "You''re still pregnant Cara. You''re carrying my child."


    "So you don''t hate me?" She sniffed but he only smiles.


    "Now why would i hate the mother of my child?" He kissed her knuckles.


    "Because you told me that you didn''t want kids. I asked you that night and you said you weren''t ready to have them." She went on. "And i don''t me you for it. You''ve suffered a lot growing up so ipletely understand why you didn''t want them or a family." "I only said what i said that night because of you." He told her. "I didn''t want them because i wasn''t sure that you wanted them and I didn''t want to pressure you into thinking about it. I know the lengths that you are always willing to go for me and i didn''t want to put this on you when you weren''t ready for it."


    Hera remained silent, watching him with nothing but tears trailing down her cheeks.


    "I''ve never wanted kids Cara but i never said that I didn''t want to have them with you." He confessed affectionately. "If there''s any woman in the world whom i would want to have children with, it''ll definitely be you Hera and that''s because I love you very much."


    She shuddered slightly at his words. "You love me?"


    "Of course i love you silly." He said in betweenughs. "I''ve always loved you. What made you think that i didn''t love you?"


    "You never told me that you did." She countered innocently. "You always told me that i was more than a friend to you but you never said those words to me Bryce. I waited to hear them but you never did."


    "I gave myself to you Hera. I prayed,


    God i even stepped foot into a church for the first time in years because of you. I went on a trip to a convent and even asked you to


    move in with me." He listed them meticulously. "Why would i go through all of that if I didn''t love you?" He asked but she didn''t respond.


    "I love you Hera." He confessed. "I have loved you even when i didn''t know what that word meant and what it entailed. I have always loved you and i will always love you."


    He hugged her again, breathing her in to calm his nerves. He had just confessed to a woman that he loved her. For the first time in his life, he had let go of his past life for this woman.


    "I love you too Bryce." He conceded. "I''ve always loved you too."


    "I can''t wait to take you home. I''m sick of seeing you stuck here in this ridiculous hospital attire." He teased, kissing her lips full and sheughed in his mouth.


    "We''re going to have a baby." He whispered excitedly. "I''m going to be a dad and you''re going to be a mom. I feel like making love to you all over again." He muttered between breaths and she pushed him away yfully. "Where''s Ne?" Hera asked and Bryce countenance fell. Why would she be asking for her? She was the reason why Hera was in this state in the beginning.


    "I sent her away after she hurt you Cara and don''t worry, as long as I''m alive, she won''t evere near us or bother you again."


    Hera was confused. "But she didn''t


    hurt me. I missed my footing and fell


    down the stairs. Ne had nothing to do with i was trying to leave the house as fast as i could that i


    el?


    slipped by ident. It was my fault


    nothers. Ne didn''t hurt me."


    Bryce struggled to believe it but he wouldn''t doubt Hera. If she said that''s what happened then she was saying the truth. She would never to him intentionally.


    "I don''t care about that Cara. I''m just d that you and our baby are okay and that''s all that matters right now." He said to her, happy that she was finally awake and right there with him. Nothing else matters at this point, not even Ne.

 Saying Goodbyes

    Bryce was seated at the restaurant with a coffee in one hand as he stared outside the window. He had just finished a meeting with his staff and decided to sip on his coffee as he waited out here for someone. Part of the reason why he hasn''t returned back home was


    because he wanted Hera to enjoy her little freedom before he arrives.


    With a deep contented sigh, his mind rolled out the events that had happened the past week. So far, Hera has been discharged from the hospital and was given intensive care at home. Most of the time, they had ended up arguing over a couple of things like her personal space which was no longer hers anymore.


    He had been watching her like a hawk watching over its hatchling. He had been overly protective of her but with good intentions too. Hera on the other hand believes that he was doting on her too much and wanted to do some things on her own but he wouldn''t allow it. God forbids he does. There''s absolutely no way in hell that he''d do that. He never lets her out of his sight even for a split second. Not after what had happened thest time.


    He was everywhere around her. In the bedroom, the kitchen...it took a whole lot of convincing on her part before he was able to rule out the bathroom otherwise, he''d definitely be there too. He was certain that she was sick of him at this point but he could also tell that she loved it just as much.


    The sisters at the convent as well as Christina had visited them in the hospital days before she was discharged and they had been very supportive about the pregnancy and his feelings for her. Max had even dropped by to check on them. He had been busy with opening up a new hotel but still managed toe through whenever they needed him.


    For the first time in ages, Max had told him how proud he was of him foring this far and sticking to it. Hera had even promised to make him the baby''s godfather when it''s been born. They haven''t checked the gender of the baby because they wanted to keep it as a surprise for both of them although Bryce was hoping that it''d be a girl. It''d be nice to have someone that reminds him of Hera and his mother.


    The good days were as equal as the worse days but they always managed to pull through. He had never known that pregnancy was so difficult. It wasn''t all rainbows and sunshine. Some days she''d be happy and minutes after, she''d be going through tons of emotions at once but he neverins.


    He loves her and he loves experiencing all of these things with her. God! He was helplessly in love with this woman. A smile crossed his features and soaked it in before taking another sip. Everything was finally perfect and he couldn''t be more happier whenever the thought of him being a dad crossed his mind.


    "Bryce?" Someone called out to him and he whipped his head towards the direction of the voice. It was Ne. He stood up from his seat and ushered her to take a seat next to him which she did.


    "I didn''t think that you''d ever call me again but i was happy that you did." She started with watery eyes and a blissful smile. "How have you been? And Hera? How is she?"


    He nodded his head once. "I''ve been okay and Hera is doing okay too as well as our baby. We''re all doing quite okay."


    "I''m d." She whispered with teary eyes. "I never got to tell you how sorry i am. I wanted to call and apologize after that day at the hospital but i didn''t want you to get upset with me so i stayed away. Thank you for asking me to see you."


    "No, thank you Ne." He said instead. "Thank you for not going through with whatever you wanted to do that day and i believe that i um...i owe you an apology for using you of pushing Hera down the stairs. That was wrong on my part."


    "You don''t have to apologize Bryce." She countered. "I may be a lot of things but I''d never intentionally hurt you. Believe it or not, i still love you and I''d be lying if i said that I didn''t anymore and one thing i would never be able to bear is seeing you get hurt so I''m truly sorry." "It''s okay Ne. I''m not upset anymore."


    "But you didn''t believe me before so what changed?"


    "Hera." Bryce answered. "She asked for you when she woke up that day at the hospital and told me everything that happened. I didn''t want to listen at first but she insisted on it. She told me that it was an ident on her part and that you had nothing to do with it so i knew i had to say something to clear the air especially after what i said to you that day at the hospital."


    "She''s a good person." Ne mused. "I''m happy for you Bryce. I''m happy that you found someone with a good heart like her and i can''t believe that you''re going to be a dad. It''s all happening so fast." She chuckled. "This really suits you a lot. You''re glowing. I guess finding the right person was all it took."


    "Thank you Ne. Hearing you say this warms my heart." Hemented.


    "Any marriage ns in ce? When are you nning on making it official?"


    He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "As soon as possible. I''m working towards it. Now, enough about me. How are you Ne? What are you up to these days Ne?"


    "I''m leaving the country for good." She blurted out, followed by a deep breath. "I got an offer to take over another position outside the country and i took it. I leave in three days time and I''m really d we got to talk onest time before i go."


    Bryce nodded his head firmly. "Will you be visiting or is this goodbye forever?"


    "I think I''ll be gone for as long as possible." She answered with a shortugh. "I need to start afresh and find myself again. To be honest, i can''t move on if I''m here. As bad as it is, i only got back because of you and everything here reminds me of you. I need time to heal and sort myself out so the offer came in handy."


    "Who knows? I could get lucky and meet someone as good as Hera and maybe fall in love and start a family over there right?" Sheughed but it didn''t reach her eyes. She was just messing around. She had no intention of falling in love with anyone. She has had her own fair


    share of the experience and even though it didn''t end well, she wouldn''t trade these memories for anything.


    Bryce would always be her first and she intends to keep it that way for as long as she could.


    "What do you think about that?" She asked. Bryce didn''t respond. He knew that she was hurting and indulging her would only make it worse. Although, he''d be very happy if she eventually learns to move on and find love like he did. Ne is a good person and she also deserves to be loved.


    She wiped a stray tear that rolled down her cheeks. "I''m sorry. I don''t know why I''m so emotional today."


    "I''ll miss you a lot Ne." Bryce said to her. "I never got to thank you enough for what you''ve always done for me. Thank you for always being there. Besides Max, you were another constant in my life and I''ll forever be grateful for that."


    "You did the same for me too so I''ll miss you a lot too Bryce."


    "You know that you can always call whenever you need my help right? I''ll always lend a hand if and however i can?"


    "Yeah i know." She stood up and he did too. "Can i get a hug at least?"


    "Of course." He opened his arms and she walked into them, biting hard on her lips to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall. She can''t break down in front of him. It hurts but she just can''t.


    She pulled away afterwards. "So I''ll see you in the future? Any promises?"


    He shrugged. "I''ll take my chances."


    "Goodbye Bryce and i wish for you to


    be always happy. You deserve to be." She smiled at him and after


    waving, she turned her back and walked out of the restaurant. Bryce watched her leave. No, he didn''t feel anything for her anymore. If anything, he was d that they were able to have this talk and that whatever she chooses to do will make her happy as well.


    He had chosen his path and somehow, she had


    to find hers too but one thing is certain, he''d never forget her. Ever!

 Taking The Next Step

    "What do you think of this?" Bryce asked Max who was busily flipping through the papers on his desk as if his life depended on it. He had noticed that his best friend has been incredibly busy these past few weeks with work and business travels that he couldn''t help but


    pity him. Regardless of his whore side, Max had always been a hard worker and takes his job seriously. "Do you think that Hera will like it?"


    Max looked at him wearily but his face is quickly reced with shock, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets when he saw what Bryce was trying to show him. It was a goddamn engagement ring in a beautiful jewelry box. Max couldn''t believe it. "Y-You want to propose to Hera? You want to get married?"


    Bryce smiled cheerfully when he noticed that he had gotten Max''s full attention. "Yeah. I''ve spoken to the sisters at the convent and I''ve made my intentions known to them. They gave me their blessings too."


    "This is a huge step Bryce, even for you." Max reminded him, standing up from his chair. "I know how unsettling this topic of marriage andmitment has always been for you so are you really sure that you want to do this?"


    "Yes." He answered proudly. His features glowing positively. "Hera makes me a better person and i want to spend the rest of my life with her. It''s crazy, i know but i don''t see myself existing without her anymore."


    "The whole incident that happened recently opened my eyes to see the bigger picture. I was so scared to loose her Max and I decided then and there that I''ll do anything to keep this woman by my side for as long as i can. Forever if possible."


    "She makes me happy Max and now that we''re having a baby together, i want to take this step forward with her." He added with a huge smile on his face. "I want to experience all the joy and happiness thates with being a husband and a father and i really hope that you''ll support me in this."


    "Of course!" Max mused in pride. "I''ll support you for as long as i live. You''re my best man and I''m happy that you''ve found a woman like Hera. She suits you."


    "So when do you n on proposing?"


    "I spoke to the sisters at the convent and Hera''s birthday ising up soon in a couple of weeks so I''ll do it then." He announced. "What''s better than a double surprise right?"


    "If you put it that way." Max mused. "But for what is worth, i know that Hera will like it regardless of what you do. That woman is as much as in love with you as you are with her."


    "I hope so." Bryce lets out a deep breath. "She has been feeling down a lottely and i know that it''s not just because of the pregnancy or the hormones flying around." He started. "She feels guilty for not defining our rtionship before all of this happened and i want to reassure her that everything will be okay. I know that she loves me and our baby very much but i also know that she doesn''t want to stray far away from her roots."


    "She believes in marriage before starting a family as a couple and i want her to have all of that. She deserves to have everything that she has ever wished for and I''d do anything to make it happen." He deadpanned.


    Max shook his head admiringly. "Who would''ve thought that my friend would be so matured one day. Just look at you. You''vee so far. You sound like a dad."


    Bryce put back the little box into his pockets carefully. "Thank you. I can''t wait for you to experience all of this too. You''re one person that I''m rooting for."


    "Pffft!" Max scoffed and resumed his original position on his chair. "I''ve told you already that I''m not interested in finding a woman or settling down. I''m happy that you''ve found your happily ever after Bryce but that doesn''t mean i want the same thing."


    "We''re different people with different


    lifestyles. Besides, Life is too short


    tomit to one woman." He picked up a bottle of water from his table and opened it. "Why have one when you can have them all? That was our motto and since you''ve be doing


    decided to settle down, I''ve


    us both a favor by keeping the candle burning brightly." He smirked


    with a raised brow.


    Bryce rolled his eyes tiredly at Max. He was pretty much aware of the reason why Max would never be interested in settling down but he hopes that one day, he would also see the light just like he has.


    Max was a very private person and if


    he wasn''t his close friend, he


    wouldn''t even know about the things that goes on in his life and in as much as he understood, he


    ???¡¯


    sometimes wishes that Max would talk to him like he mostly does but that was impossible and he wouldn''t force him to. Although they both knew that they would always be


    there for each other in their own


    way.


    "I spoke to Ne." He said changing the subject and Max gave him a look, urging him to go on. "She''s leaving the country for good."


    "And you''re worried?"


    "No. She needs this and I''m very happy that she decided to take this step for her happiness." He went on. "After everything that has happened, i just want to rx and enjoy the rest of my life with Hera. I don''t want any moreplications." "Good for her." He answered uninterested.


    "I still don''t know why you both refused to get along. We were friends at some point, all three of us."


    Max indulged him. "No we weren''t.


    She wanted to be your friend so


    badly and i wasn''t cut out for all the the negative energy flying around. I can''t believe you didn''t lock her up. I won''t be surprised of she actually pushed Hera. She''s more than capable of doing that."


    "Hera denied her doing that so i can''t do anything but sumb to her wishes. Besides, she''s gone for good and i don''t want to escte things. The only thing i care about right now is my soon to be wife and unborn child." "Lucky you."


    Yeah, he was lucky and he couldn''t wait to propose to Hera as


    soon as he could. Hopefully, she agrees to marry him.

 The Plan

    "Yes please make sure that everything goes ording to n and smoothly tomorrow night. Don''t forget to keep me updated on everything. Okay bye." Bryce disconnected the call as soon as he came out of Hera''s ward. He had apanied her and Mariam to the hospital for her checkup and while they were at it, he had excused himself to take a call in regards to Hera''s birthday surprise. So far, he was utterly and totally stressed but it was worth it.


    With a smile on his face, he dipped his hands into his pockets to reveal the small box. For some reason, he has been carrying it everywhere not wanting to put it down even for a second. He opened the box and stared at the beautiful engagement ring resting there. He carressed the ring with his finger as he imagined how beautiful it would look on Hera''s hands before putting it back into his pocket.


