ã€ŠSold to the mafia bossã€‹


 Prologue

    The rain didn¡¯t stop pouring as the night slowly became imprably darker. I knew this was a mistake but I acted on impulse and there¡¯s no going back now. Going back means getting tortured and living a life of captivity again. I couldn¡¯t do that to myself. I¡¯vee this far.

    I slowly cornered into the dark Alley, feeling my legs getting weaker. I knew I couldn¡¯t get any far with these shoes on. Backing into the wet brick wall, I unbuckled the strap high heels and gently ced them down. My hair was getting on my eyes so I pulled them up, pulling out a single hair strand to tie the rest on top of my head.

    I wiped the rain water out of my eyes before looking to the right side of the quiet road.

    Empty.

    Not a single person. Anyone knew better than to trespass here during this hour. Anyone but me.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I could feel my heart thundering in my rib cage as I stepped into the light, slowly making my way towards where I presumed the gate was. I could feel my body visibly shaking. But I couldn¡¯t decide why. Whether because of the rain I¡¯d been under for the past one hour or due to the fear that had umted inside my body over the course of hours. I didn¡¯t know how much longer I could actually Walk without fainting.

    The day had been beautiful, it had started well, he was being nice to me, and I ruined it. And now, I¡¯m going to pay for it if he ever catches me again. That¡¯s why I need to leave right now without getting caught. I don¡¯t have a home to go back to but I¡¯ll figure something out. I would this time.

    ¡± Bring him closer, asshole! ¡± I fell back as I heard his domineering voice from upfront, the venom in his voice shaking me up till I couldn¡¯t walk anymore, finding myself wrapping up against the walls once again. It felt like I had two hearts, and suddenly they were fighting with each other inside my small rib cage. I felt like I was going to faint. But I had to keep going.

    I heard strong urgent footsteps upfront. It was the only way I could take to get to the gate. The opposite side lead back to the big mansion. I couldn¡¯t go back. I slowly and gently took a step after the other, fearing that I¡¯d actually step onto a pod of water and catch their attention. That was thest thing I wanted right now.

    As I approached the end of the wall, I saw the urgent movements of Logan¡¯s men, dragging somebody who appeared to be on the wet floor. I couldn¡¯t risk getting closer to see who he was killing again, to see who had dared to cross him again. I needed to just wait here till they finished with whatever they were doing before I ran off.

    ¡± I swear, I didn¡¯t do it! ¡± The man screamed, obviously begging for his life. His voice broke my heart but I tried not to cry. I heard him getting beat up again, causing me to shut my eyes tight. Watching someone getting beaten or hurt has been something that always got me upset and sad and Logan always enjoyed making me watch such events.

    After a while, I decided to take a peak of the scene. My eyes met with Logan¡¯s back, four of his men standing in a circle, the victim seated on a wooden chair in their center. I couldn¡¯t see who the man was. All I could see was the silhouette of the side of his face as he looked up at Logan.

    Suddenly, Logan wasughing sinisterly, stretching out his hand for a gun. My heart stopped beating.

    ¡± Did you just say you didn¡¯t sleep with my hot wife? ¡± He asked amidstughter, grabbing hold of the gun that he¡¯s being provided.

    Huh? Sleep with who? Me? I felt confused. Who was that man?

    ¡± No, I swear! Please! I¡¯ll do anything! ¡± The poor man begged for his life. I tried to see his face but again it was impossible. Suddenly, a surge of energy kicked through me and I told myself I wasn¡¯t gonna stand here and let an innocent man die for my sake. He didn¡¯t do what he¡¯s being used of.

    But again, Logan wouldn¡¯t merely let him go just because I testified. He would still kill him and probably kill me too for trying to run away. He was a psycho who didn¡¯t reason anything or anybody. He deserved to die and I¡¯ll see to that as soon as I get out of here.

    I saw his men punching him on the face again. I quickly looked down, feeling the pain like I was the one being punched. This wasn¡¯t fair. It isn¡¯t.

    But we were having such a nice evening a few hours ago, he was being lovely and nice and I was being cooperative like before. He didn¡¯t suspect I was nning to escape tonight so why¡­

    Oh no.

    The thought struck me like fierce lightening. I remembered thest thing he had said to me before one of his men came to take him from the room. He had said he¡¯d kill Emma.

    My heart picked up race, painfully thudding and pushing at my chest. I felt the air get knocked out of my lungs.

    ¡± Stop! ¡± I wanted to scream as he pointed the gun at his forehead. I felt my skin crawl as I watched. I wanted to stop him, beg him to stop but at that moment, I didn¡¯t know what to do first. Yell for him to stop or run to the gun point. But what guarantee did I have that he wouldn¡¯t just kill me and still kill him too? He was a fucking psycho.

    Everything seemed to happen so so fast that in a split second I was hearing the clicking of the gun and in the next second, I was hearing a loud gun shot. It was deafening and I almost lost my bnce. But I knew giving up now would only jeopardize things. The deed has been done and thest thing I wanted was dying without getting my revenge.

    I found myself clinging to the wall, hyperventting.

    I caught sight of a cloth sack getting pulled over Emma¡¯s head before being raised from the chair. I couldn¡¯t watch anymore, I wanted to throw up. I quickly retracted my way back to the dark Alley where I sat crying for a while, scared out of my mind. I was having difficulty breathing and I didn¡¯t know if I could ever make it out of here.

    Ever.

 2

    ¡± Logan DeAngelo is a feared, ruthless and notorious mafia boss who most of the time ranked first among the most popr and richest Mafia bosses in the entire world. And he was the very first when narrowed down to Italy¡­. ¡± I sighed again, trying to give Maddy a hint that I didn¡¯t care about herme mafia story. Seriously, she has got to stop doing this. ¡°¡­. Owning powers over his family¡¯spanies and numerous power nts wasn¡¯t enough. He wanted more and everything he couldy his hands on. He¡¯s rumored to be known as the seconding of the devil himself because of his cruel ways of dealing with people below him¡­ ¡±

    ¡± Ah, Maddy? ¡± I called, hoping to catch her attention this time. Thest thing I wanted was actually spending the rest of my two hours of shift listening to herme mafia story.

    Maddy¡¯s eyes crosses mine, a sheepish grin crossing her lips this time before she slowly shifted on the bar stool she sat on across the bar table from me.

    ¡± You know I¡¯m not buying your mafia story anymore , Maddy, especially not tonight ¡± I told her, stuffing the next wine ss on the line with the cleaning towel. Just whip the damn sses and be on your way, I told myself.

    ¡± It¡¯s not a story, La! I keep telling you that! I can¡¯t believe you haven¡¯t heard of Logan DeAngelo, the popr Italian Mafia boss! ¡± Maddy went on again.

    mming the towel on the table and hissing for her to shut up, I caught sight of Emma walking in through the door. I quickly looked back at Maddy who was still wrapped up on the customer stool outside the saloon.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you wanna hear about him tonight, huh? Is it because of the little fight you just had with Lorena? Ah, you¡¯re so sensitive! ¡± Maddy went on, my eyes going over the door to see Emma again. He had his hands tucked into his  jean pockets, his long button down shirt falling off one shoulder.

    But as I watched him, my mind was wondering back to the little fight I¡¯d had with Lorena two hours ago. She would always pick fights with me over the littlest things. When rich men without use for their damn moneyes in here and gives me extra personal tip, she would find a way to ry it to the manager who in turn would give me an ear full. Tonight, she had an issue with how skinny my jeans were and I told her to go to hell.

    ¡± I told you to leave before me, Maddy, I can go home myself ¡± I told her as I continued to clean the sses, getting ready to go home for the night.

    Maddy was supposed to leave two hours ago but she offered to wait till my shift was over so we could take the bus together. The bus was a few minutes ride to our neighborhood. I liked having Maddy around, she was literally my only friend but sometimes, she just didn¡¯t understand that I need some quiet time alone. Thest few months has been rough for me and she knew that. Maybe all she was doing, telling me stories and trying to keep boring conversations going was her own way of cheering me up and I appreciated that. Sometimes, I just wanted to be alone.

    I couldn¡¯t stop peeking at Emma as he walked towards us. My eyes catches his for a second and I tried to smile at him but couldn¡¯t. I just looked down instead, hoping for a miracle that would teleport me from here this very minute.

    Emma was my ex boyfriend. It hurts tobel him as my ex now. He was the main reason why I¡¯ve had such terribly rough days these past few months.

    I¡¯d fallen in love with Emma the first time I¡¯did eyes on him, the first time I¡¯d joined Mins highschool. He was the right guy for me. He was what every girl in highschool wanted and I¡¯d kept my feelings up my throat for four years. Until final year, seven months ago, when he¡¯d told me he liked me. He said he¡¯d always liked me but thought I wouldn¡¯t like me back if he¡¯d told me. It felt like my dream had finallye through for a girl whom nothing ever seemed to work out for. I was on top of the skies. We usually did things couples do all the time. We¡¯d hang out, kiss, talk about the future together, talk about the colleges we wanted to go together, talk about prom, our dream jobs. Everything seemed so perfect.

    But three months into the rtionship, when I felt entirely attached to him, I caught him kissing Bridgett at Austin¡¯s party, one of his friends. The scene didn¡¯t justhurt my feelings, it hurt my entire being. Later on news had it all over the school that they had been sleeping together before that party night. And he didn¡¯t deny it, not one bit. He apologized afterwards, but I couldn¡¯t. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to take him back even though it¡¯s hurting every single minute not being with him like I used to. Seeing him everyday and not being able to talk to him, be with him, kiss him, I felt like I was slowly dying.

    I mean, this is just your regr high school story, isn¡¯t it? He¡¯s this really hot rich school jock and I¡¯m just the regr poor girl who sits at the back of the ssroom everyday, acting tough to those mean cheerleaders sometimes, while dying inside.

    Typical.

    I just wish he¡¯d stoping to my ce of work every night. I knew it was hard but he didn¡¯t need to make me feel even worse. We all graduatedst month and he hadpletely ruined the prom I anticipated so much ¨C not that I¡¯d expected much from it anyways. So we¡¯re good now!

    He stops at the front of the bar, right next to Maddy and waved a hand at me, his usual lip lined smile on his lips. I felt my breath stop as I watched him. I¡¯m still not over him. I never will. He was the first person I¡¯d ever truly loved. Remembering what Maddy had told me some weeks ago about him getting together with Bridgette made me feel worst about myself each time I saw him. He was a constant reminder of all the miseries in my life.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± What¡¯s up, La? ¡± Emma said as soon as he stops in front, sitting down.

    I tried to smile, the same fake smile I gave him every night and replied ¡± great. Here for a drink? ¡± I asked the same question again. I¡¯m really getting good at this.

    ¡± Um¡­ No, ¡± he replied awkwardly ¡± I actually came to see you. ¡±

    I breathed sharply.

 3

    Emma had been to high school severally. What I meant was that he wasn¡¯t the brightest student any school could have and for that reason he was always getting transferred to schools and each time, the school asked him to repeat a ss. He looked bigger than a couple of the boys who attended our schools, due to his regr work outs of course and he was also older. Just a little bit. But he always managed to walk his way up to the popr rich kiddder at every school he went, everytime.

    I guess he managed to climb up thedder to my heart. I heard myself scoff inside. I wished I could tell him to stay out of my life for good sometimes. But I just couldn¡¯t. Even though he was with Bridgette now, seeing him everyday, talking to me made me feel better sometimes.

    ¡± Hey Maddy ¡± he said to Maddy.

    ¡± Hey, Emma! So good to see you! What are you doing here!? ¡± Maddy said excitedly, pretending to actually be d to see him but we all knew she was dying to give him the smack she imed to owe him since Austin¡¯s party.

    I scoffed. Typical Maddy.

    She didn¡¯t let him reply before throwing another question ¡± aren¡¯t you supposed to be out of town already? ¡±

    Emma had told me that after graduation he¡¯d be leaving for Tokyo. He hadn¡¯t told me exactly when but I knew that was what came right after graduation. But he did tell me he was going to stay for a while with me before going. I guess there¡¯s no reason for him to stay any longer now. He¡¯d told me that while in Tokyo, when he gets epted into the New York university, he¡¯d call to tell me. And when I get epted too, we¡¯d meet in New York. Together.

    Well, shits happened and I wasn¡¯t able to write an entrance exam for the university and there were no schrships avable then. I didn¡¯t tell him this though. Now I¡¯m d I never wrote the exam. Asides from not seeing him everyday, my parents couldn¡¯t afford it. I¡¯d just wait on a schrship. Hopefully, onees my way soon.

    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m nning on¡­ ¡±

    I turned my back on them as they continued to talk, arranging the sses on its shelf. I walked through the back door and entered into the bathroom where I fetched my bag and took out my red hoody. I knew it was really cold outside.

    Walking back out, I came across the manager¡¯s office. He saw me through the ss door and I waved him good night. He returns it with an unpleasant groan which didn¡¯t really bother me. What bothered me was the fact that I had to wait for another neen days before getting my pay check for this month. It was agonizing, really.

    I saw Emma and Maddy still talking at the bar table.

    ¡± Maddy? Going? ¡± I called, causing them to look at me. Maddy quickly grabs her bag which had been standing by since thest two hours and hurried over to me.

    ¡± Hey, ¡± Emma called as I tried to walk out through the door ¡± can I have a minute? ¡±

    I wanted to talk to him but I couldn¡¯t risk that, so I replied ¡± I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s getting reallyte ¡±

    ¡± I¡¯ll see you at home in the morning tomorrow then, Maddy told me you¡¯re on evening shifts now ¡± he said.

    I nodded, before practically running out of the ce. Maddy joined me and we walked together till we got to the bus stop. After a while, our bus arrived. Throughout the ride home, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking.

    ¡± How are you holding up, La? ¡± Maddy breaks the silence that had built up since the bus dropped us off and we took the sidewalk that led to my house.

    I knew what she was asking. ¡± I¡¯m fine, Maddy. I just need a long rest ¡±

    ¡± Maybe we can go eat some ce tomorrow? Before my shift ¡± she said, her attempt to cheer me up. Soon I saw my houseing into view.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Okay. ¡±

    Maybe we could finally get some time to talk about normal stuffs. Like how her application to the state¡¯s university was going. I knew admissions didn¡¯t start until the fall of next year but I wanted to know everything. Would be great to feel the fears they felt now, the agitation of getting picked by your dream school.

    Maddy waves me good night as we got to the front of my house before crossing the street, her house a few blocks away. I cornered into our driveway, too distracted by my talk with Maddy earlier to notice the ck SUV parked right in front. I didn¡¯t know if we were expecting a visitor that I wasn¡¯t told about but I knew it was very unlikely to have such a car parked in front of our house.

    I proceeded up the porch, pushed the door open and removing my sneakers like I always did and proceeding further into the living room with my socks on. The first thing I noticed was that my parents were oddly seated on the couch, their faces trained on the wall in front of them, as if they werepletely unaware of my presence. I walked to their front to discover the horrified look on their faces, the kind of faces you¡¯d see on someone who had a gun pointed at the back of their heads. The look that told me to run.

 4

    For the next few minutes I couldn¡¯t breathe. Everything suddenly went quiet and all I could hear was the ringing in my ears.

    The horrified looks on my parents faces was my least worry now as I began to notice the men standing in ck suits, behind my parents. They didn¡¯t have guns in their hands but they must¡¯ve said or done something to my parents to have them sitting and looking that way.

    I felt confused. Who were they and what do they want? I saw the look of fear in my father¡¯s eyes as they watched me and I saw how my mom tried to pretend she wasn¡¯t as frightened as the situation called. Just as I was about to speak, to ask my mom what was happening here, a voice broke through the kitchen.

    ¡± Is this your little girl? ¡± The voice is deep and demanding, having a bit of intimidation in it. I looked around and saw a man walk out.

    You might think in this kind of situation I¡¯d never get the chance to check a man out right? Well I did and instead of forcing my gaze down, I watched him. He¡¯s tall and well built, muscr in every way, even his ck suits gave it out. His ck hair is styled to swipe up on his head, his fairly long face bearing a set of full dark eyebrows and small, sloe eyes with thick longshes. His dark lips has a sadistic grin on it for just a while before the moment hepletely stepped out of the kitchen, a long frown crossing his face , his eyes holding my gaze. I felt the urge to look away. But I wasn¡¯t thinking straight yet. Who was he?

    ¡± I normally wouldn¡¯t collect these kinds of payment but I guess I¡¯ll make an exception tonight ¡± he added, walking up to where his men were standing behind my parents.

    I didn¡¯t think I heard that correct. When he snapped his fingers, two of his men came at me, reaching to grab me. That¡¯s when it urred to me what¡¯s about to happen. I yelped in fear and looked at  my parents. My mom¡¯s face was thrown away.

    ¡± What are you doing?! What¡¯s happening here mom? Dad? ¡± I cried. I needed answers. That man over there just said he normally didn¡¯t collect this kinds of payments. Does that mean¡­

    I started to fight frantically as they tried to pull me. Where were they taking me? What was happening right now?! All the while my parents never looked at me, they just threw their faces away.

    ¡± Stop ¡± the first man ordered and they let go of me immediately. He walks towards me, my heart racing rapidly in my chest.

    He stops in front of me, inching his face down a little bit to my level and peered into my face. Due to the short struggle from earlier, my hair was now scattered over my face so he reached a finger below a strand and brushed it back.

    ¡± Listen, La, ¡± he said ¡± your lovely parents here are giving you to me. I¡¯d have loved for you to have a little time together to get some real exnations and maybe say a couple of goodbyes but I¡¯m really not cut out for that ¡±

    What? I thought the pipe to my lungs got cut and I stopped breathing for a minute there. I looked over to my parents as I heard him snap his fingers for me to be taken again.

    ¡± We¡¯re sorry, La, ¡± my mom said, standing up ¡± we owe him some money and we couldn¡¯t pay him off! We¡¯re very sorry! ¡± She was sweating profusely.

    I couldn¡¯t believe this. I refuse to believe this. She¡¯s just going to tell me that after selling me off to these people? I wanted to cry but there seemed to be something more important than shedding tears right now. I wanted to pour my heart out at them. How could they do this to me? They had no idea what was going to happen to me and they didn¡¯t care. They had no idea where I was being taken and they didn¡¯t care.

    The men grabbed me by my arms. That¡¯s when the adrenaline kicked in. I struggled frantically to break free but they easily overpowered me.

    ¡± Let go of me please ¡± I began to cry but they don¡¯t stop. They just tried to do what their bossmanded and take me out. ¡± Please! Let me go! ¡± I pleaded, catching sight of my parents faces onest time before being dragged out of the door, the leader of the men standing behind.

    I started to scream harder so anyone passing by could save me even though it was past 11 in the night and it was very unlikely of anyone to be walking around. I wondered if Maddy reached her house already. I wondered if she heard that loud scream before getting gagged with a piece of cloth. I wondered if she was heading back now because she heard a scream. I didn¡¯t know what to do, my head was spinning. The chance of somebody finding me was very thin but I wanted to try.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    I kicked and pushed but in the end, it felt like I was just standing there while they dragged me effortlessly. The truth is they were much bigger than me and definitely more powerful, I knew I couldn¡¯t win this fight with them. As we closed in on their huge car, the cloth still pressed to my mouth and making breathing impossible, I knew this was it. I couldn¡¯t win this.

    They pulled open the car and threw me in and as soon as I was inside, I felt a sharp needle piercing through my arm. I looked to the side where my skin had been pierced to see a man seated next to me, also in ck suits and dark shades. What did he do to me? Did he just sedate me? .

    The rest of the men entered the car and I continued kicking. After a while, I slowly felt the Anastasia kick in and my body slowly started getting numb. I couldn¡¯t fight anymore, I couldn¡¯t say anything even though the gag was off my mouth, I couldn¡¯t move any part of my body. I was just numb.

    I fell back on the seat, my eyes getting heavy and my  head throbbing harshly. I tried to keep my eyes open and saw the gang leader walking up to the front seat of the car. Before my eyes shut close and darkness consumed me.

 5

    La¡¯s P. O. V

    My body felt weak, my head spun as I tried to hold my eyes open. It¡¯s not been working. I needed to open my eyes at once.

    Strangely, I remembered the events ofst night.

    The bed under me felt soft against my bare skin. I felt the distance of the bed with my hand which I¡¯m suddenly able to move after what felt like forever of being awake on this bed, numb. Nothing. There was nothing next to me. I finally opened my eyes but the whiteness of the bed and the ceiling blinded my eyes so I shut them again.

    After a few minutes of trying to regain my strength, I opened my eyes again, this time squinting them to adjust to the room¡¯s brightness before slowly pulling my body into a sitting position. I looked around me and discovered that I was inside a wide room. Everywhere was white. From the doors to the ceiling to the walls. The floor is translucent, a couple ofnterns standing afar, reflecting golden lights in the room. I didn¡¯t see anyone, didn¡¯t hear anything.

    I remember being dragged from my house yesterday. Or was it earlier today? I¡¯d been sedated, possibly but was it possible for me to wake up this early?

    I remembered the look on my parents face as they gave me off to some man, I remembered how I¡¯d struggled to break free, how they¡¯d bundled me into their car and everything turning ck. The thought of my parents giving me off to some men in order to pay off their depths hurt me deeply but the deed was done and there¡¯s nothing I can do about it. Now I was in some porch house, without an idea of where in the world I was.

    My eyes falls on my body. I wasn¡¯t wearing my red hoody anymore, I was in a white sundress. I could smell the strong fragrance that came off my body and the room. Everywhere smelled so nice. Where the hell was I?

    My phone¡­.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    I frantically began searching for my phone under the bed duvet , under the pillow, on the bed¡¯s table stand, but nothing. What was I thinking? He¡¯d be a fool to leave my phone with me after kidnapping me to some God knows ce. I¡¯d be sure to contact the police or someone.

    I pushed the duvet off my exposed legs and tried to cover my upper body with my arms, feeling too exposed with the dress¡¯s spaghetti strap. I wasn¡¯t wearing bra anymore. My heart raced as I tried to remember ever changing my clothes. But I couldn¡¯t. I was passed out all nightst night, it wasn¡¯t possible for me to change my dress. And I smelled like I¡¯d taken some nice shower.  I cringed at the thought of that man taking off my clothes and bathing me. God no.

    I ran my hands over my body to feel any change. What had he done to me?

 6

    Suddenly, I heard a beeping sounding in from the ss doors before they slid open, ady walking in with a tray of cup in her hand. I¡¯ve never been so d to see a person in my life before. She¡¯s tall and pale, with full wavy red hair which she pulled up in a ponytail, her long legs running out of the ck mini skirt she wore, her high heels leaving thuds every step she took. I noticed the big smile she had on her face as she approached me.

    ¡± Good morning. you¡¯re awake. ¡± she said with a broad smile, bending down to drop the tray on the bedside table.

    I had so many things to say at once, so many questions that needed answering. ¡± Where am I? ¡± I asked her frantically.

    Ignoring my question, she points a cup to me and said ¡± drink this. It¡¯ll help you feel better ¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t want that! Where the hell am I? ¡± I asked gingerly.

    ¡± You need to take this and calm down, Okay? ¡± She repeated, fueling my anger.

    ¡± I¡¯m not calming down! Where the hell am I? ¡± I screamed.

    ¡± You need to calm down okay? It¡¯s better for you¡±

    Better for me? I didn¡¯t understand what she meant by that. I think there¡¯s something sick happening here.

    She puts out the cup and takes the tray, before saying to me ¡± The boss wants you to rest and he¡¯d be with you shortly. He has some business he¡¯s attending to in the mean time¡± and she walks out, the door sliding shut behind her.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    The boss? Who the hell was she talking about? The image of that man who appeared to be the leader of those men in ck suitsst night appeared to me again. Everything slowly started to make sense. I pictured his face and it was like he was standing right there with me right now.

    My fears turns into anger, bubbling inside me as the woman¡¯s thudding steps disappeared. I looked towards therge balcony doors and it was easy to see that it¡¯s been locked. I grit my teeth angrily before going back to searching for my phone. Damn it, I should have asked that woman! Seeing as she is tired all my questions, she probably wouldn¡¯t have provided me an answer too if I¡¯d asked her about my phone. Was I expecting her to just hand it back to me?

    I screamed at the top of my voice angrily as my hands dug underneath the pillow, searching frantically for my phone. I felt frustrated by the minute, my head spinning from the scream. I didn¡¯t care if he was hearing me. In fact, I needed him to hear me screaming ande in here. maybe then I could escape.

    I didn¡¯t know what exactly he ns to do with me even though my parents had shamelessly sold me to him but I wasn¡¯t going to be a part of it, wasn¡¯t going to sit passively and let him im me like some bag of body.

    I moved to the other side of the bed in a swift, pulling out the draw on the bedside table. Empty. I screamed again, knocking the tray of water over and spilling the water contents against the wall.

    I grabbed at the side of my head as I felt a sharp pain. I felt dizzy for a second and sat at the edge of the bed to regain myself.

    Slowly, I started to sob gently. My heart ached and my mind raced. My mind raced to yesterday, to Maddy, to us walking home from work. It was all new to me like it was happening over again. I¡¯m leaving the bar with her after waving a dismissive hand at Emma and walking down the pavement with her, taking the bus and dropping off at our neighborhood.

    I wondered if Maddy was looking for me. Did she suspect a thing about my disappearance? There was no doubt she¡¯d been to my house this morning asking of me. Last night she¡¯d asked us to go eat out today and talk about her university. Then I disappeared. She must¡¯ve called and left a thousand messages. The pain came back again.

    Angrily, I rose from the bed and screamed, kicking a foot on the wall. I walked towards the balcony and tried to pull it open. Locked as expected. I tried hitting it but the ss seemed stronger than bullet proof ss. I hurried back to the window. It was barred. I tried my best to lift it or alter it. My anger intensified.

    Then I hurried over to the door again and frantically pped at the ss door even though it was just as strong and imprable as the balcony doors.

    ¡± Let me out!! ¡± I screamed, feeling tears prickling at the sides of my eyes. the pain in my head has intensified over the course of screaming, my body getting weaker. I didn¡¯t know what they had injected me withst night but I knew they were extremely strong and still in my system to have this effects on me. My chest contracted in a painful way, breaking me. But I don¡¯t stop, I continued to hit and scream.

 7

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    ¡± Astrid couldn¡¯t do his job and I had to go three miles away to do it myself! ¡± I barked at one of my men who handled my drugspanies, Miko, as he sat at the end of the wide table inside my office. He shivered, his eyes buried down between his legs, waiting for the worst.

    I felt angry. Thieving was the thing I hated most. After women. Piece of shits. and what did those retched people had to offer to save their lives? A piece of shit! I wouldn¡¯t have had to travel a mile just to get a stupid woman if Astrid had done his fucking job of catching those peasants!

    ¡± We¡¯re¡­ We¡¯re sorry boss ¡± Miko murmured.

    Angrily, I reached for the pistol at the back of my pants, cracked it and aimed for his head. ¡± I said don¡¯t fucking apologize to me ¡±

    Milo freezes, watching me with pleading eyes. I wanted to pull this damn trigger. I didn¡¯t need him anymore. He was a fuck up like the rest of his team so why show mercy.

    Then I heard the screaming from up above. That bitch. I tried to fire at Miko but heard her banging at the door, her screams getting louder. A smirk crossed my lips in sheer thrill. she¡¯s probably trying to escape right now. She must be a fool at many levels if she didn¡¯t know who she was dealing with. No one runs away from me. Not even her fucking parents who brought this upon her.

    Another scream and more banging. Fuck.

    Putting my gun away, I roared at Miko ¡± get the fuck out of my face.¡± and he scurried out before I made my way out of my office and climbed on the nearest elevator. The anger bubbled up as I went up, intensified as I came face to face with the door and seeing her through the sses as she continued to bang on the door.

    I saw a glimpse of her face, the bitterness and pain in them as she cried. It was tear streaked and threatening to fall off her head any minute now.

    Since picking her up from her housest night, I¡¯m only seeing her for the first time after so many hours of the pick up.

    I saw her long legs as they ran from the dress she was now wearing, causing me to smirk wickedly. She was about to be food to me and she will do well to obey me.

    Punching in the door¡¯s passcode, the doors slid open, causing her to stop for a minute to look at me. She¡¯s breathing hard from all the struggle to break the door. how pathetic, most of her hair sprawled over her face now.

    My eyes moved to every inch of her body before settling on the swells on her bossom. Her firm breasts pointed invitingly at me. She was tiny and if I was being honest with myself, the skinny girls always did it for me in bed and right now, all I saw was her body tied down on my bed, legs spread apart.

    ¡± What do you want from me?! ¡± She screamed at me.

    How dare her? Iughed at her attitude, somehow enjoying the show she put on. If only she knew the weight of her parents wrongs, she wouldn¡¯t stand out to ask me that silly question.

    ¡± I¡¯m talking to you! ¡± Her voice screamed fear. I knew her type, not that grabbing a girl from her house was my everyday thing, but she was just acting tough, trying to convince me that she wasn¡¯t scared and that she was strong. Clicking my tongue, I wished she knew who she was dealing with and apparently, she doesn¡¯t seem to have any idea.

    ¡± Answer me! ¡± She screams again, this time moving in to push me by the chest but I caught her wrist mid air and yanked it back, causing her to wince in pain.

    ¡± You have no idea who I am, do you? ¡± I said into her ear. The feel of her hair brushing subtly against my lips excited me. The warmth, the closeness of her body oozed onto me even with the slim distance caused me a bulge, but I ignored it. If she was going to be so stubborn she needed a lesson. And I¡¯m about to teach her that.

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    As the doors slid open, I hadn¡¯t expected the man who walked in. He was far from what I remembered fromst night. Everything had been hazy and foggyst night even to this very minute and I wasn¡¯t familiar with the details of his face but looking at him now, I couldn¡¯t help checking him out while tossing my escape ns behind me.

    He was tall, tall and wide enough to swallow my smaller image if he pleased. His arms were muscr and well built, just like the packs that evidently popped out of his sleek long sleeves office shirt.

    His hair is dark, full and shiny, the ones you¡¯d wanna feel it¡¯s silkiness with your fingers, melting into them. His face was chesled to go with his lean yet well built body. His nose was long and pointed. The most important detail of all were his eyes. They were slim and set back into his face, his eyshes long, thick and full, typical of the Mexican boys like Maddy always loved to fantasize. The length of hisshes would almost hide the greenish ashes color of his eyeballs.

    And those eyes stared predatorily at me. He takes a step forward and I stepped back a pace, my anger rushing back again. I wanted to p him, beat him until he let me go but I knew from his look he took no nonsense and I¡¯d probably be the losing one after all is said and done.

    My first instinct was to p him but I found myself pushing his body instead, screaming at him. Then he grabbed my hands and yanked them down, inflicting pain from the pressure of his tight grip around my wrist.

    ¡± You have no idea who I am, do you? ¡± His voice is deep and smooth, venom edging every word he spilled. And yes, I didn¡¯t know him. But I didn¡¯t need to know who he was to let me get the hell out of this madness.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Let go of me! ¡± I cried but instead he pushed me back and I stumbled back. He advances towards me and stops, his eyes watching my body like he¡¯d done earlier. I looked past him to see that the door had locked back after he walked in. I blew my chance of running by checking him out and now I¡¯m gonna pay for it.

    His handse up and gropes my breast, cutting my breath away. The movement surprises me and I did the one thing my body urged me to in defense, I pped his hand away and stepped back.

    How dare him! A surge of anger exploded inside me and I tried to hit him but he grabbed my two hands now and pushed me back against the wall. I yelped in pain on the impact of the wall and held my lips from crying.

    His face leans into mine, his body only a symmetrical line away from mine. My heart beats elerated.

    The tears ran freely down my face now as I felt my body weaken before him. I felt starry sensations clouding up my vision and I tried to blink to keep my focus together but I was slowly losing it.

    I felt his grip on my wrist loosen and he steps back. I watched him retreat himself, my vision too starry and blurry to see him walk out, my body too weak to make a run for it. I just stood stered on the wall, shutting my eyes close to reduce the pain.

    I slid down to the floor and sat down, my weak legs giving up before my mind did and I just sat there for a while, crying. From a distance, I saw the pills that woman had left on my table earlier. it was tossed far away on the floor. I needed to take it and relieve myself of this pain. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. But I was too weak to reach for it and I just sat there, watching it.

    I heard the doors slid open before the sound of clicking shoes neared me. The woman from earlier squats in front of me, looking into my face, her voice resounding as she spoke.

    ¡± Come on, you need to take a shower ¡± she said, grabbing my arm.

    My stomach rumbles loudly. I haven¡¯t eaten anything for nearly twenty four hours.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be having dinner shortly ¡± she adds as she walked me towards the bathroom. My vision slowly gets worse as I managed to walk beside her, my body shaking involuntarily. I thought I was going to pass out.

 8

    I remained inside the bathtub, naked, my body numb and my eyes fixed straight up as she scrubbed my body. For the first time in my entire life, I actually appreciated this hot water. It was a form offort for me and I didn¡¯t want it to end.

    After scrubbing every inch of my body and watering me clean, she walks back out andes back in with another cup and a pill.

    ¡± You have to take this to get rid of the Anaesthetic ¡± she said, putting the pills in my tongue and putting the ss of water against my lips and sliding her other hand behind my head and tilting it a bit so I could swallow it. And I did, gulping in down with urgency. Yes, I needed my strength if I was going to fight him and escape this madness.

    Soon after, she helps me out of the water and handed me a towel which I covered myself with. She walks me out and into a walk-in closet. The room is wide, almost looking wider than the main bedroom itself. But it waspletely empty save for a few empty clothe racks, arge wardrobe, a tall window that overlooked the dark night, and a dresserpartment.

    She puts a white robe over me from the back and I put in my hands and walked over to the table and sat down, pulling the robe over my body. I suddenly felt cold.

    ¡± I¡¯ll turn the heater on ¡± she said, walking to the side of the room before a rush of warmth filled the room and I rxed a little. She walks back out and started drying my hair with a hand dryer. I faced the mirror, watching my reflection. I felt thin and pale like someone who¡¯s lost four pintes of blood overnight.

    I watched the face of the woman through the mirror as she focused on my hair,bing and drying it expertly. She was probably just his worker, maybe his cleaner or maid or everything.

    She takes a short while to dry and treat my hair. She sprayed it with some hair spray, giving off a sweet scent before piling my hair up and picking up some needle to hold them up, leaving a few strands falling down my face in coils. She leaves after a while and disappeared from my sight.

    She appears shortly with a  turquoise corset gown. She points it to me and turns around for me to wear it. I take it from her and pulled away my robe to wear it. I didn¡¯t wannaply to any of this but after meeting that man earlier, I knew none of this was something I could wiggle my way out off anytime soon.

    ¡± I¡¯m done ¡± I said after fitting it on my body perfectly, like it was tailored for me. I turned my back to her and she zipped it up for a finish.

    Sitting back down, she brings up a kit full of make up and organizes them.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Where am I going? ¡± I asked as she searched for something in the kit.

    Throwing me a small smile, she replied ¡± you¡¯re having dinner with the boss ¡± she replied.

    My heart skipped a beat. Then it picked up race. I watched her rummage through the make up suppliment, before picking up an eyeliner.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna eat with him ¡± I told her, my lips trembling in fear.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry, Mr Logan is nice ¡± she said but I saw all the lies in that.

    ¡± You¡¯re lying ¡± I told her ¡± please I need to get out of here, help me ¡±

    ¡± You cannot get out, child, look around you. You¡¯ll only get hurt, so don¡¯t do anything stupid ¡± that said and yanks my head down and began to apply the ck under my eyes. I was losing it, I didn¡¯t wanna be around him for another second.

    She picks up the powder next, just in time for me to look through the make up kit for anything sharp. My heart sunk at the realization of why I was looking for something sharp. What could I possibly use it for? Hurt this woman because I wanted to escape? Even if I¡¯m able to do that which I¡¯m not, I still couldn¡¯t get past the door. It was simply hopeless.

    I didn¡¯t know who this woman was but I knew she waspletely loyal to him. I wondered if she couldn¡¯t see that he¡¯d kidnapped me. Did he brainwash her perhaps? Or did he pay her a huge amount of money to keep shut about stuffs like this? Did he kidnap girls more often that this feels so normal to her?

    As I sat there getting fixed, I wondered if Emma was trying to find me. If he¡¯d been at my house earlier because he needed to see me and talk about what he¡¯d wanted to say to mest night. I¡¯d waved him off because I didn¡¯t wanna see him. What did he wanna tell me? Was he looking for me? Did he leave me tons of messages asking where I was?

    ¡± Where¡¯s my phone? ¡± I asked her, holding still as she started applying lipstick to my mouth.

    ¡± I don¡¯t have it ¡± she replied tly and continued what she was doing.

    I held still, tears welling up in my eyes.

    Did Emma want us back together? Even if so, would I have agreed? I gulped painfully hard, trying to imagine the disappointment in his face when he didn¡¯t see me. What did my parents tell him when he came asking?

    Suddenly, I was filled with a new fear about what they could¡¯ve told Maddy and Emma about my disappearance. Since they had sold me off, they must¡¯ve found something better to say to cover it up.

    What if they weren¡¯t looking for me?

 9

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    The thick smoke from the cigarette between my lips coaxed my nostrils and I shut my eyes. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her and even as Astrid talked endlessly at the other side of the table, I couldn¡¯t pay attention.

    La. She was all I was thinking of and strangely enough, with every thought about her came this anger. Astrid had one job. Just one job and he screwed up.

    That day ys in my head again like it was just happening. My most trusted worker and Cyberputer guru, Dani, had informed me about some missing numbers in some of my drugs. I¡¯d asked him to follow it up and get back to me before the end of the day. But he¡¯de back with something more interesting. I¡¯d expected him to report to me that the missing drugs was just a miscalction or loss which I could easily overlook as expected but instead, he¡¯d informed me that one of Astrid¡¯s boys, a youngster named Vincent had been sneaking some of my drugs and giving it to a woman who worked below him to sell and send back to him.

    Normally, I¡¯d overlook this but when I looked at Vincent¡¯s background check, I¡¯d been irritated by the kind of life he was leading. He spent all his money on women. Pubs, women, clubs, women. He was just twenty! I¡¯d taken my anger on him and killed him the instant he got summoned. Then I¡¯d ran a background check on the woman who was involved with him.

    Unfortunately, she was a nobody who stole other people¡¯s money.

    I¡¯d stormed her house that night to take what I have to and kill them afterwards but had to think twice when she¡¯d said these words : ¡± please, I have a daughter, she¡¯ll be home soon. You can take her, please don¡¯t kill us, we¡¯re all she¡¯s got ¡±

    And imagine my surprise when she walked in that door. But she was a fool and too weak. And I knew she stood a chance of bing a liability if I kept her for too long, I saw that earlier when I visited her. She was a fighter, but a foolish one.

    ¡± All I¡¯m saying is that if you hadn¡¯t brought that boy in, the boss wouldn¡¯t be in this mess right now! ¡± Astrid screamed at one of his men whose name I didn¡¯t know.

    I peeled my eyes open and looked to the side to see Dani sitting against the table at the other side of the room, a small smile tucking at his lips as his eyes met mine. He was just as tired about this whole meeting as I was.

    Dani was one of my brightest men. I¡¯d picked him up myself after he¡¯d tried to hack into my system and steal some money to pay for his sister¡¯s hospital bills. He¡¯d done a fine job, prating my security and I let him take the money. Then I had some men follow him. The next few days, I asked my men to bring him to me where I offered him a lifetime opportunity to work for me and he¡¯d agreed immediately.

    Dani was a fine man, the center of attention for the women whenever we went out together. Born to an Asian mother and a Canadian father, he was the true definition of beautiful. Dani barely talks except we were together and when he did, it was extremely necessary.

    Dani was three years younger than me and most of the time, he filled the void of a best friend that I never had.

    After he¡¯d agreed to work for me four years ago, I¡¯d transferred his little sister to China for a better medical attention and put her in school there, paying all of her fees and bills. And for the first time, I actually did something without thinking twice about it.

    ¡± You think I know who he was? ¡± The other guy retorts, fueling my anger.

    ¡± You think you¡¯re in the position to talk back? ¡± Astrid replied, the only reason why he¡¯s not beating him up probably because of my presence. So I decided to do it for him.

    Pulling out my silencer, I pointed it at the middle of his head and fired, the quiet sound of the silencer echoing in the room, the bullet hole in the middle of the now dead man¡¯s forehead oozing out blood as he fell limp against his chair.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    Silence rang through the room as Astrid turned a shocked look at me, so did the other three men seated around.

    Positioning the gun directly towards Astrid, I said ¡± you still have anything to say, Astrid? ¡±

    Shaking his head negatively, he replied ¡± no Boss.¡±

    ¡± Then don¡¯t screw up again, you won¡¯t have a chance to talk again ¡± I replied.

    The door pushed open and Antoniette walked in. ¡± She¡¯s ready sir ¡± she said.

    Hissing angrily, I rose up and put the gun back where it belonged before striding towards her.

    I disappeared from the room and stepped outside. The meeting house was built at the far back side of my mansion, covered in the properties¡¯ numerous trees, it was almost impossible to know there was another building there.

    Folding up my sleeves, I stepped on the outside wall elevator that would take me directly to the top floor where I was supposed to have dinner with La. I wasn¡¯t sure why I was doing this but I found itpletely necessary to. I knew she wanted nothing to do with me, she wanted to be as far away from me as possible and it gave me sheer joy to see the difort in her skin. That is why I¡¯m going up there to see her now.

    Stepping off the elevator, the metal doors slip open for me and I stepped in to see the back of La turned to me as she sat at the table where assorted food had been organized.

    Hearing my presence, she turns around quickly to see me, her eyes captivating mine in a way nobody else could have ever done.

 10

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    When the woman had walked me into this room, I¡¯d wondered how he¡¯d react when he saw me looking different from the woman he had kidnapped yesterday ¨C I couldn¡¯t recognize myself when I looked into the mirror after my make up was done. But I was met with arge, circr room withplete ss walls, not a single window, arge bed situated in the center of the room and a single circr table at the other side of the ss wall, with a ck clothing and all sorts of food you could think about seated on it.

    I stopped to look for a while before I heard the door m behind me and the woman was gone, leaving me alone in the room. I couldn¡¯t find a single thing to watch to keep my mind busy. The night was slowly getting darker but the room was brightly lit, it was impossible to think it waspletely dark outside.

    I walked over to the table and sat down, wondering if I¡¯m supposed to eat. I didn¡¯t want to eat but my body said otherwise. I needed to eat something if I wanted to live another day. I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted to live anymore but my body system wouldn¡¯t cooperate this time. I was losing my bnce and my stomach was churning for food.

    I heard the door slide open and I turned around to see him walk in, his name dancing in my tongue as I tried to recall that woman calling him earlier.

    I quickly looked forward again and heard him advancing towards me. He soon appeared in front of me and sat down on the chair across.

    I remained silent. I looked up and behind me to check if the door had closed behind him. My eyes went wide as I saw the doors wide open. Did he forget to shut the door close?

    I slowly looked back at him, stering my surprised face with a poker one.

    ¡± Before you tell me you¡¯re not going to eat, a drill I already know, eat! ¡± Hemands, his eyes burningsers through my skin.

    Picking up the fork ced next to the empty gold te in front of me, I replied ¡± seems you do this all the time, kidnapping girls ¡±

    ¡± Don¡¯t get any ideas, girl, your parents gave you to me for exchange of what they took from me ¡±

    I shut my eyes as his words sank into me. Why would they do that? What did they do to him? Who was he?

    ¡± Now you¡¯d be doing yourself a favor by eating ¡± he replied, filling his te with grilled meat and some leaves. I watched him closely. He wasn¡¯t watching me anymore. This is it. I need to make the run now. I tried to stand on my legs but felt the shoes I was wearing. They were high heels.