    He was trying his very possible best to have everything under control before tomorrow evening so that he would be fully prepared to celebrate Hera''s birthday. She''s in for a ton of surprise and she doesn''t even know it yet.


    "Someone looks happy." Mariam teased Bryce and he turned around to see her standing next to him. It felt like she was reading his mind and could always tell what he was thinking. She''s like a second skin but onepany that he always enjoys. These weeks, aside from him, she had been in charge of Hera and was always there at her beck and call. She was like the mother he never had.


    Her presence was one that he couldn''t do without. She always makes him imagine what it would feel like to have a mother. Right from day one, she had always been there. Mariam was one of the few people on earth that he could trust and she has proven that to him already.


    "I''m always happy Mariam." He answered happily.


    "Not as much as you''ve been these past few weeks. You look and feel like a new man. It''s surreal seeing you like this."


    "Well ever since Ne has been out of my picture and i cleared my rtionship with Hera, I feel more alive. It''s almost like I can do anything now."


    "You''re lucky Sir. Anyways, I''m happy that you''re happy. It warms my heart."


    He sighed deeply. "Where is Hera?"


    "The doctors are checking up on her so i decided to give her a little space. Poor woman, i feel like these past few weeks, we''ve been doting on her too much." Sheined wearily. "It''s only a matter of time before she scolds us to leave her alone."


    He chuckled. He understood her predicament. He was also in the same shoes. "Let''s skip to the part where I ask why you keep on following me Mariam? It''s like i can never hide anything from you these days."


    She looked sideways before whispering to him. "Tomorrow is Hera''s birthday and I know that you''re nning a surprise so I want to be included."


    Bryce was shocked at thedy''s intuition. "What gives you the idea that I''m nning a surprise?"


    "The Ring." She answered almost immediately. "I saw it before you put it back into your pocket. It''s indeed very beautiful Sir and I''m sure that Hera will think the same too." Bryce smiled at her words. "Thank you. I just hope that she loves it." He brought it out again for the second time to show it to her. He was excited and could barely contain his excitement. He felt like he would burst with happiness any minute. "Who wouldn''t love it. You put in a lot of efforts and knowing Hera, she''ll be extremely happy that you went all out to do this for her. She''s always appreciative of your efforts, whether small or big." "Thank you Mariam. Hearing you say that just lifted my spirits. I feel less tensed and nervous about it now." He put the box back into it''s confinement before facing her again. Everything was finally set now. This is part of what he had signed up for the rest of his life. It was thrilling and exhrating at the same time. Just the thought of it warmed up his insides. His face lights up like a Christmas tree at the thought of it. "It''s very obvious. I''ve been watching and observing you all week so I know. You''re not exactly a difficult book to read sir. You have a ring and tomorrow is Hera''s birthday."


    He chuckled. "And who said that you weren''t Mariam?" He asked shocking her.


    "Well, tomorrow is a special day so you''reing, Everyone is. You''re like a mother to the both of us and if there''s anyone in the world that i would want to be by my side tomorrow Mariam, it''s definitely you. He told her, lips stretched out into a contented smile as he reached out for her hands to hold


    them.


    "Thank you for not giving up on me Mariam." He started. "Thank you for always being there and seeing the good in me even when nobody did."


    "Only you might''ve had a clue of how


    i struggled and how it messed me


    up. Only you understood and despite all my shorings, you still didn''t leave. You never judged me and stood by my side." He went on. His little confession got to the older woman and she began to tear up.


    "Somehow, if it weren''t for you, i would never have had a chance with Hera. You were the foundation of our rtionship and i always want you to be by my side. I know I''m selfish but, i can''t imagine life without you. You''re like my mother." "Oh Bryce." She squeezed his hands lovingly. "Thabk you for giving me this opportunity as well. You are like my son too and I''m d to be a part of your story."


    "I knew that you have always been


    good but you just didn''t realize it yet.


    I''m d that you have. I''m d that you have finally let go of the past and given yourself a chance at happiness and I''m d that you'' and Hera will start a new journey together. I''ll go and check-up on her now." She said before walking away. Tomorrow night is


    going to be amazingly perfect and he just knows it!

 The Proposal

    "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" Hera snapped her eyes open the next morning to see Mariam standing there by the side of the bed as she stared at her with a face full of smiles. She forced herself up with a smile to hug her. Feeling like she was forgetting something, she turned to


    look at bed in hopes of finding him asleep but he wasn''t there.


    There wasn''t a sign of him. Mariam wouldn''t have walked into the room if he was there so where could he have gone without telling her? He always informed her before going anywhere so she was a little surprised that he wasn''t here to wish her a happy birthday. He had promised that he would spend the day with her. Did he lie to her?


    "Ma''am, did Bryce leave for work already?" She asked innocently. "He promised that he''d be at home today."


    "I''m so sorry Hera but Bryce got an urgent call from work so he had to leave quickly." Mariam informed her. "He wanted to tell you but you were sound asleep and he didn''t want to wake you up. He felt really bad and that''s why he asked me to wish you on his behalf instead."


    "Oh." She cooed. She felt a little disappointed but she knew that it must''ve been important for him to leave early. She couldn''t fault him for that.


    Just then, her phone rang and she picked it up and ced it to her ears when she saw the Caller ID. It was sister Martha probably calling to wish her a happy birthday like she always does every year.


    "Hera my child. A very happy birthday to you." Martha wished her happily. "How are you holding up my dear? And how is the pregnancying along?"


    She instinctively ced her hands on her already protruding stomach. A smile flickering o her lips. "I''m fine sister Martha and so is the baby. We''re both doing okay."


    "Christina asked me to wish you a happy birthday today. She could''ve called herself but she left for her exams early this morning. I take it that y''all must have spoken prior to that engagement."


    "Yes we have." She answered. "I miss you all so much."


    "We do too. Don''t think about us too much and enjoy your day. I love you so much my child, don''t ever forget that." Martha told her and a stray tear slid down her cheeks. Lately she had been feeling down because she thought that Martha was upset with her so it felt nice to hear her say those words to her.


    "I love you too." She answered. They spoke at length before deciding to end the phone call. All through the day, Hera felt down. Bryce hasn''t called her and he wasn''t returning any of her calls either. She just wanted to hear from him but couldn''t get through to him. It felt like he was ignoring her on purpose.


    Mariam had consoled her that he might be busy with work but she doubted it. He always made time for her even when he was swarmed with work. Always. As the day progressed to the evenings, she became more worried and rmed. Max dropped byter in the evening all dressed up.


    "If it isn''t the birthday girl." Max greeted enthusiastically and hugged her affectionately.


    "Good evening Max." She answered before pulling away. "I''m trying to reach Bryce but i can''t seem to get a hold of him. He''s not taking my calls and i don''t know what to do. He''s not the type to ignore my messages or calls." Sheined bitterly.


    "As a matter of fact, I''m here to take you to him. Bryce sent me to give this to you on his behalf." He ushered in two women who came in with different boxes that she couldn''tprehend. "They''re here to get you ready for tonight."


    She eyed him skeptically. When the both of them teams up to do something, it usually doesn''t end well. It''s always chaotic. "What''s happening tonight? Bryce never mentioned anything of this sort to me."


    "It''s a surprise so why don''t you get ready so that we can go meet him? I''ll be waiting out here for you as your escort ma''am." He smiled at her and gestured to the women that he hade with. "Take care of her or he''ll have my head." Mariam led them all to her side of the bedroom and the women set out to work almost immediately. Hera was clueless yet curious as to why Bryce decided to do this? He had time to do this but couldn''t wish her a happy birthday? Suspicious. When she was done getting ready, she made her way downstairs to see Max and Mariam waiting for her.


    "You look stunning child." Mariamplimented her outfit. It was a Bouffant Pouf ankle length dress andfortable tform heels. Her hair was styled up into a wavy messy updo with tendrils framing her fame.


    She was putting on a light makeup with simple jewelry. Nothing too extravagant but still, she looked dropped dead gorgeous in her outfit for the night. Her dressplimenting her wless look.


    "Bryce would definitely be needing another baby after he sees you in this." Max teased causing Hera to blush heatedly. She was still upset with him but Max''s statement was very funny.


    "Thank you." She whispered gratefully.


    "Shall we go?" Max offered her his arms and she took it. A limo was already outside waiting to pick them up. When they arrived at the destination, Hera was told to put on a blindfold for the said surprise and after minutes of arguing, she finally did. She was led by Max and Mariam. Even though she couldn''t tell exactly where they were, she trusted them to lead her in.


    "Wait here Miss, Bryce ising to get you." Max whispered to her hearing and lets go of her hands. She stood still and they all left her.


    "Guys. This isn''t funny. What''s going on?" She called out to them but they didn''t respond.


    A while after, a slow music came on, almost startling her. She tried to make out what''s happening but she couldn''t. In that exact moment, Someone touched her hands and after holding on to it for a while, she recognized who it was. It was Bryce. Her nervousness slowly turns into anger. "Bryce, I''ve been trying to reach out to you all day but you''ve been ignoring me. You promised to stay at home with me but when i woke up, you were gone and to top it off, you forgot my birthday."


    "Did you think that I would ever forget?" He countered. "You have no idea how much I''ve been anticipating today. By the way, you look absolutely stunning tonight sweetheart." He whispered thest part in her ears and she felt the blush slowly creeping in. "Thank you."


    Slowly but carefully, He pulled off


    the blindfold from her eyes and she is surprised to see trails of rose petals scattered across the ground where she stood. The part of the hall that she could see was beautifully decorated with flowers, ribbons and balloons. She felt like she was standing in the center of a huge fairytale event. Was this all for her?


    This he n all this?


    "What''s going on. Bryce what''s all this?" Her eyes took in every inch and corner of the grand hall. She could see the shadowy figure of someone ying on the piano but she couldn''t exactly tell who it was. Apart from the bright light shining on the center of the hall where she stood, the rest of the room was dimly lit. "First of all," He started, grabbing her attention. "Happy birthday Hera. Wee to your best year yet." He wished her and her lips split up into a wholesome smile.


    "How did you n all this? Was this the reason why you couldn''t take my calls today? Now i feel bad. I thought that you were ignoring me on purpose."


    "I would never ignore you and honesy, ignoring your calls was the most painful part of my day but i wanted you to have the best birthday that you have always wanted and that''s why i did it. Will you forgive me?" He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "Of course i forgive you. And thank you Bryce. This is the best surprise birthday ever!" She whispered and gave him a peck on the cheeks, followed by a big hug.


    "Well, i have one more surprise." He


    announced and she pulled away. What other surprise could be bigger than this one? Before she even got the chance to ask that question, Bryce went down on one knee and reached into his pocket. Hera felt her heart beating ten times the normal rate. She suddenly felt the tears building up. He most definitely wasn''t about to do what she thought


    that he would do, was he?


    All her questions flew out the window when he pulled out a little box from his pockets and opened it to reveal a ring. Her eyes watered as she found it hard to take everything in. "Bryce." She whispered, her words stuck up in her throat.


    "Hera Whitson." He started, reaching


    out to hold her hands. "Our love story might not be the best in the world but it''s my absolute favorite, You''re not only my best friend but the perfect woman for me. Life with you makes perfect sense and i want it to continue forever." The more he spoke, the more she couldn''t help the tears that fell freely from her eyes but he didn''t stop there.


    "From the moment i met you, i knew that my adventure had just begun. In your eyes, i have found my home. In your heart, i have found love and in your arms, I have found peace and my family. I am not perfect but you make me better. Everyday, i fall in love with you for a million tiny reasons and i want to spend a lifetime discovering more. Will you marry me."


    She shook her head vehemently. Words failed her at this very moment. "Yes Bryce. I will marry you." She said atst.


    He slid the ring on her finger and rises up to full height to kiss her full on the lips. She melted into the kiss, letting him take charge and control as she willingly gave herself to him. He held her by the waist to keep her close to him. The hall is suddenly lit up follwed by hand ps and the voices of people cheering them on.


    Hera spotted Sister Martha in the crowd as well as Max and Mariam. She had no idea that Bryce had invited her. Now, she felt emotional by his kind gesture. She didn''t know the faces of the other people present but she was guessing that they close friends of Bryce as well.


    He kissed her again. "Thank you Hera. Thank you. I love you so much Cara." He confessed happily, feeling ecstatic.


    Hearing him say those words openly to her filled her up with so much warmth. For the first time in a long time, she felt very happy and fulfilled and it''s all thanks to this man in front of her. This man that is hers to keep, forever. "Thank you so much Bryce


    and I love you so much too, Bryce." She whispered back as the music faded into the background.

 A Baby And A Family

    NINE MONTHS LATER...


    Hera sat up on the bed after her long rest. She and Bryce had both decided to officially tie the knot after her delivery which was due anytime soon. She stared at the ring on her finger and the images from that night flooded her memories. She could clearly remember that day as though it were yesterday. Bryce had gotten down on one knee and promised to marry and love her forever.


    She guessed that''s all there was on marriage and soon after the baby is delivered, they will be joined together as man and wife. She had been feeling down that she would bring a baby into this world without going about it the right way but he had assured her that her fears were valid and had decided to do it right way. The godly way. The thought of that day approaching had her grinning from ear to ear.


    Christina and the sisters had paid her a visit as well during thetter stages of her pregnancy. Christina was very ecstatic about being an aunt. She couldn''t wait for the day she gave birth. Although busy with exams and juggling through school work, she had made it a duty tomunicate with her when she had the time.


    Hera was equally excited about the whole thing although sometimes, the contractions made her change her mind. But it all, it was a blissful experience.


    Mariam went all out to spoil and take care of her. She made sure to spend a lot of time with her so that she doesn''t get bored out of her mind. It was almost like we were close friends now. Everyone was putting in a lot of work for her and she couldn''t be more grateful. Everyone kept their fingers crossed cause she''ll be due anytime soon. They all made absolutely sure that she never did anything, Bryce inclusive.


    "You just need to rest Hera. You''ll be due soon and we don''t want anything to go wrong."


    "Don''t touch anything."


    "Read a book instead if you''re bored." They kept on saying. It was a usual slogan to listen to all the time with Bryce as the orchestrator of the theme slogan. Ben had kept in touch from time to time. He was busy these days with work and travels but he always sent her postcards from every country he visited. It was like a ritual, their own way ofmunicating even though things hadn''t gone as expected between them.


    Bryce still doesn''t like him and neither does Ben for some reason but they had both found amon ground to walk on. So far the pregnancy had gone well, and she was expecting a baby very soon. life was good.


    Hera closed her eyes briefly to relish her thoughts and take them all in then stood up and slowly walked to the balcony of their bedroom. Bryce was in the bathroom and she wasn''t sure if he noticed that she was up and walking or he would''ve scolded her.


    Her figure resembled arge pumpkin at the market. She had been eating for two for many months. Two choctes for her and two for the baby. Like an expectant mother, she had been reading many books to keep herself ready.


    As she made her way outside the bedroom and down the stairs to the kitchen, she felt a terrible pain shoot through her belly, hurting her insides. She practiced the breathing technique she had learned from her ante-natal ssses at the hospital and after a few minutes the contraction was gone.


    "Hmmm. Must''ve been the chocte I ate earlier." She thought to herself.


    Few minutester, she had another small contraction but she wasn''t too concerned as she hoped that it would disappear as quickly as it came until it became a lot intense.


    "Bryce?" She groaned in pain as another contraction started. "Bryce...." She yelled this time a lot louder than the first. "I''m really going to die if someone doesn''te here right now."


    Just like that, He rushed out of his bedroom to where she stood. He almost fell on his face which would''ve been a lot funnier if she wasn''t dealing with this pain right now. He held her waist with one hand while she squeezed on his other free hand tightly.


    "Are you okay?" He asked worriedly and she shot him a dagger stare. Was he seriously asking that right now?


    "You think?" She muttered through gritted teeth.


    "You had another chocte didn''t you?" He asked as he led her outside the house.


    "It''s not the chocte Bryce. It''s the baby." She was this close to cursing at him but she refrained from doing so.


    "But it''s too early."


    "I don''t think it knows that." She urged. Mariam chose that exact moment to join them.


    "Call the doctor Mariam and tell them that we''re on our way to the hospital." Bryce told Mariam who rushed to make the phone call almost immediately.


    Hera was really scared now. She honestly doesn''t know how to calm her nerves that were all over the ce. Bryce helped her into the car and in seconds, they were driving straight to the hospital.


    They arrived and before she knew it,


    she was in a hospital gown and was wheeled into the emergency ward, her feet propped up in stirrups. Hera knew that Bryce was pretty much feeling nervous out there as much as she was inside. The image of her at the hospital in an almost fatal condition came to mind but she brushed it off. She had to think


    positive and happy thoughts now.


    "I''ll will have to buy some preemie cute outfits. I can''t wait to hold my baby, I can''t wait to..."


    "Argh!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.


    "Hera." The doctor called out to her, interrupting her thoughts.


    "Ouch!" She screamed again as it dawned on her that she was about to give birth. The pain was unbearable. No one told her it was going to be this worse. God! Bryce was so not going to touch her ever again! She would never let him. She thought to herself. "You need to push Hera. Your baby''sing like a freight train." The doctor said in a serious tone.


    "Omg it feels like one too." She yelled a lot harder. Her face going red from the result. She was certain that her voice could be heard round the entire hospital building. She closed my eyes screaming Bryce''s name, her sister''s name all through the ordeal. After many hours of pushing, screaming, crying and yelling, she was delivered of her baby girl. She turned to look at her as the nurse cleaned her up. Her strength leaving her slowly.


    "It''s a baby girl." She heard the doctor say. She didn''t know what happened next but all she knew was that she fell unconscious. She woke upter to see Bryce in her room as well as Mariam and Max. They were all here.


    "Hera you''re awake and you did it." Mariam said and kissed her hands as she rocked her baby in her arms. "I''m so proud of you dear."


    "Now you look less fat Mrs Donovan." Max teased yfully and she gave a wry smile, happy that he could make it down here.


    "Oh Mariam. You never told me it was this painful." She primped causing everyone else tough. Bryce looked at her, his features a lot softer than before. She couldn''t decipher what he was thinking until he stood beside her and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I''m so proud of you sweetheart." He whispered. His lips stretching into a smile. He sniveled and that''s when she understood why he looked at her that way. He was happy and relieved that she was okay.


    "Thank you for not leaving me." He added joining their foreheads together before pulling away m


    "I want to hold my baby." She said disrupting the moment withughter echoing around the room.


    "Here you go." Mariam said handing her over to Hera who took her with great care.


    "Hello little one." Arge grin crossed her face as she stroked her chin. She looked perfect in every way she could imagine. Her eyes watered at the sight.


    "So what''re you going to call her?" Mariam asked and she turned to look at Bryce.


    "We haven''t settled on a name "


    "I have." She interrupted still looking


    at him. "We''ll call her Lia which is short for Amelia." She said and saw the look of surprise that shone through his eyes. She had named their daughter after his mother. She knew how much he loved his mother and she had always wanted her daughter to bear her should in case she gave birth to one.


    His eyes watered and he leaned in to kiss her full on the lips before nodding in agreement. "Amelia. I love it. Thank you Hera."


    "She looks like her dad." She said finally.


    "And beautiful like her mom." He


    said giving her another kiss as his hands went on to hold hers which she gripped on tightly. He bursted a chuckle while Hera looked on, believing that everything was to be perfect from now on. She has everything that she had always wanted. What more could she ask for? She felt contented and blessed!

 Meeting Him Again!

    Christina''s ne touched down at the airport hourster. After clearance and getting her luggage, she made her way past security towards the arrival section. The sisters at the convent had told her that she''d be picked up at the airport upon arrival.


    She looked around the airport, waiting and hoping patiently that she doesn''t run into that man and that she leaves before they both spot ore in contact with each other again. She had caught him having sex against her will. Who knows what he might do to her if he finds out that she was still here. She had already rejected his advances once and he might think that she was onto him.


    God! She just wanted to get out of here fast and call it a day.


    "Hey kiddo!" Someone called out to her and she darted her eyes towards the direction of the voice that waved at her. A wide grin broke out on her face as she rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly. It was Bryce.


    "Big brother!" She squealed in delight. She wasn''t expecting him to pick her up at the airport all because she had thought the he would be busy at work but she was d that he did. Seeing a familiar face was so much better.


    "Good lord, what have you been eating? What have the sisters been feeding you back there?" He asked amidstughs as he picked her up and dropped her carefully on her feet almost immediately. "You look good Christina. How was your journey? Hope that it wasn''t any trouble?"


    He picked up her luggage and stuffed it into the boot of his car before proceeding to open up the front seat for her. She thanked him and got in. He carefully shut the door before joining her in front to take the wheels.


    "Trouble? I''ll hardly call it that. My journey was smooth and seamless, thanks to you and Hera." She answered, purposely leaving out the part where she saw a man who called her a cheap whore, asked for her number and whom she caught in the bathroom having sex but other than that, it was good.


    "I''m ttered." Bryce started the engines and pulled out of the airport as they both made their way home. He felt ted that he has someone like a sister to take care of and look after. Something that he never had the chance to do due to his father''s mistake. "Hera has been so excited to have you at home with us all week. Don''t say i told you but she''s preparing a big feast to wee you home." He told her but she only chuckled.


    "I''m the most excited because I''ve got to eat a lot of variety of my wife''s meal. Your sister makes the best meals." He added with a smile.


    The way he speaks about her sister. Christina can only imagine how much he loves her. This is a husband material right here.


    "I can''t wait to meet Hera and Amelia. It''s been ages since ist saw them both. Over a year i suppose." She sighed in regret. "Thankfully, the cellphone at the convent came a lot in handy otherwise, i would''ve missed out on a lot of things."


    "It''s never toote to build more memories. I''m sure that your niece is equally excited to meet you." He answered and took a U-turn. "By the way, we got you something. Check the glovepartment down there." He pointed at it and Christina reached out to open it. "Hera insisted that we waited till you got home but what''s the difference. I hope you''ll like it." He added with a smile when she brought out a sealed package and tore it open to reveal a brand new cellphone.


    "You got me my very own cellphone?" Her jaw dropped to the ground in awe.


    "Well, you''ll be starting college soon and we want you to be able to reach out andmunicate with us whenever you like without anyplications." He answered, eyes still focused on the road as he took short nces at her as he spoke. "Thank you so much big brother." She squealed in the delight. "You''re the very best."


    Bryce smiled at her and just then, his cellphone rang. He nced at the screen to see the name of the caller disyed there then, he excused himself and went on to pick it up as he ced it to his ear with one hand while the other one controlled the wheels. "Hey Max." He called out and Christina''s head whipped towards his direction. She had heard that name before. That was the name of the guy from the airport hours ago. Was it him or someone else?


    "I''m so d you called. How was your trip?" Bryce asked and Christina rxed a bit. There are a million people with that name so the possibility of it being him was like a ratio of one to a million, literally. It''s definitely someone else so she doesn''t have to worry. "I just got back from the airport. I went to pick up my sister inw. The one i told you about that will be joining us." Bryce informed him and Christina heard him sigh in acknowledgement as she yed with the seal of her package.


    "How was work? And the new hotel? Any new progress?"


    "Yeah and I can''t wait to discuss it with you." He answered from the other end.


    "How about tonight? Are you free?" Bryce suggested. "Join us for dinner so that we can catch up. My wife will be cooking."


    There was a brief silence for a while and then. "Alright then. I''ll see you at dinner. I need to take care of something urgent. You know, with the women and all."


    Bryce nced at Christina, hoping that she didn''t hear that. "See you then." He answered to that statement before disconnecting the phone call. Bryce would have to talk some sense into that guy. How is it possible that he hasn''t changed at all after all these years? They arrived home minutes after and Hera rushed outside to meet them.


    "Christina!" She mused in delight and proceeded to hug her before pulling away. "I''m so happy that you made it home safely."


    "Me too. I missed you so much sister."


    "I took the liberty of organizing your new room. Please help my sister with her luggage." Hera signalled to the maid who did so almost immediately. She mouthed a thank you to her after she did.


    Bryce opened up his arms an Hera walked into them. He nted a kiss on her lips. "I missed you. Hope you didn''t have trouble with Amelia while I was away?"


    "Barely. She''s sleeping soundly." She said to him with a smile.


    "And i invited Max to dinner, hope that wouldn''t be a problem my love?"


    "Of course not. Max is family." She pped his arms yfully. "He''s wee to join us anytime. I honestly don''t mind." She answered and led Christina into the house after Bryce excused himself to attend to an important phone call.


    Christina stared at the huge building


    in front of her She still couldn''t


    believe that her sister lived here. She had been here once and that was during the wedding but It all felt so surreal. Hera led her to her bedroom and as soon as she got in, her face was beaming with smiles,


    "Do you like it?"


    "It''s lovely." She answered warmly. The room was designed richly to her liking. The warm pastel colors giving the room so much life. This was far more than she had anticipated.


    "I chose the design but Bryce did all the work." Hera informed her. "I''m making dinner so just settle in, freshen up and join us downstairs."


    "Do you need any help?"


    "No. I have all the help that i need. Just take your time to settle in first then you can join uster okay?" She said to her and Christina nodded her head in response. Hera left afterwards after shutting the door.


    Christina lets out a deep breath and


    copsed on the huge bed. She


    really has a lot to start to start getting used to. She remained in that position for a while in silence before deciding to get ready for dinner. She showered and changed into her clothes before heading down to join them.


    She arrived to see them both organizing the table. They stopped when they both felt her presence in the room.


    "Is there anything for me to do?" She asked even though she knew that there was nothing. They''ve pretty much handled everything themselves.


    "We''re almost done dear. Come and have a seat." Bryce ushered, pointing to an empty seat on the table.


    "But-" She was about to say but was silenced at the sound of a heavy knock on the front door.


    "He''s here." Bryce alerted Hera.


    "Please get the door for us Christina while we finish setting up." He requested and with a nod, she did she was told. She walked towards the door and pulled it open only toe face to face with that same man from the airport earlier today. The same man that had hit on her. The one whom she had caught at the bathroom. She stared at him wide-eyed and so did he.


    "You?" She asked with furrowed brows, noting the shocked expression on his face as well. "You''re Bryce''s friend?" She asked. The wordsing out of her mouth


    before she could even stop them. How on earth is this even possible? Why him of all people?

 Hes Such A Faker

    "Hey man." Bryce''s voice filtered from behind her as he came to greet Max at the door and Christina shifted from the door to the side when they shook hands and made her way back to the dinner table without uttering another word. What could she possibly say anyways? That his friend was the one who had assaulted her at the airport. He had made rude and nasty advances at her? Maybe she should just go ahead and tell Bryce that his friend continuously made a pass at her and offered himself up for tasting if she was interested in joining him on his bed. That would be quite a story to share with them over dinner wouldn''t it?


    Somehow, She couldn''t stop thinking about how Bryce was friends with the type of man and the fact that her sister calls him family. Does Hera know about him or was she oblivious to the truth? The more she gave it some thought, the more anxious it made her. "Christina are you okay?" Hera had asked when she noticed how quiet she had be. Usually, she would''ve been asking a lot of questions by now but she hasn''t said more that three statements.


    "I''m fine sister." She smiled back at her. "I''m just trying to get used to everything that''s all."


    Yeah, she was still trying to get used to seeing this so called Max at their house and why he was friends with her sister and brother inw despite his character.


    She was supposed to leavs everything over at the airport. All she wanted, was to forget that he ever existed or that she came in contact with him at one point in her life but who was she kidding? The image of him in the bathroom with that staff was imprinted in her mind and she couldn''t shake it off especially now that he was in front of her.


    Dinner was served and everyone gathered at the dinner table. Max sat opposite from her at the table and after sharing the grace, they all dug into their tes.


    "Thanks for having me over for dinner Hera." Max said feeling grateful. "I missed your cooking a whole lot and i always looked forward to having your meals all the time."


    Why does he sound so genuine? Gosh he''s such a faker. She thought to herself. Maybe, he was this good in making everyone around him believe that he was some kind of saint. If she hadn''t spent thest few hours with him, she would''ve thought otherwise as well. He''s so good at pretending.


    She lifted her eyes up from her te and they both locked eyes momentarily before she looked away. This dinner was beginning to get awkward now.


    "You don''t have to thank me Max. You''re wee to dinner at the house anytime and you know that." Hera answered with a smile. Her words were enough proof that Hera doesn''t really know about this man as well as she thought she did.


    "Max, you''ve met Christina right?" Bryce asked him and she looked up to see him staring at her, his eyes devoid of any emotion. "My sister inw? She''s the one i told you i had to pick up from the airport earlier today?"


    Christina waited to hear what he would say to that statement but he only stayed quiet and for some reason, she definitely knew why. He didn''t want to give himself away.


    "I''m not sure you''d recognize her. Thest time she came to L.A was during our wedding ceremony which was almost a year ago and I''m not sure you both were properly acquainted then." Bryce added with a grin. "She''ll be going to college here and we''ll be responsible for her so she''ll be staying with us now."


    "I thought as much." He blurted out. "It''s great to have you over here Christina. d to make your acquaintance."


    "I won''t say that the feeling is mutual


    though." She mumbled under her


    breath and continued with her food


    He was totally ying them and what''s that disgusting behavior of acting all innocent like he hadn''t used her of being a whore and trying to befriend her, just so that she could sleep with him.