    Slowly, I reached below to unbuckle the strap shoes, my eyes not leaving him. He looks up at me, as if wondering what I was doing but he doesn¡¯t ask or say anything. Exining myself would make him suspicious so I don¡¯t say anything. after unbuckling them, I picked up my fork again and started filling my te. He looks away now while I slowly pull my feet from the shoes and steps out of them. Then I dropped the fork and stood up, running fast towards the door.

    I ran as fast as I could, reaching the door after a few run only to be dragged back by my arm.  A srong hand grabbed my arm, squashing it hard and causing me to scream in pain.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    I find myself getting pulled back against the wall and pushing me hard into it. I cried in pain as he pressed me against the ss and I feared the force breaking it and prickling my skin if he continued to apply that amount of pressure.

    ¡± Please, you¡¯re hurting me ¡± I cried sharply.

    ¡± What did you think you were doing?! ¡± He yelled into my face, his lips only an inch away from my face. With his other hand, he held my chin hard and squeezed, inflicting more pain ¡± you¡¯d didn¡¯t think I was a fool leaving the door open for you , didn¡¯t you? ¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re hurting me! ¡± I screamed, begging him to let go of me.

    Before I knew what wasing, he smacked me across the face, throwing my face to the side. Sharp, fast, strong.

    It was over before I even knew what happened, the skin on my face stinging from the p I could barely believe hade my way.

    If you¡¯ve never been smacked across the face, let me tell you something, it is humiliating. Mostly because your eyes start to tear up, whether you mean to be crying or not. The shock of it and the sheer force of it stimte your tear ducts.

    There is no way to take a smack across the face and look stoic. All you can do is remain still and stare straight ahead, allowing your face to turn red and your eyes to bloom.

    So that¡¯s what I did.

    ¡± Don¡¯t you ever try to fucking run away, you hear me?! ¡± He screamed in my face.

    For a minute it felt like my breath got caught in my throat and all I could think about was him letting go of me.

    But instead, his strong big palm leaves my chin and wraps around my neck, blocking any form of air passage into my lungs.

    I reached for his hand, fighting to loosen it but his grip was powerful. I wasn¡¯t going to win this. He was going to kill me. And he wouldn¡¯t think twice about it. I couldn¡¯t die like this. But I saw no point in living again, not like this.

    He lets go of my neck at once and I fought for air, breathing in sharply and coughing hard. Before I knew what was happening, he was carrying me and throwing me over his shoulder. I couldn¡¯t fight him, I was still suffering from the pain on my neck and arm. He started moving and the next thing I knew, he was dumping me on therge bed, causing the saliva in my neck to choke me further.

    ¡± No! ¡± I screamed as I saw him advancing towards me,ying t above me, anger contorting every aspect of his face.

    I¡¯ve never seen a man so agressive, so angry before. He was a monster, a monster I¡¯d never know how to tame. A monster I¡¯d never break.

 11

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    Piece of shit.

    I felt the vein pop out at the side of my face as I watched her make the run for the door. She¡¯s so stupid. I¡¯d tested her and she took the bait. How long would it take her to realize that her parents didn¡¯t want her, didn¡¯t care about her and that she had nowhere to go except here?  She needed to learn that her family didn¡¯t want her otherwise she wouldn¡¯t have been easily given out to a man they didn¡¯t know and now she¡¯s gonna learn that the hard way. Family always lets you down the most. Not friends, not enemies. Family.

    Before she could reach the door, I grabbed hold of her, yanking her against the door. She cried and pleaded to release her but I just couldn¡¯t. All I was feeling was the surge of anger. I know she hasn¡¯t been here for more than twenty four hours but I¡¯d expected her to know that a trap like leaving the door wide open for her was a mere test. But she fell for it and it angered me the most. She wasn¡¯t gonna learn her ce anytime soon.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I knew how to handle women like her. she was just a naive little girl, wanting her freedom no matter what it caused her, forgetting that she had no ce in the world outside. Her ce was here and she should be happy I treat her as such.

    I picked her up and dumped her on the bed, climbing over her just in time for her to start fighting me. I knew how to tame little girls like her and I would take everything from her.

    I was never a man to force myself on women, they readilye to me, begging to please me but I knew what to do when it¡¯s called for. I was gonna teach her a lesson. I¡¯d seen this when I asked Antoniette to put our dinner inside this room.

    ¡± Get off me! ¡± She screamed, fighting frantically like a little cat wearing a bell around it¡¯s neck.

    I grabbed her hands and yanked them down forcefully, causing her to yelp in pain. I took a minute to watch her body outstretched underneath me, her cries filling my ears with pure ecstasy. I wanted more. I wanted to snatch everything from her.

    I forced myself through her legs and she paths them reluctantly, her body getting weaker by the minute. She continues to fight with her tiny hands. I was tempted to hit her again but instead, I decided I knew exactly how to keep her hands busy so I reached for her dress and tore it down her chest, surprise Washing over me like waves as my eyesnded on the red bra adorning her full swollen breasts. Her breasts easily pumped out of the cup bra from all the struggle.

    Another fierce push on my chest and I quickly grabbed my gun from the back and pressed it against her head. She stops moving instantly, her eyes widening like saucers as she felt the cold metal pressed against her head. She stops fighting me and justys still, her breath shaky and slow now.

    ¡± Please¡­.. ¡± She begs, her voice trembling and lips quavering. I saw a tear slide down her eyes and onto the bed sheets.

    I reached my free hand over her shoulder and pulled down her dress.

    ¡± Please! ¡± Her voice is a bit louder now, her eyes watching me intensely and pleading like she was facing a death penalty and there was no way out of it. I didn¡¯t know if the fear I saw in her eyes was due to the gun pointed to her temple or because I was about to force myself on her.

    It¡¯s one thing for women to not wanna get raped, it¡¯s another to not want to be touched at all and right now, that was what I saw in her eyes and somehow, I just couldn¡¯t go ahead with this anymore.

    I never back down when I want something; I always get it at any cost but right now, I couldn¡¯t go any further.

    ¡°Please stop. ¡± her voice is barely audible anymore, smittend by her previous wails.

    Leaning down and making sure she felt the gun pressing against her head, I whispered into her ear ¡°you are not leaving this building, you hear me? You are mine and you have absolutely no say in that. I get to do whatever I wanna do with you.¡±

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    My body shivered at the boldness of his voice, his words shaking me beyond depths as I waited for him to do whatever he wanted to do. Maybe this is exactly how it¡¯s supposed to be. Maybe this was my own path in life and I have to embrace it.

    After saying that, he jumps off me, and I quickly shielded my exposed chest with my hands, tears flowing freely down my eyes now. I mentally prayed the earth would open up and swallow me right now.

    Then I heard his retreating footsteps.

    ¡± The next time you try to escape again, you¡¯ll wish you never did ¡± his voice rang from the door, causing me to cringe in fear.

    ¡°And finish that food.¡± he adds before disappearing from the room.

    I let out a breath I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d been holding. I broke into a quiet sob till I slept off.

    I woke up alone in the middle of the night, still on the same spot in the center of the bed. Even though Logan hadmanded me to eat the food, I couldn¡¯t refuse if I wanted to. I ate some meat, drank only water, ate some apple and some other food I¡¯d never seen in my life before.

    Then I sat at a corner, crying my eyes out. I wondered if Maddy was still looking for me. Would I be on the national TV soon as a missing person even though my mother must have probably told Maddy that I¡¯d travelled or something? Would Emma find me before leaving the country?

    With the series of thoughts invading my head, I went into a pit of darkness again.

 12

    I woke up feeling the entire bones in my body at some physical war. I felt overwhelmed and my eyes burned from all the crying. I picked myself up from the floor and found the same woman from yesterday standing near the bed, a tray in her hands as she watched me.

    I¡¯d probably have screamed my head off if I had woken up to find him watching me instead.

    I rose up and walked towards the bed.

    ¡°You¡¯re up,¡± she said as she set the tray next to me on the bed. There¡¯s a bowl of water on it, a white towel draping down from the tip, and a cone of ster with a bag of cotton wool. That was when I realized that I¡¯d bruised my body from fighting Loganst night. Surprisingly, I remembered his name now. I guess the p he gave mest night did me a number. The thought of myself actually trying to joke about that in this situation causes me to smile.

    ¡± Something amuses you, La? ¡± She asks as she tilts my face up to dap the bruises with a wool.

    ¡± No, ¡± I replied, wincing at the touch of the cold, damp cotton wool against my open skin. She must¡¯ve put some gentian violet in that because it stung really bad, I wanted to hold my face. ¡± Who are you? ¡± I asked her.

    She smiles a little, removing a ster and stering it over my face before replying ¡± my name is Antoniette. I work for Mr Logan DeAngelo ¡±

    Logan DeAngelo. The name sounded so familiar, it was like I¡¯d heard it a thousand times in the past. I tried not to think about that now.

    Antoniette advances to clean my bruised upper arm, treated it with some liquid she fetched from a small bottle before wiping my red wrists with the towel. Staring at my red wrists, memories of Logan gripping them tightly shes before my eyes again and I looked away ufortably. Because somehow, the thought of him holding me like that was starting to feel rather attractive to me.

    ¡± Why don¡¯t you help me get out? ¡± I asked her, remembering Logan¡¯s threatening words telling me that I should never attempt to escape from here.

    ¡± You know he keeps me here against my will right?¡±

    She shakes her head and replied ¡± no one steals from Logan and gets away with it. You were lucky he didn¡¯t kill you and your family ¡±

    I wasn¡¯t sure I cared much about ¡®the¡¯ family anymore. I lived my whole life looking up to my parents and doing everything for them, but in the end, I get sold off to suffer for their mistakes. I think I¡¯m better off dead, alongside them.

    ¡± Please you need to help me get out, please ¡± I pleaded.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t ¡± she replied, picking up her tray and rising up ¡± you need to ept all this, La, and you¡¯ll see the good side of him. Logan may be a monster but he has a good heart. Trust me ¡± she said it like he¡¯d done something good for her in the past. With the way she talked, I wondered if he paid her to say good things about him or if what he did for her was actually worth all she¡¯s saying.

    ¡± You¡¯ll be escorted back to your room shortly so you¡¯d get ready for the day.¡± she said and walked out. I was too weak from all the bruises to try to escape. Even after all his warning, I knew I¡¯d still go for it if I saw an opportunity.

    I sat for a while, the name Logan DeAngelo resounding in my head over and over. Then, like a calming storm, everything suddenly made sense. Goosebumps rippled through my body as it dawned on me who he was.

    Logan DeAngelo was the ruthless and powerful Mafia man Maddy always told me about every single day at work. I hugged myself, wincing in pain from my arms and neck as the thought of him hitting mest night reyed in my head.

    I got sold to the ruthless man I thought was mere story, was a mere fraction of Maddy¡¯s fantasies. But he¡¯s real and all Maddy ever said about him must be true.

    I felt myself fill up with anger and pain. My parents sold me off to him without knowing who he was or what he might likely do to me. I had no idea how they even got to work for a man like him in the first ce but again, they might not have known. Yet they easily gave me to him.

    My anger soon turns into rage, causing my chest to hurt and my breathing to stop.

    How am I supposed to fight for my freedom when my own parents willingly gave me away to him? I knew I couldn¡¯t fight him. The only way to get out of this ce is to try and be on his good side. Antoniette was probably right. Fighting him wasn¡¯t going to solve my problem.

    I would get on his good side, earn his trust, get my phone back and reach out to Maddy. Then I¡¯ll go for my escape and be free of this madness.

    The doors slid open and a tall man dressed in bodyguard uniform walked in. He¡¯s wearing a speaker over his lips and running over his ear, a long gun in his strong looking, big arms.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I need to escort you back to your room.¡± he says.

    Nodding slightly, I stood up and let him lead me out of the room. He walked behind me as we passed series of long, white hallways. I was finally seeing the ce in a morning light and I was mesmerized by the width and beauty of the ce. I knew Logan was rich no doubt, but I never imagined he was this rich. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it.

    Who was this Logan DeAngelo?T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

 13

    LOGAN DEANGELO.

    Fucking thieves. I couldn¡¯t quite get my head around the fact that some random peasant would actually have the audacity to steal from a DeAngelo! La had no idea she¡¯d just been thrown into the lion¡¯s den and I¡¯m going to show her that her parents made the wrong move by trying to steal from me.

    I opened the thick wooden door to the ce where I¡¯d asked Astrid to have him tied up, and as I walked in, my strides calcted, I entered the room with it¡¯s ceilings dropping to the floor, the walls painting old and peeling off.

    I¡¯ve hunted this man down for weeks. Apparently he¡¯d worked for me before, only to go behind my back, conspiring with my enemy and leaking out my movements to him. Justst week, my men and I were attacked around my newest warehouse down town. Dani had been able to bring out the obvious, tracking down this man, Jon.

    Jon had been a close worker of mine. He had started working for my uncle before he passed away. He was the father figure, his stubble graying, his hair kept long down his chubby neck, his skin red and ugly. Astrid and his team tracked him down and brought him here.

    And now, he¡¯s seated at the center of the empty, dirty room, hands tied behind his back and around the wooden chair, scratches and blood on his face from all the beating Astrid and his men had inflicted on him.

    At the corner of the room stood a single wooden table, a liquor bottle and a tumbler sitting on a tray on top of it. I smiled as I stopped before it, pouring myself a ss. I always loved my drinks. So much. Especially when I¡¯m going in for the kill.

    ¡± I¡¯m not scared of you anymore! ¡± Jon screamed, the fear behind his voice clear as the white sky.

    My lips twitched as I replied, taking off my shades and looking him in the eyes ¡± I know you¡¯re not, Jon. That¡¯s why I¡¯vee up with an idea of making this a lot more interesting ¡±

    I can see the fear in his eyes as they widened. Jon knew me, he knew how I reacted to betrayal.

    Astrid walks in, Jon¡¯s wife in his arm as he dragged her into the room, blindfolded. As soon as Jon saw this, he started panicking.

    ¡± Logan please! I¡¯m sorry! ¡± He begged ¡± I promise I¡¯ll do anything! ¡±

    ¡± Jon? ¡± His wife¡¯s voice shook as she called him upon hearing her husband¡¯s pleasing voice.

    ¡± But I don¡¯t want anything from you, Jon ,¡± I replied, moving in closer. I knelt in front of him, slowly pulling out my gun from behind and checking it¡¯s bullet even though I knew it was loaded ¡± you see you had only one job to do, Jon. That was being honest and loyal to me. But you betrayed me. I could tell your lovely wife here all the bad things that you do. Like how you rape all those minor girls and kill them after? ¡±

    ¡± No, no , no ¡± his wife started whimpering, causing Astrid to push her up against the wall.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    ¡± Please, don¡¯t hurt her! Just let her go! Please, we have a daughter! ¡±

    ¡± If you knew me well, Jon, you¡¯d know I wouldn¡¯t let this all go so easily ¡± I told him, rising up and turning my back on him. ¡± Now tell me, why are you working for Fatello? ¡±

    His wife is whimpering, her voice getting louder by the minute. It was starting to piss me off.

    ¡± All he said to me was that he had some unfinished scores  with you, I swear! Please ¡± he confessed.

    Turning around, I gave him a crooked smile.

    ¡± Slime traitors like you deserves to be whipped off the face of this earth, don¡¯t you think, Jon? Or do I kill your wife first and make you watch? ¡± I threatened, Astrid pushing his wife over to me and I grasped her tight by the shoulders.

    She starts wailing, my hand digging into her chest as I pointed my pistol up her head.

    ¡± No! Please, Logan, please! ¡± Jon begged, crying. The thrill. I loved watching him beg me. I wanted him to beg me. I wanted him to go down, I wanted him at his most vulnerable. I wanted to see his self restraint crumble in front of me.

    ¡± Please, I have a daughter, please!!! ¡±

    I cracked the gun and put a bullet through her head, letting her body fall limb to the floor. Jon screamed at the top of his voice, the pain in his eyes like some hidden demon was about to be unleashed. But this was all he was good at. Cry and cry.

    Pathetic.

    Pointing the gun up his face, I cracked it. ¡± When you reincarnate into some son of a bitchter, tell him never to mess with a DeAngelo before sending him down bach here again ¡± I said before shooting him on his forehead, blood sshing forth.

    I growled in anger as I turned around, grabbed the tumbler and chunked down it¡¯sst contents.

    LAYLA¡¯S P. O. V.

    It¡¯s been probably four hours since I was escorted back to my room. I cringed at how calling this space my room sounded so true to me. I¡¯d met a tray of breakfast set out in the middle of the bed for me. I waited for Antoniette toe in and show me what I¡¯m supposed to wear for the day but she didn¡¯te.

    After a short while, I gathered up my torn dress in my hand, just the way I¡¯d done when that bodyguard came to get me, and stepped into the walk-in closet. I reeked of sweat even though I didn¡¯t feel stinky. I knew I needed a bath. I wished I could refuse to take a bath just so I could provoke him but I myself hated feeling filthy. So I showered as many times as I could in a day.

    As soon as I walked back from the bathroom and into the room, I found a Moll bag seated directly on the dresser table. There¡¯s a tag hanging down from a shirt inside, calling me. I advanced towards it and spread it open to find a red quality t-shirt inside with a ck circrpany logo drawn wide on the chest area. There¡¯s a pair of faded jeans folded beneath it and a pair of ckish blue ts that looked exactly my size. There¡¯s tags on every item, meaning it was just gotten from the store.

    Did he buy me a dress?

    I thought about it for a long while before deciding to ask Antoniette about itter after showering. I showered quickly and pulled on the jeans. My hips were very much wider than the rest of my body, my butt pushed out firmly making it hard for the jeans to fit properly around there so I ended up jumping severally as I tried to wear the pair. After getting changed, I walked over to the door and peered out. I couldn¡¯t hear a single thing.

    The ce was awfully quiet and I had to restrain myself from calling out Antoniette.

    Just then, the doors slid apart, freaking me out. What the hell just happened? I thought this door worked with a key card and passcodes. After much needed thinking, my heart hammering against my ribcage, I took a step out.

    The hall was lonely and quiet and I wondered if Logan was somewhere in the house, watching me. I took light steps and hurried down the hall, looking behind me as I went.

    I couldn¡¯t find anyone. The mansion was ssy and white and as I stood at the stairsnding, I could see another staircase encasing this one, leading to another floor up front.

    My eyes moved down to the floor where I spotted a mini living area.

    His living room was sparse but beautiful, furnished with wood and leather. The alcoves and doorways were all arched, the walls stark white. Only a single piece of art hung on the wall, a red and blue Rothko above the sofa.

    There¡¯s a small ss table bearing a flower vase in the middle, white lounges surrounding it. There¡¯s arge TV screen stered on the wall up front, a kitchen you can see through to the west side, a narrow hallway leading to an exit door.

    I gripped hard on the staircase as I watched the hallway. If I walked out that way, I could get outside. I¡¯d use the elevator, no passcodes needed.

    But then I stopped. Logan could be somewhere in this house, watching me. I needed him to believe I wasn¡¯t going to run away.

    Inhaling deeply and exhaling sharply, I took the long stairs and made my way down.

 14

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    ¡± Take me straight home ¡± I ordered my driver as soon as I entered the back door. Nodding slightly, he shuts the door after me and sits back behind the wheel, driving off and into the streets.

    I wouldn¡¯t care about going home on other days but right now, I felt I needed to be at home right that minute. The thought of La had crossed my mind several times as I stood inside that house. I clenched my teeth, fixing my suit and noticing a blood stain on the faded blue color of my inner shirt, around my wrist. He¡¯d been close enough to get his blood on me.

    I looked away, trying to rx my clenched jaw. Images of La probably trying to escape now that I wasn¡¯t in the house appeared in front of my eyes, causing me to smirk wickedly. She¡¯d be a fool to try to escape. Like thest time, she was definitely going to make a run for it. Especially when she notices that she¡¯s all alone. But I had eyes in every nook and crannies in the house.

    Therge Victorian gate encasing my house slid apart as my car drove in, stopping right in front of the house. The room I¡¯d put her in was situated at the front side, that way I knew she could see me through the window now as I stepped out of the car. Or was she too distracted, trying to find an escape route?

    When the doors slid open and I stepped in, my eyes were quick to catch sight of a lump of raven ck head protruding up the white couch at the far side, in the living room. I didn¡¯t know if the skip of my heartbeat was due to the fact that I knew it was La sitting there with her back turned to me or because I¡¯d been thinking about her escaping for too long that it actually surprised me to see her seated there.

    I closed in on her, taking light steps till I could see her left side view. She¡¯s wearing a jean pants and jacket that Antoniette had brought in for her on my request earlier, her legs folded underneath her as she stared down at a plush magazine. My eyes did a quick move to the mini rack of magazines next to the firece before falling back on her again.

    She turns around, her eyes catching mine for a long seconds before she panicked, shutting the magazine close and straightening out her legs.

    ¡± You, ¡± I spoke before she could say a word ¡± why aren¡¯t you trying to escape? ¡±

    I saw my questionpletely surprised her because she shifted ufortably. I waited for her to spew whatever she had to say but instead she smiled. A heart melting smile. Iposed myself, forcing back my own smile and holding my chin up high intimidatingly.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± I know that I can¡¯t escape even if I want to ¡± she replied, slowly standing up to her feet. I could see her body now. Yesterday she¡¯d been wearing a fley gown, making it hard to actually see her body curves. But now that I was seeing her dressed up in jeans, I began to notice Everything. Her body is well built, tall and slim, only swelling in the right ces. Her breasts were full, doing justice to the shirt she wore. Even though the shirt seemingly oversized her tiny upper body, her breasts holds up the chest area firmly. Her hips are wide, shooting out, it was almost unbelievable that they protruded out of that tiny body. I never digged girls with the gap thighs but she looked sexy as fuck with the slight gap between her semi thick thighs. Her dark hair is left in waves, cascading down her chest. The sight makes me groan inwardly.

    Regaining myposure and not willing to give her the benefits of thinking that I was checking her out, I ran my eyes up to her gaze again, lingering. A twisted smile crosses my lips and I replied ¡± you don¡¯t fool me, child ¡±

    She looks down, as if speechless, her full eyshes casting shadows down her face. It was hard not to notice the delicate details of her face. Her elfin face housed a slim nose which was pointed outward, rosy and sulent bottom heavy lips that looked like the bud of a rose flower, eyes that seemed too oval yet set back into deep sets, sloe and detailed.

    ¡± Can I get my phone back? ¡± She asks. Ignoring my admiration of her. I threw my head back andughed.

    ¡± You seem to love reading, that should keep youpany, ¡± I replied ¡± if you like I can have a shelf filled with all the books in the world for you to read ¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna read, Logan! I want my phone ¡± I saw the venom in her voice as the anger slowly emanated through her eyes. I knew she¡¯d just been putting on a show, trying to look like she wasn¡¯t going to run off, that she was okay being here. But I knew better.

    Taking giant steps towards her, she reluctantly steps back before I caught up with her. I bent my head down a few inches to reach her face. She tries to look away but I knew she was too stubborn to ept that she was dying to look away. She couldn¡¯t keep eye contact with me, yet she stubbornly looked back.

    ¡± I think I like it when you call me by my name ¡± I said honestly into her lips, feeling the vein on my neck pop out. I wanted to grab and yank her against the wall and take everything from her. I wanted to take her right there and then but I knew she was going to fight me. The image of her body spread out across my bed, crying crosses my mind and I knew if I didn¡¯t step back, she was going to regret it.

    But then she looked down, away from my eyes. I watched her jawline which barely showed below her falling hair, my hands itching to go over and pull them back behind her ear.

    What was wrong with me?

 15

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    He towered over me, intimidatingly. Every word he said vibrated through my body. His eyes were like Laser beams. They bore into my face. I felt my heart elerate inside my chest.

    I didn¡¯t know how to handle a situation like this. I wanted to push him away but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to. I was scared of his wrath and feared I¡¯d like the feel of his body against my hand if I did that. I needed to be mad at him. Being on his good side didn¡¯t mean I have to like him. It¡¯s all pretense and so far he seemed to be buying it.

    Huh, I mentally scoffed at his foolishness. He thinks any girl would ever choose this life for herself?

    I tried to steady my heart beat and mutter something, anything, just to keep him from getting any closer.

    ¡± I¡­¡± I stammered ¡± I just need to be with my phone. I get really bored here and I¡¯ve been on my own all morning and¡­..¡±

    He cuts me off as his face alined with mine, forcing a gasp of surprise to escape my lips. He has a madly synthetic smile dancing on his lips, like he was enjoying making me feel so ufortable. Of course, La, he was a ruthless gangster who wouldn¡¯t think twice before putting a bullet into your head. I reminded myself as the memory of him pressing his gun against my head crossed my mind.

    ¡± I¡¯m not a fool, darling, ¡± he said into my face, his breath fanning my lips, it felt like if I moved even the slightest bit, our lips woulde colliding. ¡± If you¡¯re feeling lonely, you have the luxury of walking through the entire house, it¡¯s big enough. And perhaps, you may find a way to escape without my knowledge ¡±

    That said, he stepped away, his smile widening by the minute. Then he chuckled sinisterly as he retreated towards the elevator, his eyes not leaving mine.

    ¡± Where¡¯s Antoniette? ¡± I asked before he could reach the elevator doors. He stops instantly, his eyes glistened with mischief.

    ¡± Oh she won¡¯t be staying here anymore, ¡± he replied, spreading his arms apart ¡± after all, this is supposed to be our honeymoon ¡±

    I felt the angere into me forcefully, urging me to march down and smack him across the face. But I didn¡¯t. I knew the aftermath of my actions and I needed to think everything through first. Be on his good side, don¡¯t get him angry, plot an escape. I repeated in my head.

    ¡± I want you to know that you aren¡¯t getting out of here, La. You are mine and you get out of here when you¡¯ve learned that this is the only ce you¡¯ll ever be epted¡­¡±

    ¡± Why are you keeping me? ¡± I cut him off ¡± if my parents stole from you, it would only make sense that you killed me. Why am I still here? ¡± I prompted him. He hasn¡¯t killed me yet nor has he raped me in my sleep which is obviously the only two things men like him wanted from women, especially ones like me who was thrown vulnerably at him for a crime.

    ¡± That¡¯s quite an interesting question, don¡¯t you think? ¡± He said, retracing his steps back to me. He stops right in front of me, an arm¡¯s length between us before adding ¡± I haven¡¯t really decided on what to do with you yet. Maybe I¡¯d kill you, maybe I won¡¯t. It just depends. ¡± he shrugs his shoulders.

    ¡± On what? ¡± I pressed.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    His smile deepens and I cowered as he rose his hand up to caress my hair before replying ¡± depends on your behavior ¡±

    He stops caressing my hair and steps back to continue. ¡± I told Antoniette to leave so you could feel less of a prisoner and seriously, I think that¡¯s the kindest thing I¡¯ve done for anybody before so you should be on your knees thanking me and begging to repay me. If you think that I want you in my bed then you must be going through some painfully disturbing trauma, love. ¡±

    My heart continued to beat fiercely as he continued.

    ¡± I¡¯ll make something clear to you now, La. There¡¯s a certain rules that you¡¯re going to have to follow if you want to keep your pathetic life. You do not try to escape, you don¡¯t talk unless asked to, you don¡¯t ask anybody you see here to help you escape because, La, they will report to me and you would wish I had killed you two nights ago. This is all you need to do and you¡¯d get your life back ¡±

    The smile tugging at the side of his lips annoyed me but I kept my cool, pretending not to be affected by his words.

    ¡± Would you kill me then? ¡± I asked him. I can see my question put him in a confused position.

    His smile dropped before he said ¡± then I will grant you your freedom ¡±

    I scuffed in his face. I knew he¡¯d never do that. So what? He¡¯s gonna put me in his house for how long, feed and clothe me only to let me go at the end of the long run because I obeyed his silly rules of not trying to escape? How psychotic can this man be?

    He walks back to the elevator and punches the button, the doors sliding apart. He stops to look at me and said ¡± I¡¯ll have a dress get delivered to you now, get dressed. We¡¯re going out ¡±

    And he stepped into the elevator, my eyes watching his icy cold ones before the doors slid shut.

    I stood there, feeling conflicted, not finding the right word to qualify what I felt that moment. I wanted to break down and cry, I wanted to scream until I numbed the pain out. I wanted to go back to the night I¡¯dst seen my best friend and my ex boyfriend. I wanted to have waited just a little bit more to listen to Emma say what he wanted to say. Maybe he¡¯d have asked me to go some ce with him. Then I¡¯d have called my parents afterwards telling them I¡¯d be staying the night at Maddy¡¯s because I had an early shift at the bar the following day.  Where as I was hanging with Emma.

    Maybe I wouldn¡¯t be here.

    Just¡­ maybe.

 16

    I watched my reflection on the mirror as I ran my hands on the burgundy shift dress. The corset ne is traced with glittering stone. I didn¡¯t need to be told to know that this dress probably cost a fortune. Expensive things didn¡¯t really need tags, the qualities easily gave them away.

    After returning up to this room earlier, a woman with ocean blue eyes and a red hair walked in. She was dressed in all ck top and skinny jeans. She opened the door and stepped in with a long pink Moll bag. She didn¡¯t say a word to me after dropping it off on the dresser. She¡¯d held her chin up, as if scared to even make eye contact with me. Like she was scared of something. I wondered if she was one of Logan¡¯s workers or if she had just been phoned from a random clothe store to deliver a dress to the house. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say a word to her, mostly because she left just as soon as she walked in.

    There¡¯d been a ck stilettos underneath the dress, boxed separately as the boxed dress too. I¡¯d reluctantly risen up from my bed and slipped into the dress. And now, I couldn¡¯t help feeling ufortable in my hair as they fell back across my shoulders and back. I couldn¡¯t hold them up, I¡¯d feel too exposed to Logan¡¯s eyes. I didn¡¯t know the asion or why he¡¯d actually wanted me to dress so much. I wondered if he was taking me out of the house.

    My stomach growled and I held onto it. I didn¡¯t know what time it was but it was past my usual breakfast time. The sound of my door unlocking makes me twirl around to find Logan stepping in, his suits now changed into a navy blue ones. He seemed to have showered because I could smell his cologne from that far. His eyes watched me for a while, throwing me into a feat of difort as his eyes rummaged through my body.

    ¡± Where are we going? ¡± I decided to break the awkward ice between us.

    Again, his lips lifts into a sly smirk before he replied ¡± you¡¯ll see when we get there ¡±

    In a split second, he fills the distance between us, grabbing hold of my wrist before I knew it and yanked me out of the room before I could protest otherwise. A gasp escaped my throat as he yanked me out, steadying me to walk beside him, his hand still wrapped around my wrist as he walked down the corridor and into the nearest elevator. I had not even the fragment of strength in my body to start arguing or fighting with him. I had no idea where he was taking me but definitely, he wouldn¡¯t have dressed me up just to go have me killed at some unknown ce would he? For all it¡¯s worth, I still had no idea what he¡¯s capable of doing.

    He pulls me into the elevator and punches the buttons. The elevator doesn¡¯t go up this time, it goes down, opening to a wide, dark and dimly lit room. It was nearly impossible to see through the room as red curtains draped over the floors, a single table covered in red table cloth seated at the center of the room, with two chairs on opposite sides. The table is filled with assorted food and drinks on bottles.

    At the corner sat a piano and a man¡¯s back turned to us and facing the piano. I knew by now that he was working for Logan and whatever effort I put in trying to get him to help me escape from here would only get Logan angry and as a result get me killed. So I quietly sat down as he asked me to, before watching him walk ahead to take the seat in front.

    He kept on smiling, his eyes watching my every move, it was sickening and disturbing. Slow music starts ying from the piano on the background, slow and beautiful.

    ¡± You look beautiful ¡± he said, the smirk dancing on his lips. Even I knew that he mocked me, it was all over his voice.

    Without replying, I picked up my fork and decided to pretend he wasn¡¯t sitting there and just eat food. I was starving anyway. I gathered some food into my te, mainly meat. They tasted so good.

    ¡± So, tell me about yourself ¡± he said out of nowhere, causing me to raise up my head to look at him. He¡¯s smiling. Was he serious?

    ¡± Maybe if you wanted to know about me, you wouldn¡¯t have grabbed me from my house in the first ce, ¡± I spat out before I could stop myself, only realizing I¡¯d said too much when he didn¡¯t reply with the same energy and watches me instead ¡± I¡¯m sorry. ¡±

    ¡± I love feisty women, ¡± he blurted out ¡± I love the ones who would fight me on my bed when I try to make love to them. I¡¯m just curious if you¡¯d fight me or cling to me like I meant everything to you ¡±

    I saw his eyes, saw the pleasures his words gave to him. I felt small in the room as I watched him, my mind picking up race.

    ¡± But don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t force you. I bet you¡¯lle on your will, begging for me to please you ¡± he smirked, causing me to roll my eyes.

    ¡± You wish, Logan ¡± I said loud enough for him to hear.

    ¡± So, you still haven¡¯t told me about yourself ¡± he pushed, earning a groan from me. ¡± I wanna know about any past boyfriends ¡±

    I shot a look at him as his words sank into me and all I could imagine was Emma sitting right where he was. I wanted to get angry each time he crossed my mind but I just end up feeling sad. And questioning myself about us.

    ¡± None ¡± I lied, eating my food with a much quicker pace.

    ¡± and therees the lie ¡± he snickered ¡± tell me La, did he please you in bed so good? ¡±

    mming my fork on the table because I¡¯ve just about had enough of his bickering, I replied harshly ¡± is pleasing me in bed all you wanna know?! ¡±

    ¡± Perhaps ¡± he replied with a shrug of his shoulders.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Well I would not be talking about that okay? All you have to know is that this girl sitting in front of you is just a neen years old girl who had dreams of going to college. The dreams that you supposedly threw into the gutter when you kidnapped her! ¡±

    I felt angry and all I wanted was to tell him a piece of my mind. I wanted to stand up and pour all the drinks at him, throw the food across the table at him for making my life so difficult but I resisted the urge. I need to put myself in check.

 17

    The rest of the dinner was quiet. Not that he didn¡¯t try to get on my nerves after my outburst.

    I just realized he wasn¡¯t worth every single anger and I gave up trying to make him understand me. He asked about my school which I refused to tell him about, and then he went on about how he¡¯d saved me from working at a bar. He told me about giving me the luxurious life if I obeyed him.

    Halfway through the dinner, another of his body guardses in and on Logan¡¯smand, he pulled me out of the chair and escorted me to my room.

    I spent the next few hours locked inside my room, spending much of those time standing at the window and just watching the outside.

    It¡¯s only been three days but I missed going out so badly. I didn¡¯t know how long Logan nned on keeping me locked up but I knew for certain I would lose my mind if it gets any longer.

    Two hours after returning to my room, my door slid open and some of Logan¡¯s bodyguards walked in carrying brown boxes. I didn¡¯t care much as to know what they were carrying until they dropped the boxes next to the bathroom door and the other guards brought in a white spiraling shelf.

    ¡± Boss asked us to bring you some books and magazines ¡± the first guy said, before going back to direct where the shelf should be ced.

    I don¡¯t want books, I want my fucking phone! I wanted to scream that to their faces but I knew it was pointless. They couldn¡¯t do anything. They all worked for him and it would bepletely pointless fighting them.

    After a long while of watching them arrange the three boxes of novels on the shelf, they walked out.

    Reluctantly, I walked over to the shelf where I let my hands trail the numerous books. I¡¯ve never been the type to binge read books. While I just enjoyed reading a countable numbers of times in my life, I¡¯m not entirely a book worm. I picked up the first book that interested me. It was a book with a young woman dressed in shimmering green dress titled ¡± The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo ¡±

    I tried to read it and actually got captivated by the imaginary after reading the first and second chapters.

    The sound of my door sliding open causes me to look up. I saw a woman walk in, a big smile stered on her face. I haven¡¯t seen this woman before and the way she carried herself and looked around, it was obvious she¡¯s probably never been in this house before nor does she work for Logan.

    She appears to be just an inch or half shorter than me, her skin coffee brown, the kind of coffee that looked carton color because it¡¯s had too much milk in it.

    Her hair is a curling afro on her head, giving me the big hint that she was half African and half American- maybe. Her eyes are big, her peachish pink lips were wrinkled naturally and shinning from the colorless lipgloss on them. She has a nose ring at the right side of her small and pointed nose.

    A deep dimple forms on her cheek as she smiled at me the moment she caught sight of me. She¡¯s dressed in a deep blue skinny jeans that entuated all of her round curvy hips, her thick thighs and the fine shape of her legs. The Teal colored blouse she¡¯s wearing is tucked inside her jeans, a dark brown jacket over it, matching her eyes and curly hair.

    ¡± Um Good morning, ¡± she said as I tried to stand up from the wall side floor I was currently sitting at ¡± you¡¯re the one I was asked to meet right? ¡± She adds.

    I didn¡¯t know what to say. All I was thinking of was how I could tell her to help me escape from here. Obviously she¡¯s not aware of who Logan was or that I was probably here against my will.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Suddenly, I felt a presence at the distance and I looked at the door, my stomach churning at the sight instantly.

    There he was, Logan, at the door, a big sadistic grin on his face.

    He is wearing an ash tuxedo over a white inner, his pants a matching ash.

    ¡± I see you arrived, Beverly ¡± Logan makes his presence known, causing her to twirl around to see him.

    ¡± Oh! Mr DeAngelo. Hello, ¡± she greets ¡± your security let me in here after our meeting yesterday ¡±

    I watched them talk, and then watched him walk to my side.

    ¡± Yes, go on, you can take a look ¡± I heard Logan¡¯s voice again before the said Beverly hurries into my closet room. Logan¡¯s strong hands grabs my shoulder, yanking me up under his strong arm. His nose nuzzled my hair, like he was inhaling my scent before he whispered into my ear.

    ¡± I know you¡¯re probably thinking about asking her to help you escape but I promise you that if you try that game, I will kill her, ¡± his words ran shivers down my spine ¡± and her blood will be on your hands ¡±

    My body trembled with fear and the tears threatened to spill. I didn¡¯t know if it was because of his thight grip on my shoulder and arm or because of his threat of killing that woman if I tried anything. I pictured her dead body lying on the floor, a bullet hole to her head and her blood sttered to all corners of the room. And trust me, it wasn¡¯t a scene I¡¯m prepared to see.

    Beverly walks out, excitement written all over her face. ¡± You have a beautiful walk-in closet, Mrs DeAngelo, ¡± Mrs. DeAngelo? ¡± And I¡¯m very d to be making your dresses, I¡¯m so honored. As your husband had described, you are just what I¡¯d pictured ¡± she said.

    I slowly turned a look at Logan who smiled sweetly at me. He described me to her?

    ¡± I hope you¡¯d have everything my wife needs, Beverly ¡± Logan said, rubbing my arm up and down affectionately for a show.

    ¡± Um are you ready, Mrs. DeAngelo? ¡± She asks me, slightly reaching out for my hand.

    Staging a smile, I nodded. ¡± Yes please ¡±

    ¡± Let me leave youdies to yourselves, ¡± Logan said like a gentleman, releasing my arms and rubbing them against his thighs as he turned towards the door.

    I watched his back as the doors opened for him and he stepped out. I watched as he disappeared from my sight and the doors slid close and a bolt formed in the pit of my stomach.

    I need to do something.

 18

    As his back disappearedpletely through the ss walls, I turned away to see Beverly rummaging through her bag.

    ¡± Alright¡­.¡± She said ¡± let¡¯s get started on your ideal type of clothes ¡±

    she sits down on the closest lounge chair. Logan went out of his way to get me someone who would bring clothes to me. How long did he intend to keep me locked up here?

    I took the sit on my dresser chair and faced her, my eyes ncing at the door every now and then.

    She points a chart book to me, showing the different types of clothes drawn and sketched on the white paper. Clothes ranging from the different kinds and colors of gowns, tops, jeans, zers and jackets, shoes and bags.

    I couldn¡¯t bring myself to know what I wanted to pick. All my life all I¡¯ve worn were faded and old jeans with sneakers or my old ts that I¡¯d refused to outgrow since getting it at the age of fifteen. I was always dressed in t-shirts and sometimes overalls to school. I hardly wear gowns and when I did, it was once in a millennium.

    Now I have to choose all these dresses, all these shoes that would hurt my feet at the end of the day.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Are you a regr employee of his? ¡± I asked her as I started ticking dresses with the ck fountain pen she provided me.

    ¡± Not really, ¡± she replied ¡± he had called my office yesterday in request for a fashion assistant. We set up a meeting where he told me he needed some clothes for his new bride. That was the most romantic thing I¡¯ve ever seen a man do for a woman! ¡±

    I mentally scuffed. Romance? Please.

    I had so many things I wanted to say to her. We were alone and none of Logan¡¯s guards were anywhere near. But somehow I wanted to be careful because I didn¡¯t want this woman dying on my watch.

    It¡¯s barely forty minutes since her arrival and I already liked herpany. She was a talker and maybe that¡¯s what I liked about her. She was fun to have around no doubt and even though she may be being all friendly because of the amount of money she was going to walk out with for her service, I still enjoyed that she¡¯d pretended to like me just for the while.

    but again, she didn¡¯t know him. Didn¡¯t know who he was. She probably had no idea he was a Mafia. She had no clue he had me here against my will. I opened my mouth to tell her that I wasn¡¯t his wife and that I¡¯ve been kidnapped and made to pretend that everything was okay but my lips hanged open. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say it. What if he found out and hurt her, killed her? I couldn¡¯t do that to her.

    Covering up my thoughts with a small smile, somehow hoping she¡¯d see past the smile and see the hurt in my eyes, I said ¡± I like all the dresses here but I¡¯d have to make a couple of choices right? ¡±

    ¡± What? You can have them all. Your husband has told me to get you whatever you want. He¡¯d said and I quote ¡®if she wants your whole fucking boutique, bring it down for her¡¯. ¡± She giggled excitedly, pink creeping onto her cheeks ¡± I¡¯d thought he was just overdoing it until I saw him yesterday and until I drove into thispound. You are one lucky woman, Mrs DeAngelo ¡±

    For a moment there I thought she exaggerated about him but then again I discarded the thought. She was obviously older than me, looking in her mid twenties but Perhaps she has always fantasized finding a man like Logan. But she didn¡¯t know there was more to all these gloss he puts on.

    We spent the next few minutes choosing the types of jeans and gowns that I wanted, including some underwear. She had strictly asked me to leave the underwear to her and I¡¯d obliged uninterestedly. Then we went over colors of fabrics and she concluded at the end that I have a sharp sense of fashion. I beamed with a smile.

    ¡± Your dresses will be ready and shipped here tomorrow evening ¡± she said, rising to her feet.

    ¡± We haven¡¯t talked about some things I need¡­.¡± I stalled for time ¡± some shampoos and creams ¡±

    ¡± Oh! Very well. That isn¡¯t my job but I don¡¯t mind adding it to my work list ¡± she smiled sweetly, sitting back down.

    I breathed in deeply, bracing myself for what I¡¯m about to tell her. Do I whisper into her ear telling her how I¡¯ve been kidnapped and in need of her help to escape? She was going to return tomorrow with her team probably, to get my clothes in ce. If I told her now then I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be able to find some way to help me by tomorrow.

    ¡± I need your help ¡± I said gently to her. She looks up at me, confused at first but then smiles widely afterwards.

    ¡± Of course, anything. ¡°She responded.