    "Max is a very good friend of ours Christina. He''s actually my best friend." Bryce told her. "He''s also family and you can trust him like you trust me because just like me, he wouldn''t let anything happen to you no matter what." "That''s good to know big brother." She conceded to his words even though she doesn''t actually believe it. The person she had encountered today was not someone she would trust anything of hers to.


    If only Bryce knew what he was hiding or what he had done but how can she tell him? She doesn''t want to be the one to ruin their friendship they''ve built for years. Bryce trusts him a lot and so does Hera. Gosh, she hated him so much. He goes against everything she believed in and there''s no way she''d condone someone like him especially after his rude behavior today.


    "Christina, are you okay?" Hera


    touched her arm and she gave her a wry smile. She wasn''t particrly feeling this dinner anymore but her sister had gone all out to prepare all this to make her feel wee so she just had to endure and sit through it so that she doesn''t hurt her feelings.


    "I''m fine sister." She assured her. "I''m just feeling pretty overwhelmed right now but I''ll be alright."


    Hera squeezed her hands affectionately and continued with her food. Right there on the dinner table, Christina noticed him stealing nces at her but she made sure to ignore his gaze every time.


    "I don''t see Mariam anywhere though." Max pointed out of the blue. Christina knew who Mariam was. She was Bryce''s housekeeper and they had also met once. She had wanted to ask her sister about it when she didn''t see her at home but itpletely skipped her mind. "She went on a family visit but she''ll be back in a couple of days though." Bryce answered and the resumed talking about other things.


    Dinner finished a whileter and after helping Hera clear out the tables, she excused herself and made her towards her bedroom to use the bathroom. Bryce and Max were engrossed in their conversation to notice her absence in the room.


    When she was finished, she made


    her way outside her bedroom but just before she could take the stairs that led down the kitchen, she


    bumped into Max at the hallway


    The first thought that came to her mind was to ignore him and walk away but before she could do that, he cornered her,pletely blocking her path with his huge frame.


    She looked up to meet his piercing gaze and she found herself staring at him a little longer than intended.


    "You''re blocking my path." She finally mustered up enough confidence to say. "What is it that you want this time around, Sir?"


    She asked as she waited expectantly for what he had to say.

 His Best Friends Sister-in-law

    Max stared down at the little woman that looked at him with a cold expression, standing in front of him. What are the odds that the woman he had encountered today at the airport would end up being his best friend''s sister inw. For the life in him, this wasn''t exactly how he had mapped out his evening to go.


    But can you me him? Lots of women had yed out the supposed ''bumping into him'' trick just to get him to notice them so how could''ve he have known that she was genuinely telling the truth about not wanting anything from him?


    Women always wanted something from him and they went through great lengths to get it as well. It''s a well known fact at this point. If he wasn''t filling their cunt with his dick and making them scream out his name at the top of their voices then he was satisfying them in other necessary areas.


    They always wanted him and it''s not like he wasining about it. It''s always a win-win situation for both parties at the end of the day which was why he had assumed that she was one of them. If only he had recognized her, then he wouldn''t have approached her at all.


    Earlier this evening, and all through dinner, he had been on his toes. He didn''t exactly know how to act or to salvage this big mess that he had created for himself. And to think that he had even teased Bryce earlier, telling him about a girl that had wanted him at the airport. If Bryce were to figure out that it was his sister inw that he was talking about, then their friendship would be as good as dead which was why he had to fix this as soon as possible.


    He had to make her believe that he was sorry. She''s just a naive girl from the convent so how hard would it be?


    Christina scrunched her face at him impatiently, waiting for what he had to say. He had blocked her path and yet, he wasn''t saying anything. What could he possibly want from her this time around?


    She made to leave for the second time but he stopped her yet again. "What is it that you want Sir? If you''re not going to say anything then could you at least let me walk through?"


    "I''m deeply sorry Christina." He blurted out after a while. "I didn''t mean whatever i said at the airport earlier today and moving forward, i want us to start afresh on a clean te and forget that any of this ever happened." He offered, hoping that he was at least able to get through to her.


    She looked at him, utterly disgusted and it showed. "And what makes you think that i want to start afresh on a clean te?" She countered and he couldn''t believe his ears. He wasn''t expecting her to talk back at him, much more with such an attitude.


    "And is this how you apologize for doing something wrong, Sir?" She questioned adamantly. "You don''t even sound genuine about it so why should i forgive you. You''re only apologizing because you don''t want my brother inw to find out about what you did and that is not an eptable apology to me."


    Max was dumbfounded. Surely, she wasn''t speaking to him in that manner. "And what else do you want me to say? I''ve apologized for my mistake, have I not?" He said in a desperate whisper.


    "And are you apologizing because you want to buy my silence or because you''re genuinely sorry for what you did?" Christina asked him, her eyes staring at him with intent.


    "I''m pretty sure that you wouldn''t have bothered to apologize if you didn''t find out that i was Hera''s sister. You were quite serious at the airport when you asked me to share a bed with you."


    "Youdies are such cheap whores that you make it look easy." Christina quoted Max''s words and his eyes flew open. He didn''t think that she had heard him say that.


    "Those were your exact words


    right?" She threw her chin at him defiantly when he couldn''t respond. "You shouldn''t have bothered to fake an apology when you know that it wouldn''t be sincere. I would''ve appreciated it a lot if you had said nothing instead of approaching me and acting like you were truly sorry. That''s low, even for someone like you, Sir."


    Max scoffed. "But I-"


    "And you don''t have to worry about my brother inw finding out. My sister treats you like family and Bryce is also your best friend so i wouldn''t want to ruin that rtionship you have with them." She interrupted him.


    "And besides, unlike you, i actually know how to keep my mouth shut and not say inappropriate things to make people feel ufortable." Christina pointed out sternly leaving Max at a loss for words.


    "By the way, your apology is not epted. You see women as objects for pleasure and this shallow apology you rendered, will not make me see you any differently or forgive you so won''t even pretend to ept it. Have a nice evening, sir." She said to him before walking out of his preslence.


    Max forced a strangledugh. He couldn''t believe that she had spoken to him like that. Weren''t women from the convent levelheaded and respectful? Or did shee from another part of hell disguised as a convent?


    He had remembered how quiet and calm Hera was when she came to the city for the first time. She was very humble and never talked back at anyone but her sister is theplete opposite of her.


    Fuck! If she wasn''t Hera''s sister then


    he would''ve given her a piece of his mind. He made one mistake of approaching her and she had the guts to lecture him about it? What ever happened to forgiveness or whatever it was that they preached toothem at the convent? Was she even raised there properly?


    "Max?" Bryce called out to him and he snapped out of his reverie. He didn''t even know when he walked in here. "Christina told me that I''d find you here. Is everything okay?"


    That little brat. He cursed inwardly. "Yeah. I was on my way over to meet you."


    "You haven''t told me about your trip back home and the preparation for the new hotel." Bryce primped, his both hands dipped into his pocket.


    "I just have a lot on my mind." Max brushed him off. "But i can assure you that it''sing around swimmingly." He added with a smile trying to console himself from what that woman had said to him.


    "Did something happen back home?"


    Max shook his head negatively. Other than the fact that he was just schooled by that little woman, everything was exceptional. "Not really. Everything went okay." He added, hoping that, that woman stays away from him as far as possible because so help him that she crosses the line ever again.

 Screwing Him Over

    "Is everything okay?" Hera asked Christina worriedly as they cleared up the table together after dinner. Bryce was somewhere around the house with Max and Christina had offered to help Hera out even though Hera had told her not to worry about it. "You''ve been awfully quiet ever since we sat down for dinner and it''s crazy because you are never quiet Christina. You love to chat and talk about a lot of things. Are you okay? Is something bothering you?" Hera pressed on while Christina only managed a smile. "Of course, sis. Everything is okay." She beamed in reply. "I just wasn''t feeling chatty during dinner and besides, you used to scold me whenever i talk during meals so what changed so suddenly?"


    "I know." Hera breathed out. "I just want you to feelfortable here so i don''t mind if you''re chatty. I know that it wasn''t easying all the way here and i just want you to settle in nicely."


    "I am settling in nicely." Christina assured her sister. She definitely wasn''t moody because of dinner oring here. She was really looking forward toing here until he showed up. The fact that Max was here just didn''t sit well with her and with good reasons too. "Um, Hera can i ask you something?" Christina began and Hera tilted her head slowly to give her attention.


    "Of course, go ahead."


    "How well do you know Max? I mean Bryce''s friend? He seems to be really close to you and you practically called him family during dinner." Christina went on to ask.


    "Because he''s family. Max is very nice and kind too. He takes care of me and is like a brother to Bryce. He makes sure that I''m okay and always does his best to look out for me. I''ve never encountered any problem with him around. He''s a good person." Hera beamed at Christina before focusing on the dishes.


    "So in other words, it means that you trust him, right?" Christina asked and Hera shook her head in agreement.


    "Yes i do and i can assure you that you''re in safe hands too. He won''t let anything happen to you Christina and that''s certain." Hera stated firmly and Christina sighed inwardly. How does she tell Hera that the person she trusts so much is not really who he is when she has this kind of opinion and mindset about him? She doesn''t even feel safe knowing that he''s here.


    "Listen," Hera began and Christina snapped back from her thoughts. "I know that it wasn''t easying all the way here from home. Believe me, it was also hard for me at first but i promise that you''ll get used to it with time and while you''re here, you don''t have to worry about anything. All you have to do is focus on your studies and have fun doing the things that you want to do. You know that I''ll always be rooting for you right?"


    "Of course i know that. You honestly don''t know how happy i am to be here." Christina blurted out and she was right. She had been looking forward to this trip ever since Bryce made that promise to her back then.


    That was the only thing that she kept on thinking about. It''s just sad that someone like that mad had to ruin it out and what''s even more crazier is the fact that she can''t stop thinking about it and what he had said.


    "When Bryce offered to cover everything about my college process, i felt like i could burst. I promised myself to make the both of you proud. Aside the sisters at the convent, both of you are like my very own parents, my own family and I''m grateful to both of you, especially you Hera for looking out for me all these years." She sniveled and Hera pulled her in for a hug.


    "I''ll always look out for you Christina and that''s because i love you." Hera proimed as she smoothered her back affectionately.


    "I love you too, Hera."


    "Great!" Hera beamed before pulling away. "How about we finish up here and you can tell me about everything back at home. I miss talking to you."


    "That''ll be lovely." Christina''s lips curled into a smile as they both rounded up the dishes. She didn''t want to care about what had happened before. She was with her sister and now, she had to focus on that.


    Bryce walked back to the patio with a bottle of wine on one hand and two sses on the other. He had almost walked into Hera and Christina when they were having their little chat in the kitchen and had listened to a handful of their conversation.


    Bryce felt good knowing that


    Christina considered him family. He


    had grown up without one but


    now he had everything. Life couldn''t get any better that. With that thought in mind, he offered one of the sses to Max who took it gratefully before pouring into his ss.


    "Where''s your head at? Why do you look disoriented?" Bryce asked when he noticed how zoned out Max had be especially after dinner.


    "Did you get into a fight with Patty back at home?" Bryce went on to ask but Max only rolled his eyes at him.


    "As if." Max answered before taking a sip of wine from his ss. "And why are you smiling?" Max eyed him curiously.


    Bryce sighed. "I''m just happy that''s all. Besides, you''re yet to tell me about the visit. Did you go ording to n? Did you have a good time?"


    "Far from it. I''m just d that I''m back home. It''s more quiet over here." He answered, his eyes staring into nothingness. "Plus, i can fuck all the bitches i want over here. There''s no variety of women back home you know and there''s not much to choose from."


    Bryce rolled his eyes at Max''s outburst. "I told you already. No sex talk in my house. Hera does not approve and i don''t want my sister inw to get the wrong ideas."


    Max frowned at the mention of that woman''s name. He hasn''t been able to get her words out of his head. She had spoken to him as if he was a child. No one has ever spoken that way to him before, no one and it somehow hurt his pride.


    "So what, how long will she be here? Your sister inw i mean." Max forced himself to ask even though he didn''t want to.


    "As long as possible. I want her to


    feel settled andfortable enough with us here. She''s my responsibility now." Bryce answered and


    somehow the wine on Max tongue went sour. She''ll be here for a. time which means that he''ll be running into her quite often. Who cares about running into her? He hated her guts as much as she


    hated him so that''s settled.


    "Shoot!" Max groaned and nced at his watch. "I have to get going. I have an appointment for tonight at the hotel."


    Bryce threw him a knowing look. "You''re not going to stop this anytime soon, are you?"


    "Not a chance. You should be happy buddy. I''m doing it for the both of us. We all can''t be like Bryce Donovan who got married now, can we?" Max winked at him with a smirk before drowning all the contents from the ss.


    "Tell Hera i said goodnight." He


    blurted before heading out towards


    BUT


    where his car was parked and a certain relief washed over him. He needed some sexual cleanse especially after that woman had messed him up tonight and so help him that he gets it because somehow, she had managed to screw him over and he sure as hell didn''t like it.

 It Wasnt His Mistake

    Max arrived at his hotel after leaving Bryce''s house. He wasn''t exactly sure why he was upset with what that Christinady had said to him but he just couldn''t bring himself to take it all in.


    So what if he said all those things? It''s not exactly his fault that she was from a convent now was it? He had no clue that she was Hera''s sister and it''s not like he hasn''t said those kinds of things to a woman before. They love it when he says something like that and it was her fault for not getting it and making it seem like he was the viin who had made the worst mistake in history.


    Pushing his hair backwards, Max alighted his car and treaded towards the reception of his hotel.


    "Wee back, Boss." His receptionist, Nora greeted him with a curt bow of her head. "How was your trip? Was it better than you anticipated?"


    "It was alright." Max wasn''t in a mood to say more so he just left his answer as simple as it should be. "Is the guest house ready for me?" He asked and she nodded with a cating smile.


    "I had them clean it up in time for your arrival Sir." She answered professionally.


    "Good. I''ll be busy for the rest of the night and i don''t want to be disturbed if it''s not urgent." He informed her and headed inside without giving her a chance to respond to his words.


    Nora knew better than to disturb her boss today. She wouldn''t even dare no matter how urgent it was and it isn''t because she was scared of him or anything of that sort. It''s just because she noticed how awful his mood was tonight. Something was definitely wrong with him. Usually, he would speak casually with her and try to y around but he was dead serious today and it spooked her. Maybe something happened back at home that affected his work. She wouldn''t know because as friendly as her boss was, he was also tight-lipped and doesn''t like sharing. He only shows you what he wanted you to see and keeps the rest to himself. He''s like an overlyplicated book that no one likes reading.