    ¡± I need to get out of here, ¡± I whispered gently ¡± you have to help me get out ¡±

    I watched as the stress on her face to understand me unraveled into a long smile and she said ¡± I would ask your husband about that some other time. right now, I need to get going ¡±

    I watched, surprised as she grabbed her handbag and yanked it over her arm, nodding slightly as she hurried towards the door. The doors automatically slid apart and she hurried out. I sat there watching her back disappear out of my sight, wondering what the hell just happened.

    I gulped hard, realizing what I¡¯d just done. Beverly wasn¡¯t aplete stranger, she knew Logan quite well. She didn¡¯t think there was something wrong about me asking to get out of here and now, she¡¯s going to tell Logan about my ns to escape. She isn¡¯t the one who¡¯s gonna get killed for what I said, it was me who¡¯s gonna get killed.

    Because she was never a stranger here.

 19

    I ran over to the bathroom, emptying my stomach contents on the toilet and grabbing my stomach as I sat down on the cold tiled floor.

    I felt the anxiety flow through my veins, my head throbbing fast.

    To say I was scared was an understatement. I was literally hyperventting about what Logan would likely do to me once Beverly told him what I said to her.

    A few minutes ago I¡¯d have proudly told anyone how I didn¡¯t care about dying, if he decided to put a bullet through my head that I wouldn¡¯t flinch. But now I felt scared, scared out of my wits.

    I picked myself up after a while and washed my reddening face. I watched my reflection on the mirror and couldn¡¯t believe I was staring at myself.

    A few days ago I¡¯d been sad,ying up in my room till I heard Maddy through my window screaming my name for us to leave for work. Although we sometimes worked different shifts, we enjoyed going together and waiting on each other. We¡¯d walk down the busy streets and take the train to the club. I¡¯d been sad but there were moments when I actually smiled. There were times when I was actually d I was out in the sun, walking and feeling the breeze hit my face. I¡¯d been sad but nothingpared to what I was feeling right now.

    It¡¯s been hours, locked up in my room. After washing myself, Iid back on the bed and watched the stark white ceiling, my eyes tracing the brilliant architectural expertise designs.

    I wondered if Logan was in the house. If he¡¯d went out like earlier. The moment I saw the sun seeping in through the sses, I knew it was way past afternoon.

    Picking myself up, I walked over to the door. I¡¯d expected it to automatically slide open like earlier but when it didn¡¯t, I began pounding on it. One of his men, the one I¡¯d recognized from yesterday steps up and punched in some passcodes on the outside and the doors slid open.

    ¡± I just wanna go downstairs ¡± I told him, filling his curiosity before he even asked. He steps away and I walked past him. He started following me but then stopped after taking a few steps. I stepped into the elevator but it refused to work. Stepping off it, I took the stairs that lead me into therge sitting room. I guess this was the only ce I was allowed to visit.

    I sat for a long while, awaiting Logan¡¯s presence screaming and hitting me for attempting to escape with the help of Beverly but it never came. Hours dragged by and I didn¡¯t see him. I slept off on the couch, only waking up hourster to find the twilight disappearing outside the ss walls. I didn¡¯t know how long I slept but I knew the darkness of the night was only a matter of minutes away.

    When I returned back to the room, my eyes skimping every corner for a possible exit, I met a tray of food prepared on my bed.

    Pushing the food to the side, I slid under the bed duvet and let the sleep take over me. I hadn¡¯t realized how fast I could sleep until I was so desperate to leave this world behind me.

    LOGAN¡¯S P. O. V.

    After phoning the Amazon Wears Dani had personally researched about, I had the womane over to take her orders. I knew La needed a change of clothes and I wanted her to have the best in town. I wanted to take her shopping but I didn¡¯t have the luxury of time.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    She could try to cause a scene- that was thest thing I cared about ¨C in her attempts to escape but that could easily be handled. I knew she was going to try to make the woman help her escape and I dly sat behind myputer, watching her from the camera I¡¯d nted in her room.

    Surprisingly, she hadn¡¯t made attempts to talk to Beverly about helping her escape before I walked out of the room from sheer boredom.

    ¡± She is going to tell you to help her escape from the house, ¡± I remembered the words I¡¯d said to Beverly the day of our meeting ¡± but she¡¯s been suffering from severe heartbreak after losing her mother to cancer. She¡¯s finding it hard to believe she¡¯s gone and move on. That¡¯s why I brought her here. We¡¯d be leaving for our honeymoon after shepletes her therapy and I¡¯d urge you to ignore her pleas to escape ¡±

    And now, I stood on myrge circr balcony, dragging the smoke off my cigarette and watching the night sky, watching the city. It was hard to hear the noises from the main city upfront. With one hand deepened into my pants side pocket, I seeped from the alcohol ss in my other hand and resumed watching the dark city.

    Dani is seated on the circr oak table at the center of the balcony, working his hands on hisptop trying to find my next target.

    Astrid is leaning against the opposite rail, his eyes probably fixed on nothing.

    ¡± Boss, ¡± Dani calls, the sound of hisptop turning on the table ¡± I found your man ¡±

    Still facing forward, I asked ¡± where is he? ¡±

    ¡± At an old underground Chinese club house. Dark Alleyway ¡± he replied.

    Turning around to see hisptop screen turned to me, I matched out towards the door, Dani shutting hisptop close and following suit. We hurried down the short stairs and into the elevator that took us down into the in-built garage below. Two of my ck cars were already filled up with my men.

    Astrid pulls the back door open for me and I sat down, Dani sitting down from the other side and the cars howling to life as we drove off into the dark nights.

 20

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    You never know what it¡¯s like to be in pain, what it¡¯s like to feel like you couldn¡¯t breathe unless you held on to someone until the only person you¡¯ve ever loved, who has ever loved you gets killed in front of you. And you realize that the only hand you needed to hold on to so you could breathe had just been snatched from you.

    That was the agonizing pain I felt when I saw Santiago DeAngelo get killed right in front of my eyes.

    It was still the same trauma that keeps me up at night, knowing that I was right there that night and couldn¡¯t save him. I¡¯d watched him from the rope he¡¯d been tied with as he took hisst breath.

    I could still feel the painpressing down on my chest now as I traced my thumb on the antique silver cufflinks in my palm, staring at it¡¯s shimmering light in the dark car as we proceeded towards Dani¡¯s direction.

    Santiago DeAngelo was my uncle. The only man who had ever loved me purely, who had taken me in when my father didn¡¯t want me, when my own family turned their backs on me.

    And they took him away from me.

    The low life Gang of Jamie Templeman took him from me. Thinking about his scar face ¨C the one I¡¯d left there two years ago ¨C causes my frown to deepen.

    Over the course of four years after my uncle¡¯s death, I¡¯ve been driven by pain to avenge his death.

    My uncle had been a bachelor during his life, seeing no relevance in marrying a woman and promising her anything. He never had a child, he said I was enough for him and he never stopped treating me as one.

    At the age of seventeen, he had shown me half of his businesses and how he worked. He was a Mafia and nothing about it scared me like it was supposed to. I was filled with anger then, having been thrown out by my own father. I was more than willing to embrace whatever came my way.

    Although he did have his own fair share in women, something I¡¯d genuinely inherited from him and thus proving the rumor about me being a womanizer right. But he never loved any. He didn¡¯t see the need to. Loving a woman waspletely unnecessary, he¡¯d taught me that.

    I looked up, the image of La¡¯s pitiful eyes staring right back at me. Yeah, I¡¯m going to have my time with her one way or another.

    Jamie Templeman was my uncle¡¯s sworn enemy who had sucseeded in putting a bullet through my uncle¡¯s body and disposing off his body inside the waters. It was the most unhonorable death anymon man could ever be subjected to. I never outgrew the pain not for a second and it has been hard in the first two years.

    My uncle had left all of his fortune in my possession, left his businesses and countless men to my care. Even though I¡¯d be his sole partner over the years before his demise and was already part of his Mafia trench, nothing seemed so different getting my name legally on all those papers hiswyers kept bringing up to me.

    Drawn by my anger for Jamie Templeman, I¡¯d hunted his family down and killed his wife and son. They weren¡¯t his legal family, she was a mere concubine. But I¡¯d never for once regretted my action.

    But For over a year he has done a great job of disappearing without a trace, including his legal wife and only son. But I swore to hunt him down and spill everyst blood in their veins. I would burn down hispanies to show him I was just starting.

    Last week Dani had notified me that on a night drink with the other guys at a downtown pub, they¡¯d seen a man who looked exactly like one of Jamie¡¯s men. It was easy to know seeing as he only worked with a few number of people. Trust issues.

    ording to Dani, he seemed to be constantly watching his back, as if hiding from someone, as ifing out that hour of the night to drink was a big danger for him.

    I¡¯d asked Dani to track him down to his apartment but the day he was made, he left before my men could get there.

    And justst night, I was notified that he was still in town. He had not the slightest clue that I was tailing him. He¡¯d changed apartments out of sheer fright. He had good instincts, I¡¯d give him credit for that.

    And now, Dani has discovered him drinking at an underground pub. He was going to lead me right to Jamie¡¯s hideout. And if he couldn¡¯t go that far, he would lead me to someone who would.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    As soon as our cars drove to the dark backyard of a small women salon shop, I stepped out, Astrid leading the way and Dani right behind me. The salon is small and local, typical disguise for something beneath it. The women, dressed like prostitutes screamed as we badged in, bracing themselves.

    A few of my men including Dani stopped to secure the ce while I followed Astrid who was quick to spot the underground doorway covered with a thick rug. He flips it over and pulled the door up. We matched into the ce, alcohol reeking off every corner of the tight space. It was dark, coated in strong smoke.

    Bodies stered against each other on the couches and on the dancing floors, music booming from the DJ, the disco light revolving neon lights. I watched gently, scanning the faces for him.

    My eyes stopped as soon as they caught sight of a set of curious eyes. They widened in fear and surprise as they saw me before he leaped off his feet and tried to run. Astrid circled the chairs and hit him on the neck. But he managed to slip away from his hand, running through the narrow hall that seemed to lead somewhere, like a back room.

    Slowly scanning the ce, I tried to look for possible exits. This was an underground room. It was nearly impossible to have another exit.

    I scanned for another door where I was sure he¡¯s going to burst out and spotted another door, just beside the DJ. Astrid had chased after him, along with two of my men. I followed the other door alone, my frown deepening.

 21

    I took two steps at a time as I walked through the door, bursting out in a quiet room. The room is narrow, it¡¯s walls brick red.

    My pace slowered as I expected the man to burst out and at just the right timing, the windowce pulls away, and he stumbled down on his back. He stands up immediately as he sighted me, taking a proper stance to look at me. My eyes glowered with hate as I watched him.

    I felt the vein pop out at the side of my neck as I gritted my teeth angrily, my palms moulding up into a fist. His eyes lowers to my hand and then back to my eyes again. I saw the hesitation in his eyes. He knew who I was and he knew he couldn¡¯t take me if he wanted to fight for his life. I knew Astrid and the other men must have gotten to the back now, and Dani was still at the front. He waspletely surrounded.

    ¡± What do you want?! ¡± He asked boldly, faking the bravery I knew he didn¡¯t have in him.

    I wanted tough.

    ¡± If you didn¡¯t know what I want, you wouldn¡¯t have been running when you saw me. ¡± I replied, my voiceing off as a tender snarl.

    He starts stepping back ¡± I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about ¡±

    ¡± Then how about I give you an insight then? Jamie Templeman ¡°I said.

    He doesn¡¯t flinch or show any sort of reaction. He was good at this. But I was better. I¡¯m the master of this whole event.

    ¡± What about him huh? ¡± He yells.

    ¡± If you knew me well you¡¯d know that I don¡¯t have time for this and you would tell me what I need to know ¡± I told him, releasing my fists.

    ¡± I can¡¯t do that. He¡¯ll kill me ¡±

    ¡± Oh even I will kill you be rest assured ¡± I smirked at him.

    He lounges at me, throwing a punch which I easily dodged, hitting the back of his head with the sole of my shoe which sets him stumbling forward, only catching himself with the help of the wall. He tries to run through the door and back to the party but I moved in closer and punched him on his cheekbone and grabbing him by the cor the same time.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He swings an arm at me and missed. Then I pushed him back on the floor, just in time for Astrid to burst in from behind me.

    Astridnds a punch on his nose, breaking it. I turned around and walked straight out.

    I felt angry, so angry I wanted to hit every single person who pushed their bodies against mine as I walked back through the party room. I was able to keep my anger on check before reaching up to Dani, who had taken a pink seat for customers next to the hairdresser. She seemed from the look fo things to be less frightened even while he¡¯s sitting that close to her. My lips lifted into a smirk.

    I walked out and Dani followed suit. Astrid walks back out with the man, his hands yanked behind him with the rest of my men. People stood looking but I didn¡¯t care. They knew better than to involve themselves in my business or something as lethal as this in general.

    We drove a couple of miles in the dark until we reached the destination. My torture house. Anyone would think this waspletely uncalled for but I took my course I¡¯m the name of my uncle seriously and anyone who was ever involved with Jamie Templeman would pay in ways they could never imagine.

    The house is a wooden cottage at the middle of a forest. I liked bringing my hostages here to show them what it really meant to cross me. But I would be giving Jamie Templeman a different kind of death.

    After getting him inside and strapped to a chair, I decided to step into another room and take a drag, Dani always standing right beside me. He was able to convince me after a couple of drags to take the night off to rest. We should go to my hilltop vacation house at the east side of the city. I didn¡¯t object, I needed a rest.

    The house is big, with tinted dark sses, surrounded with hills and nts. It was beautiful, with the air howling around the house especially during the summer. It had been a gift from my uncle for my 20th birthday. As I stepped into the empty house now, I could remember all the fun I had with all the girls I¡¯d slept with here.

    I flung my suit over the ck lounge and started to undo my tie.

    ¡± Do you think that it¡¯s right bringing him all the way to the cottage? ¡± Dani¡¯s question cause me to turn around, irritation building up inside me.

    ¡± Would you care to borate further Dani? ¡± I asked him.

    ¡± I mean he¡¯s just someone who worked for Jamie Templeman¡­.. ¡°He started but I cut him off immediately.

    ¡± Enough reason why he should be in that fucking house, Dani! ¡± I screamed even though deep Inside I wished I could reduce my volume . But I was just too pissed at the moment to control literally anything ¡± God, Dani don¡¯t you even get it? He fucking killed my uncle! Santiago DeAngelo was my freaking father! But you wouldn¡¯t know that would you? Now listen, I am just beginning and by the time I¡¯m done, Jamie would beg me to kill me, to show him that little mercy he never even showed my uncle and I would deny him that! ¡±

    ¡± You know I would go through this with you right? ¡± Dani says, forcing words to roll down my throat. And I just watched him.

    I looked to the side, ruffling my hair with my hand frustratingly before looking back at him and speaking ¡± I know that, Dani. Why do you think you¡¯re here? But I want you to know that whatever I do now, I do to honor my uncle, ¡± my voice broke, my throat dried ¡± he was the best thing that ever happened to me and Jamie took that away from me. I would not rest until I have gotten to him, Dani. ¡± I turned my back at him and headed towards the long spiral stairs ¡± we won¡¯t be leaving until he tells me what I wanna hear. ¡±

    I disappeared up the stairs, knowing fully well that that motherfucker was a hard shell to crack. But I would never stop.

 22

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I slowly rose from the edge of my bed when I thought I heard a sounding from some ce around the house, presumably from the backyard of the house. I walked closely to the door and pressed myself against it, listening for any sound of movement but it was all silence after that. Maybe the sound wasn¡¯t from anywhere near.

    It was getting dark outside and I was getting hungry. I haven¡¯t seen any signs of Logan the whole day. I knew he was still in the house but was refusing toe see me. I started thinking about the possibilities that I might have offended him earlier but I couldn¡¯t put my hand on it.

    I felt disappointed in myself when I realized I was actually starting to like hispany, by even merely thinking and wondering why I hadn¡¯t seen him at all. This is what happens when all I get is his face every day.

    I slightly tapped on the door and it slid open. I stepped out and walked down the stairs that I¡¯d so mastered by now. I cornered therge sitting room that was already brightly lit and stepped into the wide kitchen, the silence foreboding.

    There didn¡¯t appear to be anybody in the house but somehow, I had an inclining feeling of being watched. I knew Logan was here somewhere, waiting for me to try to escape. He would kill me if I tried, I knew it.

    My stomach grumbles again and I ced a hand over it, my other hand reaching for the cab above. I was met with a stacked cupboard filled with carton food of all sorts. I walked over to the massive fridge at the far end, it was filled with assorted foods. I noticed that all the drinks were in stic bottles.

    Looking over my back to the open exit, I pulled the knife drawer open, the hair on my back rising.

    Nothing.

    Not a single knife in here. I sighed depressingly.

    Logan wasn¡¯t stupid, he¡¯d take away anything that could help me escape. Not that a knife could do anything but it would help in some ways. I mean, I could stab him with a knife when he wasn¡¯t looking.

    God, now it¡¯s murder, La?

    I ended up frying some eggs and making spaghetti to go with it. I looked back severally, expecting to see Logan watching me but it never happened. I suspected that he was out of the house but couldn¡¯t get rid of the eyes watching me.

    I ate dinner at the end of the long dinning table before quietly taking the stairs up my room, constantly looking back, searching for doors that I hadn¡¯t spotted before.

    Not a single one.

    I spent the rest of the night consumed in my own fears. The walls seemed to close in on me, suffocating me. As the night went dark, the silence broke into me. I was alone in the house. I tried to walk out, go anywhere but the doors wouldn¡¯t open.

    Somewhere, Logan was in this house controlling the doors and elevators. I knew the n was to get on his good side and not make it seem like I actually still nned to escape but the night reminded me that I had nothing to lose.

    If I escaped from here, I couldn¡¯t go back to my parents. They will surely turn me in again and probably get killed in the process. I¡¯d be putting Maddy in trouble if I went back to her too.

    The thought of Emma crossed my mind. It was like he was standing right in front of my eyes.

    Memories struck me like lightening. Memories I shared with him during our short rtionship. Emma was always so nice and caring. I remembered the day he wanted us to have sex. He was my first boyfriend and he knew very well that I was still a virgin. I remember him telling me to take my time, that he wouldn¡¯t force me. That he¡¯d take things slow.

    And now, I couldn¡¯t kick the image of Logan trying to force himself on me out of my head. I spent the night watching the full darkness outside. After what felt like forever, I slept off.

    I woke up with the light rays seeping through the window and casting over my face. I rolled over, forgetting how I actually ended up in bed. I couldn¡¯t think much about it as I felt the pain surging through my head.

    I groaned painfully and walked towards the door, the doors sliding open as soon as I reached it. Groaning angrily, I stepped out, my eyes scanning the narrow hallway ahead. I was subconsciously looking for Logan. He hadn¡¯te into my roomst night till I slept off.

    I couldn¡¯t help wondering if he¡¯d actually came in while I was asleep. I carried myself down the stairs and peered through the window. I touched the ss walls, visibly watching the quiet outside. I looked up the stairs, watching for any sign of movements but none. Just when I was about concluding that I waspletely left alone in the house, I heard the door click open.

    I stood frozen, my heart pumping rapidly as I waited for whoever was going to walk in from the foyer. I repeatedly told myself to find something to defend myself with but I was too shocked to move.

    I saw a pair of big ck boots step in, followed by another set. I nced up to find Logan¡¯s bodyguards, heavily armed, both bearing foreboding frowns on their faces as they stopped in front of me. Behind them walked in Beverly, alongside four other people who looked like her crew members. She had like before a big smile on her lips as her eyes caught mine and she stepped forward from behind the men.

    ¡± It¡¯s nice to see you again, Mrs. DeAngelo, ¡± she spoke briefly ¡± we¡¯re here to install your clothes ¡±This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Behind her wererge and tall boxes getting moved in by her crew members. As I watched them, the only thought that kept ringing through my head was ¡®i have to escape¡¯.

 23

    ¡± this way ¡± one of Logan¡¯s bodyguards said as he walked towards the elevator.

    ¡± Go on¡± Beverly said to her crew and together, they gathered up everything they brought in with them and into the elevator. I watched the elevators slide close, leaving me, Beverly and the two bodyguards in the room.

    Turning a fake smile to Beverly, I stretched a hand towards the stairs ¡± shall we? ¡± I asked her, earning a big smile from her.

    She nods and follows behind me up the stairs, the two giants right behind us. My hands trembled and itched as I thought of a way to escape. I looked into Beverly¡¯s eyes as we got into my room and couldn¡¯t quite understand why she never told Logan on me about what I said to her the other day. And now she shows up, pretending like nothing like that happened and instead just smiling like the first time we¡¯d met.

    ¡± Alright, ¡± she announced with a hand p ¡± let¡¯s get the dresses and shoes and everything organized. Oh bring the shoe boxes first¡± she points to one of her workers. She was a young, teenage looking girl who ran over with a peach shoe box.

    Beverly helps me sit on the circr furry seat in the center of my walk-in closet. The bodyguards waited outside.

    I looked out to try to see the bodyguards as Beverly knelt down. They weren¡¯t looking here. Grabbing hold of the fur underneath my palms, I watched Beverly carefully slide a beautiful nude stiletto shoe under my feet. I felt the hair rise at the back of my neck, sweat forming on my temple. I licked my lips, trying feverishly to find something to talk about just to hint her about what was really happening here. I was curious about why she hadn¡¯t reported me to Logan as she should have done yesterday but that wasn¡¯t gonna stop me from trying to escape when I get the opportunity.

    Clearing my throat, I said ¡± you must be scared of all these men standing over us, carrying guns ¡±

    Beverly doesn¡¯t look up at me, I just heard her chuckle and replied casually ¡± it doesn¡¯t bother me, Mrs DeAngelo. . ¡­.¡±

    ¡± La¡± I corrected her.

    ¡± Um, La, ¡± she said awkwardly, setting my feet down to look at me while taking the other shoe from her worker ¡± they don¡¯t bother me. It¡¯s actually romantic. It¡¯s really sweet that Mr Logan hires people to protect you when he¡¯s not around. If this isn¡¯t romantic I don¡¯t know what is ¡±

    I mentally red at her. What was wrong with this woman? Was she that desperate for a love life that she doesn¡¯t really see what¡¯s wrong here? Who hires bodyguards for the person they love except to keep them captivated?

    ¡± You don¡¯t seem to know Logan very well ¡± I said, smiling down at her.

    ¡± Not exactly. Like I told you before, he¡¯d randomly called us. I¡¯m so thrilled to be working with him.¡± she smiled, setting down my other leg ¡± now this looks fabulous on you! ¡±

    She quickly takes them off and turns around to face her crew, snapping her fingers ¡± alright! Let¡¯s get started! ¡±

    As soon as she said this, the rest of her members standing back at the bedroom pushed the boxes in.

    Beverly instructed them on where to ce every item and I just sat down there, trying to formte a n to escape from here. I constantly looked out to find the men still watching me. I thought about screaming at Beverly and obviously letting her know that I¡¯d been kidnapped but Logan¡¯s words sank into my head as soon as it ured to me. He was going to have her and everyone else In this room killed. I couldn¡¯t let them die.

    If I escaped on my own, I¡¯d never be able to get past the doors and I doubt these ss walls breaks easily. It probably didn¡¯t. Logan should already know that five steps ahead.

    Beverly had mentioned something that told me Logan wasn¡¯t in the house right now and I had a feeling he has been gone for a while now.

    I told myself right there and then that escaping right now was a suicidal n. I should rather take my time to know every corners and doors in this room, search for any security cameras, find a valid exit and plot an escape n while he¡¯s away. I realized I was gonna have to continue with the first n: stay on his good side and convince him I wasn¡¯t going to run away anymore.

    ¡± What do you think, La? ¡± Beverly asked as she stepped back beside me, her hands glided openly towards the clothes they¡¯d arranged into the once empty space in my closet.

    The shoe shelf was filled up to the top, I would lose count if I wanted to count them. Clothes racks were filled with gowns of different designs, colors and styles. I¡¯d never wore anything like everything in here all my life and as I watched everything, I found my heart beating painfully, tears tucking at the sides of my eyes, blurring my vision as I watched everything in front of me.

    On the tall wardrobe were gowns too. zers and jackets hung over every space avable. Bags sat on the shelves. The fur table in the center of the room was decorated with numerous number of glittering jewelries ranging from expensive looking nes of different kinds and stones, wrist watches, bracelets, earrings and hair pins.

    Suddenly, I felt really small in the once big room. The table had now been staked with perfumes, colognes and countless body provisions that I¡¯d never seen before.

    ¡± It¡¯s beautiful ¡± I replied honestly. I felt the breath I¡¯ve been holding escape my throat.

    ¡± I¡¯m really d you like it. We¡¯ll see ourselves out then ¡± she replied, releasing her tangled hands to tilt her sses up her tiny nose ¡± it was really nice working with you ma¡¯am ¡±

    I nodded and followed them out. As soon as we stopped next to the elevator, I spoke ¡± why don¡¯t you wait for tea? ¡±

    (Song for the scene: Rescue by Lauren Daigle.)

    ¡± The boss wants her gone as soon as her job is done ¡± one of the bodyguards said, his voice thick and intimidating, the kind that said he wasn¡¯t ying around with you.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± It¡¯s really fine, La, thanks for offering.¡± Beverly said, howling her friends into the elevator. I gave her ast smile before watching them disappear out of my sight.

    I felt my chest tighten as the loneliness swept in like a hurricane. I clung to my chest as I slid down the wall, tears spilling out my eyes and I gasped desperately for air as my muffled cries broke through. I didn¡¯t know why I felt how I felt right now but I felt deeply sad. I felt the pain on my chest, the pain increasing each time I tried to breathe.

    After crying for what felt like forever, my shoulders heaving heavily, I picked myself up and ran into the bathroom, watching myself cry on the mirror. Over again.

    I looked miserable.

 24

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    I dragged the cigarette hanging between my two fingers, puffing the smoke in a thick fog and watching it escting upwards.

    After apprehending that mother fucker yesterday, he has refused to say anything to Astrid. I¡¯d wanted to walk into that room and show him things that would make him wish he was dead instead but before I could walk out that door, Dani stops me with a hand to my chest.

    ¡± Don¡¯t ¡± he said. He knew very damn well that I¡¯d probably kill him if I walked in there and all his efforts to track Jamie templeman down would be for nothing, taking us back to square one.

    I¡¯d angrily pulled back and returned back to my bed where I angrily pulled off my necktie, grazing my skin with the sharp ends of the fabric.

    Astrid had reported earlier this morning that the hostage had fainted from dehydration and weakness from all the beatings. Dani had suggested from across the room that they gave him some space to regain himself before further interrogation and he¡¯d clearly seen the annoyance in my gaze as our eyes met.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    By the time the weather started overcasting the city, Dani and I had found our ways around the City. I haven¡¯t been to this city before but it was beautiful and fancy and noisy in a romantic way especially at this time of the night. I couldn¡¯t help wonder for a split second if La would like it here in the nights.

    Dani suggested we yed cards at a casino. I wasn¡¯t in a gambling mood tonight but I don¡¯t resist either.

    This looked like a perfect night to getid and I hope Dani was looking forward to that now. He was such a holy man, believing in waiting for some love of his life. I always told him he¡¯s sick in the head each time he turned down the beautiful women chasing after him for sex. He was wasting his beauty away. His potentials. His dick.

    Tonight, I chuckled as I saw him gazing at the woman at the cards table. Nudging him by the shoulder, I gestured towards her ¡± all you need do is say the word and she¡¯s yours for the night, Dani ¡± I reminded him.

    The women watched us, many of them obviously attracted to Dani.

    Dani was a beautiful man. His Asian looks always kept all the womening. His raven ck hair always made him look like a kpop or whatever they¡¯re called. His fashion sense was amazing. It was all too appealing. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if some gay man picked him from a bar one day. He was that attractive.

    But he was mostly quiet, like speaking was too wrong for him, like he was gonna be asked to pay for every word he said. Even still, I understood Dani more than anyone I¡¯ve ever met.

    Dani was cool and good to be friends with. He has be the closest friend I have. He respected me, and he always knew the right things to say to me when I needed his opinions. Dani was a serious and strategic young man who never ys around. If he tells you that someone walked that way, he definitely walked that way.

    Dani chuckles at my remark, slowly turning around to face the other side.

    pping his exposed upper arm, I said ¡± let¡¯s get a drink first ¡±

    Leaving behind the hourss shaped blond woman who kept staring at Dani, we made our way to the bar counter.

    ¡± Martini for the two of us ¡± I ordered, looking back at Dani ¡± I ordered a Martini so you¡¯d be sober enough when you take thatdy to a hotel room ¡± I teased him.

    I saw him blush. He was definitely sexually frustrated.

    He grabs his ss from the bartender before he could offer it and sipped it.

    ¡± Maybe you¡¯re the one who needs to getid, ¡± he replies ¡± and I¡¯m very much sure you don¡¯t exactly need to be sober to do it ¡±

    Picking up my ss proudly, my smile widening, I put my ss up and replied ¡± what can I say, I¡¯m good at what I do ¡±

    Daniughs and drinks. ¡± What do you n to do with that girl? ¡± He asks.

    I knew exactly who he was talking about. La.

    Shrugging, I replied ¡± you know. Have sex with her, probably kill her when I¡¯m done having all the fun with her ¡±

    I could tell it didn¡¯t sit well with him because he looks away, his half smile hanging off his lips. Dani has never seemed so interested in my women before. Never. And he kept a great distance from issues like this. They weren¡¯t his concern. He may be a friend figure to me but he was my worker too, who dealt with theputers. He probably hasn¡¯t seen La since the past week she¡¯s been brought in and I couldn¡¯t understand where the concern wasing from.

    ¡± Rx, Dani, ¡± I slid an arm over his shoulders ¡± I¡¯m just joking. I think I¡¯m liking her actually ¡±

    ¡± Cheers to that, Logan ¡± he replied uninterestedly, emptying his ss.

    ¡± You seem a bit interested in La, ¡± I pushed ¡± I didn¡¯t know you¡¯ve met her ¡±

    ¡± I haven¡¯t. But I do know that she has no idea why she¡¯s caught up in all this and I just hope that you would give her some time to get used to all of this, you know? ¡± He replied.

    I looked away, really thinking about it. Fuck, I wanted to give her everything. I wanna fucking make love to her, the thought turns me on more than any naked woman ever did. But she was too naive and stubborn.

    ¡± You¡¯re right ¡± I replied, beckoning for the bartender to pour us another ss.

    I looked to the side and spotted a woman leaning over the counter, trying to get the bartender¡¯s attention. She seems to be doing it purposefully to get my attention. I knew all of these tricks. Lean over spewing their huge tities over the counter so a man woulde looking. She¡¯s wearing a ck leather dress that hugged her body like a second skin. A little more bend and you¡¯d probably be seeing the lingerie underneath her dress.

    ¡± One vodka please ¡± she said, her voice seductive as she slowly threw a nce at me. She knew what she wanted. Atta girl.

    Grinning to myself, I turned back at Dani who seemed to have little or no interest in what¡¯s happening beside me.

    She was a hooker. She was gorgeous with all the ck hair and ck make up. Her ass was just as big and firm as her breasts in ratio. There was no ounce of doubt that she had a boob job done. I instantly pictured La¡¯s boobs, wondering if she had a boob job too.

    Fuck.

    I mmed my ss against the counter.

 25

    Luckily, she walks away after grabbing her drink. I didn¡¯t know why I felt relieved even when I was obviously so sexually frustrated. I began to question myself, if Dani was actually the one who neededying or me.

    ¡± How is your sister? ¡± I asked Dani, wanting to push out the thoughts threatening to explode in my head.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    ¡± She¡¯s doing great. Her graduation is kicking really close ¡± he replied, his voice proud.

    ¡± That¡¯s nice ¡±

    ¡± What do you n to do about our guy? ¡± He asked. When he said ¡°our guy¡± I knew he referred to our hostage.

    What do I n to do with him? Kill him if he didn¡¯t provide me with valid information tonight.

    ¡± Kill him obviously, ¡± I chuckled lightly ¡± you honestly didn¡¯t think I was gonna let him go even if he told me where his fucking boss was, did you? ¡±

    ¡± Of course not. I knew you were gonna kill him regardless. What exactly do you n to do when you find Jamie Templeman? ¡±

    I tried to reply but found the words stuck in my throat. For the first time after my long search for him, this was the first time Dani or anyone was asking me that question. I looked down at the liquid that had taken the color of the deep brown table underneath the ss and asked myself the question too. What was I gonna do to him?

    Looking back at Dani seriously, I replied ¡± killing Jamie Templeman would be too big of a mercy for him ¡± I felt the boldness in my own voice, the strangeness and the bitterness. All for one man who had taken the only thing that gave meaning to my life away from me. I for one needed to show him things far worse than death.

    ¡± Killing his concubine and his illegitimate child was a trigger warning, ¡± I added, looking forward into the thin air and inhaling deeply and slowly ¡± I will haunt down everything he has ever loved and take them away from him one by one. And you have to help me do that, Dani ¡±

    Dani shifts beside me and I knew he nodded in agreement. I liked Dani for one thing. He would always stand by me and do what I want regardless of whatever it was. He would go through it with me and speak his mind afterwards. I hated to admit to myself that I trusted him. I saw him like the brother I had but never had.

    My own brother¡­..

    Picking up my ss, I chunked down the alcohol and let it linger in on my throat, burning it. I needed to let go of all the emotions. Family was a sickness. Sometimes a liability. Family was a big mistake. They would turn their backs on you when you need them most and expect an exnation from you when you turn bad. That was what La didn¡¯t understand. Family was a freaking tsunami. They¡¯ll dump you in the end.

    Looking behind me with my teeth clenched and my jaw popped, my eyes met with the ck haired woman who¡¯d been literally drooling over me.

    Standing up and undoing my tie, I walked up the stairs. I knew she was gonnae right up to me.

    Dani doesn¡¯t stop me as I marched away. He knew how this went. I was either going toe back out in the next thirty minutes or he meets me back at the hotel.

    If I was quick enough to getid by this woman, then I¡¯d be back before he even thinks of leaving.

    As I disappeared from the room, I hoped he lets himself getid by some gorgeous woman tonight.

    I walked through the golden narrow hallway that lead to several rooms. I pushed the third door open and as I¡¯d predicted, it was empty, neath and looked untouched yet tonight. I stepped inside, the warmness of the room weing me and reminding me instantly of La.

    Why does something this warm and cozy remind me of her?. Because she¡¯s hot damnit, my inner voice told me.

    The king sized bed sat facing the wide balcony door, it¡¯s white drapes flowing inwards from the early cold night air pushing through them. The room is dimly lit but I spot a bottle of scotch seated on the nearest dresser, a tumbler beside it. Just as I¡¯m about to make my way over, I heard the approaching clicking of heels.

    And my lips cornered into a half smile.

    ¡± So, you do casino rooms ¡± she said, her voice somehow causing a stir in my body. I didn¡¯t know what she meant by that and couldn¡¯t care less.

    ¡± I¡¯m guessing you like being taken to a proper hotel and getting pampered on the morning after ¡± I replied, my back still turned to her.

    She chuckled, advancing towards me. She ces her slim manicured fingers over my shoulder and just like that swings me around to face her. I met her eyes and I lingered for a bit, admiring the work of art.

    She was gorgeous. Not cute, not beautiful, simply gorgeous. Her eyes were big and crystal blue, her lips painted wet peach. Her ck hair has a few bangs falling over her forehead, hiding her eyebrows. Her cheeks are high and pink, a long smile at the corners of her lips.

    My eyes angles down to watch the fullness of her breasts that popped out of her tight leather dress.

    Without uttering a reply, she starts undoing her buttons, slowly and seductively revealing the ck bra that housed her swollen breasts.

    We were nearly the same height thanks to her heels, but she was a tall and highly endowed woman. She leans in to kiss me, her lips meeting mine in a fair unison. She closes her eyes, slightly watching me through her fake eyshes as her lips moved against mine. I was tempted to kiss back but I knew that would mean a lot. I didn¡¯t want this to mean anything to her. She needed to know that I didn¡¯t adore her or her great body, I just wanted what I needed from her at the moment. Sex.

    Roughly, she pushed me back till my back hit the wall, stering herself on me the following second, her hands roaming over my chest missionarily.

    I lost all my self restraint the next second, her heat pressing hard against my bulging pants. Grabbing hold of her hand, I maneuvered our position and pinned her against the wall.

    I tried to move in to kiss her but stopped, every heat that had rushed into my body a second ago seeping away.

    I watched her and all I could think about, all I wondered about was what it would feel like having La against this wall, half of her breasts exposed and pressed up against me. Would she like it if I touched her?

    Pulling away, I walked towards the door and said¡± this has been a misunderstanding. I have a woman waiting for me at home.¡±

    And then I was gone like a buff of smoke.

 26

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I woke up the third day with still no sight of Logan. At this point I was fully aware that he wasn¡¯t anywhere near this house. I needed to find ways to get out of here.

    If he was out of the house for this long and I¡¯m quick enough, I could find a way to get the hell out of here before he even came back. I¡¯m not going to sit around and wait for him to catch me again.

    I decided to dress up in a skinny blue jeans with a sea blue button down shirt. I pulled up my hair into a ponytail, feeling like Hayley from the originals at the time us Michaelson held her captive in his house because she carried his precious miracle child in her belly. I carefully went down the stairs, taking light steps, eyes darting around for his men but none was in sight.

    I stepped into the sitting room and closed in on the ss walls. I peered out and tried to see past the gardens surrounding the property, up to the gate that I barely saw it¡¯s root. Not a single person outside. Where did everybody go?

    I stopped to check if there were security cameras on the ceilings but non that I could see. Was Logan just dumb or did he underestimate my ability to actually escape from this ce after all his warnings?

    I slowly walked to the other side of the wall, the side of the house closer to the backyard which I couldn¡¯t see from here and narrowed my eyes through the braches and rambling flowers at the far end. The rambling nts weaves itself up the ck bar fence at the far end of the property and as I looked closely, I could see a ckened hole that looked like there¡¯s actually a passage there that could actually lead to this fence where I could jump over.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    I gently ced my hands on the thick ss walls and tried to feel it¡¯s thickness. It was extremely thick, I guess a bullet wouldn¡¯t even prate it.

    I hurried over to the table and drew it¡¯s drawers out, rummaging through it for something I clearly didn¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t know what the heck I was looking for but I was just feeling this surge of energy and I just wanna do something, anything.

    The first drawer is nearly empty safe for a TV remote control. On the second draw was a picture frameid face down on the dusty space. I picked it up, interestcing my senses as I turned it over to find the image of a boy in white and ck ink paint. A boy who didn¡¯t seem to be older than six. A boy who shared a lot of things with Logan DeAngelo.

    They shared the same one sided simple, the same sharp chin, the same small eyes that barely seemed visible on this picture as he smiled widely. Even though the picture was ck and white, it was easy to see the ckness and thickness of his hair. He looked beautiful in this picture.

    So innocent.

    But he¡¯d grown up to be a monster. I wondered who his mother was. If she was still out there seeing all his son was doing, or if she was just like him. I wanted to know so much, my sudden interest surprised me.

    Closing my eyes, I ced the frame back on the draw and proceeded to the next one. Pulling it open, I was met with a bundle of keys. I didn¡¯t know why a key was here because I knew every door in this house used a key slot or passcode intes right next to the doors. Without a second thought, I grabbed and mould it up into my palm and pushed it inside my jean pockets. I stepped away from the sharp corner the kitchen shared with a slim hallway that lead to some other hidden rooms. I¡¯d never passed here before. I wanted to see what was over there, if there was a means of escape there.

    I took slow paces towards it, hopefully expecting to see some door that this key could actually fit into.

    As soon as I stepped into this hallway, the lightening gets dimmer and I passed a few windows and doors. They all didn¡¯t seem to be doors which lead to the outside. They were all just rooms. Plus they all didn¡¯t use this type of Keys too.

    I came across a door at the veryst end at the sharp corner to my left hand. The door is wooden and old and very oddly enough, the key fit into the hole perfectly. It creaked as I slowly pushed it open, making sure I didn¡¯t leave much sound. After pushing the door back, I came face to face with old stairs that led down into what looked like a basement. an old, dark basement. My stomach filled up instantly as an eerie feeling swept over me, making me nauseous. I wanted to throw up.

    Clutching my stomach, I stepped into the first stair and watched my feet take me down. the room is very dimly lit, and old, it was impossible to think a room like this existed in this huge mansion.

    I looked around, through the old tables and TVs and chairs that sat in there to find a small door at the east side, small enough to crawl through on all fours. My stomach filled with pain and joy as I realized that the door led to the outside. I quickly sat down on the dirty floor and stretched out my legs to the door, pushing it. I was surprised when the bar door pushed open, green grasses protruding from the outside into the house.

    A rush of air hit my face. Air if freedom.

    But I didn¡¯t move for a long minute. My eyes strained into the distance, lost in my own thoughts. Thoughts on all Logan¡¯s threats.

 27

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    I watched Dani¡¯sptop, my lips paused as I watched La walking into the basement.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    I knew it.  I knew she would still take the bait.

    The disappointment waved across my face as I watched her. I felt angry, disgusted and most of all disappointed.

    How could this girl be so stupid, taking every trapid down for her?

    I¡¯d intentionally left the keys in that drawer and opened that door at the back of the basement for her. I wanted to see if she was still going to escape. It¡¯s been two weeks and three days since her staying at that fucking house, how could she not get used to it by now?

    Angrily, I pushed by folded leg from above the other and reached for my phone from across the table. Dani sat next to me, watching theptop too.

    I never stopped watching her every move from this side since the day I left the house. She was a fool, thinking there weren¡¯t any hidden cameras in the house and that I¡¯d leave her like that, all alone.

    I¡¯ve had my men watch her from the house, except her closet. I¡¯d been the only one watching her in there from here. I knew for one that she would try to escape by all means. For the past two days I¡¯d actually felt rxed and somewhat happy that she wasn¡¯t trying to escape.

    I¡¯d watched from theputer while Beverly was delivering her clothes and she hadn¡¯t said anything to her besides their casual talk. Their casual talk where she was trying to hint her that she¡¯d been kidnapped. I¡¯d thought about letting that slide but after seeing this now, I wasn¡¯t gonna let anything slide anymore.

    I grabbed my gun from the left side of the table, Dani¡¯s eyes following it as I leaned back on the broom chair in the hotel¡¯s balcony. Flipping open my phone, I dialed Mahone, one of my bodyguards whom I¡¯d called a couple of minutes earlier to stand guard at the side where La was going to burst out the moment I saw her rummaging through the drawers.

    ¡± She¡¯s getting out now ¡± I said into the phone and ended the call, rising up and storming out, Dani right behind me.

    I felt angry that I was leaving right this moment while Astrid was still trying to squeeze out information about Jamie Templeman from that douchebag and La had to drag me out of here. I felt angry because La couldn¡¯t do the one thing that I asked her to. I¡¯m so angry I knew I¡¯d probably put a bullet to this asshole¡¯s head if I had the time to go see Astrid now.

    But as I climbed onto my car, I swore mentally to kill him first thing when Ie back here whether he told me a single thing or not.

    Dani sits beside me and the car drove off to the airport where my jet sat waiting. I didn¡¯t waste time to get on board. A few minutester, I was getting off the jet inside mypound. I hurried into the elevator immediately and sped up to the sitting room.

    Mahone is standing by the door the moment I stepped inside and he quickly nodded at me before getting onto the elevator and leading us to where he¡¯d put La.

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    When the air hit my face, I realized that I¡¯d been kept in here longer than I would normally endure. A rush of adrenaline hit my face as soon as my legs hit the rather weak door and it went flying out. I gasped for air and wondered if Logan had no idea about a door down here.

    Yes, that was possible. He owned this huge mansion which he probably just bought out of its luxury without caring to look at it¡¯s blueprints. There could be an annex attached to this house and he would still not know.