    Max arrived at his room and locked himself in. He undressed himself and hit the shower before walking back into his dimly lit room. There, with a towel wrapped around his waist, he walked over to the almost dark side of the bar area and poured a ss of whiskey for himself as he waited for his guest or rather, his ything to arrive.


    Minutes after, the door swings open and he heard gentle footsteps walk into his room. Her perfume filled the air and Max caught a whiff of it. Cherry scented perfume, just like her name. A signature brand of hers if he must add. Max wasn''t a fan of having the same thing for dessert all the time but Cherry was an exception. She understood the ''not getting attached'' rule which was his number one rule that was involved in their friends with benefits contract and as long as she doesn''t cross the line, he wouldn''t have a reason toin either. Without saying anything, he carefully poured another shot into his ss as he watched her from where he stood, hopelessly searching for him in the dark room. From where he stood, Max could already outline the silhouette that was visible against the dimming lights. Her protruding breasts almost peeking out from the flimsy excuse of a gown that was holding onto those breasts for dear life. He envisioned his head buried there and the thought of it sent an adrenaline rush to his dick that twitched in response. "H-Hello? Max? Are you in here?" She called out into the darkness. Ears open to pick up the slightest sound and eyes searching every avable corner to pick up even the slightest human movement possible but Max remained there, unmoved. "Is anyone in here?" She asked, pushing her lush brte hair backwards.


    Just then, Cherry heard the sound of ss gently tapping the bare surface of another ss or stool. Someone was definitely in this room. The realization came with twinge of restlessness.


    "It wouldn''t hurt to to reply a question you know? That''s considered rude in my books pretty boy." She spoke further when he didn''t reply. "You brought sent for me and you can''t even answer my questions? I thought that we had a deal?" She drawled in a seductive voice. "I''m upset that you walked into my room all dressed up. You of all people should know that by now." Max''s gruff voice came from the darkness that surrounded her. "I thought that we had a deal as well. Take it off." He ordered.


    Cherry''s lips broke into a smile despite her frozen stance. She swallowed the bile that had risen up to her throat and settled there and held onto the shawl a little tighter. "But that is easily remedied even though I like it this way." She added in a feeble attempt to tease him. "Well, i don''t." Came his unfiltered and throaty reply but she didn''t.


    "So will you take it off or should i take it off for you?"


    At his words, she slowly yet seductively took off her dress, leaving her in her bra and panties. She knew better not to because unlike most men, Max would actually take it off himself. He doesn''t mince words and she hade to understand that. Apart from that, she also noticed that there was something off about his entire demeanor but she couldn''t quite put a finger on it.


    "Done!" She muttered in grave satisfaction. At that moment, she heard subtle movements in the dimly lit room and before she could process what was happening, she felt Max full pressed behind her naked frame.


    She sucked in a sharp breath when held her by the scruff of her neck and pulled her into him, her hands firmly held behind her back to stop any interruption.


    "I''m supposed to punish you tonight


    for breaking a part of our deal but sadly, I''m not in the mood for that." He whispered and went on to push her hair, to the back so that her neck is bared to his view. Then he slowly yet gently glided his fingers down to the precipice of her clit, fingers circling the warm entrance of her womanhood. It was raw. It was fire. "What do you have to say to that, Cherry?"


    She gasped when he intentionally grazed the nub of her clit. She moaned into the dark room, her eyes closed in surrender.


    "Let''s try this again shall we?" He shifted her panties to the side and reced the material with his fingers. His other hand still holding her in ce as he whispered into her ears. "What do you have to say about my generousity, Cherry?" Her knees buckled at the intervention.


    "Max!" She whispered a response. With a deep groan, he inserted a finger inside her.


    "Try again."


    "Holy shit!" She trembled, hands reaching out to stop him but he only worked his way inside her. Her eyes closed in defeat as her entire body shook on his finger in deep tremors that came one after the other.


    "Do i need to remind you the easy way or the hard way Cherry?"


    "Thank you!" She blurted out secondster and a smirk grazed his lips.


    "Good girl." He released his fingers from her folds leaving her bare and slowly made his way back to her chests. There, he forcefully ripped out thece that held her breasts. and fondled with it. "Tonight, you are in charge and you better do it


    properly or you''ll get punished severely Cherry. Don''t disappoint me


    ." He whispered before letting his towel fall loose to the floor.

 Her First And Final Strike

    Cherry swallowed hard at Max''s firm dick. Her jaw almost dropping to the floor. She had seen him naked countless times, a whole lot of time but it still doesn''t make it any less scarier than before. He was huge and loaded. He scared her.


    "You have that look on your face every time you see me naked. I''m beginning to think that you''re scared of me. Should I be worried?" His lips curled up in a sinister smile. She looked at him and for a split second, he saw the terror that shed through her eyes but it went


    as quickly as it came. It somehow made him proud that he was able to make her react this way.


    "I am not scared of you. I''m simply shocked that''s all." She mumbled to herself.


    "Right." Max answered with a nod. "Well, if tonight will be too much for you to handle then you can go¡ª"


    "No." Cherry protested almost immediately forcing him to look at her. Go? She wouldn''t dare even if he begged her to. She loved this man and she was willing to do anything for him. She was willing to go the distance and she can''t bear the thought of loosing him when she could have him all to herself.


    "I mean, how can I leave when I''m clearly In charge for the night? It wouldn''t look good on my record would it?" She teased and approached him seductively with a smile on her face. Max knew that she wouldn''t leave. He only brought it up as a ploy so that she would make up her mind. How could she leave when she had tasted a bite of him.


    Standing face to face with each other, she immediately dropped down on her knees and positioned herself between the entrance of his legs. Max watched her y with him, running her hands around the cap of his flesh as if to prepare herself for what she was about to do. Cherry ran her tongue over his dick before taking him into her mouth.


    Max groaned the minute her lips came in contact with his thick shaft. He thrust forward and she instinctively opened her mouth very wide to receive him. His hard, turgid flesh pushed past her lips as a low growl tore from his lips.


    He watched as her lips stretched wide as she mped her mouth around his shaft and sucked as she tasted him for the first time. Cherry was very good at this so it didn''t surprise him. So far, she was the only one that has been able to take all of him. "Mmh..." Max groaned, before tangling his hand through her disheveled hair to hold her in ce.


    Her mouth covered the cap of his thick shaft, stretching over it, sucking him inside as her tongue began to rub, stroke and tease the ultra-sensitive, hard throb of flesh just beneath the hooded crown.


    At this point, Cherry knew that she has control. She held all the power and he was certain that she realized the power she had over him cause she reveled in it.


    "Oh yeah." Max moaned as her tongue rimmed beneath the red head of his dick, stroking and probing, learning every curve and rise of his straining flesh.


    "More." An erratic growl tore from the back of his throat as he flexed his hips, pushing his flesh farther into her mouth. Her moan vibrated around it, her fingers tightening as her tongue ttened and stroked what she could of his c?ck. Max''s eyes zed as he watched her.


    "Yes." He snarled. Heat building on his skin as her snaking fingers of pleasure wrapped around his c?ck and the tightened sack beneath it. Tingles of sensation chased up his spine, enclosing his scalp with static sensitivity that tore up his insides. Max groaned weakly as her lips dragged back the small amount of flesh she held in her mouth, caressing over the head then leaving it entirely as her tongue swirled over the tip.


    "You like that don''t you?" Cherry teased with a smirk. His cum dripping at the corners of her small mouth. Slicing shards of pleasure shot up his balls as the muscles of his abdomen clenched in spasmodic reaction. Sweet heavens.


    He fucked into her mouth. Holding


    her hair in a firm grip, relishing the snug drag of her firm lips and the flickering whip of her tongue. All the while, he watched her. He stared at her eyes as she pumped him in and out of her mouth as her lips slid over his dick.


    "Oh yeah, there you go." Max rasped as heid back, every muscle in his body tightening as he fought his release.


    "Shit!" He cussed as her tongue ttened around him. Her moan of protest filled the air as she took more of him, breaching past her barrier in taking him but still didn''t pull back. Oh heavens!


    "Cherry, Yessss!" He hissed in pleasure as the suckling moist sound of her lips had him groaning in each breath.


    "Cherry..." He whispered desperately, unable to hold back the words as the sensations tore through him one after the other. "Good God, yes Cherry, just like that."


    He moaned as he felt himself tethering to the edge. Too much need welling up inside him, tormenting him as he felt his release closer, closer, then...


    "God..." Max exploded as the semen from his cock wringed its way to her moist, hungry mouth. He watched her close her eyes she swallowed every bit of semen. Milking him dry until she felt his legs twitch repeatedly.


    "How did I do baby boy?" Cherry


    whispered seductively as she looked up at him. Pride shining in her eyes at her hard work that she had done. Without warning, Max sat up and reached for her and in one swift motion, he dragged her up to himself using one hand.


    Without wasting time and holding back, he buried two fingers deep inside her. He watched her scream as he shoved her into an unexpected climax. She turned to a puddle in his arms as her hands tightened around his neck. "Oh..." She screamed out in pleasure as her body jerked, pushing forward repeatedly to his plowing ruthless fingers.


    He made her ride out the waves, fucking her with my fingers until she descended from her high and melted into his arms till she came apart with a loud scream.


    Cherryy her sweaty head on his chest and closed her eyes. She looked up at him and gently brought her face closer to his but he stopped her before she got the chance to do what she was about to.


    "Did you forget our rules, Cherry?" Max asked with a rock hard face and Cherry flushed feeling embarrassed that he had caught her in the act.


    "I didn''t." She muttered inly.


    "Then don''t ever try to do it again."


    He warned her calmly even though his face was quite serious about it. "I don''t kiss or share any kind of intimacy with you or anyone else f you try to do it next time then our contract will be over, permanently." He breathed out with an air of finality and she swallowed hard,


    knowing that he wasn''t mincing words and that this was her first and final strike.

 Why Him Of All People?

    Christina woke up with a slight groan when the rays of sun hits her face through the seeping curtains of her bedroom window. She didn''t think that she''d be able to sleep at allst night due the fact that everywhere in the house seemed kind of ufortable and strange to her. It took her a while toe to terms with the fact that she was no longer at the convent anymore. She hadn''t adjusted in properly but she knew that it''ll only be for a short while.


    Pushing the covers off her body, she made her way towards the bathroom to freshen up. When she was done, she pulled out her bags to take out a few things. At that moment, there was a sound knock on the door. Christina abandoned what she was doing and hurriedly went to open it only to see her sister standing there.


    "Trust you had a good night rest?" Hera asked before inviting herself into her sister''s room. Christina shut the door after her.


    "I did. It was a little difficult at first but I know that I''ll get used to it. I''m just a little jegged that''s all." Christina assured her with a tired smile. "What about you? Did you sleep well?"


    "Other than Lia keeping us awake most of the night, yes, I did sleep fine. Do you have anything nned for today?" Hera asked when she noticed the books and items scattered on her sister''s bed.


    "Registration at school. I still have some things to take care of before I resume fully and I have to do most of them in person." She sighed weakly. "It''s good though. At least that way I can get familiar with everything in time for lectures."


    "Why don''t you get started with cleaning up and I''ll make you breakfast before you leave." Hera offered and Christina nodded her head in appreciation.


    "Thank you, sister."


    The next few hours that followed, Christina did as her sister had said. When she was finished, she wore her clothes and picked up her bag before making her way downstairs and towards the dining area.


    She found Bryce sitting on the chair having coffee in his well polished suit. Christina guessed that he was equally dressed up to leave for work. "Morning, big brother." She greeted with a smile and Bryce returned it with a cheerful one as he regarded her presence in the room.


    "Morning kiddo. Hera told me about your registration today? Do you need my help with anything? I can apany you if you want me to."


    She shook her head negatively. "I want to try this on my own. Both of you won''t be there to always help me out all the time so I want to try doing this by myself to make things easier for me in the long run."


    Christina knew that they had important things going on in their lives and she didn''t want to add to them. They had already done so much for her and she didn''t want to be selfish. In a way, she was also right because Bryce won''t be avable to always help her so she had to start doing things on her own.


    "Okay then, how about I drop you off and pick you upter when you''re done. You still don''t know your way around here and I don''t want anything bad happening to you. I can do that much as your brother, right?" Bryce asked and she chuckled.


    "I was about to ask before you offered. Thank you." She said and he mouthed her


    a "you''re wee" Before continuing with his coffee. Hera served breakfast a whileter. Christina could barely eat because she couldn''t contain her


    excitement. When she was finished, she bid her sister goodbye before exiting the house with Bryce.


    He opened up the car door for her and she got in and settled herself inside.


    "Is college really far from here?" She asked when Bryce took the wheel.


    "Kind of but you''ll be fine. It''s your first year and if you feel like you can''t handle the stresster on, we can always find afortable apartment for you to stay around school or I could get you a driver until you learn how to drive."


    Christina''s mouth fell to the ground. "Drive? You mean a car? For me?"


    "Anything to make your school life easy. You''re my little sister and you deserve the best. Just make sure to tell us when it gets too tough to handle. I promise that we''re always going to help out no matter what." Bryce dered with a smile and Christina nodded her head at him.


    The rest of the journey went smoothly and a whileter, they arrived at the entrance.


    "You have my number right? Always make sure to call me or your sister if you need anything and I mean anything at all, alright?" He instructed and Christina agreed.


    Bryce had seen and witnessed


    college first-hand. He knew the danger that lurked around so well Given his track record as a man-whore before, he knew just what he was talking about and what he was trying to protect her from.


    The likes of his former self. If


    anyone had told him that he''d one


    day be this protective over


    somebody, he wouldn''t believe it but


    here he was now.


    If only he could protect her from the dangers of the world himself, he would. She was his responsibility now.


    "Also, make sure to be careful Christina. College is trouble believe me and it always finds a way of pulling you in when you least expect it. Just focus on what you came here for and call me to pick you up when you''re done."


    Christina has heard a lot of stories about college and somehow, she was prepared for it. Even though something is considered bad, it doesn''t mean it has no goodness in it right? Wish she could say the same for everybody.


    "Alright big brother. See youter." She waved at him and he waved back before driving off. Christina stared at the huge open gates that was somehow the beginning of her future. She felt nervous to the bone but tried her best to shake it off. Taking in a huge breath, she marched inside, determined to get through the day no matter what.


    Christina made her way towards the admission''s office after asking for directions to submit some papers and pick out her major courses. Bryce had covered up the financial aspect of everything when she got epted so she had him to thank for that.


    Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think that she would one day set her foot into college. It felt like a whole new experience for her. She saw different people, tall buildings and beautiful hangout spots everywhere. It marveled her.


    She arrived at the admission''s block minutes after and made her way inside toplete her registration The process was long and draining but few hourster, she was able to cover everything. After that, she ced a call to Bryce that she was done and that he coulde and pick her up. On her way out, she identally bumped into someone from outside and her items came crashing to the ground.