    I was tiny enough to fit through the small circr space. Shifting on my butt through the floor and putting my legs out, I slowly began to push myself out. It was hard but I went through.

    As soon as I was out, I picked myself up from the grassy floor and looked to the right.

    You know that feeling when you¡¯re just recovering from a harsh fever and wake up to a room full of people, sweats rippled all over your face, dripping down your chest and you fight for air, dragging every ounce of it into your lungs because your life actually depended on it? Because the room was just too jam-packed for your to breathe properly? Where series and waves of pain washed over your brain, threatening to knock you out again and you start hyperventting, feeling like you¡¯re gonna faint in a couple of seconds if your mom didn¡¯t stop staring down at you like you had contacted some deadly disease? That¡¯s how I felt as my eyes matched one of Logan¡¯s men standing at the other side.

    My heart raced painfully in my chest as his eyes threw nothing but hatred at me. He¡¯s dressed inpletely ck suits. So were the two men standing beside him.

    I started to actually hyperventte. I felt nauseous, my vision getting blurry and doubled as I watched them advance towards me.

    ¡± Please ¡± my voice was barely audible to my own ears. I watched the fence that seemed a few steps away from me and couldn¡¯t bring myself to run for it. In a swift second, the men were standing next to me.

    I felt the tears escape my eyes as I tried to breathe ¡± no, no, I can¡¯t¡­.. ¡± I tried to breathe ¡± I can¡¯t go back. No! ¡±

    I tried to fight them as they tried to hold me. I pushed him back. My eyes quickly darted down to his clenched fist and before I could look back at his face, I felt his hand connect with my jaw, hard. The kind of hit that sets you off bnce, that makes you stagger backwards, pain coursing through your entire head.

    The force from his punch makes me bite down on my tongue as I stumbled back from the impact, my hand covering my jaw. I tried to hold myself from dropping down to the floor but I ended up crashing down as I tried to hold on to something to steady myself.

    Tears stung my eyes instantly and the next thing I knew, big arms were grabbing me and throwing me over broad shoulders.

    I screamed hard, hoping a passerby would hear ande for my rescue or better still, call the police.

    I knew deep down that I¡¯d just digged my own grave.

    Logan would never let me live after this.

    He was going to kill me.

 28

    I heard my own subs as I sat on the cold floor, my back against the wall.

    I knew Logan was going to burst through the door any time soon and I didn¡¯t wanna show him my weakness, didn¡¯t wanna show him how much I feared him but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to stop the tears froming .

    The door bursts open and the devil stalked in. I quickly stood up, my back still stered on the wall while I tried to stop the tears froming. I watched his menacing eyes. They glistened. His lips rose up at the corner in an amusing smirk.

    I worked my brain toe up with a n. I knew he would hit me, or worse kill me.

    As he stalked towards me, I thought of what I¡¯m gonna do now.

    Think!

    But as soon as he reached me, I pushed him back with my full hands pressed against his hard chest.

    ¡± Where were you all this while?! ¡± I barked, feigning hurt. He seemed to be taken aback by surprise because he smiles. I gulped hard, waiting for the worst but he doesn¡¯t do anything. He just stops and watched me, his smile widening.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t know you missed me so much, ¡± he said, advancing towards me again ¡± it¡¯s only been three days. If I knew you¡¯d miss me so much, I wouldn¡¯t have left ¡± he said thest part into my mouth as he caged me between his wide body, his hand pinning me in ce against the wall. I gulped again. I didn¡¯t want him thinking that I missed his absence but if that would prevent any form of abuse from him, then I would definitely y along with this.

    He lifts a hand and brings it up to my face, grabbing my chin. I winced in pain from the bruise I already have there from the punch I¡¯d received earlier.

    ¡± Did you miss me so much that you couldn¡¯t wait for me to return, instead breaking the rule of not stepping out of this house? ¡± He said angrily now, his palm now crushing my jaw.

    I cried in pain and tried to push him away but instead he pins me further against the wall and quickly grabs my body, spins me around, pressing my face hard against the wall, my back pressed tightly against him.

    ¡± You dare try to run away from me?! ¡± He growled into my ear.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry ¡± I cried. The pain was too much and I didn¡¯t know how much longer I could hold it in. ¡± Please¡­¡±

    It felt like his hand was crushing my skull into the wall.

    ¡± To think I was beginning to trust you! I knew you were all fake, La! ¡± He screamed into my ear before grabbing me and turning me to face him again ¡± you know what? Why don¡¯t I give you what you¡¯ve always wanted? Killing you is too much of a mercy for you ¡±

    He grabs me in one swift move and throws me over his shoulder. I cried, my voice fading by the minute as he makes his way down the stairs in one go, then  through a hallway. My eyes were too streaked with tears to see where he was taking me until he was tossing me on a wooden chair and I looked around to see that he¡¯d brought me back to the basement where I¡¯d tried to escape through before.

    I looked around, towards the small hole where I¡¯d crawled out through to find that It had been cemented. There wasn¡¯t a way out anymore. I felt my heart shatter.

    ¡± You think that I¡¯m stupid, don¡¯t you, La? ¡± Logan began as he paced the room ¡± you mock me don¡¯t you? ¡±This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    I shook my head vigorously ¡± no, Logan, I don¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡± You do not speak when I speak!! ¡± He yelled, closing the distance between us and pping me across the face. I felt the metal taste in my mouth and knew instantly that I was bleeding.

    ¡± I will kill you ¡± he said as he stepped away. The words seemed to have been forced out, like he wasn¡¯t sure of what he¡¯d just said.

    My cheek stung as hended a p across my cheek, and I felt the urge to cradle it but I was too overwhelmed. This was the first time he was hitting me, the first time he was smacking me across the face. And it hurt differently.

    Tears freely flow down my face. I tried to look back at him but I couldn¡¯t. I couldn¡¯t do that without crying all over again.

    ¡± Are you just stupid? What makes you think the world out there is better for you? ¡± He continues ¡± you¡¯re such a fool, La. I dug out that hole for you and you took the trap like the stupid girl that you are. And now you¡¯re going to pay for it ¡±

    The pain was instantly filled with anger as the words left his mouth. He set me up and now he¡¯s going to punish me for it? What kind of twisted psychotic mind did he have. I slowly looked up at him.

    ¡± You did this to me? You did this, left that key in there because you knew I was going to fall for it?¡± My voice broke as I asked him.

    ¡± I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t realize that sooner ¡± he spat out.

    ¡± You¡¯re a monster ¡± I told him, fresh tears breaking down my face. ¡± I hate you ¡±

    His lips lifts up into a smile and he walks closer to me, leaning down till he was at my face level and said ¡± oh there¡¯s more toe, love, it would be too early to start hating me.¡±

    I wanted to spit on his face but I knew that would be me preparing for my own death. So instead, I watched his eyes with all the hate I could muster.

    He rises up and walks over to the other darker side of the room.

    ¡± You¡¯ll never learn, ¡± he said as he turned around with a folded rope in his hands. Fear struck me as I saw the rope but I didn¡¯t wanna show him that. Whatever he wanted to do, he should do it. At this point, I didn¡¯t care if he killed me or not.

    He walks over to the darkest part of the room, a much smaller room that seemed to be a storage for something small and tied the rope on a hook. He walks over to me and Yanks me to my feet before dragging me over. He straps the end of the rope over my sped wrists. He tightens it further until I winced in pain. The distance between my hands even when stretched and the floor was much so I end up standing on my tip toes.

    He smiles on my face and spoke ¡± I will let you out of here once you¡¯ve learnt your lesson ¡±

    And then he was out, mming the door loudly behind him.

    Then I let the tear slide down my face.

 Chapter 29

    ¡­.. Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    I watched form theputer screen in my security room as La hung from the leash in the dark room. She had slept therest night and I never felt remorseful. She needed to learn her lesson.

    Dani shifts beside me and leans over the table. ¡°Don¡¯t you think she¡¯s tired, boss? ¡± He asks.

    I turned a look at him, angrily. He should know better than saying that.

    ¡± Logan at this point she¡¯s going to faint. It¡¯s 5 o¡¯clock and she hasn¡¯t even eaten anything since yesterday ¡± Dani said with concern.

    I looked away from him and watched La again. ¡± I¡¯d love to see her faint. ¡± I told him.

    It¡¯s been a day and a half since I had her tied up there. I¡¯ve heard her sob, cry her eyes out till she was exhausted. I knew she had little strength left and that Dani was probably right; I needed to take her from there but I wanted to see her break. What¡¯s the point of all this if she doesn¡¯t learn her lesson?

    I rose up and left the room. She needed to know that what was mine was mine and she couldn¡¯t leave unless I set her free. She was mine! Can¡¯t she see that?

    My doors slid open and i stepped inside, pulling my suit and flinging it on my bed. I groaned frustratedly, bringing a hand over to my nose to Mann it. Everything was frustrating.

    I poured myself a ss of wine which was seated at the table next to my balcony. I stepped out into the air and watched the darkening city.

    ¡®youre a monster ¡®

    La¡¯s words kept reying in my head and I didn¡¯t know how to just shut it out. Her words were affecting me more than I could ever imagine it to.

    I¡¯m a monster, that¡¯s right. You¡¯re nothing but a monster when your whole family turns on you. Even your own brother.

    I went down memoryne, remembering how I got here, how I became this monster that everyone talked about.

    My father was a powerful man. He got married from a prestigious family. Everything was fine. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I was loved. By my mother. Then one day, everything seemed to turn around and I was suddenly the bad kid. I was taught to love my younger brother. And I did. I loved him. I remembered going up against a group of boy gangs after school just to protect him. Everytime I put my life on the line against gangsters with pocket knives for him.

    When he got picked on by some neighborhood junks, I was always there to teach them a lesson. I was a proud big brother and thus every girl in school started throwing themselves at me.

    One day, my father issued for my arrest. I was stubborn and hard to control he¡¯d said. I was picked from school. I was thrown into prison, a thirteen year old boy.

    That day changed me forever.

    I came back after a couple of days and my uncle is waiting for me.

    My Uncle was hated by my father. They were brothers that lived in different worlds. My Uncle was rich and sessful, I didn¡¯t know why he got all the hate from my father and the world in general. He picked me up and brings me to his house. Later would I know that my father had threatened to throw me in a famously brutal army school but my uncle had stood up against it. And then he¡¯d offered to keep me instead and my father had thrown me out without as much as a second thought. While my mother and brother whom I fought so hard for stood out and did nothing.

    I scoffed now, as everything reyed in front of me. I was a scared little boy who needed just a little closure. And my uncle did that. He gave me everything, he showed me the world, he made me who I am today. And I wouldn¡¯t stop until I bring his killer to justice.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I wanted to scream. I wanted to pour my anger out.

    My phone starts vibrating from my pocket and I reached to pick it. As soon as I ced it over the phone, Astrid¡¯s voice came on.

    ¡± He told us what we need to know, Boss ¡±

    I felt my stomach flutter. I felt happiness and pain. I felt everything. I felt happy that I was going to make that asshole pay for everything.

    ¡± Kill him. ¡± I said into the phone and threw the phone on my bed.

    Grabbing my suit, I mached towards the door. The door pushed open before I could reach it, Dani hurrying in, fear in his eyes as they watched mine.

    His looks gave everything away instantly. My mind raced surprisingly and I stoped mid way.

    La¡­..

    ¡± It¡¯s La, ¡± he breathes hard ¡± she fainted ¡±

    My jaw clenched and I fisted my hands into balls. Throwing my suit away, I hurried past him and into the elevator closest to me. I didn¡¯t wait for Dani to get in, that was my least worry now.

    She had to faint right now. Just when I was about leaving for the most important thing in my life. She just had to faint. I felt angry and I didn¡¯t know if I was angry because of La fainting at this very moment. I felt angry that I¡¯d put her through this. I felt angry at myself for causing her this much pain.

    As soon as I opened the door to the basement, I found her body slumped down, her head angled down in a lifeless posture in front of her body. My eyes traveled to the rope bounding her wrist. They werel coated in her blood.

    Sharp gasp escaped my lips as my eyes traveled down her unconscious body.

    I quickly walked over her and pushed her up with my arm, retrieving the knife in my side pocket and quickly cutting off the rops binding her hands.

    The weight of her body falls on me and I embraced her.

 30

    La¡¯s P. O. V.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    As I slowly drifted away, into the pit of darkness, recoiling into myself, trying to findfort in my inner self, my life shed right in front of my eyes. My neen years of life on this earth, reying in front of my eyes.

    I remembered the happy moments from my life fast forwardly y in front of my eyes. I could see Maddy and I, standing right in front of my locker the very first day I started highschool. Maddy had just walked up to me, asking where I was headed next and offering to show me ¡®our¡¯ next ss.

    I saw the both of us standing in front of the school¡¯srger swimming pool, me at the front with eyes wide open as I watched the pool of water, hyperventting. I was scared of water. But Maddy stood right behind me, rubbing my outstretched hands, trying to calm me down so I could learn to swim before gym ss.

    I saw my mom standing in my room, offering me a bowl of soup while Iid covered on the bed because I came down with the flu and couldn¡¯t go out of the house.

    I saw myself staring at Emma, my ex boyfriend as he sat in the cafeteria, eating andughing with his jock friends. He looks at me and our eyes meets, and I quickly looked away. He¡¯d caught me checking him out. When I carefully looked back to see him again, he¡¯s smiling, pretending to be paying attention to whatever his friend was saying. But I knew he¡¯d been watching me too. I smiled to myself.

    I saw Emma throwing pebbles at my window in the night, climbing up and kissing me passionately. I remembered our very first heated make out.

    I remembered him asking us to have sex and me being sick. I remembered catching him in the bathroom with Bridgette, kissing. I remember all the pains, all the denials and recoiling away from everything and everyone and more into myself.

    I remembered finally, the day I¡¯d ran through the busy park with my father holding my hand and making sure I wasn¡¯t gonna fall, my pig tails dangling around me. I could still hear my 10 year old selfughing as I climbed the crates in the park, my grip tightly around one of my father¡¯srge fingers.

    I shut my eyes in pain, willing all the memories to go away. This is how I end. this is how it all ends. I saw the darkness advancing towards me. I saw so much peace in it. I see Maddy standing at the end of a dark tunnel, a tear sliding down her cheek and calling out my name, one of her hands stretched out to me. I wanted to take that hand and leave with her. But I was too weak.

    Slowly, the darkness consumed me. Pain shot through me and I tried to fight it. My body was in pain, my hands were sore from holding it up for the countless hours and from the rope bounding them. I slightly opened my eyes, some eyes gore smearing my eyshes together and refusing to let me open them properly. I¡¯d cried so much that my tears because glues, guming my swollen eyes together.

    My lips are dried and coarse, peeling off on its own. The thirst in my throat is unbearable but I was too weak to do anything about it, unable to do anything about it.

    I tried to raise my head but that was a mistake. Or maybe not, because I was falling down in my subconsciousness after that, falling into the pit of darkness.

    Then I was lost. Completely. No pains, nothing.

    I was gone.

    **

    I winced and stirred, drifting away from the darkness as I felt the strange pain on my waist. It felt like someone had just woken me up from my silent sleep, bringing back all the pain.

    Firstly, I couldn¡¯t tell where I was or why I felt all the pains. My face burned like a fire had been set atop of it. My eyes were heavy. I tried to open my eyes.

    Slightly opening it, I shut it back as soon as the brightness peppered through my eyes and  I groaned in pain.

    Iid back for a while, trying to feel my surrounding with my tired arms. I felt the pain stinging every spot on it but I moved it around anyway.

    I felt a pair of strong arms wrapped around my stomach, pinning me down.

    Confused, I tried to open my eyes, squinting at first to adjust to the brightness of the room. I opened my eyes to the pure white ceiling above. I looked to the sides of the room to discover I was back in my room, andid on my bed. But what I didn¡¯t understand were the strong arms holding me down.

    Turning my face slightly, I¡¯m gazing into Logan¡¯s sleeping face pressed right above my head, my bodyid back and pressed against his chest and groin. My first instinct was to flinch away from him but I was too weak and soar and his arms on me were too strong, trapping me down. He¡¯s still wearing a navy blue inner shirt, a few of it¡¯s upper button undone and revealing his soft, hard skin beneath.

    I shut my eyes and looked away, trying not to check him out. I tried to remove his arms from around me and after a while, I seeded. I gently sat up, my butt still pushed against his groin and winced hard in pain.

    I looked down at my wrists, they were hot red, cuts from the rope having cut through it. I felt my face for sters and there they were, beautifying my broken face and lips.

    I was still on my jeans and shirt. I tried to stand up and walk out of the bed but what Logan did next totally spooked me.

    Before I could swing a leg over the bed, he stands up from behind me, faster than any normal person could¡¯ve done at that very short moment and position, going over me and pushing me back on the bed, his hands pinning me by my sore hands against the bed. I winced in pain again.

    His face is impossibly closer to mine now, his eyes scanning my face.

    ¡± Where did you think you¡¯re going? ¡±

    For the first time I looked into his eyes and nearly pped myself because I actually thought that his eyes were the most beautiful pair I¡¯d ever seen before and what¡¯s worse? This position got me feeling butterflies in my stomach, the closeness of his body to mine pouring warmness all over me.

    And I realized, I wanted him.

 31

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    After carrying La up to the room, I could only feel one thing: regret.

    She was so broken. She looked nothing like the beautiful girl I¡¯d picked up from her house nights ago. She looked different. Her lips had been dried out, some parts even breaking and peeling off. Her eyes were swollen from all the cries, her body bruised.

    I doctored her over the night. She never woke up, she justid there, unconscious.

    ¡± Should I call a doctor Boss? ¡± Dani had asked as he stood by the door watching.

    I¡¯d refused. Nothing I couldn¡¯t handle myself. I¡¯d asked him to bring me the first aid kit instead and cleaned her up. After treating all of her bruises, I¡¯d been tempted to strip her of her clothes and taken her into the shower but I didn¡¯t know how she would react. It should be Antoniette doing that and since she knew she wasn¡¯t around, she wasn¡¯t going to take it lightly when she wakes up to find herself in a change of clothes. Besides, I wasn¡¯t sure that I¡¯m ready to do that either.

    I wanted this woman more than I¡¯d ever wanted any other woman before and it was torture enough that she¡¯s already at my arm¡¯s reach. Countless times as I watched over her, I¡¯d been tempted to kiss her but I stopped myself. How the fuck did I get so enticed by her?

    I¡¯d left the room a couple of times only toe back watching her from a distanceter. After a while, I realized her skin was getting cold and pale from all the chilling air so I jumped into bed with her.

    The moment Iid next to her, she stirs and pushes her butt into my groin, seeking warmth. A cold chill ran down my body instantly and all I thought about was how good it was gonna feel if I grabbed her waist and made love to her.

    Fuck.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    I felt my groin swelling from the impact of her now warm body pressed against me and I tried to ignore it. Thest thing I wanted was to take advantage of her present state.

    I¡¯ve never forced myself on a woman before. There was never a need to. Women readily threw themselves at me. They wanted to sleep with the famous Logan DeAngelo.

    Except La. I knew that the situation of our meeting had warranted that but as Iid back there, I wondered if things would¡¯ve been different if we had meet under different circumstances. If she¡¯d have wanted me to make love to her without question.

    But deep down, I knew La was a wild cat. She seemed innocent. She would¡¯ve still fought me.

    A smile crossed my lips as I remembered her fighting me off of her. I wondered how wild she could be when I try to make love to her. She would probably be the wildcat, fighting me off till I gave up. And she would leave scratches on my skin, of course. I found that extremely hot and enticing.

    I slept off next to her.

    I knew I was just a few minutes away from finding out where Jamie Templeman was hiding with his family and giving him a taste of my bullets. But I knew I needed to be here. Whateveres after this could wait. I already caused her enough pains. I couldn¡¯t do more by leaving her alone.

    I¡¯d thought about calling Antoniette afterying her on the bed but decided I wanted to take care of her. I wanted to be there when she wakes up.

    When I felt her stiring in my arms this morning, I peeled my eyes open. When she ran her hands over my forearms they sent fireworks crashing down my body, invading every nerve in my body, telling me to pin her down and kiss her. And make love to her. I knew she wasn¡¯t in a position to, she was weak and bruised all over but I¡¯d be damned if I didn¡¯t want to have her right there and then.

    When she tried to stand up, I couldn¡¯t stop myself from what I did next because I was rising up and pinning her down, wanting to do nothing more than tear off her clothes and fucking make love to her. She winces in pain and somehow, the idea was thrilling.

    ¡± Where do you think you¡¯re going? ¡± My voicees off hoarse and intimidating and I enjoyed how her eyes widened, watching me intensely.

    My eyes watched her eyes, her lips, and settled on the shape of her breasts pressing up from the shirt she wore. Two buttons had been undone, her breasts popping out of every ces.

    The close proximity between us is nerve wrecking and I just did the only thing my head told me to. I reached down and kissed her bruised lips. She stiffens for a start, trying to raise her hands but I held them down. Then she rxed as my lips continued to gently taste her. She tasted blood but I fucking loved it.

    I break the kiss and looked at her eyes. She¡¯s breathing heavily, scared about something I didn¡¯t know of.

    Regardless, I kissed her neck and down her open chest. As soon as my lips felt the swelling spot just above her breasts, I let out a beastly growl, the thought of my lips perched over her perky nipples shing through my sense. I wanted her. I wanted to kiss every single part of her body. I wanted to pour all I was feeling into her, I wanted to make her mine.

    Letting go of her hands, I brought mine up her breasts and grabbed. That broke my veryst restraint. I kissed her chest hungrily and tried to slide my hands under her shirt until her voice broke in.

    ¡± Please stop ¡°she said, fear and pain in her tender voice.

    A very small side of me wanted to stop and pull away but the bigger side wanted more, wanted everything she was made of. My hands continued it¡¯s path under her dress and up her breasts. I heard her moan and smirked.

    She liked this. She wanted this just as much as I did. Maybe a little less than I did. But fuck, she turned me on in depths I couldn¡¯t exin.

    Rising up to watch her eyes as they watched back at me, I slowly picked each button on her shirt and undid it. Then I went back down and started kissing her. I felt her vibrate under my lips and knew exactly that she wanted more of this.

    Badly.

 32

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    His breath fans my lips when he leans closer, and then our lips collide, like two meteors on their way down to earth. Yes, because that¡¯s how this simple kiss made me feel, made the bottom of my stomach feel. That¡¯s exactly what this kiss is earth-shattering, mind-blowing and intoxicating.

    Our lips fused and his tongueshed against mine, fighting for dominance. My lips were bruised but just like that, the pains faded away as he nted a kiss there. My hands twitched under his grip and I wanted to push him off but besides my hands being locked and unable to move, there was something about the warmth from his lips. At that brief moment, I realized how cold I was.

    He hadid with me all night to keep me warm. I felt heat ripple throughout my body as I imagined my body pressed up against himst night, his lips moving slowly against mine right now.

    My breath cut short in my throat when his hands flew over to cup my breasts, sending shock explosion through my bloodstream. I suppressed a moan and knew immediately that if I didn¡¯t stop him, I wouldn¡¯t be able to stop if he went any further. I¡¯d never been with a man before and I wasn¡¯t sure I wanted to do that right now, especially with him. Everything about this man screamed dangerous and at the same time sexy.

    ¡± Please stop ¡± I let the words out before I could stop myself.

    He doesn¡¯t stop. Instead, he slides his hands underneath my shirt, leaving tantalizing sensations everywhere his fingers touched. I moaned hoarsely, embarrassed afterwards. Thest thing I wanted him to think was that I wanted him which was very much true. This was nothing more than some physical attraction.

    He goes slightly up and starts unbuttoning my shirt, his eyes holding mine and captivating them, rendering me speechless. His eyes dared me to say a word but I justid there, scared to speak. Scared of getting him upset. I meant nothing to him and if we had sex right now, I would be just like the other countless girls he¡¯d slept with, no exception.

    I shut my eyes as he started kissing me again. His lips trails down my neck in peppering hot kisses. I tried to suppress the moan building up in my throat. I felt his hands cupping my bra and pressing my breasts. I couldn¡¯t let this go on. Not if I meant nothing to him.

    ¡± Please, you¡¯re hurting me.¡± I said as calmly as I could.

    Surprisingly, he stops, flinching away as if I was something that burnt him all of a sudden, as if he wasn¡¯tpletely enticed by my body just a split second ago.

    His eyes held fire as they zed down at me. I tried to sit up while pulling my shirt together on the front. I didn¡¯t understand myself. One time I wanted him and the other I just want his hands off me. Because none of this feels right. His touches on my body feels so right so good, nothing ever felt so good before but in the end I¡¯m just some weak girl he could beat whenever he wanted only toe back and have me in whatever positions he wanted. I wasn¡¯t gonna let that happen. I¡¯m gonna keep fighting as long as I can.

    He jumps off the bed and started towards the door but stops before he reaches it. I watched his back until he turned around to see me and said ¡± you were only lucky, La. I was merciful enough to have let you lived another day. If you try to escape again, I will kill you, mark my fucking words. ¡±

    ¡± You¡¯ll still kill me either ways, ¡± I replied bravely, much to his amusement ¡± so why wait around for you to do with me whatever you please? ¡±

    A smirk lingers at the corner of his lips, amusement glistening in his eyes before he replied ¡± oh I haven¡¯t even started with you yet, princess ¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    Quickly fastening my buttons, I rose up and closed the distance between us. I didn¡¯t know where the energy came from but I was d that I wasn¡¯t just crying like a baby this time. I was standing up to him and letting him know my mind.

    I looked up to find his eyes, searching within the silvery depth of his eyes for any form of emotions but there was none. It was all cold. He was a monster. A monster bound to break me. The realization causes tears to well up in my eyes, blurring my vision of his handsome face.

    ¡± I hate you so much, Logan DeAngelo ¡± I said into his face.

    If I hadn¡¯t paid much attention to his face I¡¯d have missed the cold reaction to what I¡¯d just said in his eyes. I could tell that no one had ever dared to speak to him the way I did, not even his own mother probably.

    He leans down, my legs urging me to take a step back but I stayed rooted on spot stubbornly, not blinking an eye. ¡± You can hate me all you want, La, ¡± he said, his voice bold and dry ¡± but the truth still remains. Your family doesn¡¯t and would never want you, not even in a million times. You¡¯re better off with me. And if I need tattooing that into your fucking thick skull then I would, ¡± his eyes dragged over mine, ¡± but I do not have all the luxury in the world to be teaching a naive little girlmon sense. The sooner you get used to this ce the better for you. I would not entertain you running off all the time and causing me my precious time.¡± He starts walking back towards his door, his front still turned to me as he walked backwards, spreading his arms to say the final words ¡± you try to escape again, I¡¯ll be putting a bullet through your head¡±

    And then he was gone, disappeared into thin air. I broke down onto the floor, crying my heart out, pain etching through my heart.

 33

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    I stormed out angrily, lighting a cigarette as soon as I stepped into my room. I puffed out air, just in time for Dani to step out from the dark corners of the room.

    ¡± How is she? ¡± He asks, causing me to scoff in irritation. He really cares about her, doesn¡¯t he?

    Turning around furiously, I said ¡± you care about La so much, huh? what else? You wanna see her? ¡±

    Dani¡¯s face remains unmoved. That bastard, always keeping a permanent posture, it¡¯s nearly impossible to know when he¡¯s upset or happy. I on the other hand was theplete opposite.

    ¡± I¡¯m just worried about her, Logan ¡± he replied.

    ¡± Yes, that you are! ¡± I shut back irritatedly, taking another drag of the cigarette.

    Silence broke in and I turned away from him, puffing the air out of the cigarette.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, Logan.¡± Dani said gently.

    I closed my eyes as his words seemed to hurt my ears. He didn¡¯t have anything to be sorry about. He was right to care about La. It was something I wasn¡¯t doing and he was doing it better. I knew Dani would never betray me. He should understand that what was mine was mine and that I wasn¡¯t sharing it with anybody.

    Turning around, I dumped the cigarette on the closest ashtray before looking up at his face again.

    ¡°Thank you Dani. I do know in fact that La isn¡¯t in the best conditions. I got carried away by her escape attempts to actually see how much pain she was in. I will look into matterster ¡± I said gently to him now.

    ¡± Are we heading out soon? ¡± He asked.

    ¡± Yes ¡± I replied quickly.

    ¡± I was thinking. . . . Maybe it would be a good idea to have Antoniette back at the house as we leave. . . . ¡±

    His statement died on the way but I knew exactly what he was saying. La wasn¡¯t in the best condition and thus would need help. Antoniette was needed. But I didn¡¯t wanna give her that. Not now.

    ¡± Antoniette is in a far ce as we speak right now, Dani. She cannot be here as she¡¯s attending to matters far more important ¡±

    Dani hesitates before nodding in understanding.

    Astrid arrived early in the evening. As we walked out of the house and headed towards the meeting house, I began to consider Dani¡¯s suggestion to bring Antoniette back to the house. La needed all the help she could get right now.

    I stopped at the chair I always sat at, at the very end of the long table. I felt my attention divided. Here was Astrid whom I¡¯ve anticipated his arrival for many hours with a valid information that could contribute to my course and yet I can¡¯t seem to get my mind off La.

    I¡¯d wanted to spend everyst minute with her on that bed. But she didn¡¯t want me. She¡¯d asked me to leave without saying it. Calling me a monster was a loud enough sign that she despised seeing me.

    Blinking hard in an attempt to clear my head of her thoughts and face, I looked straight ahead to Astrid who stood at the door, a few of his men slowly walking in.

    ¡± He was only able to say a few things, boss ¡± Astrid spoke after Dani settled down on the seat close to me.

    ¡± Let¡¯s hope that little information would be all that I need ¡°I said.

    Astrid nods and continued ¡± I¡¯m sure it is, boss. He wouldn¡¯t say it at first but he did anyway. He just gave me an address to a house without a specified location ¡±

    I turned to look at Dani who shifted knowingly in his seat.

    ¡± I¡¯ll have it checked out and get the necessary information ¡± Dani said to him.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    I rose to my feet and said ¡± well then, I say we¡¯re done here ¡±

    ¡± Boss ¡± Astrid stops me before I could take the step. I stopped to give him a questioning brow.

    ¡± The man said something, ¡± he continued ¡± he said something about Jamie not killing your uncle ¡±

    A smile tucked at the side of my lips. Slowly, I stepped towards Astrid and looked into his face.

    ¡± Even you would say anything in that position, Astrid. You would know all he said is a lie, Astrid, when the timees, ¡± I whispered like it was some secret ¡± Jamie Templeman is as guilty of my uncle¡¯s murder as he¡¯ll ever be. Common men like his dog would say anything at the brim of death to save themselves. ¡± I stepped away and towards the exit before adding ¡± get to work Dani, find our man and get ready to go shed some blood¡±

    I left the silence behind and stepped out into the cold night. It was always cold in this god-damned city. And as I made it up towards my room, I couldn¡¯t help wonder how La was faring at this cold hour. As I shut my doors close behind me, I stood for a while, restrain myself from pushing them back open and jumping into her room.

    I tugged at the new yellow tie, tossing it on the floor.

    Too shouty.

    I slid a green one from the rack, wrapping it over my neck before thinking better of it.

    Too chirpy.

    I plucked out a silky ck velvet one and pressed it against my white shirt.

    Perfect. I would storm out tomorrow and get this bullshit over with.

    My sexual frustration was getting the best of me. I could barely walk straight without thinking of dipping my cock into the nearest open mouth in my vicinity. It¡¯d been too many weeks since thest time I sank my hard-on in a woman¡¯s head, and thest encounter with the fairer sex wasckluster, to say the least.

    I tried all my possible best to not step out of my room because if I did, I didn¡¯t trust myself to stop when she begs me to this time.

 34

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I spent the next week alone in the room. I wasn¡¯t allowed downstairs after that day. I woke up every morning to meet my breakfast on the bed. So were the other meals sent in by the guards. I found myself falling drastically into another stage of depression.

    I tended to my bruises every single day by myself, crying most of the time. After five days, my bruises hadpletely healed and disappeared. I spent most of my time reading the books Logan had brought me, learning to love them with every page that I turned.

    During this times I was also trying hard not think about Logan because he was all I thought about. I was stuck remembering everything he said to me that day, remembering his every touch on my body when I woke up to his bodyid up against mine. How his lips felt against mine, how his hands fitted perfectly around my breasts.

    For a while I thought I was actually missing him. I knew escaping wasn¡¯t an option anymore. I hated to believe that I wasn¡¯t ever going to get out of here but that seemed to be the only option here. It¡¯s either that or I die. Andtely I wasn¡¯t sure if I wanted thetter. Not after what his touch did to me, to every nerve in my body.

    Today, it¡¯ste in the afternoon, nearing evening, clouds gathering up in the distance, casting dark colors over the sky when I rose from the lounge where I¡¯did for hours reading, and walked over to the side of the room which overlooked the front yard. I knew something must have called my attention because I saw Logan stepping off a navy blue SUV car. He¡¯s dressed in ck suits, a color I¡¯ve realized was his favorite, his hair styled back with a gel and dark shades concealing his beautiful eyes.

    My stomach rumbles in excitement as I watched him walk towards the house. I hate to admit that I was d to see him. But I was. I really was. His skin looked tanned a little bit from thest time I¡¯d seen him, his lips much pinker and his jawline more defined.

    I turned around towards the door. They slid open and I carefully stepped out. I walked over to the stairsnding. I¡¯d expected to see him entering the door into the living room but he wasn¡¯t. And he doesn¡¯t appear to be outside either. I was unable to think about where he could possibly be because I suddenly felt big hands grab me, one on my arm and the other around my waist, gripping tight.

    Logan spins me around skillfully, bringing me impossibly closer to him. My handsnded t on his chest, my forehead hitting his hard chest. If I was his height I¡¯d probably be colliding into his face, lips into lips.

    My stomach fluttered as I tried to regain my bnce, my body still pressed up against his, his hand gripping my waist tightly in ce. I looked up at his eyes. They were glistening. They held strange mischief in them, a smile tucking at the ends of his lips.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Did you miss me? ¡± He asks teasingly. He gave me a flirtatious smile that got my cheeks burning.

    I¡¯d probably have said yes to that if he was someone else, if he hadn¡¯t held me here against my will. But he was him, he was the wicked Mafia who¡¯d captured me from my home.

    I struggled to break free from him but he just held me tighter. After a long while of struggling, he lets go of my arms, only catching me halfway and turning me towards the wall, pressing me hard against it.

    ¡± What are you doing? ¡± I asked in between breaths.

    I shivered when I felt his skin grazing my chin as he whispered into my ear ¡± since you didn¡¯t miss me, I¡¯m telling you that I did. ¡±

    He swipes me off my feet and carries me back into my room, setting me down only to push me back against the wall. Heat rippled through out my body as he pressed his body against mine, pushing me impossibly into the wall. I wanted to push him away but I found my body paralyzed under his, betraying me and unwilling to push him off.

    My body seemed to want this. His face dug into my neck and he nted kisses there. I knew there was no stopping him now. He was going to rape me.

    My heart hammered against my ribcage. When his hands grabbed my breasts and ran over them, I felt a fire envelope my body. And I didn¡¯t hate it. I wanted more. I wanted him to take me right there. A painful moan escaped my lips as his hands continued to torture my breasts, his lips going over to im my lips. He kissed me. There was no passion. Just a brutal, hungry kiss. And I weed it.

    He holds my hands against the wall so he could easily kiss my neck and chest. My body shivered and my legs weakened.

    I wondered if this was gonna happen right now, if I needed to tell him that I¡¯d never had sex with any man before. I felt confused.

    ¡± Stop ¡­¡± I tried to speak but instead he spun me around, pressing my face into the wall. He pressed his body against mine. I felt his hardness pressed firmly against my butt, his strong arms enveloping my smaller body. He starts kissing the nape of my neck, groaning as he went. He kissed my ear, my neck, my shoulder. He tries to pull down my sleeve and I reached out to stop him. Instead, he Yanks my hand up against the wall and holds it there with his fingers intertwined with mine.

    I felt shiver run up my spine when his hand started feeling my bum. I wanted him so badly but I knew I couldn¡¯t let this happen.

    ¡± Stop ¡± I tried again.

    Instead, he shocked me as he leaned into my ears and whispered sensually ¡± I¡¯ve been sexually frustrated since the day you came into this mansion, La and I am not taking no for an answer today¡±

 35

    I heard my heart beats and felt it pounding loudly inside my chest. I didn¡¯t think I heard what he said correctly.

    The time was too short and I was given very little to think of what he said till I felt his head digging back into my neck, leaving peppering kisses all over my neck. I closed my eyes, inhaling venom, exhaling hope. I felt like I was drowning even though I was standing in the middle of the room in the arms of this man.

    Logan pushed me back against the wall in one swift move, turning me around and pining my face against the wall, his strong hands guarding and holding me still.

    I swallowed the sour bile rising in my throat. Hatred, humiliation, excitement, dread, and hope swirled in my chest as I felt his hard groin pressed against my butt. I let out a soft moan when I felt his lips kissing my earlobe, then my neck. I found myself stretching my neck to give him ess and for that moment I didn¡¯t know if I¡¯d be able to forgive myself after this.

    My body hummed with dark energy when he pulled my face back and kissed my lips, his hands rummaging through my shirt from behind and grabbing my stomach. I tried to push him off me with my back but he was still strong, overpowering me.

    ¡± I don¡¯t want this, stop ¡± I spoke, trying hard to not listen to my body. My body responded to his touch and I liked every bit of it. I didn¡¯t want him to stop but I knew I was going to regret it if I didn¡¯t stop him right now.

    ¡± You will obey me ¡± He growled into my ears, turning me around to face him again only to pull me into his arms and pushed me on the bed.

    I started fighting frantically, trying to stop him from further pushing himself into me. In the end, he pushes my hands down effortlessly,ying his body against mine.

    ¡± Stop fighting, love, you¡¯re no match for me ¡± his voice is robotic and strong.

    I tried to catch my breath, my hair now covering most of my face.

    ¡± Stop, please ¡± I decided to beg, tears striking my face now. Hopefully, somewhere deep within him would be touched by my tears and he¡¯d be forced to let me go.

    Instead, he brutally kissed my lips, probably bruising it, his hands pulling up my shirt. He grabs my cupped breasts, pressing them hard. Everything he did hurt, but somehow, I felt the pleasure in it. For a split second there I actually wondered how it¡¯d feel to have his lips there, sucking at my breasts. I wondered if I¡¯d feel much more of what I felt with his hands merely there now.

    ¡± I know you want this, La ¡°he muttered sensually into my ear.

    ¡± I don¡¯t! ¡± I barked at him ¡± get off me! Now! ¡±

    I didn¡¯t know where all that energy came from but I¡¯m d that I screamed when I did, because he gently stopped now.

    Logan rises up and just sat atop of me, watching me. A smirk crossed his lips as he looked down at me and I waited for the worst. I shut my eyes when he started leaning closer. He grabs my hands again and pins them down, his voice whispering into my ears.

    ¡± I cannot believe you missed me that much only to put up a fight when I¡¯m about giving you what you want ¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t want this! And you can go to hell! ¡± I¡¯m tempted to spit on his face again.

    ¡± I¡¯ve been to many hells and back, love, I don¡¯t see you there¡± He said with mockery. This was a joke to him, everything was a joke to him.

    ¡± Why did youe to me when I arrived then? Or are you just so good at lying? ¡± His question is cunning

    I held my lip, not knowing what to say. I¡¯d walked out when he came because I wanted to see him. I wanted to ask him for my phone back and get him to let me watch the TV but none of that seems to matter anymore.

    ¡± It doesn¡¯t matter anymore ¡± I muttered back.

    ¡± Answer me when I¡¯m asking nicely ¡± his voice is notmanding now but it holds a lot of authority, one you¡¯d rather not defy.

    ¡± I¡­. I¡­¡± I stammered, our position not leaving me much room to speak properly. I still felt the heat on my skin due to his close proximity ¡± I wanted to ask for my phone. And the TV ¡±

    His face lit up in a mocking smile before heughed and leaned closer to me, his face much closer to mine now as he said ¡± you¡¯d never get those things, La. Not as long as you keep putting up these fights ¡±

    He leaped off me and walked towards the door. I rose to a sitting position and watched his back disappear. What surprised me most was the longing my body felt after he left. I felt alone and for a split second I wanted to regret pushing him away. I knew I¡¯d wanted him but somehow I always manage to push him away.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I carried myself from the bed and walked into the bathroom. How did my intention to have a decent conversation with him turn into this? My chest tightened as I sat over the toilet, my head leaned back into the wall. I shut my eyes close and thought about everything.

    For the first time since I left home, I saw Emma¡¯s face. I remembered his voice, how he talked to me with tender care, how much he loved me when we started dating.

    He was always so careful with me. He loved me once until everything got ruined and I knew I couldn¡¯t go on anymore. I remember our first kiss, I remember how he held me close to him, how he never cared to show me off to his friends and meet me at theme old coffee shop I always loved to go and sit because there was a fancy art gallery right across from it, where I could always gaze at and forget my problems.

    For the first time since mying here, I wanted to reverse things and be with Emma.

 36

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I woke up the next morning to find a note angled down on my bedside table as I looked to the other side. The bold ck ink scribbled on it was noticable. I went into a sitting position and reached for the paper. It was a note from Logan no doubt, it was hand written in ck ink.

    ¡± I¡¯ve had an urgent meeting to attend to. I hope you behave yourself and not miss me too much to the point of trying to get out of the house again. See you soon, La ¡±

    That was all the paper contained. My heart throbbed and I couldn¡¯t quite understand why. Was it weired that I was getting a note from Logan? Definitely.

    He has left the house a couple of times without telling me, only letting me getfortable with his absence and then try to escape just to get me punished in the end.

    I know we¡¯ve been on each other¡¯s good sidetely. Scratch that, I¡¯ve been on his good sidetely. After the other night where he¡¯d nearly had sex with me, we haven¡¯t said much to each other. And even though he made me dress up for dinner yesterday, we¡¯ve been drawn away from each other.

    I tried not to care much but I couldn¡¯t help it. It¡¯s like I wanted him but deep inside I knew it was terribly wrong. This man kidnapped me and deprived me of my freedom, he¡¯s not the type to start liking. I find him attractive, most of the time I¡¯m attracted to him but that¡¯s not an excuse and I¡¯ll never let myself love him.

    As I walked down the stairs to prepare myself breakfast, his words about giving me back my phone and ess to the TV reyed in my head.

    Right now, I wasn¡¯t sure I wanted to escape. I would never be able to get out of this house on my own. I needed help. Anyone, even him. I needed to make him believe that I was in love with him, that I trusted him, that I wasn¡¯t gonna run away, make him buy my lies and have him take me out of this house. Then I can escape.

    Imagine I¡¯m mixed up with the thousands of poption of people in a park on an evening outing. The type of show that would be when he turns around and doesn¡¯t see me near him anymore. Yes, he¡¯s gonna lead me to my freedom.

    I wondered what was so important that he was going to take care of. Kill another person, perhaps? That¡¯s all these Mafia bastards do. Spill innocent people¡¯s blood for no good reason.

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    I stood over my balcony, watching the email Dani had sent me on an iPad when my phone buzzed in my pocket. Distractedly, I picked it ¡± hello? ¡±

    ¡± About time you took my call ¡± a cold voice came on from the other end.

    Memories from my past dragged me back. With long practice, my heart chilled, along with my tone.

    ¡± Dad. What do you want? ¡± I felt the bitterness in my throat as I addressed him.

    Heughed. ¡± Is that the type of greeting I¡¯m warranted from my own son? How have you been? ¡±

    dropping the pad in myp, I went through the motions. ¡± Fine. Listen, I gotta go, no time to chat ¡±

    ¡± I have something to discuss with you, Son. Why don¡¯t you meet me for lunch? ¡± He said with a rush.

    ¡± Sorry, I¡¯m busy. ¡±

    ¡± I just need an hour, tops. Make the time. ¡±

    The warning pulsed through the phone. I squeezed my eyes shut as I fought instinct. I better meet him, just in case he had some twisted idea to go after Santiago¡¯s Numerouspanies and challenge the will. What a mess. ¡± Fine. I¡¯ll meet you at three o¡¯clock. Diner. ¡± I disconnected the call immediately.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I didn¡¯t care if he was in town or still back at Italy where he¡¯s supposed to be, where he¡¯d supposedly chased me out of. if he wanna see me he¡¯d better bring his old ass down here.

    Turning around, I see Dani standing by the door. ¡± Change of ns, ¡± I told him ¡± my father wants to meet. ¡±

    ¡± Your father? But he hasn¡¯t tried to contact you for months, even years ¡±  I understood the surprise and concerns in his voice.

    ¡± He did contact me two years ago when my uncle, his own brother died. ¡± I told him.

    I could remember his sorry face at my uncle¡¯s funeral. He never made attempts to talk to me or to console me. Not that I needed his pity. He wasn¡¯t my father by heart, he was just someone whose sperm was used to bring me into this world and I¡¯ll make sure to address that boundary today.

    ¡± Are the men ready? ¡± I asked him.

    ¡± Astrid is still taking them. I tracked the address our guy gave us and it leads us to arge estate house in Australia. If we leave today, we should be there before night fall or tomorrow. Depends. ¡±

    ¡± No. We¡¯ll be leaving after I see my father today. I¡¯ve chased down Jamie all my life, I won¡¯t let him slip my hands right now ¡±

    ¡± Jamie isn¡¯t there, Logan. It¡¯s his wife and kids ¡±

    ¡± Now isn¡¯t that interesting?,¡± I said with a smirk, this was even better. ¡°We will match down his home, Dani, you have my word ¡±

    I walked back into my office room and prepared a short note for La. I left it on her bedside table as she slept peacefully. I couldn¡¯t help but watch her. The view was ecstatic, it was nearly envious. Her face held no pain at the moment. She just slept, peacefully. And that, was probably something I wished I could have right now. Peace. Eternal peace. But only a fool believes in eternity. And in peace.

    I sped out before the temptation to caress her delicate face consumed me.

 37

    I made my way into the Diner. The ce was quiet as usual, having just a few number of people. It was past 3 o¡¯clock.

    I spotted my father as he stood out in the space. He waited in a corner booth. I studied the man whom I shared blood with. Money andziness seemed to agree with him. His hair was highlighted by the Italian sun, and the deep tan that lined his face gave him a character he didn¡¯t really have.

    He was a tall man, and wore his designer clothes well. Today he was d in a Ralph Lauren red sweater, ck pants, and leather loafers. His dark eyes held a slight sheen of alcohol-induced humor. Probably a cocktail before confronting his long lost son.

    As I slid into the booth, I noted the simrities in our faces and bone structure. I shuddered. What I dreaded most in life was sitting right across from him. The possibility of bing my father.

    ¡± Logan, good to see you.¡± he spoke.

    ¡± So what brings you down here and why in the world would you wanna see me? ¡± I asked matter of factly. I was getting sick of sitting across from him, seeing his face as the seconds ticked away.

    He shrugged. ¡± Thought I¡¯d hang out with my son. It¡¯s been a while, you know. How¡¯s business? ¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± I sipped the coffee ced in front of me.  ¡°What did you want to talk about?¡± I asked him.

    ¡°Heard you have a woman living with you. I¡¯m surprised she¡¯s a live-in, surprised you haven¡¯t killed her since she apparently means something to you. So tell me, Love, money, or sex?¡±

    I blinked hard ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    I knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to get me upset. That¡¯s all he ever does.

    ¡± I heard some peasants stole your money and you took their only child. Tell me, are you torturing her and sleeping with her? Or are you finally in love with her? ¡±

    I watched his eyes, saw the hate in them. My jaw clenched. I wanted to lie to him. But as I thought about it that split second, I couldn¡¯t deny that what I felt for La was more than physical attraction. I was getting more into her than I¡¯d ever been to any other woman. My uncle taught me there¡¯s no dignity in falling in love with a woman, you only lose yourself.

    ¡± You¡¯ve never cared how I lived my life, father, now give me one reason why you¡¯re suddenly interested in this one? ¡±

    ¡°Arrogant, aren¡¯t you? You know, I think we¡¯re more alike than you want to believe. We both like money, and we both like women. There¡¯s nothing wrong with that.¡± he pointed his fork at me ¡°I¡¯m not here to make trouble-I got my own fortune and don¡¯t need yours. I¡¯m here to tell you that we think it¡¯s time for you toe home. We¡¯re looking at a small family reunion. You, your brother and cousins ¡­..¡±

    The ridiculousness of the situation caused a moment of speechlessness. I thought of all the times I¡¯d begged this man to have a lousy conversation with me, let alone a meal. And now he¡¯s asking me out to his house again, for some reunion with family? That same family who couldn¡¯t stand up to him when he sent me away? A twinge of bitterness leaked through the ice. Too little. Toote. Even worse, he didn¡¯t really even care.

    ¡± Brother you say? ¡± I asked pointedly, weaving my fingers together. I leaned closer over the table, a smirk on my lips ¡°golden boy doesn¡¯t do it for you anymore? ¡±

    ¡°Your mother wants you back home, Logan ¡±

    Makes more sense now that he would bring his ass down here. He didn¡¯t want me there, my mother wanted me.

    ¡°You know I¡¯ll never have a ce in Italy. You chose to kick me out years ago and now, I choose to stay out. ¡± draining my coffee, I added. ¡°Appreciate the offer, Dad, but I¡¯ll pass. Haven¡¯t needed you before. Don¡¯t need you now.¡±

    I made to stand up but saw how quickly his eyes turned mean. Now the show¡¯s about to start.

    ¡°Always thought you were better than me, huh? The better man.¡± He said venomously ¡°Listen up, son, blood is blood, and soon you¡¯ll realize you¡¯re destined to make the same mistakes I did.¡± He practically snarled his next words. ¡°Wanna know the truth? I married your mother for love, but she only wanted my money. Once I sniffed out the truth, I was going to break it off but it was toote. She got pregnant. And I got stuck. With you.¡±

    I swallowed as the nightmare enfolded before me ¡°What?¡±

    He gave a nastyugh. ¡°That¡¯s right, you were her desperate attempt to keep me, and it worked. A kid means child support and alimony for life. I decided to stay and make it work, but I never forgave her.¡±

    The knowledge made perfect sense as the pieces snapped into ce. He never wanted me in the first ce, so throwing me into Santiago¡¯s arms was a merciful way of letting me out of his life. But he had thrown me into the best thing that could ever happen to me.

    My father was an inhumane monster, and I was nothing like him. The world tagged me as the ruthless, merciless Mafia mob without truly knowing me, without caring to know why I do what I do.

    ¡® you¡¯re a monster, I hate you¡¯ La¡¯s words seeped in on cue, testing my trust in myself.

    The doubts attacked with a vicious punch, but I ignored them and held my head up. ¡°We¡¯re nothing alike. Good luck, Father.¡±

    I threw some bills on the table and left, but his spoken words mocked me with every step.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Because in my secret heart, I wondered if it was really true. I wondered if I was more like my father than I thought. If La would see me just as a replica of him too.

 38

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I looked up from the book I was reading as I heard my doors sliding open to see a woman walking in.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    She¡¯s slim, way too slim for the age I presumed her to be from the way she carried herself. Her head is small, bearing a neat ck bob hair with it¡¯s ends pointing to all sides. She¡¯s dressed in tight leather pants and jackets with a knee-high leather boots. She was the perfect example of the ¡°Alice¡± Character in the twilight series. And I only know this because I¡¯ve been reading the book series for a week now. I loved it. It was captivating and all that I needed to take me away from my current life.

    She smiles sweetly at me and I tried to go from my side Laying position into a sitting one.

    ¡± Good evening ma¡¯am ¡± she greets me. I nodded in response, still trying to put my head around why a stranger would being into my room at thiste evening hour.

    ¡± Mr Logan DeAngelo has asked me to prepare you for a date. He would pick you up shortly¡±

    I watched her, surprised. Logan was picking me up for a date? That meant he was taking me away from this house. Something exploded in my stomach, my chest heaving as the thought of me getting a chance to actually attempt to flee tonight ured to me. I also wondered in that short moment what had actually made him change his mind about me stepping out of this house.

    I lost count of how many days I¡¯ve spent locked up here, weeks that has turned into very few months and now, he throws this bombshell at me?

    I stood up awkwardly, cing the book down on the pea bag couch. ¡± Where is he taking me?¡± I asked her.

    ¡± I have no idea about that. I¡¯m just to dress you up.¡± She replied courtly.

    Nodding, I led us into my closet. I ran a quick shower and walked out to see she already picked out what I¡¯m to wear. The dress is a long red wrap gown that has a slit just about the thighs area. The dress looked way too tiny for my body that I actually wondered if it¡¯d fit.

    I sat down and let her dry my hair, Styling it into perfect spiraling strands over my face and back. The red dress fitted perfectly around my body, hugging my body like a second skin, my shoulders bare and down my back. I wore pale nude open toe heels that matched my hoop earrings, my face masked with a little make up.

    I walked over to the floor length mirror to have a view of myself and nearly gasped. I couldn¡¯t recognize the woman who stared back at me. She was beautiful. She looked like she had not the slightest bit of worry and was going out tonight to be happy. Because that¡¯s what life is really about.

    ¡± Mr DeAngelo is waiting downstairs ¡± she stated after a while.

    Tonight, I¡¯ll be going out. I¡¯ll be seeing the world again. Tonight will be different.

    Taking deep breaths, I walked out the door and took the stairs.

    Below stood Logan in ck tux, his hair brushed back, his cologne reaching my nose before I even went close enough, a sweet smile flirting on his lips. His eyes watched me intensely. I saw how his eyes roamed over my half exposed upper breasts, how they lingered on the outline of my hips and the curves of my legs that protruded out of the slit each time I took a step.

    I felt uneasy as I reached him after he made the sweep of my body, my cheeks flushing red.

    ¡± You. look. stunning tonight¡± he said every single word differently and carefully, as if wanting me to feel how much he felt everything. And I did.

    I beamed a smile and watched him stretch out his hand for me. The scene make him look like a prom date waiting at the end of the stairs to take his girl to the prom. I never made it to my own prom night because I was scared I was gonna see Emma and his new girlfriend there. So I¡¯d stayed home in my bed, crying my eyes out.

    I took his hand and he led us out. There¡¯s a Lamborghini parked right outside. But what captivated me more was the feel of the outside air hitting my skin and giving me goosebumps.

    Everything felt strange. Me standing here right now and this air reaching me.

    I felt his hand leave my palm to my exposed back as he ushered me into the car. He sits next to me and his guard pushed the doors close.

    The car started and I watched in fascination like a little girl, through the window as his gate closed and disappeared behind us. My heart beat repeatedly. Each time I stole a look at Logan, he was already looking at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. I didn¡¯t know where he was taking me but I tried not to show him the effects it had on me. He could still be ying some games for all I knew.

    After a while, we cornered from the streets and came to a stop. Logan helped me out. I turned to meet a tall and gigantic fancy restaurant. This looked like a restaurant only the super wealthy movie celebrities would go to eat. The doors are wide, a red carpeting out from the main entrance to his car like a tongue rolled out of a mouth. Four men dressed in ck tux and bow ties stood around the carpet, appearing to be weing us in. Golden light shone from the insides of the restaurant, tall flowers decorating every spot.

    Logan¡¯s hand slides down my back and trailed my upper arm, leaving goosebumps till they reached my palm and he gripped it tight. I looked up at him to find a beautiful smile on his lips as his eyes watched mine.

    ¡± Just making sure you don¡¯t run off, love ¡± he muttered before pulling me with him.

 39

    I feel his eyes on me as we entered the restaurant, the bright light and Frank Sinatra¡¯s smooth voice in the background heightened myfort in a matter of seconds. A waitress approaches us as we entered the room, her gaze filled with disbelief when she studies me, tantly disapproving of my presence next to Logan. Even with all the mour and expensive dress and make up, I still didn¡¯t belong to his world. I¡¯d always remain the simple, timid La Quins no matter how much make up I wore.

    ¡°You know why she¡¯s looking at you like that?¡± His whispered words travel down my spine, and I shiver the second his eyes meet mine, a yful but mischievous smirk dancing on his lips ¡± it¡¯s because you look absolutely breathtaking tonight¡±

    I almost stumble over my own feet at his words when we reach our table but Logan still had his hand firmly tucked in mine, steadying me before helping me into the chair. ¡°Thank you¡± I feel the heat in my cheeks before he takes the seat opposite to me.

    ¡°Wee to DiMarzio¡¯s¡± the same waitress from earlier suddenly stands next to us but Logan doesn¡¯t even seem to register her, his eyes still trained on me when she rambles on ¡°these are your menus for the night. Can I get you anything to drink? We have a 2003 Sauvignon nc, straight from a sweet little vineyard in the south of France¡­.¡±

    Logan shoots her a quick and polite smile, so quick I almost didn¡¯t see it, and then redirects his attention to me ¡± I think I¡¯ll just go with water for now. I¡¯ll be driving this beautiful woman back home tonight and I want to be sober for that¡±

    Logan wasn¡¯t gonna be driving me home, his driver would and I think he didn¡¯t look like someone who would be driving himself home judging from his expensive dress up and I think anyone in this room would know that. I didn¡¯t know why he said that to her but I found myself actually liking how he said it.

    The waitress seems as startled as I am by his statement, her eyes wide as she stumbles over her words ¡°oh, yes, uh, of course. What about you miss?¡±

    I want to look at her, really, but this man¡¯s eyes has caught mine like a hunter catches his prey and I¡¯m the deer that¡¯s about to be devoured by a lion. ¡± Same for me thanks¡± is all I get out before the waitress walked away.

    Logan¡¯s eyes settled on mine, and my heart instantly hammers in my chest, anxiety creeping into my bones with every passing second. I mentally screamed for God to save me right now. I didn¡¯t know why he suddenly looked at me the way he did right now, or why he had this strange effects on me this night.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    ¡°So, La¡± his eyes sparkled with mischief when he leans back a little, not breaking eye contact for a second. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever regarded anyone for so long without wanting to look away. Not even Emma. ¡°What¡¯s your meal of choice?¡± He gestures to the menu in front of me. I found this new found attitude of his strange and somewhat diforting. First he stares at me like I¡¯m his next meal, and then he asks me what I want to eat?

    ¡± I¡¯ve never been to an Italian restaurant before¡± I replied, picking up the menu to scan through it. I spotted a food name that I thought maybe I¡¯d like and I decided I wanted to order that. I looked up to find Logan¡¯s eyes still watching me, a smile dancing on his lips. I¡¯m tempted to ask why he¡¯s being nice tonight, why he brought me out here.

    ¡°That¡¯s a shame, love,¡± he said ¡°I¡¯m about to treat you to the most delicious Italian dishes you¡¯ve probably only heard of¡±

    ¡°You seem to have eaten a lot of it¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Italian¡± he provided proudly, his shoulders heaving with pride. ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious enough from all the good looks?¡±

    I rolled my eyes casually at him.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re from a part of Asia, but notpletely. Maybe half American, half Asian? American women arepletely hot, they¡¯re like walking goddesses.¡± He speaks questioningly.

    I tried to ignore thepliment he was trying to throw at me, ¡°I¡¯m half Spanish, half German¡± I provided before I could stop myself. ¡°Why have you brought me out here?¡± I added.

    He leans back on his seat and replied ¡°this is me granting one of your countless wishes, La. You wanted some air, now you can get all the air you want¡± he spread his arms apart for effects.

    Leaning back on the table, he said in a whisper voice ¡°who knows, you may actually be able to go some other ce after here, if you behave yourself tonight¡±

    My heart thudded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you something La, ¡± he continued as I remained speechless ¡°I nned this whole event this evening when I walked out on someone. My father¡±

    I saw how his eyes darkened at the mention of his father and I knew immediately that whatever he was going to say wasn¡¯t pleasant to him. But that wasn¡¯t a reason for him to take me on this date tonight.

    ¡°My father is a prick. I didn¡¯t grow up with him at some point of my life. He gave me away to my uncle who was the original Mafia of the DeAngelo family. I like to think you see him when you look at me¡± he smiles sweetly. A smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes.

    I remained speechless, not knowing what to say. It¡¯s not everyday some strange man confesses his past or pains to me. Even though he¡¯s not admitting to it, I knew his father has hurt him deeply over the years. But I didn¡¯t know what kind of father gives his child away. I can only imagine my parents doing that to me. Oh, they did do that to me and what¡¯s worse? To pay up for some depth. Now that¡¯s a real heartbreaker.

 40

    Logan went on to tell me about how he¡¯d met with his father beforeing here, brushed over the things he¡¯d said to me. He didn¡¯t go into details but it was easy to put the pieces together. He hasn¡¯t been with his family for years after his father threw him out. And now they want him back. So they could get a share from the fortune his uncle left to only him. It¡¯s understandable why he hates family so much.

    Somewhere in all that he¡¯s telling me, I got to know that he actually had a younger brother that he never talks to. I could see the pain in his eyes as he spoke even though he tried to hide it as much as he could.

    It was hard to eat the food I was just getting to eat for the first time and keep it in my stomach while feeling sorry for this man. I¡¯d thought he was a monster, maybe he was, but somewhere inside, I knew he had a fragile spot, a very soft spot.

    And he was showing me part of it tonight, something I had a feeling he rarely does. It¡¯s insane and at the same time amazing. It felt good to know that behind all those hard hearted walls, there was still a humane spot inside him. That he had his own monsters and weaknesses. That he¡¯s still human.

    ¡°Is there anything else I can get you?¡± The waitress startles me, her voice sweet as the peanut butter I shared with Maddy a couple of months ago, as she bats her eyshes at Logan, but he just raises an eyebrow, that crooked grin on his face as he regards me.

    ¡°Got any room for desserts?¡±

    I knew he was asking if I could take more food in my stomach after the ones I¡¯ve eaten. I¡¯m surprised I could eat all the amount of strange food I¡¯ve eaten so far. I can¡¯t help the smile that escaped my lips as he kept staring at me, waiting for an answer.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get a tiramisu¡± he said to her.

    I looked up from my eyshes to find the waitress walking around towards the back. My eyes stops at the door she disappeared through. Then they travelled over to the number of customers eating around.

    A voice inside my head told me to make a run for it, it was telling me that this was the key to my freedom. I thought about making some eye contacts with that waitress so she¡¯d get what¡¯s going on here but then I realized she wasn¡¯t so pleased that I¡¯m Logan¡¯s date tonight and would probably turn me in as soon as she catches me trying to jump out her kitchen window.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± I didn¡¯t know what caused the goosebumps that spread across my skin. His voice or the touch of his hand against my forearm.

    I snapped my head up to him, staging a smile and nodded my head ¡°can I use the bathroom?¡± I asked him before I could decide against it.

    I waited for him to disagree, to tell me he couldn¡¯t let me out of his sight because who would let their hostages go to the bathroom alone without them trying to run away? but instead, he nodded, a sly smile on his lips as they smiled mischievously at me. He leans back into his chair and watched as I slowly rose up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t take too long, love¡± he said.

    I felt my legs shake visibly underneath me as I walked away, looking slightly behind me to find him watching me go. He smiles but I don¡¯t return it. I looked forward and traced my steps towards the restroom. I didn¡¯t need directions to find the room. Once I stepped into the rest room, I let out the breath I hadn¡¯t realized I¡¯d been holding.

    The restroom was empty. From the door, I saw my reflection on the long mirrors on the wall. The ck eyeliners lining my eyes were now smearing down. I walked over to the mirror and grabbed a tissue to wipe it off.

    Then I spent the next few seconds watching myself on the mirror, my heart pondering fiercely inside my chest, escaping thoughts running through my mind. This was suicidal. Logan would never forgive me if he found me trying to run.

    I turned around and spotted a shiftable window that leads to the outside of the restaurant, probably the back side. I knew I couldn¡¯t climb up there with my dress. I needed to tear it. I saw a draw table at the far corner and quickly hurried over to find any sharp object I could use. I rummaged through everything and couldn¡¯t find a single thing. I hurried over to the window. It was higher than me, my head doesn¡¯t even reach it. I can¡¯t make that jump. But I¡¯ve got to try.

    I started pulling up my dress, looking back constantly.

    Thest time I looked back, I nearly froze. Logan was standing next to the door, like a serial killer watching it¡¯s next victim. I thought my heart leaped from my chest. I felt cold instantly.

    ¡°Going somewhere my love?¡± He said, his footsteps getting closer.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    I spun around, my body visibly shaking. ¡°No¡± I could barely hear my own voice.

    In one swift move, he was standing in front of me, pushing me into the wall with one hand holding my my throat.

    ¡°You¡¯re trying to escape again aren¡¯t you?!¡± He screamed into my face. But I couldn¡¯t speak. He had his arm pressed against my throat. All I could feel was the hotness all over my face as my life slowly slipped away.

    He leans in closer now and said more calmly ¡°now listen, we are going to walk out that door and we are going home. If you cause a scene I would kill all those people out there and the blood would be on your fucking hands¡±

    I tried to nod but it¡¯s hard to do so. He lets go of my arm and I coughed out saliva. I took a minute to regain myself beforecing my hands with his arm and stepping out of the restroom. As soon as as we approached our table, the waitress appears from nowhere.

    ¡°Is everything alright? I brought the desserts and couldn¡¯t find you¡± she spoke, her eyes wide probably from all the blood umted under the skin of my face from the choke I¡¯d undergone in the restroom.

    ¡°My wife here hasn¡¯t eaten Italian food before and it upset her stomach, ¡± Logan lied, removing his hand from mine to hold me from the back affectionately. ¡°I won¡¯t lie to you, I¡¯m going to make love to her right now, it always makes her feel better¡±

    The waitress chuckles, embarrassment embedding her voice.

    ¡°Do have a good night then¡± she said before Logan walked us out.

 41

    Logan grabs me by the arm and Yanks me into the wall as soon as we stepped into the house. His hands dug into my arm painfully but nothingpared to the pain I felt with every beating movement my heart made. I knew I¡¯d fucked up tonight and I anticipated what he was going to do to me. His whole expression screamed anger.

    As soon as Inded on the wall, a tear escaped my eyes and a low scream escaped my lips. I braced myself for a p or anything but instead, I received his body, pressing against mine.

    ¡°I leave you alone for one minute, La, one minute and you fucking ran off!¡± He screamed into my face.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to run off!¡± I defend myself even though it seemed pointless. He had caught me in the act and yet I still lie.

    ¡°You fucking liar!¡± He holds my chin, bruising it as he squeezed tight.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurting me¡± I cried, barely able to move my lips.

    ¡°You bitch!¡± He screamed ¡°I thought I could trust you! But you just ruined everything for your damned freedom! And now you¡¯re gonna start from scratch again, you hear me!?¡±

    The next thing I knew, his lips werepping over mine as he held my jaw still. He kissed me roughly, his teeth grazing over my bottom lips as if he was trying to bite them. He kissed me brutally until I could not take it anymore. I started hitting his chest but he doesn¡¯t bulge. He just continued assaulting my lips.

    I increased the effort and gave him a great push. He stops kissing me, and only then did I taste the blood in my mouth. His hands goes over to the neckline of my dress and he tore it into half. I gasped for air, the tears stinging my eyes.

    Before I could utter a word, he pushed me back into the wall, hard and carelessly, the impact harsh and painful on my back and chest, his body pressing up against mine. I felt pains all over my body as his hands assaulted it, my breasts, my neck, my exposed thighs.

    ¡°Get off me!¡± I screamed, hitting him once again. He grabs my arms and pins them against the wall, iming my lips again in a forceful kiss. I winced in pain. He hadn¡¯t been joking when he¡¯d said what he said to that waitress before leaving. I¡¯d pushed him into doing whatever he was going to do to me tonight. And I wouldn¡¯t even me him.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    He breaks the kiss and slid his hands down to my butt, attempting to lift me into his thighs but I pushed him back again.

    ¡°Let go of me you monster!¡± I yelled. I didn¡¯t know if what I¡¯d said triggered something inside him but I saw how his eyes change, how quickly they went ice cold. And I thought he almost stopped until he leans in again, only to raise his hand to hit me again. I braced myself but it never came. He stopped before his hand could connect with my face.

    It felt like hours had gone as we stood there but it¡¯s only been just a few seconds, in silence.

    ¡°Where the fuck would you go if you had escaped, huh? To your fucking parents home?¡± He asks, anger edging his voice.

    ¡°I have a best friend who¡¯s probably looking for me! And I have a boyfriend who would take me in!!¡± I screamed the words out without even thinking.

    The icy colors in his eyes drains away, leaving emptiness at the mention of my boyfriend. I didn¡¯t know why I said that. Emma wasn¡¯t my boyfriend anymore and he probably left for Tokyo already as he¡¯d said. And Logan couldn¡¯t care less if I had a lovely boyfriend or not. He definitely hadn¡¯t considered that when he abducted me from my home, what makes me think he would now if not to justugh at me?

    As expected, Heughs sinisterly and steps back, turning around and spreading his arms out for effects ¡°you have a fucking boyfriend?¡± Heughs again ¡°what kind of a pathetic boyfriend doesn¡¯t go off looking for his missing girlfriend if he truly loves her?¡±

    Emma didn¡¯t love me anymore. If he did, he wouldn¡¯t have cheated. But Logan didn¡¯t need to know that. Mentioning him had slipped out of my lips but I¡¯m not gonna let him know that either. I continued to cry silently as I watched him.

    He turns around and scans my body. I quickly gathered my torn dress to cover my half exposed breasts. I didn¡¯t know if he¡¯d stopped trying to rape me because of the mention of my boyfriend.

    ¡°Now let me spell out some things to you La, ¡± he said ¡°in here, inside this house, you belong to me alone. You have no imaginary boyfriends. If you as much as mention your boyfriend¡¯s name around me one more time, I would drag him down here and kill him right in front of your eyes. Do you understand me?¡±

    Fresh tears threatened to spill but I didn¡¯t wanna give him the satisfaction of seeing me break down in front of him again, so I held the tears back.

    ¡°And it would be your wildest dream if you think you could ever escape from me ¡± he adds ¡°as long as you¡¯re here, you¡¯re mine. I get to do whatever I want with you and you would obey me. I will not say this to you again, La¡±

    He turns around towards the elevator and I let the tears fall down my face. I watched his back as he pressed on the elevator.

    ¡°You do not deserve to be loved, Logan, because you¡¯re a monster¡± I uttered more to myself as I watched him. But he heard because he stops entering into the elevator as soon as the words left my mouth. He doesn¡¯t look back, instead he just enters the elevator and disappeared from my sight.

    My legs gave up and I copsed to the floor, crying my heart out.

 42

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    The frown on my face seemed signatory as I walked towards the warehouse at the far back. I felt angry. I couldn¡¯t believe La would still wanna escape. I thought she was getting used to here. It¡¯s been three months and  two fucking weeks. Most importantly, I didn¡¯t know why I even bothered myself so much about her.

    I lit a cigarette as I approached the house.

    Dani is seated at hisputer desk and he stands up the minute I walked in. Astrid is standing at the corner, a gun parched up in his two hands like he was testing it. A few number of my men stood around the room. Their heads turns to me as soon as I stepped in, like they¡¯d been waiting for me.

    ¡°We¡¯re waiting for your orders boss¡± Astrid spoke, his men nodding behind him.

    I turned over to the ashtray on top of the table right next to the door and dumped the half burnt cigarette inside before walking over to Dani.

    ¡°Jamie Templeman has been spotted at a hotel in a remote city called Cranes, a couple of miles from here,¡± Dani exins before I could ask him ¡°it appears he¡¯s attending a small party with a small circle of friends tonight. And he¡¯ll be leaving tomorrow night ¡±

    I paused for a moment, leaned against the table and tried to decide what to do next. I needed to leave right now. This could be the only chance I get.

    ¡°Should I get the car ready Boss?¡± Astrid speaks again.

    ¡°Or we could leave him and get him some other time, ¡± Dani spoke ¡°I still got the address we fetched out from our guy the other day¡±

    ¡°No¡± my voicees off deep and venomous ¡°we go to Cranes town now¡±

    ¡°Come on!¡± Astrid howls at his men and they rushed out. I watched as Dani reached down below his desk and retrieved his gun. I¡¯d gifted him the G18 two months after he started working for me. He had picked me up from a meeting along with my driver that day. I could still remember the frightened look on his face when he looked into the bag and saw the gun inside.

    ¡°If you¡¯re gonna be working for me, then you¡¯re gonna be needing this to protect yourself¡± I¡¯d said to him.

    Dani was never a violent man. He was only the guy who cared about hisputer, about tracking things. He wasn¡¯t a fighter. Even though over the years I¡¯d put him through shooting trainings, he has never had his first kill. And I hoped to keep it that way. Somehow, I cherished his sanity and would love to keep him away from this blood madness for as long as I can.

    ¡°You¡¯re noting, Dani¡± I told him, rising up.

    He stops between lifting up the gun and putting it inside his back pocket to look at me.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving with many of my men tonight, ¡± I exined ¡°I can¡¯t leave La all by herself. I¡¯ll need my most trusted men to look after her. And that is you, Dani¡±

    I know he can¡¯t argue now. He wouldn¡¯t be sitting here wasting. He will be doing something else.

    ¡°You think I can¡¯t protect you, Logan?¡±

    ¡°I know you can. I just don¡¯t wanna lose you. I don¡¯t want you in the front lines, Dani and I can¡¯t promise to protect you when we get out there¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a war, Logan.¡± He stated firmly.

    ¡°But it is¡± I told him before giving him a small smile and walking out of the room.

    I may be a monster but Dani wasn¡¯t. And perhaps, La could feel morefortable with him, will feel closer to her old self with him. Afterall, he seemed fund of her.

    Sitting in the car that¡¯s already opened for me, I settled down, only ncing up towards La¡¯s room to find her looking down at me, her face bereft of any form of emotions.

    Looking away, I sat in and let them drive us out of thepound. I pulled out the silver cufflinks I¡¯d formed a habit of caressing and ran my fingers over them. Today, I¡¯ll be making Jamie Templeman pay for his sins in blood.

    Getting to the small city wasn¡¯t hard. It felt like being in a less fancier New Orleans. The street is quiet and I sat back, letting Astrid navigate the first car towards the destination of this party house.

    Our cars came in line next to a tall building standing right next to a tall church. Bright shimmering lights oozed out from every space in the building. Cars that could only be driven by the rich kinds of people littered around the ce. I walked over to the door with Astrid who beckoned silently for his men to stand out. I pushed the doors slight to the boisterous swamp of people.

    The room seemed more jam-packed with people than the noise all over the ce. Astrid and I stepped in yet nobody seemed to notice us. Right that moment, I knew I¡¯d been tricked intoing here by somebody. Somebody who knew about my great strive to have Jamie killed. Someone who knew me well.

    My eyes carefully scanned the area till they fell on the right person.

    Dno.

    My baby brother.

    He smiles back at me, his eyes glistening with mischief while I red back at him. Anger bubbled inside me as I watched him stand up from the table he¡¯s seated at, in thepany of some men. He finds his way towards me, me rooted on spot ring at him.

    ¡°Brother¡± he said.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I growled calmly at him. The type of growl that entails the angry side of you.

    Dno smiles and looked behind me to Astrid before diverting his attention back to me again and adding ¡°I should be asking you what brought you all the way here, brother.¡±

    Iughed at his pathetic disy of unawareness.

    ¡°Oh spare me the pretense, Dno. We both know you lured me out here. So you better go straight to the point¡±

    ¡°Jamie Templeman isn¡¯t here if that¡¯s what you were hoping¡± he stated.

    ¡°Oh be rest assured that¡¯s very clear to me now¡± I shot back.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°We need to talk, Logan¡± he said, his eyes getting more serious now.

 43

    I smiled at my brother, a mocking, nerve-wracking smile.

    ¡°Look at you Dno, you¡¯re so grown up now luring me out here simply because you wanna talk to me. I must say, it¡¯s not like you to take your business out into the public unless you have some other motives. First your father, and now you, ha! Lemme guess, you brought me out here to talk about getting your shrare of our dear uncle¡¯s fortune? That exins why you brought me here. You know one of us would be going with a bullet in his head after talking about that, don¡¯t you? And you know very well it¡¯s gonna be you, baby brother¡±

    Dno remains calm. I ced my gun where I could reach it and brushed his shoulder, nudging him to the side, walking past him to the half empty table at the back. Dno walks around to sit opposite, giving the man seated at the end a look to excuse us and he did.

    ¡°So what do I owe this pleasant surprise?¡± I asked him with a big smile.

    ¡°Mom asked me to meet with you¡± he replied uninterestedly ¡°she says it¡¯s time youe home¡±

    ¡°What makes you think I¡¯de to some family reunion?. What¡¯s new about it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be the first time you¡¯ll being home after ¡­.¡±

    ¡°After our father threw me out?¡± I cut him off ¡°now tell me, is that supposed to be something that I should be happy about? Hell, maybe I should even throw a party because my dick of a father wants me back after he threw me out.¡±

    ¡°I think he regrets it now¡±

    ¡°What about you, Dno? Do you want me back? Will you be okay with me outshining you? Taking your rightful ce as the golden son and perhaps,peting to get my name into our father¡¯s will?¡±

    ¡°Why go all the way when you can just kill him and apprehend the will, taking everything for yourself like you always do?¡±

    My mouth hung open as his words sank into me.

    ¡°You think I killed our uncle to get all his fortunes too.¡±

    ¡°Well did you?¡±

    ¡°Oh I see what this reunion bullshit is all about¡± Iughed sinisterly. How stupid could my father be, putting these ideas into their heads?

    ¡°Listen, it only makes enough sense okay? We know how ruthless Santiago was. Nobody ever heard about you or knew what he did to you while you were staying with him so it¡¯s only understandable that¡­..¡±

    ¡°You wanna know something, Dno?¡± I asked him as I leaned into the table, capturing his eyes with mine ¡°Santiago DeAngelo has been the best man I ever met. He showed me love without a version simr to it. He showed me how it feels to be appreciated, something our father never cared to give either of us and you¡¯d be a fool as you¡¯ve always been to believe the bullshit he feeds you with. ¡±

    I rose up, Dno watching me as I went. ¡°And tell our parents they won¡¯t be seeing me in Italy¡±

    I stormed out, Astrid following behind me. We drove off into the night, my heart beating loudly in my chest. I couldn¡¯t pin point the reason why I felt so angry, yet so disappointed in myself.

    ¡°Take me to the bar¡± I said to the driver, my voice hoarse, my eyes deepening into my face.

    I stepped out of the car and made my way into therge bar as soon as the car came to a stop. The bar is barely filled, only a couple of men seated around. I spotted the empty bar table around the corner and proceeded towards it. I sat down and hailed the bartender. ¡°Scotch¡± I muttered gently.

    In a matter of second, he¡¯s filling up the tumbler and passing it over to me. I caught hold of it and drank it all in one go. Then I grabbed the bottle and refilled until I was down to my fourth shot. I gazed Into the darkness behind the barman¡¯s wine bottles and thought about every single thing my brother had said earlier.

    They wanted me back.

    I drank thest contents in the cup to push the thoughts away. They didn¡¯t want me back because they felt they¡¯ve wronged me and regret ever casting me out, they want me back so they can get all the money they want from my uncle¡¯s wealth.

    They should know that I¡¯m not a fool. I¡¯m no longer that young teenage boy who desperately seeked closure from his parents, who seeked friendship with his baby brother. Now I¡¯m the man who would kill either of them if I needed to. Because the only family I had left died. I can¡¯t believe he thinks that I killed him. That¡¯s the worst my father could think of.

    ¡°Hey handsome¡± a feminine voice breaks through my thoughts like sword. I turned beside me to see a woman seated beside me, her bodypressed into the red dress that seemed to show off more skin than I¡¯d naturally approve of. She has a flirtatious smile on her lips as she watched me, her eyes scanning me.

    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve to be seated here alone tonight¡± she said.

    I looked forward, intending to ignore her when I felt her hands on my forearm. I didn¡¯t know why but I felt cold, like she¡¯d fallen some stif walls over my body. I knew the alcohol was getting to me and I needed to get away from her.

    Never in my entire life have I ever been so scared or unwilling to be around women.

    In what seemed like a secondter, I was yanking a door open, my lips against this strange woman¡¯s, kissing my pains away, pouring my sadness and anger into her. I pushed her against the wall as soon as we broke in, my hands caressing her huge breasts. All I heard was her soft moans as she kissed me back, desperately. All I heard were La¡¯s soft moans. I broke away and looked up at her to see if I was just being confused or it was actually La.

    She was all I saw.

    La.

    I picked her from the wall and threw her on the high bed before climbing on top of her and kissing her hard.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

 44

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I spent the next hour inside the bathtub, soaked in warm water.

    For a first, I didn¡¯t have the strength to rub my body but in the next minute, I was standing under the running shower, scrubbing my skin, bruising myself in the process. I felt sick and dirty and I knew scrubbing my body like that was the only way to relieve myself of all the dirt.

    When I stepped out of the bathroom I was shivering cold so I threw on a ck hoody over a baggy ashes sweatpants that I was d to have found under my clothes shelf. I yanked a pair of ashes ankle length socks on my feet and pulled the hoody over my head before walking out and into the living room.

    ¡®And it would be your wildest dream if you think you could ever escape from me¡¯ Logan¡¯s voice danced in my head. I shut my eyes as I remembered his icy blue eyes peering at me with so much hatred.

    I stepped into the kitchen to grab something to eat. I realized that it¡¯s been hours since we ate at that stupid Italian restaurant and that my stomach was nearly empty again.

    Well why not? After all the cry I did in there. I found a long biscuit somewhere and picked a lemonade from the fridge before walking out into the sitting room.

    The figure I noticed standing behind the couch nearly spooked me to death. Logan had left the other time and I¡¯d seen his car leave with his men.

    ¡°Sorry if I scared you¡± his not so bold voice spoke first, seeing the way his presence set me back to an abrupt stop.

    He¡¯s slim and looks much younger than all the men I¡¯ve seen around here. I watched him intensely. He¡¯s Asian no doubt, and he dressed very fashionably. his buttoned up ck shirt doesn¡¯t hide the tattoo that ran up his neck. His face looked beautiful, almost in a feminine way. He looked way too beautiful for a man to legally and naturally be. I couldn¡¯t decide if he was one of Logan¡¯s men or not. He doesn¡¯t have a gun and he definitely doesn¡¯t look like he could hurt a fly.

    ¡± Who are you? ¡± I asked him after what felt like hours of just staring at him.

    ¡± My name¡¯s Dani ¡± he answered ¡± I work for Mr Logan DeAngelo ¡±

    Without giving a reply, I walked to his front and circled the center table to sit at the other couch, facing him. I didn¡¯t know why but he looked really nice, the aura was surrounding him. Either because of the way he tried not to hold my gaze or the way he smiled each time my eyes caught his.

    ¡± Care for some? ¡± I asked, pointing the biscuit to him.

    A chuckle escapes his lips and he replied ¡± oh no thanks ¡±

    I started eating it. I picked up one of my books that I¡¯d dropped herest night and tried to read it. But having to read with a stranger standing so close to you, watching you isn¡¯t possible, is it?

    I looked back to find him looking into space.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± What do you do for Logan? ¡± I asked him curiously and out of sheer boredom.

    He smiles sweetly before replying ¡± I. . . . . . . manage his security systems and tracking. Hacking and shit.¡±

    ¡± So you¡¯re his cyber technician ¡± I added.

    ¡± Technically ¡± he smiles again.

    ¡± Tell me what exactly do you secure? ¡±

    ¡± Well. . . . . Logan is a man who engages in very serious businesses. So I practically protect his bank ounts. . . . . ¡±

    ¡± All by yourself? From what I¡¯ve heard Logan has a lot of money that needs taking care of ¡± I lied to keep him going, perhaps he could end up telling me something that could be useful to me in here. Of course I didn¡¯t know how much money Logan had but I could safely assume it was bigger than anything I could ever think of.

    ¡± Well not technically by myself. We have a team elsewhere but I. . . . . . . I take care of special operations ¡± he replied.

    I shrugged uninterestedly. I didn¡¯t know what was so special about his money or other businesses. I knew Logan killed people, he¡¯s a mafia and that¡¯s part of the things they do.

    When I saw his eyes tonight when he climbed that car, I saw all the hate in them. They were different. They were purposeful. I can only hope he¡¯s not about going on one of his killing sprees.

    ¡± Where was Logan going earlier? ¡± I asked before I could stop myself. I¡¯ve been curious since he drove off earlier today.

    Dani doesn¡¯t reply immediately. He faltered for a second before actually replying ¡± he. . . . . had a business to take care of ¡±

    ¡± What kind of business? ¡± I pressed.

    Dani holds his lips tight and I knew he couldn¡¯t or shouldn¡¯t tell me about it.

    ¡± He¡¯s going to kill someone, isn¡¯t he? ¡± I stated the obvious.

    ¡± Don¡¯t judge him, La ¡± he said with a shake of his head.

    I was surprised by two things. First, the way his eyes spoke differently when he said what he said. As if Logan had a genuine reason for killing people, for going to kill whoever was on his kill list tonight. Secondly, because he said my name.

    ¡± You know me quite well ¡± I told him. I watched his face for any form of difort but he holds a poker face. He wasn¡¯t the type to be able to keep an eye contact. . .

    He looks down, as if thinking, his lips paused before looking back at my face again. He rounds the table to sit down on the couch opposite mine, surprising me. Nobody asides Logan has evere so close to me before. His guards were always standing far away, never talking to me.

    He gives me a small quick smile, a heart fluttering smile which made me question myself about who this man was. He was nice, no doubt. How does a man like him work with Logan?

 45

    ¡± I know¡­. the day Logan brought you here ,¡± Dani continued ¡± and I¡¯m aware that you do not like it here ¡±

    ¡± How so?¡± I asked him, my eyes trying hard to analyze him.

    ¡± I stay close to this house and I know what¡¯s going on around here, La. I know that you¡¯re probably not happy but Logan isn¡¯t a bad person. He¡¯s good ¡±

    ¡± Why are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡°Because I want you to learn to be happy with him. Logan is aplicated person. If you can y right by him, you¡¯d enjoy hispany¡±

    ¡± So you y right by him then? ¡± I said pointedly.

    He shrugs casually, a smallugh breaking through his lips as I seemed to have caught him in his little glorious paint of his boss. Iughed a little too, taking another bite of my biscuit.

    ¡± Why do you work for him? ¡± I asked him. He doesn¡¯t hesitate before responding to my question. He told me about how Logan had picked him up after he stole some money from his bank ount without him knowing immediately. About how he¡¯d sponsored his only dying sister¡¯s hospital bills and school bills too. It was understandable that he was much indebted to him.

    I instantly feltfortable talking with him. We shared a couple of things about our lives. I told him about why Logan brought me here which he already knew, told him about Maddy and in turn he told me some basic things about Logan. He went far to tell me that he didn¡¯t have a particr woman in his life, Logan didn¡¯t believe inmitted rtionships. That broke my heart to some extent. I guess I¡¯d expected too much when I shouldn¡¯t have even expected anything from him.

    Unlike Logan, Dani was much better to talk to, to share things with. We bonded instantly, even though it was clear he kept his distance in some ways.  I guess this exins how much I¡¯ve actually missed speaking with anyone since the past few months.