    "I''m so sorry. I''m a little clumsy at times." Christina apologized to the guy that she had bumped into as he helped her pick up her stuff that had fallen to the ground.


    "It''s alright. We all make mistakes." He answered before standing up to his feet. He handed her books to her and she took it gratefully. "I''m Nathan by the way." He stretched out his hands and Christina hesitated for a bit before taking it.


    "Christina." She answered. "Thank you for helping me with my things. Have a nice day." She smiled at him and turned to leave but he stopped her in her tracks. "You''re new around here aren''t you? If you don''t mind, I can show you around school and help you settle in."


    "That won''t be necessary. My brother is on his way to get me so maybe next time. Thank you for offering though." She answered and made to leave for the second time but he stopped her.


    "Is everything okay?"


    "I''m sorry for being such a bother. I honestly didn''t mean to, I promise. Is it okay if


    I walk with you and keep youpany until your brother arrives?" Christina thought about his offer. Somehow, she didn''t feelpletely good about


    it even though it was a harmless one but she agreed nheless. "Of course."


    Nathan smiled at her and Christina


    forced a smile herself. She made


    sure to put some visible space between the two of them as they walked Nathan on the other hand didn''t seem to bother about that. Instead, he took his time exining things to her and telling her about school. He answered whatever questions she had about the school as well. She liked that he was nice to her but she knew better than to trust


    him.


    "Thank you for walking me, Nathan." Christina said gratefully when they got to the ce where Bryce had dropped her off earlier.


    "The pleasure is all mine. If it''s alright with you, can I please have your¡ª" The rest of Nathan''s words are cut short when a car pulls up in front of them. The door to the car pushes open and a huge, tall figure stepped out of it.


    "Big brother, I was just about to¡ª" Christina''s words are stuck in her throat when


    she came face to face with the person who had actuallye to pick her up in ce of Bryce.


    She rolled her eyes unintention


    ally. What was he doing here and why on earth does it have to be him of all


    people?

 Shes Nothing Like Her Sister

    "What are you doing here?" Christina asked Max much to the surprise of Nathan who couldn''t quite figure out what was going on at the moment. Christina looked upset and that was his first time seeing her upset.


    Did she have unsettled business with this man or was he a bother? The energy between them was off but still, he didn''t say anything.


    "I came here to pick you up. Can''t you tell? Why else would I be here off all ces especially when I don''t attend your college to begin with?" It was Max''s turn to ask this time around but Christina wasn''t having any of it.


    He couldn''t me her though. He had been a jerk by saying all those things to her the first day they met so he understood why she didn''t want him around. He owed her an apology, which was why he agreed to pick her up.


    At first, when Bryce had called him to help him out, he had almost declined with the excuse of being busy but when Bryce said that it was about Christina, he readily agreed. Hera was a friend and more like a sister to him. She loved him and never judge him and Max didn''t want to be on bad terms with her sister of all people. He knew he had to fix her impression of him, somehow even though she was quite stubborn about it.


    "Come on, let''s go. The sooner we leave, the better." Max instructed and opened up the door to the front seat but Christina didn''t move an inch from where she stood. There''s no way he would tell her that he came here to pick her up and have her believe him. And there''s absolutely no way she would share a car with him too.


    "Is he a stranger? Is he bothering you?" Nathan asked and Max sized him up with an amused smile ying on his lips. "If you''re not safe with him then you can tell me and I promise not to let him get any closer to you or hurt you."


    "Please. She''s more safe with me than the likes of you or anyone else." He cautioned Nathan and shifted his eyes to Christina. "Go on. Tell your little crush that I''m not a stranger to you, cupcake?" Max told her but her face only tightened in a deep frown. She knew that it was wrong to hate someone but she just can''t help it. He''s just so annoying on all levels. He''s the real definition of unlikable.


    "It''s Christina and not cupcake. Where is Bryce and why isn''t he here? He was supposed to pick me up and not you. He never mentioned anything about youing. If he had, I would''ve declined and found my way home."


    Max shook his head and sighed at her words. He pulled out his cellphone and dialled a number. When the receiver picked up on the third ring, he put it on speaker and handed it over to Christina who took it reluctantly.


    "Hello?" She spoke into the phone and Bryce''s voice came through. "I thought that you wereing to pick me up big brother."


    "I was but then I got caught up with something urgent so I couldn''t make it and had to send Max instead. He''s the only one I could trust to get you back home safely kiddo."


    Trust? Yeah right! Bryce was better off trusting a demon than this man, Christina thought to herself but she didn''t say it out loud. She only nced at him briefly just to see him watching her with keen eyes.


    "You''re in safe hands kiddo. I told you right? That Max is just another version of me. You won''t even tell the difference. He''d take care of you just as I would, trust me." Bryce assured her and Christina wished that she could counter that statement. She wished that Bryce could take it back. Of course she could tell the difference. It was as different as day and night.


    And did he just say trust? Safe hands? There''s definitely no way she''s trusting him. Trust and Max shouldn''t even be in one sentence to begin with.


    "Alright big brother. I guess I''ll see youter then." She said before handing the phone over to Max. They spoke for a while before he disconnected it.


    "Are you satisfied now?" Max questioned but even though she wasn''t, she couldn''t say it. Max pushed the car door wider and gestured inside with his eyes for her to get in. Christina had no choice but to do so. She managed to put on her seat belt when she was settled in.


    He turned to face the guy who hade with her. "You can run along now little boy. This woman is my problem now."


    Before Christina could counter that statement, Max shut the door and made his way towards the other side. He got in and started the ignition before pulling out of the premises.


    "Who''s that kid?


    What''s up with him and why was he following you around? Is he your friend?" He asked but Christina didn''t respond. Instead, she threw herself out the window. She wasn''t interested in having any sort of conversation with him. At this point, she just wanted to get home and get away from him.


    "Was he showing you around or is he asking you out, perhaps?" He went further to ask but swallowed his words when he realized that she was from a convent and would probably not understand what he was talking about.


    "And you care about that because...?" She asked, her eyes still staring outside the window as she watched different cars drive past theirs.


    "Because you''re Hera''s sister and my best friend''s sister inw. I wouldn''t even bat an eysh If it were anyone I promise you." He uttered and took a turn on the road.


    "How convenient for both of us seeing that just yesterday at dinner, you lied to everyone that you didn''t even know who I was and haven''t met me before then. Now, all of a sudden, I''m supposed to care that you do because I''m Hera''s sister." She answered with an eye roll.


    "I''m just looking out for you, cupcake. College are full of dangerous men so you should be careful when ites to the people you make friends with, who you hang out with and who you talk to."


    "And yet, I''m sitting in this car with you. Apparently, I''m not careful enough." She muttered to herself but loud enough for him to hear. "What''s the difference between you and them? Last time I checked, you''re not a saint either so am I really supposed to take any kind of advice from you of all people?"


    She darted her eyes at him momentarily. "At least Nathan respects me and didn''t assault me. He didn''t call me a cheap whore and make nasty advances at me on the very first day that we met."


    "You''re nothing like your sister. That, I can tell. Howe you''re both so different? You''re like theplete opposite version of her. Are you sure that you both grew up from the same convent?"


    Christina had heard that question


    countless times over the years so


    she wasn''t fazed at all. People thought that growing up in the convent would mean that she''d automatically be calm and gentle just like Hera but she was nothing like her sister. She was quite outspoken and wasn''t scared of speaking her mind. The nuns at the convent has for long epted her the way she is and she loved the fact that they didn''t try to change her. ording to them, she was pure at heart and that''s all that matters. Christina loved them for that.


    "How many times do I have to apologize to earn your forgiveness?" Max asked, earning a look from Christina. "You don''t even listen to a think I say. It''s like you already hate me without giving me a chance to redeem myself. You''ve already formed an opinion of me with just one incident alone?"


    "You''re right, I don''t like you and one incident alone is enough to form an opinion about someone." She countered. "And speaking about forgiving you, why should I when tou''re not sincere about it? Your apologies mean nothing if they don''te truly from the heart."


    Max scoffed. "Fine then, you can go ahead and hate me all you want. It''s not as if I liked you either anyway."


    "What?" She blurted out and he abruptly parked his car in front of a restaurant. "Why are we stopping here?"


    "I''m starving cupcake so I want to grab a bite to eat. You can either join me or wait out here in the car for me. Your choice." Max informed her and took off his seatbelt while he watched Christina struggle with hers.


    "But Bryce said¡ª" Her breath hitched and her words were cut off when Max inched in closer so that their faces were almost touching. He stared at her blonde hair that fell in loose tendrils of her softened face like strands of lustrous ss down to her blue eyes, filled with fear that stared at him.


    Her temptingly curved mouth were parted slightly as she held onto the belt that caged her for dear life.


    Reaching to the lock that held the belt, Max ced his hands on her hers and gently unlocked it. Christina trembled under his touch but managed to remain


    calm.


    Staring at the eyes that held his without pulling away, Max whispered to her. "You


    can tell Bryce if you want to cupcake but it won''t change anything. Besides, it''s not


    like w


    hatever I do is going to make you hate me any less than you already do."

 Shes Not My Girlfriend

    Christina had no choice but to follow Max into the restaurant. It was either that or wait out there in the car and she didn''t trust him enough to wait. For all she knew, it might be a prank to keep her out there until she was tired and frustrated while he remained inside.


    She was at least going to make sure that he was serious about eating so that he would finish on time and take her back home. At this point, she would''ve chosen to wait for Bryce instead of following him home. He was intentionally trying his best to irritate her and it was pretty obvious.


    "What would you like to have? I''m pretty sure that you haven''t had lunch yet?" Max questioned but she only looked away. He approached a table and pulled out a chair for her to sit which she did reluctantly.


    "So?" He repeated in respect to his previous question but she only shook her head negatively.


    "I''m not hungry thank you." She answered with a lie and folded her hands over her chest. She was hungry but she couldn''t bring herself to tell him especially when she wasn''t on good terms with him.


    "You''re going to starve and-" Max''s words were disrupted by a sudden ringtone. He pulled out his phone and ced to his ears. It was Bryce.


    "Where the heck are both of you Max? I just got off the phone with Hera and she told me that Christina is yet to arrive home." Bryce groaned from the other end of the line. "Did something happen?"


    "Chill. We''re both fine. As a matter of fact, I''m trying to have lunch." Max answered conversionally and pulled the phone away from his ears briefly before darting his eyes at the menu card in front of him.


    "Two burgers, a packet of french fries and soda to go with it. Thank you." He said with a smile to the waiter who was standing next to him to take his order.


    "You were saying?" He asked when he ced the phone back to his ears for the second time.


    "You''re having lunch? How can you be having lunch instead of taking her home? Hera is worried sick and so am i." Bryce''s distressed voice came through.


    "I''m starving buddy. I didn''t have anything to eat before you sent me on this top mission so please, let me have this." Max sighed deeply and nced at Christina who was looking everywhere but him.


    "And rx. She''s with me. Nothing will happen to her as long as she''s with me." He assured Bryce which earned him a look from Christina. "You can speak to her if that''ll put your mind at ease."


    "No it''s fine. I''m just worried that''s all. Please take her home as soon as you''re finished. I''ll keep Hera updated so that she doesn''t worry."


    "Copy that, Sir." Max answered teasingly before disconnecting the phone call. His order was brought and ced in front of him and he thanked the waiter before digging in.


    "So what''s your major?" Max inquired, earning him a look from Christina. "I mean, we might as well have a conversation with each other while I eat so that you don''t get bored or do you forbid that too?"


    She sighed deeply before saying, "Business Administration."


    "Cool." He conceded with a smile. "You know, I happen to have some experience in that field so if in the future, you happen to perhaps hate me less than you already do and need my help with anything then feel free to reach out to me. I promise to not say no."


    "Not a chance. Bryce will help me out if I need it. We obviously can''t stand each other so what''s the point of asking you for help anyway?"


    "Well, in case you change your mind, I''ll still be happy to help. My offer is still on the table whenever you want it, cupcake." He assured her and bit into his burger. Christina watched him eat as she pondered on how long they were going to be here because of him. If anything, he didn''t seem to care.


    She had never met someone so carefree and so different who also doesn''t y by the rules. She could tell just by looking at him that he was stuck in his own world and does things the way he wants them. He pretty much is so locked out on everything happening around him. How did he end up as Bryce''s friend?


    "You''re staring." Max tilted his head to the side with a shortugh. "Why? Do you find me mysterious and interesting?"


    Christina looked away feeling embarrassed that he had caught her staring. That was thest thing that she wanted to happen and now, he won''t keep quiet about


    it.


    "I don''t find you mysterious or interesting. You''re neither of those things so why should I waste my time doing that?" She blew out a sharp breath. "Are you done yet? I want to go home. Surely, you can continue your mealter right?"


    "Impatient little thing." He muttered under his breath and gestured to the waiter for his bill. He was about to open it when someone approached their table.


    "Max." An excited voice called out to


    him. He looked up to see a woman


    staring at him. She was d in a blue floral dress that rode up her thighs and ck heels. Her hair fell in deep locs over her shoulders with her purse draped over her arm. "I could''ve sworn that it was you. I had no idea that a busy man like you eats out." She added with a smile.


    Max nced from the excited woman who couldn''t stop talking to Christina who


    looked at him, bored to death and a little curious too.


    "I''m sorry but do I know you?" He asked when he couldn''t bring himself to recognize her face. Goodness! He had slept with multiple women and half the poption of the state over the past years and he''d be lying if he said that he would recognize each and every one of them.


    "Don''t you remember me? I''m Lara. We met at a business seminar like two months ago. I can understand if you don''t recognize me, it''s been a while we''re being honest. I just saw you sitting here and thought I should say hi." She stretched out her hands for a shake and he took it. "I can see that you havepany. Hello." She waved at Christina who smiled back at her.


    "He actually doesn''t havepany so I''ll leave you two to catch up." Christina said as she quickly picked up her bags and rose up to her feet. "I''ll be waiting at the car." She announced before walking out of their presence in hurried strides.


    Great! He had been trying all afternoon to get her on his good side and now, he might as well kiss that forgiveness goodbye. He keeps unintentionally adding himself to her cklist. At this rate, he''d never get her to forgive him or ept his apology which he doesn''t even know why he''s so hellbent on getting it in the first ce.


    "Who''s that beautifuldy? Your woman?" Lara asked, jolting Max back from his reverie. "Since when did the great Max suddenly be serious about a rtionship?"


    "She''s not my girlfriend and I''m not In a rtionship." He denied that possiblity as quickly as she had said it. "She''s just a friend." Or at least he hoped that she was. "Why are you here? Is there a particr reason why you approached my table to talk to me?" He asked, feeling slightly irritated. Somehow, she had ruined the ground work for getting on Christina''s good side and he needed a good reason to why she did it.