    We spent the night talking about all the things that I never knew I¡¯d kept up in my chest since the beginning. Daniughed and smiled when needed and I did too. At some point he didn¡¯t feel like a stranger, he felt like a friend.

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    When I felt the cold lips against mine, something felt different, so different I had to flinch back. My head throbbed and I was tempted to hold it and shut my eyes for a while. But I couldn¡¯t leave La.

    By now my office button down has been tossed down on the floor, La¡¯s half naked upper body wrapped around mine passionately. But there was just something different about her lips.

    I rose up from her body abruptly, lying my weight on my arms and looked back at her face. I was drunk and I didn¡¯t know if I could recognize her if I saw her. But I did recognize her. She wasn¡¯t La. She was some strange woman whom I¡¯d mistaken for my La. I flinched away from the bed and stood afar, watching this strange woman. My head and eyes hurt but I managed to squint at her.

    ¡°What the hell?¡± I heard her mutter angrily.

    I was high as fuck and I needed her more than I could readily say right now but if it wasn¡¯t La then I¡¯m not about to sleep with any other woman. I was thirsty and it was for La alone.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I spot my suit on the floor and picked it up, finding my way out of the room I couldn¡¯t remember walking into, anger bubbling inside me. If I stayed in there for another minute I was going to murder that girl. I hated her for tricking me into believing she was my La.

    I managed to call my driver who picked me up. I rode the long mile home because I couldn¡¯t wait until I saw La.

    When the car pulled up, I stepped out with great urgency. I knew right now wasn¡¯t the best moment to see her because I was drunk, high and sexually frustrated. I¡¯d hate for me to force myself on her but I couldn¡¯t stop my legs from taking the route to her room.

    When her doors slid open, I¡¯m met with a sleeping La. She¡¯sid sideways on her bed. I gently walked closer, scared of waking her up. I can feel the alcohol slowly clearing from my head as her image bes clearer to me.

    I stopped next to the bed to see her face properly. She¡¯s dressed in a shiny purple night wear, with spaghetti straps on her bare shoulders, her hair spread across it. I gulped, as I realized that I was too tempted to feel her shoulders,y against her back and pull off the straps off her shoulders. And kiss there.

    And make love to her slowly.

    I closed in and caressed her smooth face before I could stop myself. So soft and smooth. So delicate.

    A smile escaped my lips as I watched the rhythmic movement of her chest, how she slept. It felt beautiful when you have absolutely nothing to worry about. And I knew La hated me, hated being locked up in this damn mansion, but she has escaped this reality now and is in a peaceful ce.

    I wanted that.

    After a few minutes of admiring and holding myself from jumping on her on the bed, I walked out as fast as I could,ing across Dani waiting for me at the exit.

    ¡± How was she?¡± I asked him, my side turned to him.

    ¡°She¡¯s¡­. good. she was really open to me, talked about a couple of things¡± a small grin crossed my lips. Yeah, I knew she would open up to you no doubt.

    I nodded and attempted to leave but his words stopped me again.

    ¡°I think she really cares about you, Logan ¡±

    My heart made a beat instantly. I didn¡¯t know what exactly I¡¯m supposed to feel and somehow, I knew it made me happy. Giving a corner lip smile to nobody exactly, I continued my walk till I was out of sight.

 46

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I woke up the following morning to a hurting bone again. After watching Logan walk out of my roomst night while pretending to sleep, every nerve in my body telling me to stop him, I hadn¡¯t stopped thinking about him until sleep took over me.

    There was something about him standing over mest night, watching me and touching my face. It had been a really great feeling having his warm hands against my cheek and shamefully I¡¯d wanted more. I¡¯d been tempted to stand up and yank him into bed with me. When he left I suddenly wanted him by my side.

    I hated myself as I pulled the duvet off my body for wanting him in that kind of way. For even wanting to see him around me. But I was fast growing more used to him than I ever expected.

    I rubbed my eyes brutally and tried to sit up, a foreign voice spooking me into position.

    ¡°Don¡¯t rub your beautiful eyes off, love ¡±

    I quickly looked to the side to find Logan seated on the lounge chair where I always sat reading a book, a leg crossed over the other, a magazine on his hands as if he¡¯d been reading it before I woke up, a long, amused and flirtatious smile on his lips as he watched the open magazine in his hands.

    He slowly looks up at me, his seemingly deep chocte eyes holding mine in a mesmerizing way. For a second there I was trying to find myself in them, until his deep, morning voice once again brought me back.

    ¡± Did you have a nice sleep love? ¡°He says to me.

    ¡± You should know, you practically watched me sleep the whole night ¡± I replied pointedly.

    In one swift movement, he¡¯s dropping the magazine and leaning over me on the bed, his face merely a few inches from mine. Surprisingly I don¡¯t even look away.

    ¡± It was very tempting love, ¡± he said, his eyes searching mine for unspoken truths ¡± but I did enjoy watching you the short time I did. I was going to jump into bed with you if you didn¡¯t wake up the moment you did¡±

    Blood rushed to my face. His eyes danced with pure amusement and his lips twitched flirtatiously. My mind raced a mile at the thought of his body pressed up against mine. Thest time I¡¯d woken up with him next to me, I¡¯d flinched. But right now I didn¡¯t trust myself not to push myself into him and want even more than him justying up behind me.

    Regaining myself, I moved back and tried to sit up properly.

    ¡± I¡¯ll leave you to get dressed, love. We¡¯re eating at the greenhouse ¡± he said and gave me ast smile before walking out.

    Greenhouse? He had a greenhouse here? My stomach fluttered at the change of events. It would actually be nice to actually eat somewhere other than my room and that awfullyrge kitchen. Last night had been a disaster and if not anything I was d Logan seems to have put that scenario behind us.

    After showering, I changed into a dress I picked out to fit the scenary. It was a long satin gown with long hooping sleeves that swallowed all my arms safe for my slim fingers. I wore nude heels and made my hair french braids down my back.

    I walked out to find Logan waiting at the stairs end. He looked impressed by the effort I¡¯d put into looking beautiful in that dress and I couldn¡¯t help question myself about why I¡¯d actually dressed up so nice too. Obviously, I was trying to look good for him.

    The green house was huge and beautiful, nts rambling around the sses and Monroe nts and tall tree nts, flower pots bearing flowers of beautiful and different kinds, butterflies flying around in a beautiful m. Greenish looking lights seeped in through the thick sses. I couldn¡¯t get enough of the ce.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    There¡¯s a single table in the middle of the ce , where Logan walked me into, hand in hand. I didn¡¯t know why Logan was trying so much, it was clear as daylight that he¡¯d brought me here, put up this food just to impress me. I didn¡¯t understand why he does what he does when he could actually just make me do anything he wanted.

    Logan pulls back the chair for me, stealing my heart. He was being a romantic and I didn¡¯t know how to respond to that.

    I smiled each time, trying to act along. His actions causes my heart to flutter most of the times but I tried not to get affected. Maybe he wasn¡¯t aplete monster as Dani had said, maybe he still had that good and humane side still left inside him. We all have pasts that defines us and Logan¡¯s defined him well. He couldn¡¯t leave it behind and I wouldn¡¯t force him to. Growth is a slow and necessary process and that moment as I ate with him, I realized I was willing to help him through it.

    I would escapeter.

    Logan said a few things and each time I wanted to ask him about what he¡¯d been up tost night, I just drop it. For all I knew whatever was outst night was important to him and I Respect that.

    A few days after that brilliant breakfast, Logan would asionally leave flowers around the house for me, where I could see them. I¡¯d wake up to breakfast on my bed. This wasn¡¯t the first time but I felt pulled to it more now. I knew somehow this wasing from his heart not because he wanted me to eat simply because I¡¯d refused to eat for days.

    My heart hurt when he wasn¡¯t in the house. I yarned for him even just after seeing him a few minutes ago. Logan was wearing on me and it didn¡¯t bother me to say the least.

    A few more days and he provided me with the TV remote. I could still hear my heart beating to the gesture today.

 47

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    Thest couple of days has been really great and I knew exactly why. I would watch from a corner in the house as La picked up the flowers that I left for her in sheer glee. Her smiles, how little was everything to me. I realized that I didn¡¯t just want sex from her, I wanted everything.

    The past few weeks has been a busy one. I went to my office today. Dani has been unable to track Templeman down after the y Dno had put up that night. I never really gave much thoughts to the things he¡¯d said that night. I¡¯d made it clear that I wasn¡¯t turning up at some reunion he and my father was nning on.

    ¡± Good morning sir ¡± my secretary greeted from her desk as Dani and I proceeded towards my office room. I nodded in acknowledgement before stepping into my office room.

    ¡± It¡¯s nice to finally have you out here today, boss ¡± Dani said as he slumped down on my office longue.

    I gave him a shortugh. He was right. It¡¯s been really long.

    I sat down on my chair and pulled the openptop on my desk closer. I decided to look at a couple of business transaction evidence files my secretary had sent to my email. I hated sitting at a desk and working on paperworks. My uncle knew that from the start and made me handle other businesses like meeting with clients and putting bullets in his enemies heads. But after inheriting his numerouspanies, I needed to be the CEO for morepanies and run them, thus showing up at ces like this sometimes.

    ¡± What¡¯s your next move, boss?¡± Dani asked and I gave him a questioning look ¡± about Jamie Templeman. You still haven¡¯t given the order to raid his hideout ¡± he added.

    ¡± Templeman isn¡¯t there, Dani, ¡± I replied him ¡°he¡¯s not an idiot. He¡¯s not that easy to find. Even if he was there, now¡¯s not the time to go hunting. I have a lot to worry about right now ¡±

    La¡­

    I tried to push the thoughts that came with the images of her out of my mind.

    My door bursts open and I looked up. I felt my smile instantly drain away as I saw the person who just walked in, fire in her eyes. I hadn¡¯t expected to be seeing her at all.

    ¡± Mom ¡± I called, trying to hide the surprise in my voice.

    She has aged a great deal from thest time I¡¯ve seen her a couple of years ago. New wrinkles seems to have added to the fewer ones around her eyes and lips. But she¡¯s still well dressed in excess facial make up and all the designer clothes she spends all her money buying. But one thing still hasn¡¯t changed. Her eyes. The way they looked at me. They way they carried hate and anger.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    She strides in angrily, only mming her purse on my desk as soon as she reached me.

    ¡± Logan Michelle DeAngelo! ¡± She screams my name angrily.

    Covering my annoyance and surprise with a smile, I asked ¡± what brings you to my office, mother? ¡±

    ¡± have you no single regard for me?¡± I noticed how her voice shook ¡°You have defiled my orders Logan¡± she adds.

    ¡± And what orders might that be that you couldn¡¯t even care for a seat first? ¡± I said sweetly.

    ¡± I am not here to sit in your damn office or have a conversation with you. I am simply here to tell you my mind! How can you be so disrespectful to your brother and father!? ¡±

    ¡± He isn¡¯t my fucking father, ma! I don¡¯t see why I should give him any regards whatsoever! ¡± My voice rose as anger sets in.

    ¡± He is your father and you will obey him! What about your brother then?! I asked him to bring you home and what did you do?! ¡±

    ¡± I told him and incase he didn¡¯t tell you lemme spell it out for you shall I? I would not be a part of that insane family drama.¡±

    ¡± Family drama? ¡± Her voice wavered just a little bit.

    It was nearly impossible to notice it if I wasn¡¯t the son who noticed every damn thing about his damned mother. She starts crying, tears easily spilling out her eyes. She was always a drama queen. Easy to act and get away with whatever she wanted. But some tears ain¡¯t gonna change my mind. ¡± How did you be so heartless, Logan? ¡± She asks, her voice weak.

    My chin tightened. From my peripheral view, Dani was still seated silently behind, watching the drama.

    ¡± What¡¯s a family union if it isn¡¯t just dramas and acts ma?! And now you all suddenly want me home? Huh, I¡¯m surprised mom. You should¡¯ve been this desperate to keep me the day my father threw me away ¡± I shot at her.

    ¡± You think that I didn¡¯t try, Logan?! ¡± She said, crying harder. Somehow, the statement I made broke her but I¡¯m not the type to take things back. She deserves everything I have to say. She continues to weep profusely.

    ¡± Maybe you should¡¯ve tried harder ¡± I replied, my voice dried and hoarse.

    She nods frantically while speaking again ¡± I know I should, I know, Logan, but there was just little I could do. When you¡¯re married to a man like your father, you know that there¡¯s only very limited things you can do.¡±

    My father¡¯s words started to reach me again. About how she¡¯d married him because of his money? That¡¯s just what she deserved in return, isn¡¯t it? Getting belittled.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry ma, but I¡¯ve made up my mind ¡± I told her.

    ¡± I don¡¯t care, Logan! You areing to Italy this weekend and that is final! We have a lot to talk about! ¡± She said finally before turning around to walk out. She finally spots Dani who quickly bows his head to her. She scans him for a second before hurrying out.

    I clenched my teeth, my jaw tightening as a result beforending my eyes on Dani who seemed to watch back with sympathy.

    ¡°Maybe you should go, Logan ¡± Dani spoke shortly after ¡± maybe this is a good call ¡°

 48

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I¡¯d mastered the act of calmness. Over the years, I became good at faking it. When my mom barged into my office crying her eyes out, I¡¯d stopped myself from reassuring her that I¡¯d go to Italy even for her sake. Even though Dani had talked to me about it, I still didn¡¯t know if I wanted to go. I¡¯d be seeing a lot of my families that I¡¯dst seen a couple of years ago. It¡¯s going to be awkward.

    My father nned this and I knew the ultimate reason why he wanted me there was for two reasons. One, to ask about me sharing his brother¡¯s wealth with him. Two, to use me of killing him just to have everything to myself. He already made mention of it earlier.

    As I rode the back seat of my car heading home, his words came back striking hard like an axe.

    ¡± you were her desperate attempt to keep me, and it worked. A kid means child support and alimony for life. I decided to stay and make it work, but I never forgave her.¡±

    I was a reason for him to stay. La would never do that. I¡¯d be happy if she had my baby, if she got pregnant for me.

    Knowing La, she would probably wanna abort the baby and run away.

    A bolt pushed inside my stomach as the aching thought of La getting pregnant for me spread through my body, knotting in my groin. We haven¡¯t even had sex yet. The thought of it gives me an instant hard on, turning me on faster than a naked woman ever did.

    I had some scores to settle with my own mother. I knew she loved my father, a valid exnation for the reason why she¡¯s stayed even after all the rumors of him sleeping with other women across town, and some she¡¯d actually caught him doing. I tsked my teeth in annoyance, looking out into the misty air.

    My mother was a weakling and somehow, it hurt me now that I was never around to protect her from our father¡¯s emotional tortures. She deserved more, she deserved better.

    ¡®Listen up, son, blood is blood, and soon you¡¯ll realize you¡¯re destined to make the same mistakes I did¡¯.

    I shut my eyes for a while so I could get rid of the voice in my head.

    ¡®I¡¯m surprised she¡¯s a live-in, surprised you haven¡¯t killed her since she apparently means something to you. So tell me, Love, money, or sex?¡¯ yet his voice kept pushing.

    Him saying that about La had spiked up some anger in me for a second there but I¡¯d controlled it. News travelled fast. And now, as I tried to answer his question, I knew instantly. Love. I was keeping La for the past few months because. . . . . . . I was slowly beginning to love her.

    I wanted to make love to her so badly that I was willing to wait until she wanted it and not force her. I didn¡¯t wanna do it without her consent and that pretty much cancels the sex option. It wasn¡¯t just sex that I wanted from her after all.

    All my life I¡¯ve been brought up to believe that love gives you nothing. It only wears you out then leave you empty, shallow and shattered. In pieces you could never put together. But when I¡¯m with La, when I think about her, everything seemed so different.

    I¡¯ve had my fun with women back in the days. Lots and lots of women, I lost count of how many I¡¯ve been in a sexual rtionship with. But, that was it. No strings attached. It was like I was immune to feelings. When I see a woman all I see was a night of pleasure and sex. But now, everything¡¯s changed. My perspective about women and sex.

    Sex should be a special act of love and passion between two people who loved each other not a y thing to satisfy your undying desires with whenever you wanted.

    I looked out the window again as we passed terraces of stores. I spotted a jewelry store up ahead, glistening in the distance.

    ¡± Make a stop at that store ¡± I said to my driver.

    ¡± Yes sir ¡± he replied, pulling up shortly after.

    I stepped out and made my way towards the store. A fair, petite woman Is standing at the door, weing me in.

    ¡± Good evening, sir. Looking to buy a jewel for your loved one? ¡± She asked politely.

    I gave her a rather silent smile before replying ¡± yes please. . . . . .¡±

    ¡± This way please. . . . .¡± She pointed ahead.

    ¡± Can I ask a question first? ¡± I cut her off and she nods ¡± what jewel do women like most? I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m new to all these ¡± I chuckled sheepishly.

    She smiles warmly and replied ¡± that¡¯s fine sir. Women love beautiful bracelets sometimes. It¡¯s small but means a lot when given by the right person ¡±

    When given by the right person . . . . .

    I nodded. ¡± I¡¯ll need to see your finest and most expensive bracelets then ¡± I told her.

    ¡± Very well, please have a seat¡± she walked me to a white leather couch where I sat down. She starts bringing out a couple of bracelets. When I found the one hidden in her palm, I instantly knew it was the one. It¡¯s not too tiny but glittering peach in color, embedded by crystal stones. Real crystal stones. It was beautiful, so beautiful, I couldn¡¯t imagine my La wearing it.

    I picked it and paid for it, got it package in a gift box and a gift bag before walking back out to my car, somehow feeling happy with myself.

    I could be a monster for all I care, I¡¯d already been painted as one long before I met La and I¡¯m still surprised she never heard about this ruthless, heartless monster feared by all. She was simply too fragile for her own good.

    But I am going to do what I want for her whether she likes and appreciates it or not. I¡¯m a monster in her story, but I would do whatever it took to make her story different.

 49

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I¡¯d gotten used to watching the TV even though there wasn¡¯t much to be seen. I could only watch the fashion shows or celebrity lifestyle reality shows. Or some of the cartoons. As the time passed, I realized I was more into the books stacked in my shelf than the TV shows.

    I still couldn¡¯t get past the beautiful breakfasts and dinners I had with Logan. It was heart stopping and every time it crossed my mind, which was everytime, I found myself blushing hard and smiling alone like an idiot. And I couldn¡¯t be med. This was the first time a man shows me sweet gestures like this. I¡¯m bound to be overly impressed.

    I found myself slowly wanting to impress him. Whenever he wasing home, I¡¯d make sure to shower again and put on something beautiful. It reminded me of how I¡¯d dressed up to school, adding mascaras to my already longshes just to impress Emma.

    But this was different. I could feel it. This is Logan. He¡¯s the Mafia man who kidnapped me because my family owed him. It was stupid yet so iconic. I¡¯m gradually getting attracted to him. I know it¡¯s wrong but I cannot help myself.

    I¡¯m starting to wonder why he has stopped trying to have sex with me. It surprised me that the thought is almost disappointing.

    I watched from my ss walls as the Lamborghini that drove him out today drove back into thepound. I heaved a sigh in an attempt to calm my nerves before walking out the doors.

    As I stepped out on the stairsnding, I came eye to eye with him as he stepped out of the elevator and into the sitting room. His head is tilted upwards as he looked at me. Our eyes lingers on for a solid amount of seconds before he looked away.

    I made my way around the stairs till I reached him, a short distance between us.

    I¡¯ve lived with him enough to know that he likes being weed home and I nned on doing just that.

    ¡± You¡¯re home ¡± I Said. I saw a small smile forming at the corners of his lips.

    ¡± Yes yes, love. I have something for you ¡± he said, bringing his hidden hand from behind his back and presenting me with a small gift bag. I looked into it before taking it, discovering a golden box inside. when I pulled it open, there¡¯s a shimmering bracelet inside. I watched it admiringly for a moment. This was beautiful. I¡¯ve never owned a bracelet before and seeing as it was from him, I knew it cost a lot. Why would he get me something as expensive as this?

    I looked up to find him staring, anticipation in his expecting eyes, his smile getting longer.

    ¡± I hope you like it¡± he said.

    ¡± I¡­.. I love it, Logan. It¡¯s beautiful ¡± I stammered, giving him a genuine smile.

    He nods his head and looks down, as if proud of himself. I wanted to thank him more but that seemed unnecessary. This may cost a fortune but it doesn¡¯t take anything from him. He still got so much money to buy truck loads of it.

    He closes the distance between us in a swift move, his tall body towering over mine. I looked up to find his eyes raining down at me. for the first time I think I saw some kind of emotions in them. I saw sadness, vulnerability and kindness. And then there¡¯s fear and anger. I didn¡¯t know why but I felt there was something wrong somewhere and he needed to say it out. I wish I wasn¡¯t concerned but I was and I couldn¡¯t help it.

    When his hands lifted up, I didn¡¯t fear that he¡¯d hit me nor did I try to cower away, I stood still and felt the coldness of his touch on my face, how it affected me and sent chills running down my entire body.

    His hand had touched my face yet I felt this tickling sensation down the middle of my back. That was all I needed, to know that I craved his touch. A lot. I wanted to feel his hands all over my body, I wanted to feel his lips kissing my whole body and leaving marks there. I wanted to melt into his hotness and be his.

    I watched his face close in on mine, his hand now holding my chin up, his eyes lowering to my lips. I waited, neck stretched to reach his lips whenever he wanted to get any closer but instead he smiles. A genuine heart fluttering smile and rubbed my chin tenderly.

    His other hand trails down my forearm, leaving goosebumps everywhere he touched till he found my hands and captured them in his bigger ones.

    ¡± Have dinner with me ¡± he said. He doesn¡¯tmand me now, he made it clear he wasn¡¯t trying to force me and I could refuse if I wanted.

    My heart elerates faster than anything as I watched his lips before mine. His breath smelled of mint. Manly and dismantling. But I wanted to be with him, refusing wasn¡¯t anywhere near an option.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    I nodded slowly before he stepped back. He reaches for the box in my hand and takes out the bracelet. He takes my right hand and fixes it on my wrist, tapping my hands like there was some imaginary dusts there. All the while, I watched him. Watched his thick eyshes as they casted shadows over his face, his thick hair as they fell over his face. The first time I¡¯d met him, he¡¯d had his hair cut low to his scalp. After a few months with him, his hair has grown so long.

    He steps back after fixing it, his eyes finding mine again before turning around and disappearing into the elevator. My heart continued to ponder after him.

    What has this Mafia man done to me?

 50

    I returned to my room and ran a quick shower. Logan just asked me to go on a dinner with him. I didn¡¯t know what to wear. Thest time we had dinner he¡¯d asked someone to dress me up.

    It¡¯s supposed to be something casual. The way he asked, it didn¡¯t seem we were stepping out of the house so I decided a simple outfit would do.

    I met with Logan at the sitting room area. I was surprised to be seeing him dressed up in sweatpants and hoodie. I¡¯ve only ever seen him dressed in suits and he¡¯d look so hot in it. Right now it felt like I didn¡¯t have apliment to qualify how he looked in those ashes sweatpants. His sweatpants are low enough that the brand of underwear he¡¯s wearing is visible as he reaches his hand over to the counter next to him, looking up at me as I made it down stairs.

    His hair looks finely brushed back, a few stands falling over his eyebrows. He looked beautiful and seeing him in a pair of sweats was a sight to linger on.

    I¡¯d dressed up in leggings and a long sleeved ck cardigan. It was getting chilly in here.

    ¡± You look beautiful ¡± he said, his eyes glistening under the bright lights. I smiled genuinely, feeling my cheeks heat up. I thought I was gonna stumble over my own feet till I reached him.

    ¡± I never pictured you as a sweatpants guy ¡± I told him.

    ¡± You don¡¯t like it?¡± He asked, taking my hand.

    ¡°No, you look great ¡± I managed to reply without stammering due to the effect of his hand wrapped around mine.

    He smiles and started pulling me towards the elevator. I stood next to him, only stepping out when the elevator came to a stop, opening to the rooftop of his house.

    The first thing I noticed was the calmness of the wind as it gently pped my face, then the amoebic swimming pool at the center of thending, then the basket of food situated on the center of a cream colored cloth spread across the floor. There¡¯s dishes ced around, two pillows at each side.

    I looked up at Logan who only gives me a small smile before walking me towards the spread cloth. I sat at the far end and he sat across from me.

    ¡± I asked my men to gather fine fruits for you, ¡± he said as he opened the basket bearing fruits ¡± you look malnutritioned enough, if that¡¯s a word ¡±

    I smiled at what I presumed was a joke before reaching for the apple closest to me. I took a solid bite and looked up at the sky. The stars were much tonight, even though their lights weren¡¯t enough to light up the dark sky in the absence of the moon tonight.

    ¡± Dani told me about some things the other night, ¡± I spoke first, breaking the building silence ¡± he did refuse to tell me where you went that night ¡±

    ¡± You do not wanna know, La¡± he replied with a bit of a smirk ¡± although I find it satisfying that you¡¯re concerned about my whereabouts ¡±

    ¡± I am ¡± I saw how it pleased him that I showed interest in him ¡± is everything alright?¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    ¡± That isn¡¯t your concern La, but I would tell you one thing ¡± he said as he shifted towards the swimming pool,pletely out of the cloth ¡± the other day I left the house and left you a note, I¡¯d met with my father ¡±

    I stopped to listen. He¡¯d mentioned his father before and from what he¡¯d said, they didn¡¯t seem to have the best rtionship.

    I watched his expression change as he gazed into the distance. Maybe I was right, maybe something truly was bothering him behind all those smiles he gave me when he returned today.

    I was tempted to shift over to him and touch him to make him feel better but I didn¡¯t know what he was going to say, so I waited.

    ¡°I was thirteen when my father arrested me for fighting hoodlums who ganged up on my little brother. Then he threw me out. ¡± He said.

    I gasped gently, surprised as to why a father would do that. Or maybe I pretended to care.

    ¡± My father wasn¡¯t the Mafia if that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking,¡± he said ¡°My uncle, Santiago was. He took me in and made me the man that I am today. My uncle was killed over two years ago by an enemy I will put down very soon. My father never showed me any form of care but now he wants me back home. ¡±

    Logan turns to look me in the eyes before continuing ¡± but I know his little games. He wants me back home so he can belittle me in front of his little family. And then ask for his share of his brother¡¯s money ¡±

    I tried to look away but found my eyes maized to his. I didn¡¯t understand why he was telling me this. I¡¯ve lived long enough here to understand that Logan was hardly the type of man to share his problems with someone, let alone me.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry you had to go through that as a child¡¯s, Logan¡­.¡± I said soothingly. ¡°But¡­ Why are you telling me this when you don¡¯t even know me?¡±

    Logan watched me for a while before closing the distance between our faces and saying ¡± because I want you to know, not to pity me but to tell me what you think I should do. And I don¡¯t need to know any more about you than I already know, La.¡±

    My heart skipped a beat as my eyes moved from in between his two eyes, watching them and drowning in them.

    I waited for a minute, trying to get my head around what he¡¯d just said. After much needed contemtion, I decided to voice out my thoughts.

    ¡± Does your mom still want you back? Your brother? Is he with you?¡±

    Loganughed and told me about how his brother became his enemy after he got kicked out, just like his father. But his mother paid him a visit and wants him toe for this dinner.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know how you feel towards these people, Logan but I¡¯d tell you to go. I know it¡¯s hard and probably sounds stupid but you never can tell what the exact reason for his calling you back will be or why it¡¯s happening at this moment. So, I¡¯d tell you to go. You can handle it like every other thing ¡±

    I¡¯d just summed up the courage to talk casually to Logan and I felt proud of myself. Maybe it was because of how impressed he looked himself.

    Logan filled my te and we spent the next hour eating in silence and gazing into the sky.

    Here was the big difference. Even though Logan smiled constantly at me, even though he just seeked my advice, he still remained this stranger to me.

 51

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    Astrid kept asking when I wanted us to raid Jamie¡¯s home. I waved it off. After listening to Last night, it¡¯s only fair to go for Italy first. I know it¡¯s gonna be hard, getting epted again while you¡¯re being painted as the ck sheep but I was suddenly filled with this voice in my head telling me I can handle it.

    ¡± Are you sure you wanna go alone? ¡± Dani asked from my door for the umpteenth time ¡± I coulde with you¡±

    Throwing my suit over my opened bag across the bed, I turned to him with a sigh ¡± I want you here with La, Dani. I¡¯ve told you a thousand times ¡±

    Dani looks like he¡¯s about to say something but decided against it. He knows better than trying to change my mind. I¡¯m going to see my family and I deserve to be there alone. And I knew La was found of Dani, he should keep herpany well. I trust him with her.

    I decided I¡¯d just order for a suit when I get to my hotel In Italy, so I abandoned the suits I was packing and walked out, Dani right behind me.

    La is seated on the couch as I stepped into the living room, her eyes fixed on the TV to even sense my presence. I¡¯ve stayed in my office room for several hours that I didn¡¯t see her at all until now that I was about leaving.

    She turns her head around just in time to see me walking towards her. She twists and sits down on her bent thighs.

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving now?¡± She asks, much to my appreciation.

    ¡°Yeah¡± my voicees off stressed and unsure. I felt a pang of hurt as she looked down. I didn¡¯t know if I was the one who was feeling the hurt of being away from her or she was.

    I was just being delusional. La didn¡¯t care about me that way. She¡¯s probably d that I¡¯m leaving.

    ¡°Alright, Bye¡± she said, her lips going into a lip line smile. I nodded slightly and turned to the door. I walked out to my helicopter seated in the middle of mywn.

    It was a few minutes past 5 p. m. when I arrived  my home town, Italy. The rental car picked me up from the airport and headed for my hotel that I¡¯d booked in advance. As I walked in, I noticed the receptionist at the first desk who threw me flirtatious smiles as she offered to show me to my suite. I doubt that was part of her job but I don¡¯t refuse anyway.

    As soon as I got to my room, I took a cold shower as the weather seemed pretty warm around here before having a change of suits. Then I headed out.

    There wasn¡¯t another reason why I¡¯m here today if it isn¡¯t to visit my former home. So I told the driver to take me to the right address.

    When the car pulled up in front of the tall mansion I once called home, I felt my skin crawl and the hair rise at the nape of my neck. A bigger part of me was asking me to leave, turn around and just go but La¡¯s words kept telling to stay, assuring me that I can do this.

    It¡¯s pretty dark already, way past 8 p. m. as I stepped out of the car, the porch lights nearly blinds me.

    The two doors automatically pushed open as I reached it, letting me into the wide first room. With my hands deep inside my pockets, I strode through the marble floor. Nothing seems to have changed over the course of long years. The same flowers still sat on its pot against the wall at the right side, the foyer was still as long as a living area and my father¡¯s portrait that hung above the entrance still remained there.

    As I stepped into the living room, I began to hear whispersing from the room. Tender and boisterous chatters.

    Everyone seated in the sitting room soones into view.

    At the far end sat my glorious mother, a wine ss in her well manicured hand. She¡¯s busy talking to another younger woman seated from across to her.

    The room is empty safe for them.

    My mother¡¯s eyes caught me as I stepped in, stopping whatever she was saying to look at me, her smile widening and her sloe eyes deepening.

    ¡± Logan!¡± She calls, pointing her ss up at me in a toast. I tried to smile back but it seemed impossible to fake a smile.

    As the younger woman seated in front of her turned around, the smile readily broke through my lips. The moment she stopped talking, I kept hearing the resonance of her voice. Because it was the only voice I would always recognize no matter how long. It was the voice of my only favourite person in the whole world. It was the voice of my cousin, Grazie.

    Her eyes glistened as soon as she sees me, her lips twitching at the right angle. She has grown into a woman over that past few years.

    Grazie and I has always been close during childhood, connecting in a way only us understood. We always had each other¡¯s backs during the summers. We¡¯d y hide and seek at our grandparents¡¯ backyard. I was four years older than her but she was always the big sister figure and she loved ying the role to my brother and I.

    If I was going to have to regret stepping foot into this house, Grazie was a whole reason for me not to.

    Her lips are painted lush red, her long slim face powdered in the right ces.

    She rises to her feet, her once tiny figure now curvy at every right ce.

    ¡± Logan Papi¡± she called mockingly, adding the nickname she gave me growing up. She knew I hated it.

    My smile widened drastically and I replied ¡± Grazie Topo(mouse)¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    And she burst outughing, running over to hug me. She lifts her legs from the floor and I held her tight.

    And the saying was true. Every Viin of a show has someone that they¡¯ll always love and trust.

    Mine was Grazie.

 52

    Grazie pulled me into a hug as soon as she rose to her feet, then pulled me into a corner, herugher filling the ce and changing the entire mood I¡¯d walked into this room with.

    We spent the next few minutes talking about life, most especially her. I realized she¡¯s been really happy over the past few years that we¡¯d been apart. She was seeing some guy named Carlos.

    ¡°As long as he makes you happy, Grazie,¡± I told her ¡± if he doesn¡¯t, all you have to do is call me and I¡¯ll be putting a bullet in his head before you even say the word¡±

    ¡± He¡¯ll know better than messing with me once he knows we¡¯re rted, Logan, trust me.¡± She said jokingly.

    I chuckled. I always had this sense of protection for the people that I loved and cared about. For her. And my brother. But that had onlynded me in prison and out of this house, out of this family for good.

    ¡± I¡¯d like to know who you¡¯re seeing,¡± she said ¡± how many women, Logan?¡±

    Iughed at her remark. Even though we¡¯d separated when I was a teenager, she knew I was always a yer. I wasn¡¯t a one woman keeper, I didn¡¯t do love.

    ¡± well, I have had my shares of many women out there, but I¡¯m afraid that I may be falling in love with a woman who doesn¡¯t want me¡± I replied honestly.

    Grazie closes the little distance between us and whispers into my ear ¡± I guess not every gorgeous young man deserves to get whatever they want¡±

    I began to chuckle when I heard my name. A frown crossed my face instantly at the sound of my father¡¯s voice. I turned around to find him at the foot of the stairs. He still has that disgusted look on his face.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t think you¡¯de¡± he said.

    ¡°Is that a wee? Or you telling me to leave already?¡± I put on my amused smile.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Give the boy a break, Darling¡± my mother chimes in.

    ¡± I was about leaving¡± I nearly cut her off, speaking as soon as her words died out.

    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to leave, Logan. I¡¯m just surprised¡­..¡± He said, a bit of uncertainty in his voice.

    ¡± Well don¡¯t be. Take it as I have my reason for being here tonight. And I¡¯ll be leaving right away.¡± I shot at him.

    ¡± Your old room has been remade dear¡± my mother offered hopefully.

    ¡°Nah, I already booked a hotel. This house isn¡¯t convenient for me anymore you see¡± I told her, throwing my father a look when I made thest statement.

    ¡± But you¡¯reing for the family dinner tomorrow night right? ¡± My mother inquired ¡± the rest of the family will be here. There¡¯s a lot to discuss about¡±

    ¡°Sure¡± my smile widened ¡°it was nice seeing you three tonight¡± I added before walking towards the elevator which Grazie and I had used toe up to the first balcony.

    I didn¡¯t stop to look either one on their faces again before disappearing out of the room, entering the car waiting outside and asking to be taken back to my hotel room.

    As soon as I got back in, my head started to spin. This was one of the very few times I wished I could talk to La, hold her hand without her fighting me off. Then I grabbed my phone and made a call.

    ¡°Hello Mr DeAngelo, how may we be of service to you?¡± the voice spoke from the background.

    ¡± I need flowers sent to my house for a Mrs La DeAngelo. Attached with some choctes and a note ¡±

    ¡°Right away sir¡±.

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I never felt so empty in my life before after Logan left the house. Although it wasn¡¯t the first time he was leaving, this one left a hole in my heart. There were days in my early life when my parents would leave me home for weeks because they had to travel out to work in some remote viges down south. I¡¯d always be alone but nothing seemed topare to this.

    I remained at the walls as I watched his jet take off, my hands ced firmly on the cold ss. I knew if I stayed longer I was going to catch cold but I remained still.

    ¡°You should stay away from the walls, ¡± a fairly deep voice startles me and I broke away immediately, turning around to see Dani standing at the stairs end ¡°it¡¯s pretty cold tonight¡± he added.

    ¡°You¡¯re still in the house?¡± I asked him, slowly taking steps back to reach him.

    He carefully takes the final step, his hands rubbing gently on his tight leather pants.

    He nods ¡°yes, I was trying to convince Boss to let me follow him but he refused.¡±

    ¡°You love Logan that much?¡± I sat down on the nearest lounge.

    A small smile creeps onto his feminine small lips before he replied ¡°Logan has done a lot for me. Being loyal to him is the least I could do to repay him¡±

    ¡°So there are other things you¡¯re willing to do for him¡± I pressed.

    He nods, leaning his slim back against the high table next to the wall. Folding his arms across his chest, he replied ¡°yes¡±

    I nodded firmly, looking back to him just as I looked away to say ¡°I¡¯m guessing your ¡®boss¡± asked you to babysit me again. Like thest time¡±

    He smiles again, a genuinely heart melting smile before replying ¡°not when you put it that way. Logan just¡­ wants me to keep youpany. Doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t order me around or do whatever you wanna do¡±

    ¡°So I can order you to take me out of the house and you¡¯d do it?¡±

    I saw how his neck bubbled as he gulped hard. It interested me how a joke like that could put him on edge and on a difficult position like that. I found him entirely interesting.

    But somehow, I knew I could trust Dani. I felt I could reach out to him. I felt like I could connect with him In a way I couldn¡¯t with the other people here. Than Beverly or Antoniette and¡­.. Logan.

    From his body and facial features, like I¡¯d suspected the first time I saw him, I knew he was likely just a couple of numbers older than me and my best guess was that he was either twenty three or twenty four.

 53

    Grazie and I spent the next few minutes talking about life, most especially her. I realized she¡¯s been really happy over the past few years that we¡¯d been apart. She was seeing some guy named Carlos.

    ¡°As long as he makes you happy, Grazie,¡± I told her ¡± if he doesn¡¯t, just call and I¡¯ll be putting a bullet in his head before you even say the word¡±

    ¡± He¡¯ll know better than messing with me once he knows we¡¯re rted¡±

    I chuckled. I always had this sense of protection for the people that I loved and cared about. For her. And my brother. But that had onlynded me in prison and out of this house, out of this family for good.

    ¡± I¡¯d like to know who you¡¯re seeing,¡± she said ¡± how many women, Logan?¡±

    Iughed at her remark. Even though we¡¯d separated when I was a teenager, she knew I always had the yer blood in my system.

    ¡± well, I have had my shares of many women out there, but I¡¯m afraid that I may be falling in love with a woman who doesn¡¯t want me¡± I replied honestly.

    Grazie closes the little distance between us and whispers into my ear ¡± I guess not every hot guy deserves to get whatever they want¡±

    I began to chuckle when I heard my name. A frown crossed my face instantly at the sound of my father¡¯s voice. I turned around to find him at the foot of the stairs. He still has that disgusted look on his face.

    ¡± I didn¡¯t think you¡¯de¡± he said.

    ¡°Is that a wee? Or you telling me to leave already?¡± I put on my amused smile.

    ¡± Give the boy a break, Darling¡± my mother chimes in.

    ¡± I was about leaving¡± I nearly cut her off, speaking as soon as her words died out.

    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you to leave, Logan. I¡¯m just surprised¡­..¡± He said.

    ¡± Well don¡¯t be. Take it as I have my reason for being here tonight. And I¡¯ll be leaving right away.¡±

    ¡± Your old room has been remade dear¡± my mother offered hopefully.

    ¡°Nah, I already booked a hotel. This house isn¡¯t convenient for me anymore you see¡±

    ¡± But you¡¯reing for the family dinner tomorrow night right? ¡± My mother inquired ¡± the rest of the family will be here. There¡¯s a lot to discuss about¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Sure¡± my smile widened ¡°it was nice seeing you three tonight¡± I added before walking towards the elevator which Grazie and I had used toe up to the first balcony.

    I didn¡¯t stop to look either one on their faces again before disappearing out of the room, entering the car waiting outside and asking to be taken back to my hotel room. As soon as I got back in, my head started to spin. This was one of the very few times I wished I could talk to La, hold her hand without her fighting me off. Then I grabbed my phone and made a call.

    ¡°Hello Mr DeAngelo, how may we be of service to you?¡± the voice spoke from the background.

    ¡± I need flowers sent to my house for a Mrs La DeAngelo. Attached with some choctes and a note ¡±

    ¡°Right away sir¡±.

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I never felt so empty in my life before after Logan left the house. Although it wasn¡¯t the first time he was leaving, this one left a hole in my heart. There were days in my early life when my parents would leave me home for weeks because they had to travel out to work in some remote vige down south. I¡¯d always be alone but nothing seemed topare to this.

    I remained at the walls as I watched his jet take off, my hands ced firmly on the cold ss. I knew if I stayed longer I was going to catch cold but I remained still.

    ¡°You should stay away from the walls, ¡± a fairly deep voice startles me and I broke away immediately, turning around to see Dani standing at the stairs end ¡°it¡¯s pretty cold tonight¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still in the house?¡± I asked him, slowly taking steps back to reach him.

    He carefully takes the final step, his hands rubbing gently on his tight leather pants.

    He nods ¡°yes, I was trying to convince Boss to let me follow him¡±

    ¡°You love Logan that much?¡± I sat down on the nearest lounge.

    A small smile creeps onto his feminine small lips ¡°Logan has done a lot for me. Being loyal to him is the least I could do to repay him¡±

    ¡°So there are other things you¡¯re willing to do for him¡± I pressed.

    He nods, leaning his slim back against the high table next to the wall. Folding his arms across his chest, he replied ¡°yes¡±

    I nodded firmly, looking back to him just as I looked away to say ¡°I¡¯m guessing your ¡®boss¡± asked you to babysit me again. Like thest time¡±

    He smiles again, a genuinely heart melting smile before replying ¡°not when you put it that way. Logan just¡­ wants me to keep youpany. Doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t order me around or do whatever you wanna do¡±

    ¡°So I can order you to take me out of the house and you¡¯d do it?¡±

    I saw how his neck bubbled as he gulped hard. It interested me how a joke like that could put him on edge and on a difficult position like that. I found him entirely interesting.

    But somehow, I knew I could trust Dani. I felt I could reach out to him. I felt like I could connect with him In a way I couldn¡¯t with the other people here. Than Beverly or Antoniette and¡­.. Logan.

    From his body and face features, like I¡¯d suspected the first time I saw him, I knew he was likely just a couple of numbers older than me and my best guess was that he was either twenty three or twenty four.

 54

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I propped myself onto the couch as I walked out of the kitchen, popcorn in one hand, settling into the couch and grabbing hold of the remote control just in time for me to see Dani appearing from the corner of the room.

    ¡± You scared the shit out of me ¡± I told him and he smiled ¡± seems you only appear whenever I¡¯m about eating. Care for some?¡± I point the popcorn at him.

    ¡± Thank you ¡± he said, not waving me off as he walked towards me so I held it up. He dips his hand into it and takes a couple of popcorn before settling on the couch, beside me.

    ¡± What are you watching?¡± He asked.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know yet, I¡¯m thinking of cartoon. That¡¯s all I ever watch anyway ¡± I replied, flicking through the channels. Dani snorts aughter beside me.

    ¡± How have you been, La?¡± He asked as I finally settled for a cartoonwork.

    ¡± Good. How have you been? I haven¡¯t been seeing you around until now ¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m always busy. . . . . ¡±

    ¡± Securing Logan¡¯s bank ounts? ¡± I cut him off mockingly.

    Daniughs and replied ¡± very funny ¡±

    ¡± Is that all you ever do? Securing bank ounts? ¡± I asked him as I shifted in my seat. ¡± Don¡¯t you go out, have fun and party? ¡±

    ¡± How would you know if I partied and how sure are you that I don¡¯t? ¡± He asked me skeptically.

    ¡± Well it¡¯s obvious enough, ¡± I replied unblinkingly ¡± you¡¯ve never smelled of alcohol before. You dress¡­.. Quite differently and look like a decent young man ¡±

    ¡± Decent? ¡± He asked with a raised brow.

    ¡± And quite young to be doing what you do ¡± I added.

    Dani smiles courtly before replying ¡± thank you for acknowledging my good looks, La. But I¡¯m much older than you think¡±

    ¡± What? Are you like forty? ¡±

    ¡± No. But I¡¯m very much older than you. ¡±

    ¡± Fair. But I¡¯d like to know how old you are ¡±

    ¡± Since you¡¯re insisting, I¡¯ll tell you. I¡¯m twenty four. ¡±

    ¡± As I¡¯ve guessed ¡±

    ¡± You guessed my age?¡±

    Shrugging my shoulders, I replied ¡± I¡¯m a very curious person ¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m quite a curious person too ¡±

    ¡± But you hardly talk ¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s why I¡¯m always very curious. I tend to have too many questions in my head ¡±

    ¡± Go on then, ask me a question ¡± I angled myself on the couch to face him, abandoning the TV that was ying on the background. I saw the look of difort in his eyes. He felt ufortable when I looked directly at him but I enjoyed it somehow.

    He takes his time to look me up before replying ¡± do you love partying? ¡±

    The answer wasn¡¯t hard to give. Throughout my early teen years in highschool, I never enjoyed partying. I didn¡¯t drink alcohol. I was always this reserved and shy girl who liked staying in her room. I¡¯d only ever attended one party before. With my ex boyfriend. Emma had invited me to a party at his best friend¡¯s house two months into our rtionship. He knew how shy I was and how ufortable I felt in crowded ces and so he never left my side throughout the night.

    I blinked the memory away before replying ¡± no. I¡¯m not an outdoor person, I mostly prefer to stay at home ¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    ¡± Then I guessed right too¡±

    ¡± Very funny ¡± I smiled and watched Dani deep his hand into my popcorn. I just watched him, my mind far away.

    ¡± I don¡¯t know if I miss my parents, ¡± I spoke nearly absent mindedly ¡± but I miss home. I miss my neighborhood. I miss my work, even though it¡¯s shitty most of the time because of my boss, ¡± I chuckled at my own joke ¡± I miss my best friend, Maddy. We always walked to school and work together. We were pretty much the pair. I miss my old life ¡±

    Dani waited for a while, as if waiting for me to say all I have to say before speaking ¡± I¡¯m sorry that you have to miss all that, La. You¡¯ll have all that back some day, even better. All you have to do is have a little patience ¡±

    I looked up at him and realized my vision was getting blurred. I didn¡¯t understand why I¡¯d suddenly feel this way after the little memory I¡¯d just remembered.

    The door makes a sound and I turned around to see one of Logan¡¯s bodyguards walking in with a squared box in his hands.

    ¡± Yes? ¡± I asked as he stopped near us.

    ¡± A package for you, ma¡¯am ¡± he replied, pointing the slim box at me.

    I rose to my feet and grabbed it from him and he excused himself. Dani watched with curious eyes as I set the box on the center table. It was a chocte box. There¡¯s a single rose wrapped in cellophane strapped on top of the box cover, a note attached right next to it. I looked carefully over it before taking the note from it and reading it.

    ¡± If I could give you one thing in life, I¡¯d give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes, only then would you realize how special you are to me, La. Have a lovely night, love ¡±

    My eyes moved from the slim brown paper to Dani whose gaze caught mine instantly. At the end of the letter was Logan¡¯s name written in bold letters. I unwrapped the rose flower and set it aside before cutting the lid of the box and opening it to find different shaped choctes arranged inside the box.

    ¡± Whatever¡¯s in there smells delicious ¡± Dani said jokingly and I burst outughing

 55

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    The day I found out that Santiago DeAngelo had been killed by someone, I didn¡¯t know what to think. I¡¯ve lived all my life feeling like he was too immortal to be killed, I never saw the part where he was still human with flesh and blood who could be killed by the pack of enemies he made for himself. He was my model and I adored him, always looked up to him. I believed in him so much that I forgot that he could be someone¡¯s target.

    That¡¯s when I knew that there was more to the world I know than I¡¯d thought.

    You know that feeling you get after you¡¯ve been doused in ice cold water and just for a few seconds it feels like you¡¯ve been frozen in a cier or something like that?

    That was the feeling I got as I stared down into the seemingly dark, fathomless pale blue eyes of my uncle as heid lifeless at the end of the dark tunnel leading down the water wash next to the bushes, a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead. I knew that if I hadn¡¯t found him, his body would¡¯ve been washed away into those forests.

    I can remember my chest tightening. I remember not being able to breathe that I actually began to wonder if I had a history of asthma that I didn¡¯t know of. I¡¯d screamed my heart out, my eyes watering in anger. I tried to breathe, I wanted to unleash my anger on anything. I kicked my car, kicked a couple of my men who stood around watching the drama I performed. They were all pained too. My uncle was their boss before me.

    Nothing could everpare to the pain I felt that day. I spent the whole day screaming in my room, knocking things off and smashing the walls till my hands were all wounded.

    Santiago DeAngelo was the closest thing I ever had to a father, love and everything in between. He nurtured me into the man that I am today.

    And as I walked out of the car that drove me back to my former home again tonight, I carried a lot of guilt. Questions kept running through my mind like stray bullets. I wasn¡¯t guilty for my uncle¡¯s death. I knew my father was going to mention it and try to pin it on me but I knew he could easily go down for it if Jamie Templeman didn¡¯t go down. My father never loved his brother, Santiago. They were hardly ever on the same page and that was enough to go on.

    As I reached the foyer, I heard the loud chattersing from inside the room. I tried to recognize each voices but it was impossible. I could only recognize the voice of my mother, Grazie and a distant cousin of my father¡¯s. As soon as I stepped inside, I spotted my mom, heavily dressed in her green bodice dress with a long pearl ne hanging off her wrinkling neck. She¡¯s standing at the window, having a serious talk with my father¡¯s cousin, Martello. On the rugged floor were two little girls not looking older than seven involved in kids y with a couple of toys.

    Around the corner stood a somewhat chubby young woman, dressed in a nude gown that exposed most of her body. She¡¯s watching some photo albums from the counter next to her, a wine ss in her hand.

    I could see movements in the wide kitchen. I caught sight of Grazie dashing in, what looked like apron tied around her back. The rest of the noise wasing in from the kitchen.

    ¡± Ah, Logan, you¡¯re here¡± my mother called, sprinting towards me as soon as she spotted me.

    The chubby woman who standing closest to me but failed to notice my presence because she was too consumed by the photo album she was looking at turns around to see me. ¡± This is the Logan?¡± She asks. ¡°So this is the man everyone¡¯s been talking about¡±

    I titled my head slightly towards her, wearing my amused smile for the first time tonight ¡°and you are?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame how you don¡¯t know me, ¡± she spoke elegantly, stalking towards me to fill the little space between us ¡°I¡¯m Elina. Wife to your uncle, Martello¡±

    I took the hand she¡¯s pointing at me, feigning dness and bent over to peck it ¡°how wonderful to have you here with us tonight¡±

    I agreed instantly that the ck haired kids ying on the rug were hers and Martello¡¯s kids.

    ¡± Logan DeAngelo, ¡± the said Martello speaks from behind my mother ¡± the legendary son of the DeAngelo dynasties. I¡¯m honored to be in your presence tonight ¡±

    ¡°Pleasure is mine, ¡± I replied, getting rather upset with the fake pleasantries ¡± shall we have dinner already? I don¡¯t have all day¡±

    ¡°Come with me, papi!¡± Grazie speaks from the kitchen exit. I turned a look at her, smiling back. She doesn¡¯t appear dressed up for a family dinner. Instead, she¡¯s covered in flour and all sorts of food. She beacons with her hand to follow her and I did, towards the next room.

    ¡± I¡¯m just gonna dust myself and slip into my dress, ¡± she exins as she pulled me towards the bedroom.

    ¡°Not tonight¡­.¡± I mumbled in between.

    ¡°It¡¯s only gonna take a minute! Then we can join the rest of the family at the back!¡± She pushed, running into her closet as soon as we entered the bedroom she currently stayed in.

    I sat down on the bed, waiting for her. The room had been a spare room back in the days. It was where Dno and I woulde to y war fights, dressed up as Nazis. The memory causes me to smile. The memory is short lived when Grazie walks back with her dress zipper open for me to zip. Grunting annoyingly, I rose up to zip it up for her.

    Somethings just never change, does it?N?velDrama.Org ? content.

 56

    Grazie and I walked out through the back and into the open space. Thewn has beenpletely fitted with a long table on the east side, directly facing the side of the house. The swimming pool stood out at the opposite side, a little bit aback. When my mother had asked me toe for a little family dinner, I¡¯d expected a table with my immediate family, and Grazie possibly. What I hadn¡¯t expected was the extended family I was probably just seeing for the first time or just having a hard time remembering them.

    Apart from the others I¡¯d met back inside, a couple are already seated at the table, waiting. A curly haired young boy, not looking any older than sixteen is seated at a chair, his face looking bored of the whole family set up, his eyes glued to the phone he was so focused pressing on.

    Next to him sat a young woman that I presume could be another distant cousin, then a little boy with a differentiating blond hair. Our family has a marking brownish ck hair that we all shared inmon. So my guess was that he was from a half American parent.

    At the long end of the table sat my father in his glorious nice suits. Next to him sat Martello and his wife, then their kids on the opposite side, next to the younger kids. My mother stood at the barbeque getting something off it, her seat empty right next to my father¡¯s. I counted atleast five other empty seats around the table and after Grazie and I took our seats next to each other, I wondered who were the three members who wanted to make the grand entrance.

    I noticed Dno¡¯s absence but didn¡¯t wanna bother myself about him. He was probably thest person I wanted to see here tonight.

    Just as I sat down, a woman made an entrance. I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off her as soon as I noticed her presence in the room. She¡¯s dressed in a slim red gown with a slit on the side of the left thigh, the chest a wide V, allowing view of her average sized breasts. Her deep brown hair is well made into heavy waves across her shoulders and back. Her face is well made in heavy make up.

    She cat walks towards the table, making it impossible for anyone not to notice her. Everyone¡¯s head is turned towards her. Her smile is big, ear to ear and I couldn¡¯t help wonder who she was. She couldn¡¯t possibly be a family member.

    ¡± Hello guys! ¡± She half giggles, iling her long purse in the air ¡± I¡¯m sorry that we camete. Traffic!¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s alright my dear, we¡¯re just getting started. Have a seat!¡± My mother replies her as she took her seat herself.

    I watched her take the seat far away from me, her eyes scanning everyone at the table till they fell on me. Her eyes lingers on me and like we were doing some staring contest, I refused to lower my gaze. Her eyes twitches genuinely, like she knew me before. She twists her waist in a seductive manner, pushing out her butt as she tried to sit down. She finally looks away to say hi to the younger girl she¡¯d sat next to at the opposite side, a bit closer to me.

    Leaning closer to Grazie who had a ss up to her lips, I asked ¡± who¡¯s she?¡±

    Grazie snorts before replying ¡± that¡¯s Daisy Patrova. Dno¡¯s long term girlfriend¡±

    I could feel the disapproval and annoyance in her voice that told me Grazie didn¡¯t like her. I didn¡¯t me her. Daisy was aplete opponent of rivalry who representspetition.

    But Dno¡¯s girlfriend? This is rich. Judging from Daisy¡¯s dress, it¡¯s easy to guess her standards. She looked to be from a well recognized, maybe extremely rich family.

    When I heard the footsteps that followed from behind me, I knew who had arrived.

    Dno.

    The steps are heavy so I knew he was walking in with another person, the Fifth person missing from the table.

    They walked ahead, towards the emty seats.

    ¡°Good evening lovelydies and gentlemen¡± Dno greets, throwing his smiles across the table.

    I could see how every heads turned to him, weing him without even as much as uttering a word. Yeah, there he was, the golden son.

    The man next to him who¡¯d taken the seat next to Dno¡¯s girlfriend was someone I couldn¡¯t recognize but from the look of things, he looked to be a distant family. I didn¡¯t care. What I cared about was getting this dinner with and getting the fuck out if here.

    Dno¡¯s eyes falls on me as he sits down next to his girlfriend, a small amused smile on his lips. I matched the smile, my eyes watching his intensively.

    ¡± Hello brother¡± he said.

    Dno was always known for dressing impably and he did himself one tonight. He even brought his girlfriend along. I thought this was supposed to be a family dinner.

    ¡°Hello Dno¡± I said back, our eyes still locked.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Nice of you toe ¡± he said.

    ¡± I don¡¯t see why not, ¡± I replied, my eyes moving over to his girlfriend ¡± besides, I think it¡¯s a pleasant honor having to be graced with this beautifuldy seated right next to you, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    I could see how Daisy¡¯s eyes went wide in shock as to me addressing her flirtatiously when I hadn¡¯t met her before.

    Everyone starts passing the food around, Dno¡¯s eyes still on me. Leaning on the table, I said to her ¡± what¡¯s your name, beautiful?¡±

    I could see how she hesitated, shifting ufortably in her seat before replying ¡± Daisy Patrova. Dno¡¯s girlfriend¡±

    Territorial. I like that. My smile widened as my eyes fell on Dno¡¯s. I struck a nerve and I¡¯m d I did. Now let the show begin.

 57

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    My father always said that life is what you make of it. What you mould of it. It¡¯s your own story to tell and you¡¯re the one writing it, moulding it, until it fits the way you want.

    I¡¯m writing my own story now. My life is my own manuscript, aposition of thoughts, wishes, and fears, all shaped into thoughts until I¡¯m content with what I¡¯d brought into my mind. Sometimes those thoughts reshape on their own, though. Sometimes, the story I¡¯mposing finds its own rhythm. Just like tonight.

    A new chapter in my life had opened the night I walked into my own home to meet guns pointed at my parents¡¯ faces, to meet Logan standing tall and intimidating, waiting for my arrival. The day I¡¯dst saw and spoken to my best friend and ex boyfriend. That chapter of my life had ended there that night.

    It was like I was reborn into the arms of Logan DeAngelo. Over the course of months I¡¯ve spent with him, knowing him and growing fund of him, I¡¯d been his and somehow he was mine. The feeling when I looked into his eyes were ones I¡¯d never be able toprehend. I saw need and lust in his eyes. But no love.

    I¡¯m starting to wonder if I really wanted to escape from here. He was all I knew in months and all I got. He was correct about that.

    I like to believe that whatever I do, letting my heart race after him was part of my ns of escaping in the nearest future. Get him to trust me, then I¡¯d run off right in the open.

    As I sat next to the new book I was reading for thete morning, my legs propped up on the center ss table, I couldn¡¯t stop smiling. I had the chocte box next to me. I¡¯d eaten a couple of pieces of itst night. After having breakfast, I didn¡¯t know what better way to enjoy it than reading my book with it.

    I heard the sound of the door bolting and clicking open and I looked far to see who wasing in. I knew Logan wasn¡¯t gonna be home today or any day soon. I also knew Dani wasn¡¯t going to check me this early in the morning from wherever he crawls out from.

    I saw ck leather heels walk in and I followed it to find Antoniette¡¯s face, smiling as she walked in, all dressed up.

    She¡¯s dressed in green checkered zers that fitted her tall height, stopping at her calf, halfway through her leather boots. She¡¯s carrying a big brown box in her arms as she walked in, half of her face hidden behind the box, only looking through the side to give me a smile as she approached.

    I smiled back. I couldn¡¯t feel any more d to be seeing her here right this moment. Antoniette had left just like that. She¡¯d cared for me when I¡¯d first arrived into this mansion and then I didn¡¯t see her anymore and Logan wouldn¡¯t tell me where she went. If she came back now, it was only Logan who made that possible.

    ¡°La¡± she calls, setting down the box on the table.

    She probably hadn¡¯t expected what I did next because I threw myself at her, hugging her tight like I¡¯d known her all my life.

    ¡°Oh! It¡¯s nice to see you too miss La¡±

    Releasing her, I asked ¡± where have you been?¡±

    ¡°I know Logan asked you to leave,¡± I said as soon as she tried to reply my question, cutting her off before she even started. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t tell me why¡±

    ¡± There wasn¡¯t a genuine reason needed, Miss La. I served my time and needed to leave to my own life¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t work full time for Logan like the rest of his men?¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Well, ¡± she steps back towards the box, caressing it¡¯s edges with her long fingers ¡°I¡¯ve been working for him for over six years now. my work isn¡¯t permanently here. I onlye to cook and do some cleaning, leave, repeat and help with some other jobs outside this ce. Pretty easy ¡±

    I thought of all other questions to ask but stopped myself. I¡¯ve been wanting to see this woman for months and now that she¡¯s here, bombarding her with useless questions wasn¡¯t the best way to spend our time.

    ¡± So why did youe back now? I thought you left for good?¡± I asked, feeling spirited once again.

    ¡°Ah, yes. Mr DeAngelo phoned me yesterday. Asked me to go to Paris and pick something up for you. Here it is¡±

    My eyes follows her pointed finger towards therge box.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked as I started walking towards her.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you find out?¡± She replied, pulling off the handgloves from her other hand.

    I reached for the box, unsure of what to do before carefully opening it. I found white crispy substances on it, a ck wooden frame appearing underneath. I dug my hand inside it to feel it. It was a frame of s picture. I carefully retrieved it, turning it around to find something that would blow my mind, leave me stunned and eyes peering open like saucers.

    The frame was arge image of a woman, painted in beautiful details with brush strokes that told stories to the one who knew how to read paintings. Logan knew she loved art, paintings. She had hinted him that at theirst dinner. And he¡¯d brought her this. The image of a tall, slim woman in a blue flowing gown whose face is thrown to the side, one leg protruding from the slit in her dress. An African emeraldb beautifies her hair like a crown sitting on her brown hair. She looked beautiful.

    As I held the image staring at it, my heart beat rhythmically. I didn¡¯t know why but it did.

 58

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    Soon the foods were shared around. Everyone were busy fetching into their tes, voices and sounds of cutleries mixed together on the long table.

    I on the other hand had no interest on the lots of Italian dishes my mother had put together. With my father¡¯s constant gaze at me, I knew there was more about my presence here tonight than merely having dinner and meeting some long lost family.

    ¡± So!¡± Martello cuts through the silence, his head turned to me as he addressed me ¡°tell us how you¡¯ve been fairing, Logan. I heard you run the biggest cult the world¡¯s ever seen, taking after my cousin brother, Santiago¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    I tilted my head so I could face him properly since we were seated along the same side on the table. I hated that he called it cult. He made it sound so bad. But oh well, what can I say? I couldn¡¯t give a fuck if anyone thought I was bad or doing something bad. What matters was the fear it instilled in them. That was exactly what Santiago taught me.

    Throwing him a nice smile, I picked up a raspberry and popped it into my mouth, then replied ¡°you¡¯ve heard quite correctly, ahm¡­¡± I pretend to be struggling with his name.

    ¡°This is my cousin, Martello Swarez.,¡± My father cuts in to the rescue, his posture unwavering ¡°you haven¡¯t met him before. He lives in Louisiana with his family. As you may have known, this is his wife,¡± he points to Elena ¡± and their two children Katerina and Felicie¡±

    ¡°How lovely having you at the table with us tonight¡± I replied, faking it. I knew my father was going to continue making the unnecessary introduction around the table and that was my least concern here tonight so I made sure to skip that by pushing a question forward before he could say another word ¡°tell me father, why did you want me here so badly?¡±

    Heads turned but I remained stoic. Enough with the pretense and get on with it man.

    After the much needed silence, my father replied ¡°we¡¯re gathered here today in respect to my baby brother¡¯s death.¡± I felt my nerve slow calming down as I saw through the coldness and emptiness in his blue eyes. How they shared the same eyes. ¡°Santiago was dear to me even through out our bad days. What¡¯s brothers without a little bit of fights and quarrel?¡± My eyes made a quick shufty across the table to Dno. He did the same too, causing our eyes to meet just for a split second before looking away.

    My father raises his wine ss ¡± during his funeral, you were broken Logan, ¡± he continued ¡°too broken to even look your mother or anyone in the eyes. I knew and understood how much my brother meant to you. You were driven by pure hate and anger at the moment and as a result, we never had the time to share this grieve as family. You are here tonight, so that we could pay our respects and give our condolences¡± with a slight nod, he puts his ss to his lips and sipped his wine. The rest of the family does the same while I just sat there, watching them.

    Tears brimmed at my eyes but I couldn¡¯t show them how much his death weakened me.

    ¡°Thank you for showing me your condolences,¡± I finally spoke, a smirk lining my lips to not give the obvious away ¡°but I would hunt down his killer and make him pay¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been doing that for¡­ two years? As we¡¯ve heard¡± the other man who had walked in with Dno at thest minute spoke.

    Turning to look at him, I replied impatiently ¡°yes. It may have taken me a lot of time but his days are urately numbered from now on ¡±

    Silence drew in again, stretching across the table like a thick fog.

    ¡°My brother had left in your name a huge amount of his properties¡± my father finally broke the ice, mentioning the one reason why he had me seated at this table tonight.

    My lips lifted in a long smile. Finally¡­..

    ¡°Oh he left everything to me¡±

    ¡°Orders must be taken, the will must be altered¡± he said, his eyes finally reaching mine and settling there. I stared back into his darkened, fathomless eyes. Yes, his true self was finallying out.

    ¡°What is it you propose father?¡± I asked, leaning back onto the chair, like an audience just about getting entertained.

    ¡°I do not know why Santiago left everything to you but we seek you make immediate adjustments where necessary and have some of his money shared with your brother and the rest of the family ¡±

    Flinching from the chair like it suddenly burnt my skin, I leant over the table, my eyes pouring into his and replied coldly ¡°now tell me why I should do what you want father? ¡±

    ¡°Because I am the deceased brother and I have every right ¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not his wife or child, so tell me what exactly gives you that amount of right?¡± I replied tenderly, showing no form of anger.

    I saw my father chunck down arge amount of air, leaning back on his chair to look properly at me.

    ¡°When your brother was alive, did you ever show any form of love or support to him? You casted him out, just as you did me.,¡± I gritted my teeth as the anger started to surface ¡°Santiago gave me all he gave me because he saw me as a person. He took me as his own son. Something you couldn¡¯t even do¡±

    ¡°Logan!¡± He screamed my name across the table. But I don¡¯t stop. Because I loved the anger I saw in his eyes. I loved getting him crazy.

    ¡°You¡¯ve always wanted him dead, didn¡¯t you?¡± I pushed ¡°only you didn¡¯t expect to have this turn of events¡±

 59

    ¡°What exactly do you n on doing to Jamie Templeman when you catch him?¡± Martello cuts through the thick fog, much to my father¡¯s sake ¡°we hear he¡¯s the one you presumed is behind his death¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the one, Martello and be rest assured he will get the justice he deserves¡± I replied, grabbing my wine and chunking it down my dried throat.

    Looking back at my father, my eyes burningsers at him, I continued ¡°do I need remind you, father, that you have locked away my fair share of my grandfather¡¯s properties? You¡¯d rather those money rot away than give it to the rightful owner¡±

    ¡°What do you know to use all those money to do, Logan?¡±

    ¡°Ah, interesting question. You see unlike you, I have a lot to do with it. Instead of giving away the money to every woman around the world for mere sex, cheating endlessly and shamelessly on your one true wife, I¡¯d give it out¡­..¡±

    ¡°Logan!¡± My mother cuts me off angrily, apanied by Elina¡¯s and a couple other warning voices. But I didn¡¯t care.

    ¡°I told you Logan and I¡¯ll tell you again,¡± my father speaks ¡± you and I, we¡¯re a lot more alike ¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong, father. We merely just share blood. I¡¯m nothing like you. And deep down, you know it. All you¡¯re doing and have always been doing is looking for someone to pin your wrongdoings on, to put the me of your misfortune on. I was the perfect victim, you showed me that at my younger age. You tore me apart before I knew what this cold world was all about and you never looked back. So you see, you and I are very different¡±

    ¡°Are we truly that different, Logan, hmm?¡± My father pushes, giving me a sly smile like he had aeback I didn¡¯t know of and couldn¡¯t beat ¡°have you forgotten what you did to Nigel?¡±

    My lips hung lose at the mention of my former best friend. My father knew this was a sensitive matter to me and he brought it up. He wanted to y it like that? I had every time in the world to drag him down, uncover his hidden dirty secrets and ruin the little family he thinks he brought together tonight. But while having the thought, another kept eating at me. The face of Nigel Moretti kepting in shes.

    Nigel Moretti was my one true friend, the one I ever trusted. He was there throughout my mad and normal days. Nigel and I had known each other since I was a kid. We grew up here together. He was light coffee skinned but he wasn¡¯t African. He was a half Italian half Canadian. Nigel was a fine man who unlike me grew up from a poor family. We always did everything together, he was the nicest kid and thus his family background never bothered me. We would practice stealing together as kids, share my dinners and breakfast at school. When my father had me arrested he had begged my father endlessly to have me released but instead my father threatened to have him arrested for putting me into school gangs. But my father always had the spots for him.

    A few days before my imprisonment, he lost his only parent, his mother to cancer. Nigel was alone in the world and my father took him under his care. When I got arrested, my father tore us apart, sending him off to Moro to take care of his businesses.

    And why does the mention of his name hurts me so much now? A couple of years spent with Santiago. I was bing a changed man, having had my first kill. Then therees Nigel, seemingly grown up like I was, dressed in suits, walking in through the doors of my office. He still got the smile on his lips but they didn¡¯t reach his eyes or reach out to me. We settled down and had a few talk. Then he said my father had set us up to meet, to catch up he¡¯d said. I knew we could never be the same again. We¡¯d grown up in different worlds, too differently to understand each other¡¯s points of views.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    But when Nigel spoke, with all the critics, I saw my father¡¯s face behind every word he altered. And I understood immediately.

    Driven by anger, I asked one of my men to follow him as he left, to kill him. But Nigel had surprised me by killing him instead, sending me a message about how he¡¯d never forget about my attempted assassination of him. I¡¯d been driven by the anger that my father had turned the one person I ever loved and trusted against me. I¡¯d taken it to extreme ends but no amount of regret would ever make that day disappear. It¡¯s been eight years since that day and Nigel and I never set eyes on each other again.

    ¡°That meeting was your design, father and I fell right to your ns¡± I replied.

    ¡°No,¡± he shakes his head ¡°that was all you, Logan. You think you¡¯re avenging my brother¡¯s death but in reality you¡¯re just driven by self anger and self pity. That¡¯s what this is all about, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    His words stung and I hadn¡¯t realized everyone stopped eating to watch us until the silence seemed to tear my ears, mismatching my hearing of his painful voice. I couldn¡¯t let him get the upper hand tonight, not again so I leant into the table and held his gaze firmly.

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re doing, father. You¡¯re driven by so much hate for no other person but yourself that you turn around to hurt those around you. Do you know why I¡¯m always the perfect victim for you? Because I never gave you that pity. I was the son who dared to stand up to you. Who dared to speak the truth, who didn¡¯t fear you. I was the son who was all you¡¯ve ever wanted to be and now you regret ever sending me away. But you¡¯re too much of a coward and too proud to admit that¡±

 60

    The bang on the table causes me to shreak. I turned my head forward to find my mom¡¯s burning gaze, her hand seeming to pepper from hitting it on the table.

    ¡± Are you two going to keep bickering at each other?! ¡± She yelled ¡± there are kids around for God¡¯s sake! This isn¡¯t what this dinner is about. Can we not have a single night together as a family without you two trying to chop each other¡¯s heads off? ¡±

    The silence broke in. Slowly, everyone resumed eating. I felt Grazie¡¯s hand rubbing over my forearm in a calming gesture. I needed to leave right now but I needed to get one thing off my chest first.

    Turning to look at Dno, I spoke ¡°I know you conspired with your dear father to lock away my share of our grandfather¡¯s fortune. But I will assure you one thing,¡± my eyes shifts to my father now ¡°I would stop at nothing till I get my hands on them, even if I have to kill the lots of you to get it¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Dno replies, nearly cutting me off ¡°that¡¯s who you are, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re always killing people, telling your sick mind that you¡¯re doing what¡¯s right. But you¡¯re not, Logan, you¡¯re just hiding from the truth. Killing makes you feel better about yourself so I wouldn¡¯t be surprised when you point that gun at me would I?¡±

    Leaning directly towards him, I stered a firm mocking smile on my lips as I replied ¡°yes, Dno. In fact, I could put a bullet through your head right now and pretend to be happy about it because as you¡¯ve said, that¡¯s exactly what makes me happy. Life goes on for me brother¡±

    Dno stands up to his full length, towering over the rest of us at the table. I noticed the fear in the eyes of his girlfriend as she tried to hold him down but he wipes her hand away from his arm. His eyes seemed to have taken a drastic change, like a monster getting unleashed from a one sweet little beast. This should be worthwhile.

    ¡± You always think you¡¯re better than all of us, don¡¯t you? ¡± He growled at me.

    ¡± Think? I am better than the lots of you ¡±

    ¡± The sooner you get over that sick thought of yours, the better for you ¡±

    ¡± Tell me something, Dno, do you have something you wanna say to me? If not, I don¡¯t see why you¡¯d be wasting so much energy on this rubbish you¡¯re going on about ¡±

    ¡± I have a lot to tell you, Logan. I am asking you to back down on your im on our Clegane DeAngelo¡¯s money. You already have enough from our pathetic uncle ¡±

    ¡± Call him pathetic one more time and I¡¯ll put a bullet through your head ¡± I warned him, my face turning serious as I reached for my gun on my waist.

    He doesn¡¯t shake, he just stairs at me, his mouth hanging open. He knows better than to say another word.

    ¡± What arrant nonsense! ¡± My father yells, bringing my attention back to the front. I¡¯m too consumed on saying what was on my mind to my father that I don¡¯t know when Dno left his seat, rounded the table to my side and fisted his hand up, striking me across the face and knocking me over. I quickly held myself from falling thanks to the table, hitting his leg with mine before he could throw in another punch. Grazie stands up and scoots away as everyone gasped around the table.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    I stood away while he tried to regain his stance again. I heard my mother calling us from the background but I don¡¯t pay attention. My eyes are fixed on Dno¡¯s. I will smack that look off his face before anyone here could stop me.

    He rushes towards me with a punch but I moved away, giving him an elbow at his side. We switch sides and I waited for him to stand well. There is no honor in beating a man from his behind when he wasn¡¯t looking and couldn¡¯t defense himself.

    The table has been deserted now. Dno screams as he ran towards me. I smiled, making a quick eye contact with his girlfriend before he reached me. Good of him to make a fool out of himself in front of his girlfriend.

    Hends a punch on my stomach and I elbowed him on his back before awarding him another punch to his face which sets him staggering backwards till he nearly fell on his back.

    Blood trickled down his nose now as he stood, trying to catch his breath.

    ¡± Stop this nonsense now! ¡± My father roared ¡± or so help me, Logan! ¡±

    ¡± It¡¯s Logan again isn¡¯t it?! I¡¯m always the bad person. Did you see him when he came at me first?! Of course not! You¡¯re blind! ¡±

    ¡± Logan please! ¡± My mother¡¯s broken voice broke through and I searched the faces to find her still seated at the table, crying, Elina at her side rubbing her arms. I searched the faces of the kids once seated at the table, the fear and horror in their faces.

    Looking back at Dno whose girlfriend is now helping up as he held his side and said ¡± the next time you touch me would be thest ¡±

    Turning back towards the rest of the family, I added ¡± this dinner was a circus show anyway. I hope you lots enjoyed it ¡±

    I turned and stormed out towards the door.

    ¡± Logan! ¡± Grazie¡¯s voice called after me, followed by her clicking heels but I don¡¯t stop. I felt way too angry to stop and listen to anybody, not even her. I didn¡¯t wanna vent my anger on her. And so I entered the car and rode out, cursing under my breath.

 61

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    Antoniette and I spent the evening together. She cooked dinner and we ate together, through talks and all. By the time we finished eating at the kitchen table, I offered to wash the dishes.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t supposed to be doing that¡± Antoniette called as I dropped the te in the sink.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing this before you came¡± I replied with a small smile.

    ¡°How are you holding up, La?¡± She asked, arms crossed across her chest and her back leaning against the next sink.

    I looked at her, turning the running water off. I knew her question meant more. She knew who Logan was and how he could get towards people like me. People who have wronged him. She¡¯d worked that long and that close to him to know this.

    ¡°I¡¯m just here, Antoniette,¡± I replied, cing the te next to the sink. Antoniette picks it up and starts drying it with a cloth ¡°Logan doesn¡¯t hit me anymore¡±

    I knew she knew he was hitting me and she doesn¡¯t try to hide the fact that she knew.

    Setting the te down, she spoke ¡°I¡¯m sorry about everything you had to go through, La. But keep in mind that Mr Logan DeAngelo is a good man. if you get to know him, you would learn to love him¡±

    No denying thatst statement but I started to wonder why they always spoke so good about him when it seems too obvious that he treated them all like nothing.

    ¡°How much does Logan pay you to paint him out to be good?¡± I asked anyways, dropping off thest te and turning towards the table to take a seat.

    Antoniette smiles before replying ¡± he doesn¡¯t pay me to do such, La. If he was treating me bad, I think I¡¯d be humane enough to tell you that¡±

    ¡°But you wouldn¡¯t let me out knowing he kidnapped me if I begged you to¡±

    ¡°Oh I don¡¯t wanna cross Logan, La. And you should know it¡¯s best you never try to escape unless he lets you leave on his will¡±

    ¡°Oh rest assured I¡¯ve tried a couple of times¡±

    ¡°Oh well I¡¯m surprised he hasn¡¯t killed you yet. That leaves one fact open then, ¡± I waited for her to say whatever she was gonna say next ¡°Logan DeAngelo has fallen in love with you¡±

    I snorted, pretending I couldn¡¯t believe that. I¡¯ve seen how he looks at me. I could only rule that to be mere lust. Logan has slept with way too many women to know the true meaning of love. If it wasn¡¯t mere lust then I didn¡¯t know what it is.

    ¡°Logan doesn¡¯t feel that way¡± I insisted, turning away from her.

    ¡°But you do, right?¡±

    I thought about her question over and over and realized I didn¡¯t have the answer for it. I couldn¡¯t admit it to myself that I was starting to fancy the man who¡¯d abducted me from my home months ago, I couldn¡¯te to terms with the fact that I was falling in love with the man who had done nothing but steal my freedom and abused me severally.

    Antoniette rounds the table and sits next to me.

    ¡°La, I know it isn¡¯t easy, ¡± she started ¡°dealing with a man like Logan. But I know whatever is dear to him, he keeps and cherishes and I know that he adores you so much. Logan has had a rough past that he¡¯s healing from. After losing his dear uncle¡­..¡±

    ¡± He recently told me about his loss, I didn¡¯t know?¡± I cut her off.

    She nods and continued ¡°killed by an enemy. Logan loved his uncle a lot, more than any other family but he got shot. What¡¯s my point? Logan is a really good man, La and if you can bear with him, you¡¯ll see his good side some day and you¡¯d be d you waited. I know it¡¯s not easy, taking you away from all the life you used to know but it gets better. I want you to give Logan a chance and you¡¯ll see what a hopeless romantic he is. Life isn¡¯t fair to anyone, La and he is no immortal. He deserves to be loved and cared for and I know you can do that for him. You can help him, La¡±

    I just sat there watching her go on and on, taking a turn in saying a few things about his rough past life. I knew Logan had some good in him and ourst time together proves it a thousand ways. But I wasn¡¯t sure, regardless of my aging feelings for him, if I wanted to remain by his sides.

    Logan vited me when he took me away and looked me up for months. I didn¡¯t know if I was ready to spend the rest of my entire life stuck with him. I didn¡¯t wanna start a love life I wasn¡¯t entirely sure I could finish.

    Nodding slightly, I gave her an appreciative smile. Antoniette paths my hand on the table and rose to her feet.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving early tomorrow morning before Mr Logan arrives ¡± she said.

    I didn¡¯t know Logan was going to be home tomorrow. I felt a bolt in my stomach. He¡¯s only been gone for two days and I already felt like some part of me was missing. I didn¡¯t know if I¡¯d be able to handle myself when hees tomorrow.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡± Best you get some sleep now, okay?¡± She adds and I nodded again.

    ¡°Goodnight¡± she said.

    ¡°Goodnight¡±

    As I watched her back turned to me as we exited the kitchen and she started towards the stairs, a dangerous thought ured to my mind like wild fire, spreading across my heart and poisoning it.

    ¡® it¡¯s just the two of us, I can escape¡¯

    My heart took a drastic speed, blood pumping unusually as I looked around me for possible weapons. And just like that, all that¡¯s happened between Logan and I thrown away with the thought of freedom.

 62

    I woke up earlier than I normally would since my stay at this house. I found my body jolting to life at the thought of escaping. It was all I thought about as Iid back on this massive bed all night, plotting towards it. I felt this an opportunity to leave before Logan gets back.

    He¡¯d never find me. I couldn¡¯t hurt Antoniette into letting me out of the house but she could help me get out.

    I rushed into the bathroom and sshed water on my face. I pulled off my night wear and threw on a ck hoodie after a ck singlet over ck leggings. I pulled my hair back at the nape of my neck and made my way out.

    The smell of freshly baked bread stung my nostrils as I made my way through the stairs, apanied by Antoniette¡¯s shuffling feet in the kitchen. When I reached down, I saw her standing over the table with a te of breakfast on it, like she was waiting for me.

    As soon as she sensed my presence, she looks up to see me, a bright smile crossing her face.

    ¡± Good morning, La ¡± she greets, going off the table to stand straight.

    I faked a smile, tucking my hands into the hoodie¡¯s pockets as I slowly made my way towards her.

    ¡± Good morning, Antoniette ¡± I replied.

    ¡± A bit too early dressed up in hoods, don¡¯t ya think? ¡± She asks jokingly.

    ¡± I. . . . . woke up feeling really cold ¡± I lied and she nods instantly.

    ¡± I made you breakfast, ¡± she points to the table ¡± I thought I¡¯d make you a final meal before leaving ¡±

    Giving her a smile, I sat down next to the food ¡± thank you. Will you be leaving now? ¡±

    ¡± Ah yes ¡± she replied, whipping her hands across her jeans trousers. I nodded, facing forward while pretending to be watching the food on my table. I had no interest in it.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be leaving then ¡± she announced, walking towards the exit.

    ¡± Alright, see you soon ¡± I replied, giving her a final smile before she disappeared out of my sight. I rose up and quietly followed her, working my brain at a time about going back to grab a spoon just incase it¡¯s use warrants or stay down till I heard the doors click open and jumping her. I haven¡¯t been seeing Logan¡¯s bodyguards around the house for a couple of days now so I didn¡¯t wanna fear they¡¯d be out waiting for me like thest time. This time it won¡¯t be so easy if they saw me get out. I¡¯d put up a fight.

    I took light steps and followed her to the rectangr foyer. Once at the door, she stops to drag the key card along the key slot. I waited behind the draw table that covered me properly incase she looked back. The doors worked with slots and passcodes. I guess she didn¡¯t know the passcodes.

    I watched as she puts the card over the slot and came the beeping sound. Then I made for her as soon as the doors started to slide apart. I jumped over her, covering her head with my body and wrapping my legs around her thighs. Antoniette struggles to break free but I held her with all the muscles and strength in my body.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    The doorspletely opened now and I saw my freedom just outside. I pushed myself off her andnded my feet on the floor, struggling to keep her from breaking free.

    We struggle for a long while, our breaths haggard and muffled.

    ¡± What¡¯re you doing? ¡± Antoniette manages to breath out as we stumbled back, colliding with the draw table.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± I breathed hard. I watched the clear outside. I knew that I needed to get through that door before it closes back. Letting go of her, I gave her a final push back and made for the door. Antoniette¡¯s hands caught my leg before I could cross the doors, yanking me down to the floor. I screamed in pain as I went face down on the floor.

    The door makes a sound as it began closing. I watched, horrified as all my efforts began to crumble right in front of my eyes.

    ¡± No! ¡± I wailed like a child who missed her bus to a circus show, turning around to kick her on the face. Her grip releases around my feet and I started crawling towards the door before they jammed close. But before I could make it, hands grabbed my legs again, yanking me down.

    Then I saw the doors shut close. I screamed my voice out, my eyes tearing up. I was so close. How did I let this happen? I wailed in anger and pain that awaited me. Antoniette tries to hold me down but I pushed her away, rising up against the walls. I tried to catch my breath but couldn¡¯t.

    Antoniette was breathing hard now, like we¡¯d both ran a marathon. Then I knew that I was done for. She would tell Logan. When he finds out, he¡¯s going to kill me. Once again, I¡¯ve ruined a brilliant n. I was impatient. I came so far only to ruin everything like this.

    Even if Logan spared my life, I¡¯d be living a life of regret and torment He¡¯d never trust me again and he¡¯d make sure I never see the light of day. He had made it clear he was going to give me my freedom if I didn¡¯t try to escape. I was going there, I was so close.

    I saw my life rey in front of me. The nights I spent in the dark basement. So I did the only thing I knew could save my life. I begged.

    ¡± Please¡­.. Please don¡¯t tell Logan ¡± I cried.

    ¡± He already knows ¡± Antoniette replied amidst pants.

 63

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    I hadn¡¯t waited for any more of the bullshit my family had to say about my unruly fight with my brother before I stormed outst night. Fighting him was never a n but measures deserved to be taken ordingly when asked for. I know fighting was hopeless and childish but I hoped my father was satisfied with the circus of a show he put onst night. Because I did, everyst bit of it.

    I barely slept at night. Every conversation kept reying in my head. Then the image of my mother weeping at the table as I stormed out, Grazie¡¯s voice calling after me but I didn¡¯t stop. I still woke up with the same anger. I didn¡¯t have anything else to do here at Italy and I nned to be out as soon as possible.

    I ordered for some gym wears which was delivered to my room in an instance. What better way to get rid of bad energy than hitting the gym in an early morning. I took the elevator to the wide gymnasium in the hotel. I popped a gum into my mouth and carried a few weight. After what felt like hours when it¡¯s just been a few minutes, I grabbed some punching gloves and took an empty sack. It was still very early in the morning so there¡¯s just a countable number of men at the gym.

    I punched the bag, my pace and strength intensifying by the minute as I kept thinking about Dno¡¯s pitiful face. I wanted so bad to have a repeat of what happenedst night. I wanted to punch his face till it wears off his skull.

    By the time I stopped punching the bag, I was sweating profusely. That¡¯s when I heard my phone ringing from the spectators bench set aside. I walked over to grab it, Grazie¡¯s name appearing on the screen. My head pulsed as the memory of me walking out on herst night reyed for me. I knew she wasn¡¯t mad at me in whatever ways but I also know she deserved some exnation, mostly reassurance that I was okay.

    Putting the phone over my ear, I picked it ¡± Grazie ¡±

    ¡± Hey Logan, are you up yet? ¡±

    ¡± Yeah ¡± I replied as I sat on the bench .