    Lara pushed a strand of hair behind her ears casually at that question. "You didn''t reach out to me after that night so I thought that well, I did something wrong maybe?"


    Max settled the bills and handed it over to the waiter who took it gratefully before standing to his feet. "Was I supposed to? We agreed that it was just casual sex didn''t we? No strings attached? Doesn''t it ring a bell? You had an itch and I scratched it for you. Wasn''t that the whole n?"


    "Well, I..."


    "Look Lara, I''m sorry but there''s no future for us and if for any reason you did


    think that there was, then you thought wrong."


    He straightened himself with a sigh and continued. "I''m not keen on


    romance or happily ever after neither am I the type of guy that a woman like you should waste Ker


    breath on. You and I have nothing going on so unless for business reasons in the future, please refrain from approaching me in public or acting like we''re a thing. I find it particrly irritating especially when I didn''t ask for it."


    "If that''ll be all then I''ll take my leave now. Excuse me." He said to Lara and made


    his way to leave when his eyes caught that of Christina''s staring right back at him


    with


    a disappo


    inted look that said she pretty much heard everything that he had just said.

 Never Leaving Her Bad Books

    "I um...I thought that I forgot something inside but turns out that I didn''t." Christina stumbled at her words as Max made his way towards her. He knew that she definitely heard something and that she was terrible at the pretense and lying game.


    "Let''s go." She said and turned around before making her way towards where his car was parked. Max trailed closely behind her.


    "I wanted to grab you something to eat before-" Max started, pointing towards the restaurant but Christina shook her head negatively at him.


    "Don''t bother. I''m not hungry. Please just drive me home. It''s gettingte already." She persisted as she waited for him to open up the car door which he did almost immediately.


    She got into the car and soon enough, he was pulling out of the parking lot as he drove out of the restaurant.


    Throughout the drive home, no one said anything and somehow, Christina preferred it because she had nothing to say to him if she decides to start a conversation. He wasn''t exactly the type of person she would enjoy sharing a conversation with in the first ce.


    "So about what you heard-" Max started when he had driven a distance. He didn''t want to stay quiet and let the tension between them linger for long. He wanted to clear the air as soon as possible or she would keep on disking him


    more.


    "I didn''t hear anything." Christina countered as quickly as he had made that statement. "I didn''t hear anything and even if I did, it''s not my business so I don''t want to be involved in it." She shunned himpletely.


    "Who you are, what you do and what you choose to do with your life is not my business so you shouldn''t feel the need to tell me anything."


    She nced at him briefly. "It''s not like I had any expectations from a man or any man to begin with anyway so you do you and leave me out of it so that I can at least pretend not to know anything peacefully." She added and threw her head back to rest on her car seat.


    From a man? What does she mean by that statement? Is it that she knew other men before now? But that couldn''t be the case cause she grew up in a convent. There''s no way she would be exposed to something like that right? Hera wasn''t so why would she in the first ce? Max thought to himself with knitted brows.


    That statement had a lot more to it that she wasn''t letting on or maybe he was overthinking things like he usually does.


    "Either ways, I''m sorry. You weren''t supposed to hear that."


    "No kidding." She answered nonchntly as silence slowly drifted into the car. Max didn''t have much to say and he knew that there wasn''t anything he would say right now to change her opinion.


    The cares to a halt and before Max could offer to open the door, Christina did it herself and hurriedly stepped out. She made to leave when he stopped her.


    "Listen, I apologize for what happened¡ª"


    Christina chuckled at the start of that sentence. "Apologies really doe easy to you doesn''t it? I guess that''s why you don''t bother to mean them do you?"


    "What?"


    "You think just saying sorry magically fixes everything that''s wrong don''t you?" She questioned. "If your apology isn''t sincere then why bother giving it out in the first ce?"


    "You''re so predictable that it''s crazy. You are not sincere at all. I was right about you the very first time you spoke to me.


    "And seeing how you spoke to that woman back there, I just knew that I was right to have never expected much from you so stop trying to get on my good side. I will never see you past what you are because to me, you''re just like all of them. She rolled her eyes before making her way inside.


    "You''re back." Hera approached her. "Is that Max who dropped you off? Bryce said that he would."


    Christina nodded at the question. She didn''t have the strength to say anything more especially when it involved him.


    "That''s weird He didn''te to say hi. He always does." Hera muttered worriedly but Christina pretended not to hear. It''s crazy that her sister highly regards him like he''s some saint when in reality he wasn''t. If only she saw for herself what she has seen, she probably wouldn''t think so highly of him anymore.


    "He probably has somewhere else to be, I guess."


    "Maybe you''re right. Come in and have dinner." Hera buzzed with a smile and escorted Christina back inside. Today has been one hell of a day and she''s d that it was finally over.


    Max drove home and went straight to the shower. He couldn''t bring himself to do anything for the day or maybe he didn''t want to. She seems to have formed an opinion about him already. Not like he cared anyway.


    He went through the stress of picking her up and she told him offpletely. Great! So much for being in her good books when he couldn''t get past a single page from the bad one.


    Maybe this was a sign that he wasn''t good with women. It would be better if he stuck to the safer option than try to get himself involved in all that chaos he wasn''t used to.


    Picking up his phone from where he had left it on his nightstand, he dialled Cherry''s number. She picked up at the first ring. Almost like she was waiting for him to call.


    "I need you." He blurted out when he heard her voice from the other side of the line. He didn''t have the time to mince words and he didn''t see the need for it either.


    "Same ce and don''t bete." He added before disconnecting the line. In all his days of whoring around, he has never done it in his house. He prefers anywhere as long as it''s not his home and with good reasons too.


    Picking up a shirt and pants from his


    closet, he threw it on before grabbing his phone and car keys. He needed to get the words of


    woman out of his head other at ned


    ¦¯¦É


    he''d spend the whole night obsessing over everything she had said which in turn will not be good for him.


    He needed to do something about her and fast.

 The Devils Advocate

    "So, when are you moving to your new ce?" Nathan asked after the first ss for the day was over. It''s been a month since she moved in to stay with Hera and she was settling in nicely.


    She had also developed a friendship kind of bond with Nathan. He was a nice person and hasn''t given her any reason toin, at least for now. Just like her, he was also from a religious home so it was easy for them to bond and understand each other.


    "A little over the weekend." She answered whilst shoving her books into her bag. "Hera still wants me to stay at her ce but I can''t deal with the distance to college everyday. I did promise to visit her regrly though. Luckily Bryce came through."


    "She''ll get used to it, eventually. She''s married after all and she has her priorities now." Nathan handed a book over to her and she took it.


    "That''s what I''m hoping for."


    "So about that man." Nathan started, earning a curious look from Christina. "I meant the one who picked you upst time. Is he still bothering you?"


    "Oh Max." She muttered under her breath, wondering why he would bring it up all of sudden. "Nope. He''s not."


    Actually, Christina hasn''t seen or run into him for quite some time now and honestly, she really hope that it remained that way cause she wasn''t ready to be directly involved in anything that had to do with him. Be it talking or seeing each other.


    She was d that he was clear of her path even though she knew that it''s only temporary.


    "You didn''t seem quite taken with him, is it okay if I ask why?"


    Christina casted her eyes forward and began walking away leaving Nathan to follow. "I don''t just like him as a person."


    "But there must be a reason why you don''t like him right?" Nathan pressed on. "I mean, he must''ve done something wrong or something you don''t approve."


    "He''s done everything wrong." Christina muttered to herself in a small voice. "He''s different in a not so good way and I don''t like it. I try to tolerate it but it''s different and I can''t say anything because he''s Bryce''s best friend and my sister is so taken in with him."


    "They have a good rtionship and I don''t want to ruin it so I can only dislike him and keep my distance from him."


    "He looks like a bother and I don''t think he''d want to keep his distance from you." Nathan said but Christina pretended not to hear.


    "Why would you even say that?"


    Nathan shrugged. "Well, I just think that he looks very persistent and that''s it. He doesn''t give off the vibes of someone who listens."


    "Well, he has no choice on the matter." She said as a matter of fact. She has told him off and if he had any decency left as a human being, he''d keep away from herpletely. He was trouble. He likes trouble and everything about him radiates and screams trouble. The kind that she''s not interested in associating with.


    Christina took a cab home. She arrived to find Mariam in the kitchen. The olderdy had returned back from her travels a week ago.


    "Hi ma''am." Christina greeted politely earning a smile from thedy.


    "Wee back Christina. Hope you had a good day at school?"


    Christina smiled back at her. "I did. Is Hera inside?"


    "Yes. She went to put Amelia to sleep." Mariam informed her and Christina took it a a cue to leave. She found Bryce and Heraing down the stairs when she approached them. Hera was giggling so she concluded that Bryce must''ve said a joke or something.


    "You''re home early. Is everything okay?" Christina pointed out to Bryce who acknowledged her question with a curt nod.


    "Yes. I have a business summit out of town for a few days and I wanted to spend the rest of the day with my wife before I leave tomorrow." He exined, his hands snaking Hera''s waist to pull her closer to himself.


    Christina''s eyes flew open almost immediately. "You''re leaving for work? For a few days?"


    "Yes."


    "But why? you''re supposed to help me with my business assignment. You promised that you''ll look into it and help me figure it out."


    "I''m sorry kiddo but it was impromptu and I obviously can''t reschedule it cause it''s


    a very important business summit."


    "So who''s going to help me now?" Christina pouted sadly. She was loosing her


    mind. It was an more than a crisis at this point.


    "I can ask Max to help you out. He''d understand better and guide you through it Bryce suggested and Christina almost went pale. Her day just keeps on getting worse. Why does it have to be him of all people? Just when she''s happy that he was out of her hair, something keeps pushing him back into the picture.


    "But why him?"


    "He has an experience in that field as well kiddo and if there''s anyone other than me who can help you out then it''s him."


    "Is there any particr reason why you don''t sound too thrilled to have him help you?" Hera asked and she hesitated. Christina really wanted to say it but somehow she couldn''t. Just like before, she was stuck at telling them why she doesn''t want him to.


    "No. It''s nothing." Christina brushed her off. It''s better than saying anything at this point.


    "Then it''s settled. He''ll help you out and if you need anything while I''m away then you can just ask him. ¨¨ Max is just another version of me so don''t be afraid to seek help from him when you need it. At least, until you get the hang of things." Bryce stated casually.


    "Does this mean you won''t be avable to help me move as well?"


    Bryce shook his head negatively. "I''ll have Max help you out since I''ll be out of town but if you don''t want that then we can always move when I''m back from the summit?"


    "It''s fine. If you insist that it''s okay then he can help me move."


    "Trust me, you won''t have a reason toin. Bryce assured her but Christina knew better. She knew that she''d always have a reason toin as long as it involved him. He was the devil''s advocate for bad things and as long as he''s around her, bad thin


    gs are always bound to happen and there''s no way she''d be able to escape it.

 A Common Ground To Walk On

    "What exactly did you put in here that''s so heavy?" Max groaned as he pulled out thest of Christina''s luggage from the trunk of his car as soon as they arrived at her apartment. He threw his eyes at her direction only to see her subtly ring at him.


    She''s never forgiving him. That''s a truth he has almoste to peace with. Almost. Here he was trying to make light of the situation since she hasn''t talked to him all through the drive and like usual, she was still uninterested.


    "You seriously owe me for this." He said trying to make small talk but she doesn''t respond.


    "Are you really going to ignore me forever, cupcake?"


    "It''s Christina and yes, I n to." She answered nonchntly. "And if it''s any constion, I actually didn''t want you to help me but Bryce insisted and you agreed to it when he asked so I don''t owe you anything."


    "I agreed to it because it''s not like you have anyone else to do it for you."


    "That''s the thing. I never asked you to do it. We can''t even stand each other so what makes you think that agreeing to help me will change anything?" She questioned with a raised brow.


    "Don''t use me as a excuse cause I would''ve waited for Bryce to get back from his summit to help me if I wanted to." She retorted, pushing a strand of hair behind


    her ears.


    "So why didn''t you tell him that you wanted to wait when he insisted on me helping you anyway? You''re good at telling people what to do."


    She red at him, hard. "Because he''s your best friend and if I keep on declining everytime he asks you to do something for me then it''ll only raise suspicions."


    "Hera already suspects that something is wrong and it''s only a matter of time before she figures it out herself. That''ll raise questions and believe me, any answer I provide to those questions will not in any way look good for you. I''m guessing that''s why you also can''t refuse to help me too cause you also don''t want Bryce to find out about what you did."


    "So what? You''re going to tell him that I screwed up by asking you to sleep with me?"


    Christina''s eyes flew open. Her mouth slightly open as her jaw almost dropped to the ground. How can he say such things so freely. Doesn''t he have any shame? Well, it''s Max so she can''t expect anything less. Shame was sadly not a word in his vocabry.


    "Keep your voice down." She mouthed in a whisper. Her eyes shooting him warning daggers to drop the conversation.


    "You know what, I''m not going to listen to you." He answered in disagreement. His eyes glinting mischievously. "I''m done feeling sorry for myself. You keep talking about how I screwed up and since you don''t want to forgive me despite everything I''ve done then let''s talk about it if it''ll make you hate me any less."


    "I don''t hate you." Christina blurted out. It wasn''t the truth but it wasn''t exactly a lie though. If there was a thin line between hate and dislike then she''s probably standing in the middle of it.


    "It doesn''t mean that you like me either. You know what, I hate you as much as you hate me so let''s make a truce." He pushed his hair backwards, hands resting on his hips as he faced her.


    "Let''s just try to tolerate each other''s presence from this moment, moving forward in our lives." He started and she folded her arms across her chest.


    "I''m obviously not going anywhere cause like it or not, I''m a part of Bryce''s life and by extension, Hera as well. You''re going to see me everyday and so will I."


    "You''re going to run into me all the time. If it makes you feel any better then I''m going to be in your life for a very long time as well." It sounded like a threat but even though Christina didn''t want to admit it, she knew that he was making a solid point.


    "We can''t keep acting like this or it''ll blow on our faces sooner orter."


    "Well, I don''t care if it does. It''s not like I''ll be the one getting in trouble." She rolled her eyes at him. "This is all on you."


    "I know." He conceded. "But I also know that you don''t want to be the reason why Bryce and I have problems which is why you haven''t said anything till now so please, let''s find amon ground to walk on."


    He stretched out his hands at her. "What do you say? Truce?"


    Christina stared at his stretched hands, weighing her options. She hated him but he was right. The more the negative tension between them, the more everyone would want to figure out what is wrong and she didn''t want that.


    "Truce." She shook his hands, earning a smile from him. She lets go of his hands almost immediately and made her way into her apartment with her bags.


    Max trailed after her, his eyes following her slowly till they got inside.


    "Your ce looks lovely." Heplimented from behind her and she turned to see him grinning down at her. She nodded at him and took a few steps away from where he


    stood. For some reason, she didn''t want to be close to him, yet.


    "You don''t have to avoid me like a gue you know. I don''t bite." Max uttered but Christina pretended not to hear. They only shook hands so he shouldn''t think that they''re friends already.


    "Can I have a ss of water?" Max requested, wiping the sweat of his forehead. Without answering, Christina walked past him into the kitchen to get a ss for him. Max trailed behind her in steady strides. He watched her pick up a ss from the cab, his eyes following her every move.


    "I''m yet to arrange the kitchen so until then-" Her words are cut short followed by a loud gasp when she identally bumped into him, dropping the ss on the floor which caused it to break into pieces.


    "Oh no!" She eximed, eyes filled with shock at the mess she had made on the floor.


    "Don''t move." Max warned her in a serious tone when she tried to stoop down to pick up the broken pieces on the floor, stopping her from making another move. "You''ll only hurt yourself so just stay still."


    Reaching for her hands, he wrapped


    riter


    it around his neck and in one swift move, he picked her up from the


    ground like she weighed nothin


    carrying her in his arms so that she was straddled against his chest to steady herself from falling


    "You won''t fall. I won''t let you fall." He nced down at Christina in reassurance, forcing her to look away. She felt something stir inside her at those words and she didn''t want to dwell on it.


    They arrived at the living room and he carefully sat her down before cleaning up the ss in the kitchen.


    "Thank you, I mean it." Christina blurted out calmly and Max stared at her in surprise. He couldn''t believe his ears. She was actually thanking him.


    Christina knew deep down that she might not like him but she was grateful for his help either way.


    "I can''t let anything happen to you under my watch or your brother inw will have my head so you''re wee." He informed her. "Since we''re done here, I''ll take my leave."


    He turned to leave when her next words stopped him in his tracks. "Bryce


    well...he um..." She stuttered, standing up to her feet.


    "What''s this about?" He asked, concerned.


    "It''s something important." She answered, not knowing how to properly ry her message to him.


    "You can go ahead and tell me what it is cupcake. I don''t bite."


    "It''s my business project. Bryce said that he''d ask you to help me out."


    "So you do need my help after all." He teased in a flirtatious tone, his lips stretching into a thin line. "I thought that you said you''d never ask me to help you?"


    "I didn''t have any reason to ask you to help me before but Bryce insisted because he''s out of town for work and besides, you said that the offer was on the table whenever I needed it so will you help me or not?"


    Max pretended to give her request some thought while Christina looked on.


    "Okay." He said after the brief


    silence. "But only help you if you help me." He dered all of a


    sudden have something important to do tomorrow so if you agree to lend a hand then I''ll see


    what I can do about your project.


    What do you say?"


    "What''s it about?"


    "You''ll find out tomorrow but I can promise that it''s not anything bad or dangerous.


    You have my word." He gave his solemn promise.


    Christina pondered on the offer. How does she know that she could trust him?


    What if he was trying to get her


    into trouble? This could all end up badly but for some reason, she said yes, agreeing to his offer.

 Innocent Attraction

    Christina stared at the clock for the hundredth time that afternoon.


    She had no idea when Max would get here. The only thing he gave her was his words of mouth that he would be at her door by noon to pick her up to the ce that only the heaven knows.


    And to make matters worse, she had no way of contacting him to ask if he had cancelled or not because she doesn''t even have his phone number to begin with. None of them had even thought about asking the other for it so she wouldn''t entirely me herself too.


    Besides, it''s not like she''d need to call him often, neither are they close friends so she doesn''t really see the point of having it.


    With a deep sigh, she stood up from the couch and made her way towards her bedroom to get ready. She undressed and decided to take a shower. Maybe by the time she was finished, he would''ve arrived causing waiting doesn''t seem to help.


    Max arrived minutester and walked towards Christina''s door after parking his car at the entrance.


    He ced a knock on the door but there was no response. He tried again and proceeded to twist the door knob. Surprisingly, it gave way. Maybe she knew that he wasing and intentionally left the door open.


    Pushing the door open, he stepped into the house fully, letting his eyes roam around the ce but there was no sign of anyone.


    "Cupcake?" He called out to her. "Christina?" He called again, rmed when she didn''t respond.


    Just as he was about to make his way towards the kitchen, he heard footsteps approaching from behind him. He hurriedly followed the sound to the corridor where he bumped into Christina.


    "What the "Christina paused, her heart caught in her throat when she realized who she had just walked into by ident. Her eyes flew open, almost bulging out of their sockets


    Max looked down at the woman that he had just invaded her space. She looked flushed and her blonde tousled hair was dripping wet which meant that she just stepped out of the shower.


    His eyes traced the water that trailed down her face, down her next and disappeared into her chest. Her hands gripped her towel tightly as she tried to scramble away from his gaze.


    Her curved lips quivered from fright. Seeing how ufortable she had be under his gaze, he immediately turned away from her.


    "W-What are you doing here? Inside my apartment? W-Without knocking?" She shrieked, the terror in her voice was rming.


    Max bit down at his lower lip, hard. It was just yesterday that he got her to tolerate him and now today, he had walked into another bigger mess. Why is it always like this when ites to her?


    He swallowed. "I was knocking at the door but you didn''t answer and then, I realized that the door was open so I assumed that you left it open on purpose and


    Just then, she realized that she had left it open by ident after stepping out to grab something.


    "Who leaves a door open on purpose? It was by mistake oh lord!"


    "I''m sorry." He uttered an apology. "Believe me, it wasn''t my intention to walk in on you like this." He added before disappearing back into the living room.


    Christina ran into her room and mmed the door shut behind her, making sure to double check that it was locked. Her heart was literally thumping loudly inside her chest and the more more she thought about what had happened, the more it refused to leave her mind.


    Why here? Why today? Why does the universe keep putting them together in an awkward situation?


    Shaking her had aggressively to brush off the scary thoughts from her mind, she cleaned herself up and processed to wear her clothes after drying her hair.


    "You can do this Christina." She chanted to herself repeatedly, her hands holding the door knob for support. "It''s not like it''s your fault anyway. He walked In on you and not the other way round."


    It still didn''t sound reassuring no matter how hard she tried to convince herself.


    "Let''s just get this over with." She took in a deep breath before unlocking the door. Closing the door behind her, she marched into the living room to see Max who was pacing restlessly.


    Their eyes came in contact with each other and for a moment there, there was brief silence between them.


    He had guilt written all over his face. That''s a first. She didn''t know that he could express such emotions and she didn''t know if she wanted to scold or argue with him at the moment.


    "I''m deeply sorry cupcake-"


    "Christina." She corrected him again. At this point, it was like a back and forth issue between the two of them. He never listens. A trait of his that didn''t quite sit well with her.


    "When you didn''t answer your name, I thought that...I thought that something had happened and I wanted to make sure that you were okay." He exined himself sincerely.


    "It was never my intention to...gosh you''re never going to believe me anyway so what''s the point?"


    "It''s my fault too." She said, taking him aback. Did she just admit that she did something wrong?


    "I can''t let you take all the me when I''m also responsible for this incident."


    "If I never forgot to lock the door then you wouldn''t havee inside unannounced so, let''s just call it a mistake and forget about it cause it''s already embarrassing as it is." She looked away, her gaze faltering but somehow, it found it cute.


    "Shall we?" She said and made her way outside, leaving him to follow cause the


    more she stood there, the more awkward the situation became.


    Max stared at her as she walked away. He knew he shouldn''t think about it or dwell on the issue but the image of her in that towel has been imprinted on his mind. For some reason, it couldn''t shake it off.


    Would it be wrong if he said that he found her innocently attractive? Her hair that fell in wet strands, her skin,


    the droplets of water glued to her body. He shouldn''t be thinking about this but why can''t he stop?


    "So, where are we going?" Christina asked when he opened up the car door for


    her. She settled in nicely and he took the driver''s seat.


    "You''ll find out when we get there." He assured her. "Think of it as a day off."


    "I don''t like surprises." She muttered under her breath but loud enough for him to


    hear.


    Pulling himself closer to her seat, he reached for the seatbelt. Christina squirmed under his gaze, his breath fanning her face as she struggled to look away.


    Forcing himself away from her, he grabbed the belt and locked her in.


    "I promise that you''ll love this one, trust me." He whispered softly, his eyes reassuring her onest time, hoping that he doesn''t mess this up, before he started the ignition.

 His Ulterior Motive

    "We''re here." Max announced the minute they arrived at a closed gate for security checks. Christina looked outside the window to see a residential building up ahead. It was painted and designed beautifully with bright colors that looked so appealing to stare at.


    "What are we doing here? Where is this ce?" Christina asked when Max drove past the men at security, inside the huge gates of the well paved road that had well trimmed flowers on both sides.


    "Little Saints Orphanage." Christina read a sign out loud just in front of the building and turned to look at Max who had just parked his car in front of it.


    "We''re here cupcake. Let''s go." He smiled at her and alighted from the car, leaving her to follow. Christina stepped out to see the children and their caregivers waiting at the entrance for them. They ran towards Max happily to give him a hug and wee him.


    "Wee Sir." One of the caregivers greeted him politely. "The kids have all been expecting you. They thought you wouldn''t make it."


    "So sorry that I''mte. I got held up in something urgent but I made sure to get here as quickly as I could. Hope you all can forgive me." He apologized and they shook their heads negatively.


    "Really? Not even if I got y''all gifts to make up for it?" He teased with a sad face and they burst outughing. Christina couldn''t help the smile that ghosted her lips at the sight in front of her. Even though it was a different building and a different ce, she felt at peace. Like she belonged here. It felt like home.


    "Who''s the prettydy, Max?" Christina heard one of them whisper to him. "Is she your girlfriend?"


    Max nced at Christina and back at him. "No she''s not. She''s more like my rival. An enemy that tries to invade my kingdom and steal my treasures but I won''t let her seed." He whispered back and they chuckled.


    Christina arched a brow at him, annoyed. He possibly can''t be serious. Why would he describe her in that manner? Is this what she gets for having a truce with him? She shouldn''t have even bothered if that was the case.


    "I need a hand over here cupcake." He requested and popped the trunk of the car to reveal the items he had bought along with them.


    "Are you sure about that? I mean, I wouldn''t want to steal your treasures you know." She mocked with a re and proceeded to help him out. The rest of the day went smoothly, with Max having fun with the children while Christina watched their interaction every step of the way.


    She joined to y most of the games with them too cause she couldn''t resist when they had practically dragged her to do so. The kids were friendly. They reminded her of the kids back at the orphanage at home.


    "You must be tired after all that running around. Here, have this." One of the caregivers approached her where she was seated and handed a bottle of water to Christina which she took it gratefully.


    "Thank you."


    "My name is Ava and I volunteer for the orphanage from time to time." The caregiver introduced herself warmly.


    "Nice to meet you, Ava. I''m Christina." She answered with a smile, carefully dabbing the sweat off her forehead with a clean cloth.


    "Lovely name." Sheplimented. "This is your first timeing here, right? Cause I''ve never seen you before."


    "Yes it is." Christina answered casually, wondering why she was asking that question so suddenly.


    "I thought as much because Max has never brought a girl to this ce before. How long have you two been together? If you don''t mind me asking?"


    Christina''s eyes widened at that sudden question. She almost choked on her water. "Been together as what? I don''t understand."


    "You''re his girlfriend aren''t you? Isn''t that why you came here with him?"


    "No, e no!" Christina denied tly. "We''re not even friends to begin with. I only came here to lend a hand and that''s it. We''re not together in that sort of way you''re thinking."


    "Oh I''m sorry. I thought that since he addressed you by a nickname earlier when you both arrived that you two were together. Please forgive me."


    "It''s okay Ava." Christina smiled at her. It was an honest mistake and she was pretty sure that she''s not the only one assuming things at this point. The way everyone looked at her when they first arrived was enough proof that she wasn''t the only one thinking it.


    The rest of the day went by quickly and Max joined herter after saying goodbye to the kids with a promise to visit them again.


    "Did you have a good time, cupcake?" He asked and she took a deep breath, relishing the ambience of the ce for thest time before they leave.


    "I did. It was niceing here. It reminded me of home." She answered, my hands folded across my chest. "Which reminds me, since when did you be a humanitarian? You didn''t strike me as one." She asked, facing him.


    "My mother is more of a humanitarian than I am. She donates here from time to time as well as other charitable organizations. We usually help with funding and donations in any way that we can." He exined to her. "I guess I got used to it as time went on without realizing it."


    "So did you bring me here to score points with me? To show me that you''re not as bad as I thought you were or made you out to be?" She questioned, earning a look from him.


    "No." He answered. "That''s just a bonus. I brought you here cause I thought that a change of scenery would be good for you. I don''t usually go out of my way to please people. If it makes you feel better, you''re the first woman I''ve brought to this ce."


    Christina was stunned to respond.


    Ava was right. No wonder she thought that they were a couple. Maybe this was just one of his many ways to buy her favour so she won''t think too much of it. He was probably doing all of this to keep her mouth shut so that she doesn''t say anything to Bryce.


    "Thank you foring with me today, cupcake."


    "For thest time, It''s Christina." She sighed tiredly. "Do I have to engrave it in your brain so that you don''t forget? You keep giving people the wrong ideas about us when you call me by that name. I don''t want to keep on exining to people that we''re not a couple. It''s tifing."


    "Okay, cupcake." He repeated with a smirk and she arched a brow at him. He doesn''t know why but he loves teasing her. Her angry pout makes it all the more rewarding.


    "It''ll take a while for me to get used to calling you by your name so until then, please bear with me, cupcake." He said with a smirk but Christina knew better. He was trying to mess with her like he usually does and he won''t stop anytime soon.


    "So you''ll help me with my project right?" Christina asked as they walked towards his car. "I did what you asked so it''s time to return the favor like you promised."


    "Sure." He answered and dipped his hands into his pockets to reach for his cellphone which he stretched out to her. "Put your number in." He requested.


    "Why do you need my number?"


    "We''re working on your project


    together which means that we''ll be


    seeing more of each other for a


    ¨¥


    while and during this period, we''d be in constantmunication with each other. Plus, if you also don''t want what happened earlier today to repeat itself then it''s best that you put your number in." He pressed on after his exnation.


    Christina stared at the phone and back to him again. She couldn''t help but think


    that there was an ulterior motive to this. Did she really want to do this?


    "On one condition."


    "Name it."


    "You''ll only text or call me when it''s necessary or has something to do with the


    project. I don''t want you blowing up my phone over nothing." She stated firmly. They weren''t buddies and she didn''t want to extend that hand of friendship yet.


    A smile ghosted on his lips. "Sure thing cupcake. I''l


    I make sure to follow your instructions to the very least trust me. Now, your number."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!