    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that. How are you? You okay? ¡±

    I chuckled enough for her to hear ¡°I¡¯m fine Grazie. Did you leave yet?¡±

    ¡°I stayed at a hotelst night, couldn¡¯t go back in there after you left. Last night was mad, Papi¡±

    ¡± Yeah¡­ I¡¯m sorry you had to watch me fight like that ¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°No I¡¯m sorry that you had to go through all that. Dno deserved the punches in all honesty¡±

    Iughed at her words before the silence broke in.

    ¡°Listen, Logan¡­.. I hate everything that¡¯s happened to you, I really do. And I sometimes wish things were a bit different. I want you to be happy, really happy¡±

    ¡°I am happy, Grazie¡±

    ¡°You lie, bastard. You don¡¯t let yourself be happy, Logan, I¡¯ve known you that long to know you. You¡¯re not living enough. I want you to live a perfect life, perfect than any of us, perfect than your parents¡¯, perfect than your uncles¡¯. See the world Logan, more than you already have, find a woman, fall in love and love! And be happy. Because in the end, love keeps us going. It¡¯s the only thing worth living and fighting for. It¡¯s not always family or friends. It can be some strange person you meet along your busy life and connect so well with ¡±

    La. She was all I thought about. I¡¯d met La at a certain stage of my life. She¡¯d been thrown at me when I least expected to ever meet someone like her. I learned to like her and soon I grew very fond of her that my heart started racing after her each time I thought about her. Like right now.

    ¡°Thank you, Grazie. I think I found that woman already. ¡±

    ¡°Then what the hell are you still doing in Italy? I wish I could ask us to meet right now and catch up more Logan but I¡¯ve been far too upsetst night and already booked my ne back to Paris and I want you to leave all this behind as soon as possible too, Logan. Go be happy and someday, we will meet again¡±

    I didn¡¯t know why this sounded like a goodbye from her. Even though it was goodbye, it still hurt more than anyone she¡¯s ever said to me before. I listened to the disconnecting beep from my end like it said some messages. I sat for a while, contemting on what to do. As I walked out of the gymnasium, I thought about the perfect gift to bring for La, something she¡¯d love. She appreciated art a lot, much to my very satisfaction. I knew exactly where to go.

    After showering in the lukewarm morning water, I dressed up in a fine burgundy suits and headed out. I asked to be driven to the popr Erik Bonjour ss nts. It was the fanciest ce to pick up the legendary ss nts. I knew flowers had a great spot in women¡¯s heart. Imagine getting a single rose magically encased in a ss house, showered with snowdrops. I knew she was going to love it. The mere thought of seeing her smile causes me to smile as I pointed at the rose ss on the disy table.

    The ss is in a shape of a U-shaped cup turned upside down with a ss lid covering it below. A single red rose flower stood in air, held in ce by some invisible forces, a bright lighting on the inside, casting brilliant bright lights over the little rose flower along with a few drops of snow dancing around it. It was beautiful and perfect.

 64

    As the jet lowered into mypound, preparing to stop, my phone beeped and I retrieved it from my side pocket, ced it firmly against my ear and waited for the caller to speak.

    ¡± She attempted escape just now sir ¡± one of my security men said into the phone. My hand gripped the phone tight. I disconnected the call, my eyes turning wild.

    ¡± Fuck ¡± I cursed under my breath as the jet came to a stop. I sat still, looking out through the open exit and directly towards the house. Anger courses through my blood streams.

    How could she still try to escape? I thought she was used to me. I thought she was used to living here by now. I had so much faith in her, had so much trust and ns for her. And now she¡¯s ruined everything.

    I undid my tie slightly around my neck and jumped off the jet. I made my way into the house. I spotted Antoniette standing inside the house, watching me through the walls as I walked in.

    My head snapped towards the stairs.

    ¡± Please, take it easy on her ¡± Antoniette pleaded but I don¡¯t pay attention to whatever she¡¯s saying. La had crossed me one more time and this was the end of the road for her. She needed to know the things she can and cannot do to me.

    ¡± Your work is done here, Antoniette, you may take your leave ¡± I said as I started taking the stairs, only stopping when I didn¡¯t hear her movements to add ¡± now ¡±

    I heard the sound of the door as I disappeared through the stairs. La¡¯s doors slid open and I stepped in.

    La is perched up against the wall opposite to the door, her legs hugged tightly by her arms against her chest as she moulded up on the floor. Her body is shaking and her eyes are year streaked and slightly swollen. None of it fazed me. Not even the pitiful fear- streaked look on her face when she saw me walk in, hurriedly rising up to her feet, her back and palms stered on the walls for some kind of protection.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry ¡± she blurted out, crying profusely now.

    I reached for my tie and pulled it away, peeling off my suit and dropping it to the floor. I took light steps towards her.

    ¡°I did everything for you La¡± I began as I advanced towards her ¡°I gave you simple rules to follow. They weren¡¯t even hard to begin with. Even a ten year old could follow them but you¡­.. you chose to break my rules¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¡­.. I¡¯m sorry¡± she cried and I¡¯d be damned if those tears didn¡¯t stir a kind of pity in me but she needed to learn that there were things she could and couldn¡¯t do.

    ¡°You¡¯re sorry? I trusted you La! I thought you were finally getting used to me, to all of this, to us! But it was pretense all along, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I shook my head vigorously to the things he said, even though every bit of it was true. I did trust him but my thirst for escape has thrown that away, preventing him from seeing that now. I¡¯d abused his trust for me and he wasn¡¯t going to stop. Slowly, I¡¯d brought back that beast once lurking inside him to torment me again.

    Logan closes the distance between us in a single strand, holding my face with his strong hand and pushing me straight against the wall. His hand crushed my jaw but the pain couldn¡¯tpare to the pain I felt in my heart. My head throbbed and hurt in different ways imaginable.

    ¡°You dare try to escape from me?!¡± He screamed into my face.

    I winced in pain, tears falling more freely now. With my free hand, I wed at his hand to break off my jaw but instead he holds my neck and hits my head back against the wall, choking the air out of my lungs. I felt the stinging pain as his hand crushed a jugr.

    I felt the heat rush to my face, my face probably as red as blood itself as I struggled to breathe. Then just as the air was about to be knocked entirely out of my body, he pulls away and holds a bunch of my hair, yanking me towards the bathroom.

    I wailed in pain to be let free but all I heard were my cries and his angry mutterings. I wanted this to end.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    Logan throws me on the tiled bathroom floor and stood aside, watching me. I managed to look him through my scattered hair. I saw the hate in his eyes and I knew there was no running away from him this time. He was going to kill me.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to teach you a lesson, La,¡± he breathed hard ¡± and when I¡¯m done with you, you¡¯ll never, EVER, cross me again ¡±

    He starts advancing towards me. ¡± Please! I¡¯m sorry¡­. I¡¯m¡­¡±

    He knocked my words off as he picked me up by my neck. He pushed me hard against the wall, knocking the air out of my lungs. I tried to breathe but couldn¡¯t.

    He grabbed the shower extension from it¡¯s hand and for a moment I thought he was going to strangle me with it but instead, he turned on the water and rained it on me. Logan¡¯s forearm held me firmly against the wall, pressing hard on my chest like a brick shattering my chest into pieces. As the water kept flowing over my face, I couldn¡¯t breathe. And just like that, I felt the life oozing from my body. Slowly. Painfully.

    At some point I¡¯d struggle greatly, then I¡¯d ept it as it came, tired of breathing in water.

    Then his screams became distant and incoherent as I drifted away, darkness clouding my senses.

 65

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    Her cries stung me, sang pain in my ears and the fears I never thought I was capable of feeling engulfed me as I strangled her. I strangled her because I saw how her face paled out.

    I¡¯m a monster. Yes, maybe my father was right after all and even she said it herself once. I¡¯m a hopeless monster without hope of redemption. My demons are far bigger than me and there was no going back anymore. I have reached that point of no retreat.

    When La¡¯s hands fell off my forearm, I thought I¡¯d lost her forever. That was when the fear happened. And I let her go instantly. Then she coughed water. I didn¡¯t know what I was doing a split second ago and I couldn¡¯t believe I would hurt a woman whom I loved simply because she didn¡¯t want or love me back.

    I let her drop to the floor and stepped back, cursing under my breath. I couldn¡¯t believe I nearly killed the one woman I thought I was in love with. Was this love or hate?

    I hurried out immediately, crossing Dani along the narrow hallway. I sped past him and into the elevator, banging it hard as soon as it set downwards. I wanted to scream because I was slowly losing my mind. If I could do that to a vulnerable woman, what else couldn¡¯t I do?

    I lit a cigarette as soon as I stepped into the hot afternoon, feeling my chest tightening. I hurried towards the meeting house where Astrid sat facing the door, reaching for his gun as soon as the door kicked open. He settles back down as he notices me, slightly nodding his head. I walked past him, angry about seeing him or anyone else in the room. I stood out dragging the smoke into my lungs, careless about it as a form of punishment for myself. It felt like the only way to ease myself of this rage and turmoil.

    What have I done?

    La¡¯s P. O. V.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I¡¯ve always delighted in the free fall between sleep and wakefulness. Those prescious few semi-conscious seconds before you open your eyes, when you catch yourself believing that your dreams might just be your reality. A moment of intense pleasure or pains, before your senses reboot and inform you who and where and what you are. For now, for just a second longer, I¡¯m enjoying the self-medicated delusion that permits me to imagine that I could be anyone, I could be anywhere and I could be loved.

    I stared into the mirror and couldn¡¯t recognize myself anymore. I¡¯d been happy for a short while. After gaining enough strength and picking myself up from the floor, I¡¯d spent the next hour just watching my reflection on the mirror. My neck was bruised, almost looking like a hickey as I inspected it. Another tear rolled down my cheek as I further inspected my body. I was bruised in a couple of ces.

    I didn¡¯t care. I was mostly disappointed in myself. How could I have done something as reckless as that? And now, Logan would never trust me again. I would again be his prisoner. He had treated me better than when I¡¯d first arrived and I threw that away.

    The afternoon seemed to drag along fastly, then the evening as the darkness outside casted over the ss walls of my room. I¡¯d stopped crying a couple of hours ago, ran a shower over myself and changed from my torn clothes and wrapped myself in a towel.

    I walked into my closet, wondering where Logan had gone, if he had left the house again. Would he still hit me if he had the chance, if he saw me?. But I didn¡¯t wanna stand around wondering.

    I made up my mind as I sat behind the mirror to have a talk with him. I knew Logan was upset. He wasn¡¯t a bad person. He was good to me and I payed back by betraying him. The least I could do was thank him for not killing me. Antoniette and Dani had told me on several asions that I meant something to Logan, that he may have taken a liking in me that proved my existence up till now after so many months. It was my turn to y my part.

    I found myself pulling the draw where Beverly had packed the underwear she¡¯d brought herself. I¡¯d never bothered to check them because I knew I wasn¡¯t going to be dressing up in them for Logan. As I picked out a whitecey lingerie and a bra that showed nearly half my breasts, I paid no attention to my drumming heartbeats.

    I didn¡¯t know what the need for this was but I was doing it. I sprayed my hair and brushed them spirally down my back and across my shoulders, throwing on a light maroon dress that stopped just above my knees, it¡¯s straps hanging loosely off my shoulders.

    I didn¡¯t bother with shoes and instead just went out through the door and headed towards where I presumed Logan¡¯s room was. When I reached his door, I tapped it a little and they slid open.

    The first thing that caught my eyes were the shimmering bright lighting from a rose flower covered in snow and balled by a disy cup ss. It was beautiful. It instantly reminded me of the beauty and the beast show.

    The rose is set on the table set aside, a note scribbled on a white paper ced next to it. Like a maic pull, I walked over to this table and picked this flowermp or whatever it¡¯s name would be into my palms. It was captivating, nearly hypnotizing. It was a unique work of art, nothing I¡¯d ever seen before or ever dreamed of seeing. Talk more of touching with my own hands.

    I looked into the note on the table and read the words scribbled on it.

 66

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, La¡±

    That was it. That was the words written in fine letters on it. I felt my stomach clench, my heart seemingly dropped into the pit of my stomach. I tried to smile but it didn¡¯t work.

    I looked ahead to the king sized bed. It was neatly made but no sign of Logan there. I knew he ced this flower and letter here for me to find. I took a careful light step forward, stretched a bit to look into his closet.

    Although it¡¯s still early in the night, his room is dark, only illuminated by some foreign dimmp lights seeming toe from the designed walls. Curtains draped from wall to wall, the floor rugged perfectly. Everything in this room screamed money. From the pure white ceiling to the well designed walls to the floor, bed,mps, tables, sculpt and even the doors.

    I stopped after taking the first step. I stopped because I didn¡¯t know if it was wise walking into the lion¡¯s den. Thest thing I wanted was pissing him off again. The minute I made up my mind to turn around, I felt cold hands tracing my arms from behind me, followed by the warmth of a muchrger body pressing up against my back. I gasped in surprise, biting my lower lip from moaning. I never felt a touch like that before. I found myself leaning into the hard chest behind me, seeking closure and warmth.

    His hands left tickling sensations every spot he touched on my arms. I felt Logan¡¯s body press further against my back as he leaned down, his nose nozzled deep on my neck, close to my cor bone. His lips touched a spot I discovered myself at that instance because I felt my body vibrate to the warm touch of his lips as he kissed there. I closed my eyes and tried to think about anything else. His lips did wonders to my skin in ways I could never imagine.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry La¡± he whispered into my ear. I thought I stopped breathing that moment. Before I could digest his deep voice, his hands slid down my waist and he spun me around to face him. He towered over me, his eyes pouring into mine. I looked into them and all I could see was pleas and regret and truth. He meant what he said, there was no doubting that.

    The flower ss in my hands in the only thing stopping our bodies from uniting. A smile crept onto my lips and I shyly looked down on the flower.

    ¡°This is beautiful¡±

    ¡°Not as beautiful as you, love¡± he once again whispered seductively into my ear, reaching up to caress my cheek tenderly. His touch made me feel things I¡¯d never felt before. Things I¡¯d never felt with any nother man before even though there¡¯s only been too few of them.

    ¡°This is one of the beautiful things Italy prides about, ¡± he said, causing me to look at his eyes as they now fell on the flower ¡°I couldn¡¯t think of a more perfect gift to bring for you¡±

    ¡°And I love it, Logan. It¡¯s very beautiful¡± I told him honestly, beaming an honest smile once more.

    I saw how he looked at me, loved how he didn¡¯t look away even for a second, how he didn¡¯t blink because he¡¯s scared I¡¯m gonna disappear once he batted an eysh.

    ¡°I also loved the painting you sent to me, it¡¯s beautiful¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d that you liked it, La¡± his breath fanned my nose as he ced his forehead against mine, his hands still wrapped around my waist. In some eyes, we¡¯d probably look like a couple in love on a dancing floor. I knew that my heart raced for him, almost how it races when you¡¯re with the man you loved. But it never raced this hard after Emma. This race is different and it didn¡¯t scare me. I loved every bit of it.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I hurt you, La. I wish to never do such a thing¡±

    ¡°I know¡­..¡± I angled my face up to him, my eyes perched on his lips ¡°I should never have tried to leave. I¡¯m sorry¡±

    His lips twitched and he smiled into my lips. I smiled, more to myself and watched the rose ss again.

    He moves me to a certain angle and holds my chin up. I watched him lower his face to me and gently imed my lips with his. My body moves on its own when I lean over, and then finally brushed my lips against his. I can taste the surprise on his lips as he tightens his hold on me, almost as if he was afraid I¡¯d slip right through his fingers the longer our lips touched. And the same urgency found its way into my system as well, because soon I end up arching my back, needing more and more contact with him. He must taste my desire, his tongue now flicking over my bottom lip. I invite him in, teasing and challenging him with every stroke of my tongue. I don¡¯t know how long we do this, losing ourselves in each other, but I know I don¡¯t want to stop kissing him.

    I heard him moan and pull away, his hands running up my arms to hold me back.

    ¡°I know that¡­.. you don¡¯t want this¡± he muttered, looking anywhere but my face.

    I watched him in utter surprise. I couldn¡¯t remember when we ever shared a kiss as real and genuine and natural as this.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    ¡°You¡¯re probably just letting me kiss you because¡­. because you¡¯re scared of me¡± he adds.

    I was stunned, standing there, swallowed by his taller figure. Then I realized immediately that I¡¯d broken my trust with him today. I could be pretending to be into him for all he cared. I didn¡¯t know how to fix that so I decided to not give him benefits of doubts.

    ¡°Have you eaten?¡± I asked him as I stepped away from him.

 67

    ¡°Logan?¡± I asked when there was no response.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± The huskiness in his tone made me straighten and turn to look at him.

    My breath caught. He was standing tall in front of me, his hands resting on the table next to the wall, watching me with hooded eyes. That lingering, intense, and measuring look caused my pulse to quicken.

    He raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Um¡­¡± I had to search my brain for my thoughts. Oh right. Dinner. ¡°Did you have dinner yet?¡±

    His pink tongue darted out to lick his bottom lip. ¡°Yeah.¡± He paused, then said, ¡°But I feel like eating.¡±

    I held on to the flower ss for support. My knees suddenly felt weak. ¡°I-I¡¯ll make you something to eat. What would you like?¡±

    He shook his head no, but his eyes told me everything he wanted. And then¡­

    ¡°I would really like,¡± he said, his voice low, ¡°to eat you.¡±

    My eyes widened, breathsing in pants as my heart thudded against my chest. He made a mesmerizing picture, standing there watching my every move. As if he¡¯d made a mistake of saying that, his eyes holds still for a second. Then in one swift move, he¡¯s standing right in front of me again, grabbing me hard by the waist and yanking me impossibly into his chest.

    His nose nozzled my chin as he moaned words into my neck ¡± God you turn me on so fucking much, without even trying¡±

    His eyes swept from my face down to my chest, lingering there before moving back up to meet my gaze. I could see the straint he had on himself, I could see the desire burning in his eyes. I knew he wanted me and I didn¡¯t know how much longer I could keep lying to myself that I didn¡¯t want him too. Or maybe I was finally pushing through with the original n. Have him trust me and then escape. And that included giving him my body.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    I saw the veins pop out on his neck as his hand squeezed my back and he whispered again ¡°you have no idea what you do to me, La, how much you turn me on. You have no idea how much I¡¯m tempted to take you here right now¡±

    ¡°Then take me¡± I said the words before I could stop myself, gazing into his eyes and hoping he¡¯d see the truth in them.

    ¡°But you¡¯re not ready,¡± his lips packed mine ¡°I won¡¯t be able to stop myself¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to¡± I moaned back.

    His eyes mesmerized me as they watched me.

    There was something powerfully irresistible about him when he was in this mood. yful, teasing¡­in charge.

    As if he wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer.

    As if he would just take what he wanted, whenever he wanted. It was maic.

    I felt the charge in the air, felt something momentous was about to happen. My steps faltered, and I averted my gaze.

    A million thoughts crossed my mind. Doubts, insecurities, hesitations, paralyzing me for a moment.

    ¡±

    I looked up. The look of love and tenderness in his dark eyes was all the answer I needed. This was Logan. The man who¡¯d showed me what love could be like.

    The same man-the only one-who had shown me what it was to desire. To want to be touched, be kissed, be savored, and to make him feel the same.

    The same man who had shown me how it was to love and be loved in return.

    It was like having a secret I¡¯d held in my fist for so long, but now I wanted to let it go. I wanted to reveal it, but only to him. Only to him.

    All of the things that I had gone through-all the suffering and heartbreak-had led me here. To him. To this moment.

    I stood up straight and matched his eyes proportionally.

    I felt the heat of his gaze on my skin as he watched me close the distance between our faces.

    A triumphant smile spread on his full lips before his hands banded around my waist, dragging down to cup my ass as he turned us around and lifted me onto the high draw table, his strong arm knocking off the vase on top of it.

    His eyes watched me as he patted my legs, aligning between them.

    I parted them willingly, and he stepped in between them. My head fell back, and I ttened my palms against the counter to keep my bnce-and give him better ess.

    Logan pressed his lips to that sensitive part below my ear, licking and sucking, sending goose bumps dancing along my arms and legs. His hands slid down my thighs, up and down, up and down, fingers digging into my skin. He pulled me closer, fitting snugly between my legs.

    ¡°I¡¯m really, really hungry. In fact,¡± he growled, ¡°I¡¯m starving.¡±

    I swallowed a moan and unconsciously arched my hips up against him. The tone of his voice, so low and deep, made me feel a hot longing in my stomach.

    ¡°There are so many things I want to do to you.¡± He hooked my legs around his waist and ground his hips against me, pressing his arousal against that part of my body where every sensation seemed to be magnified a hundredfold.

    This time, a moan of pleasure escaped my lips. Feeling bold, I asked, ¡°Like what?¡±

    He pulled back a little, and I could tell he hadn¡¯t expected me to ask that. But he recovered quickly, smiling in a way that said Challenge epted.

    He touched the tip of his tongue to his top lip before he leaned closer and murmured in my ear, ¡°I want to bury my face between your legs.¡±

    I gasped loudly.

    Hot. I felt hot. All over.

    ¡°Does that scare you?¡± he asked.

    I swallowed. Hard. Suddenly, I wanted to close my legs, wanting to rub them together. The way his brown eyes lit up made me think he knew exactly what I was feeling.

    Something very warm was sliding through my veins, making my skin feel tight. I had this unexinable urge to be closer to him-closer than this. I wanted to feel him skin on skin. I shook my head.

    His lips grazed my ear, and an involuntary shiver raced up my spine. ¡°Do you know what I think about?¡± he asked.

    His big, warm hands moved down to caress my thighs, squeezing them possessively.

 68

    ¡°Tell me,¡± I gasped, unable to stop myself from arching into his touch.

    ¡°I think of your taste¡­in my mouth,¡± he rasped. ¡°I think about what you¡¯ll look like when I suck you. Lick you. Eat you up.¡±

    His words drove me wild. If this was madness, I would blindly jump into it if it meant I could keep listening to his words, feeling his touch, tasting his kiss.

    ¡°Would you let me?¡± His eyes searched my face. ¡°La?¡±

    Instead of answering, I looked into his brown eyes and ttened my palms on his chest, startled by the static between us. The warmth of him under his shirt made me yearn to touch his bare skin. Gingerly, I reached for the hem of his shirt and slowly lifted it, revealing his defined stomach. His eyes widened a fraction as he understood what I wanted.

    He was quiet as he watched me lift his shirt up and off him, letting it fall to the floor.

    He was beautiful, his tan skin looking smooth and healthy in the dim light. My fingertips softly brushed the light trail of hair below his navel, and I heard him suck in a breath. I stopped, unsure, and looked up at him.

    The skin around his mouth was tight, his eyes a darker shade of brown. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he said hoarsely. ¡°You can keep going.¡±

    He closed his eyes, a deep groan escaping his lips as I slowly traced a line over the nes of his torso. His skin was hot to the touch, his muscles hardened like iron.

    ¡°La,¡± he said softly, opening his eyes and lightly brushing my inner thighs with his thumbs as he pressed a soft kiss to my lips. ¡°Let me worship you.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± I murmured against his lips. ¡°Yes, Logan¡±

    His tongue traced the seam of my lips, coaxing me to open them. He pulled my bottom lip between his, tugging and sucking gently.

    Everything felt so intense: the burning touch of his skin, the warmth and peppermint scent of his breath, the hungry sounds he made at the back of his throat.

    I opened for his kiss, and his tongue dipped inside to taste, exploring my mouth. His lips slid against mine eagerly, impatiently, as if he couldn¡¯t get enough.N?velDrama.Org ? content.

    When I touched my tongue to his, a low growl erupted from his chest. He buried his hands in my hair, gripping tightly as he angled my head to deepen the kiss. For one staggering moment, the kiss became hot, hungry, and wild.

    I felt on fire. There was something building inside me that I had no name for. I was in this cocoon of pleasure that Logan had built around us, and I wanted more.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never wanted anyone this desperately,¡± he rasped. ¡°Never.¡± He pulled back to frame my face in his hands.

    He held my gaze as his hands slid down to caress the exposed skin underneath my dress top. He tugged on the hem, raising his eyebrows in question. I reached down and helped him pull my dress off. He reached behind me to unhook my bra with an expert flick of his fingers. With trembling hands, I pulled the straps down my arms, discarding my bra on the table.

    His lips parted as his eyes drank me in. My arms itched to cover myself, but the look of hunger and appreciation in his brown eyes made me feel wanted. Craved.

    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful,¡± he said, his voice rough. His fingertip traced a line down my throat, his eyes lighting up when he saw the bracelet he gave me. He continued until he lightly brushed my nipple, sending a bolt of electricity traveling down my spine and between my legs. I moaned, arching into his touch. He bit his bottom lip as he watched my face.

    ¡°Logan¡­please.¡± I strained toward him, wanting more.

    I closed my eyes and moaned as he bent his head and took my breast in his mouth, sucking lightly, then sucking hard, then lightly again. The contrast in pressure from his mouth drove me wild with longing.

    I plunged my hands into his hair, gripping firmly as his mouth continued to torture me with pleasure.

    He straightened to kiss me with wet, openmouthed kisses that robbed me of breath. ¡°Lie back for me, love,¡± he whispered.

    I leaned back and let his warm hands help lower me onto my back. My hands gripped the sides of the counter as I watched him continue kissing me, working his way down my body, drinking and nipping my skin until he reached the edge of my shorts. His eyes flicked up to look at me, full of heat and promise.

    ¡°La, do you want this?¡±

    The look in his eyes-the hunger, the need, but most especially the love-took my breath away. What I saw mirrored my own feelings-my hunger, my need, and my love for him. In this moment, I realized I really wanted this with him. He was everything to me, and I would give everything to him.

    ¡°Yes,¡± I choked out. ¡°Yes.¡±

    His eyes filled with fervent satisfaction before he pulled my shorts and panties down my legs. He grabbed my hips and jerked me closer to him so that I was on the edge of the counter, and he was flush between my legs. Grinding his hardness against me, he leaned forward and firmly held my wrists to my sides so I couldn¡¯t move them to touch him.

    ¡°I want you. I want you so bad, it hurts,¡± he growled and buried his face between my legs.

    ¡°Logan!¡± I cried out, shocked at the feel of his hot, wet lips there-against the most intimate part of my body. I almost jumped off the counter, but his strong hands released my wrists to caress my thighs soothingly. He kissed me there like he would my lips-small, openmouthed hungry kisses that made me strain against him. I felt my body burning inside, like I was on fire.

 69

    I thought I couldn¡¯t have been more scandalized than I already was, but when I felt his nose nuzzle me there and heard him inhale-

    ¡°Logan, no!¡± I covered my face with my hands. I wanted to hide in embarrassment.

    ¡°La¡± he murmured softly. ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby. I love your taste. I love your smell. I love everything about you. Look at me,¡± he coaxed.

    I couldn¡¯t. How could he expect me to? I was beyond embarrassed. No one had ever¡­

    I heard him straighten. I let out a sharp breath when I felt his hands close around my wrists gently.

    ¡°La,¡± he cajoled, pulling my hands away to expose my face to him. But I couldn¡¯t look¡­

    His lips drifted to my shoulders, my neck, my cheeks, all the while murmuring sweet things to me.

    ¡°You¡¯re so damned beautiful. You taste like a dream, like a drug.¡±

    I was panting. I was lost, so lost in him.

    Slowly, I opened my eyes. He was gazing at me, leaning forward, his hands t on the table on either side of my hips. He had a small smile on his lips.

    ¡°Hi, beautiful.¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Logan¡± I hitched up on my elbows, feeling hot, needy, and scared. ¡°I¡¯ve never done something like this before,¡± I admitted shakily.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± He ran his hands up and down my thighs, soothing. ¡°Do you want to stop?¡±

    He stared at me with eyes filled with such tenderness and longing that my breath caught in my throat. Logan¡¯s hair was mussed from my hands, his lips red and swollen and wet from kissing me. He was so beautiful. I swallowed my anxiety-and felt a jolt of heat and need all the way to my core.

    ¡°No. Don¡¯t stop,¡± I whispered, meaning it.

    A wolfish grin lit up his face. ¡°I¡¯m going to take care of you, baby,¡± he promised. Then he started all over again-greedy kisses and slow licks and bites that started on my lips and moved down my body. He took his time, caressing, savoring, and worshipping my body until I was feverish with need.

    ¡°Logan, please¡­¡±

    He hooked my legs over his shoulders as he once again pleasured me in the most intimate part of my body.

    ¡°So fucking good,¡± he groaned.

    The sight of his broad shoulders and his dark head between my legs and the feel of his warm tongue eagerly pleasuring me sent bolts of electricity through my body.

    A series of moans escaped my throat as I gripped his hair. I couldn¡¯t seem to decide whether I wanted to pull him closer or push him away. I wanted him to stop. I wanted him to keep going. I wanted more. I wanted to find relief from this agonizing pleasure that was building in me.

    My mind went nk as pleasure tore through me, shooting throughout my body and finally sliding silvery over my limbs until I copsed, crying out his name.

    So that¡¯s how it felt¡­

    I was floating, my mindpletely detached from everything else. It took a moment for me to realize he had carried me and gently ced me on his bed. When he reclined beside me, he ced his arm underneath my head and I curled up into him, burying my face against his neck. He pulled my leg between his as he caressed my back soothingly with his other arm. I was still trembling.

    ¡°La? Was that your first orgasm?¡± he asked softly.

    I nodded, burying my face in his neck.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know how that makes me feel,¡± he whispered hoarsely. ¡°I¡­¡±

    The tone of his voice alerted my senses. He sounded like he was in pain. Suddenly, I grew aware of the hardness between his thighs, the ufortable tightness of his legs and shoulders.

    ¡± Logan?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, love.¡±

    But it wasn¡¯t. He had shown me what it was like toe apart, but why did I still feel iplete?

    I wanted-needed to make him feel what he¡¯d made me feel. I wanted to give that to him.

    My heart belonged to him, but I wanted us to belong to each otherpletely.

    I kissed his neck, inhaling his scent. So addicting, so male.

    ¡°Make love to me,¡± I said.

    He pulled me back, gazing down at me with a question in his eyes.

    I ced a gentle kiss on his neck, reassuring him. ¡°Please.¡±

    His nostrils red, his eyes turning a darker brown. ¡°God. You¡¯re going to fucking ruin me,¡± he groaned.

    I framed his face with my palms, marveling at the beauty of his features before pressing my lips to his. Tentatively, I caressed his lips with my tongue, and a groan escaped his mouth as he positioned himself on top of me, taking control.

    He was in charge, and we both knew it. I was at his mercy and he was going to take that up.

    His hands palmed my breasts, stroking and caressing while his mouth feasted on my lips, my neck, the skin above my breasts. His hand slid down my ribs, my stomach, my hips, and between my legs, but he never stopped kissing me.

    And then his finger was there, petting and making circles. I pulled my mouth away from his as I let out a loud moan, my head falling back against the pillow.

    My fingers dug into his skin as I bowed off the bed, pleading with him to give me relief. His mouth swallowed my cries as I came apart. I shut my eyes as my head spun, my throat filled with cries. I mentally begged for him to put me out of this misery but we both knew he wasn¡¯t near done with me. He was just beginning.

 70

    I blinked up at him, still floating in the haze of pleasure he had put me in. I noticed the tight skin around his mouth, the way he gritted his teeth, the lust and love in his eyes as he gazed down at me, and his arousal that pressed against my thigh.

    ¡°Logan?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, baby?¡±

    I heard his sharp intake of breath as I reached to unbutton his pants. He stopped my movements with his hand.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked hoarsely.

    I nodded. ¡°I want to belong to youpletely, Logan.¡±

    He kissed me hungrily, his arousal pressing between my legs. He took off his pants and boxers, and I felt heat flood my cheeks as I noticed how big he was, how aroused as he was. Suddenly, he was on top of me, his arms on either side of my head as he gazed down at me with hunger. I felt him press himself between my legs, rubbing himself against my center. He was hot, hard, and unyielding. I closed my eyes, preparing myself.

    Then nothing. When I opened them, I found him smiling at me tenderly.

    ¡°Here. Stay with me. Right here. Just right here¡±

    His hand trembled as he stroked my face. He bent his head and drank from my lips, all the while murmuring about the love he felt for me.

    ¡°I¡¯m scared. I¡¯ve never done this before and¡±-I drew in a shaky breath-¡°and I don¡¯t want to disappoint you. I know you have a lot of experience and you have expectations, and I¡¯m scared that I won¡¯t be able to-¡±

    ¡°La.¡± His voice was low and rough. ¡°Nothing could evene close to how you make me feel just by being here. How could you even think you¡¯d disappoint me?¡± He smiled, lovingly stroking my cheek. ¡°What you¡¯ve given me is more than I could hope for, and if you decide you don¡¯t want to continue, we¡¯ll stop. I want to make this perfect for you. This night is all about you.¡±

    At that, all my fears melted. I reached for him, pulling him down to me for a soul-searing kiss. His hands reverently touched my thighs, my hips, circling around my waist until he gently caressed my breasts, his thumbs flicking my nipples before he bent his head and sucked my nipple in his mouth. I moaned, wild with pleasure.

    The love he spoke of was in his touch, in the hungry movement of his lips, his tongue, his teeth as he kissed me. I was soaked with it, drowning in it, and I wanted more.

    He searched my eyes as if looking for some hesitation-but there was nothing. My mind and my heart were made up. It was scary and overwhelming, and there was no turning back for me after this. As I looked into his brown eyes, I knew-I didn¡¯t want to turn back. I was at the edge of the cliff, hanging by my fingertips. And I realized I was ready to fall forever. I was ready to do this for my life.

    He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing hard. When he opened them, I felt lost, so lost in him.

    ¡°I love you.¡± he whispered before he entered me. I didn¡¯t have time to dwell on thest thing he said to me as a strange pain shot through me.

    My breath hitched as I felt unwee pain pierce my pleasure-hazed world. I closed my eyes tightly, fighting the urge to push him off me. I felt full, ripped apart. Above me, Logan froze.

    ¡°are you okay? I¡¯m so sorry, love. Do you want me to stop?¡±

    The fear in his tone made me open my eyes. His hand caressed the side of my face as he gazed at me with worry, and I melted.

    ¡°Talk to me,¡± he murmured, kissing my lips, my cheeks, my nose.

    He started licking my bottom lip, sucking it in his mouth. His hand slid between my legs, stroking small circles in my center and causing a now-familiar sensation. The feel of him inside me, so hard and full, and the slow motions of his fingers made my moan turn into a sob.

    My fingers tightened in his hair, pulling him close for a demanding, almost desperate kiss. He groaned deep in his chest, turning demanding into carnal as his tongue plunged in my mouth, swallowing my moans.

    I moved my hips experimentally and discovered that the pain was fading, reced by an inexplicable pleasure that spread between my legs and shot up my spine. I bit my lip, closing my eyes tightly as I moaned. He abruptly pulled back from me, his face a mask of hunger and pain.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It feels¡­good.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    I nodded, sliding my hips against him. The pleasure was building, spreading to my spine, my legs, my arms, and between my legs.

    ¡°Logan please¡­ I need¡­¡±

    He kissed me roughly, his hands reaching for my wrists, then dragging them up over my head. ¡°I got you, baby.¡±

    And then he was moving-slowly,nguorously, his green eyes watching my face. I was panting, my breath loud and fast as he plunged inside me, in and out, taking his time, driving me wild.

    He began to move faster, harder, wilder.

    Everything felt tight, my body bowing as I pumped my hips in time with his thrusts. Pleasure was sharp and demanding as it built and spread inside my body. My whimpers turned into sobs, desperate to find relief.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    All I could do was wrap my legs tighter around him, my fingernails digging into his back as his thrusts became wild and frenzied.

    ¡°Oh fuck.¡±

    Logan¡¯s mouthtched onto my neck, sucking hard as he palmed my ass, grinding inside me so hard and so deep that I came apart with a scream.

    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking sweet¡±	 he said roughly. He groaned out his pleasure, mouth parted, eyes half closed, head thrown back in abandon. I felt him drive deep onest time before he cried out my name and released.

 71

    I woke up in his arms. I felt aches in my body, I felt hurt between my legs but I didn¡¯t wanna give much attention to it. I rose my head from his chest and looked up to find his face. I knew things would never be the same between us again. I¡¯d given my body to this man. I¡¯d sacrificed everything for him and in my defense, I lied that I was trying to escape.

    I knew he¡¯d said he loved and adored me during the heated sessionst night but I wasn¡¯t sure if he¡¯d said all he did because of my body or he truly meant it. He was gentlest night, throughout the night and I remember him asking if I was alright after we were done. I remember feeling dizzy afterwards and falling asleep right next to his naked body. I remember him pulling me close and covering my body with the duvet.

    I knew I was just another woman on his sexual list. I¡¯d thrown my body at himst night, waking up with the hope that things really change and that he¡¯d see the sacrifice I made for him.

    Logan¡¯s eyes flew open the moment his lips started moving into a smile. Frightened, I quickly looked away, trying to detach my body from him but his hand around my waist gripped me tighter.

    ¡°Were you nning on running away?¡± His deep morning voice husked in my ears. My gaze remained down. I wanted to pry my body from his gaze. I suddenly felt this embarrassment and shyness towards him. Of course it doesn¡¯t make sense seeing as I just let him explore every inch of my bodyst night.

    Logan¡¯s arms pulled me up to his chest, bringing my face up to his. I tried to look anywhere but his eyes.

    ¡°Look at me, La¡± hemands. Like an iron following a maic pull, I looked him in the eyes immediately. He looked beautiful. His once deep brown hair now seemed to have trails of sandy color at the edges. His hair is scattered on his head and I can only imagine how mine looked right now. He probably looked way hotter in the mornings because I didn¡¯t trust myself to look away except continue to stair at him.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± He asked, seriousness in his voice and eyes as they watched me.

    I nodded ¡°a bit sour. But I¡¯m okay¡±

    He wraps his arms tightly around me again, like he wasn¡¯t content with the closeness already.

    ¡°Imagine my surprise, finding out you¡¯re a virgin¡± he spoke with a hint of mockery.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I hurt youst night¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t¡± I gritted my teeth as I¡¯m tempted to ask if he enjoyed it. Where was this side of meing from? I could almost not recognize who this girl perched up against Logan is.

    Instead, I said ¡°I¡¯m sorry about what I did. I won¡¯t do that again¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t ¡± his hand drew circles on my back. I loved the feel of his touch on my skin. ¡°Would you like some breakfast now?¡±

    He turns me slightly to the side to see a trey of breakfast on the bed stand. I looked from the trey to his face and nodded slightly, wanting to look anywhere but him at the moment. shes fromst night still crossed my mind with every passing second.

    ¡± Can you¡­ get up?¡± Logan asked as I tried to stand up, his hand guarding my back as if he was scared that I¡¯d copse if I even tried to stand on my own. The gesture was ttering and I wondered if he¡¯d never slept with with a virgin before. ¡± I know what you¡¯re wondering but I¡¯ve never slept with a virgin woman before, never broken one and you I care very much about, La ¡± my face flushed as I rose to my feet. I discovered that I still felt little pain between my legs but it was hardly noticable if I ignored it.

    ¡± Can I use the bathroom? ¡± I asked him, realizing that I¡¯m now wearing his button down shirt. The shirt reached above my knees and I felt giddy as his eyes watched my thighs and long legs.

    ¡± Or we could shower together ¡± he suggested, preying on my difort. Heughs as he noticed the difort in my eyes ¡± you¡¯re still shy, aren¡¯t you? After all we didst night ¡±

    I looked down, flushed. I flickered with my fingers like I always do when I¡¯m nervous.

    ¡± You may have the bathroom all to yourself ma¡¯am¡± Logan finally replied and I disappeared almost immediately. I showered for a brief moment before dashing out again. I wasn¡¯t sure if I could use his closet or if I needed to get out and use my own room. But there sat our breakfast and it would be rude just walking out like that.

    ¡± It¡¯s alright ¡± I hadn¡¯t realized I was standing before the closet as I contemted whether to go in or not until I heard his voice and jumped in shock ¡± you can wear one of mine ¡±

    Nodding my head, I hurried inside. I picked up the first shit I saw hanging off a hanger and threw it on. It crossed my mind instantly that my underwear were still thrown somewhere in the room.

    I turned around to spring back into the room and grab them when I came head to chest with Logan. I stepped back, staggering slightly as I looked up to find abroad smile on his face.

    ¡± Looking for these? ¡± He asks with a broad grin, his two hands rose up high with my pants and bra hanging off them.

    I felt my cheek burn in embarrassment immediately and I wanted to hide from his eyes. I tried to grab it but he lifted his hand up, like he wasn¡¯t tall enough already.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I tried to reach for it again but instead, he grabbed my waist and pulled me into his bare chest.

 72

    I fell against Logan¡¯s hard chest like a log, feeling my heart leap with me. His lips nted firmly on mine for a brief brush kiss as I looked up at him. He tightens his grip around my waist. For aplete minute I was frozen on spot, just staring at his beautiful eyes as shes fromst night came like lightening. It was frightening yet sweet to think about.

    Last night he¡¯d said he loved me,, then we¡¯d had sex. I¡¯d given my body to him. I gave him my virginity without thinking twice about it.

    I never gave much thought to my virginity, never saw the importance of it but somehow I always knew I was gonna give it to the man I fell in love with. I loved once and we never had the chance to get that intimate.

    But I gave it to Logan without hesitation, because it felt so right. And he was slowst night, I¡¯ll never get over the look in his eyes when I told him I was a virgin, the look and gentleness when he took his first stroke inside me.

    ¡± Stay here with me, La ¡± his voice is deep and sure when he spoke.

    I searched his eyes like they held some answers to some questions only I had.

    ¡± I¡¯m not going anywhere, Logan ¡± I assured him. I saw the light shine forte in his deep brown eyes and my heart melted. He looked beautiful. His morning look was mesmerizing and damn right captivating.

    My eyes slowly falls on his lips and I went on my tip toe, angled my face and ced my lips on his this time. He seemed surprised, freezing the instant my lips meets his before adjusting to my touch and he kissed me back. I struggled to breathe as we kissed each other harshly and urgently. His hands ran up my back, mine running through his thick dark hairs.

    My body¡¯s temperature seemed to have risen a notch as we kissed. I felt sweats umting underneath my hair, like my skin suddenly burned. I yarned to get out of my dress and have my skin pressed against his. I didn¡¯t think having sex a couple of hours after losing my virginity was a good idea because I still felt a bit sour down there but I didn¡¯t care at the moment. My sense were flooded with lust and desires and I just knew I wanted to have him. Now.

    Soon our breaths became fast and urgent. He pulls off my shirt and pins me back against the wall, his lips peppering kisses all over my neck and below my perky breasts. I asionally moaned into his lips as he lifted me onto his waist and I straddled him. I smiled into his lips when my hand brushed his hard-on.

    ¡± Don¡¯t do that ¡± he warned, his voice dangerous.

    ¡± I want you ¡± I whispered into his lips, his breath fanning my chin as he watched my face from below. The desire burned in his eyes just as they burned in mine too.

    Like a beast, Logan takes two strides and was dumping me on the bed,ying up against my naked body. He watches my body like he was seeing me for the first time.

    ¡± You¡¯re so fucking beautiful ¡± he said, leaned in and sucked the side of my neck where my veins beat. Sinful moans escaped my lips as everywhere he touched left tingling sensations, tormenting me and making me wanna melt into him.

    Logan¡¯s lips travelled down my neck expertly, leaving slurpy wep kisses as it went. He sucked my nipples after the other. I dripped and ached for him to worship me down there. My body felt like it was on fire. It was strange how my body knew his so we¡¯ll, how it wants it so much afterst night.

    Logan kept muttering sweet words to me as he left kisses everywhere before finally parting my legs and positioning himself in front of my entrance. I waited as he rubbed me down there, his eyes watching my face for any reactions. But he knew he got me soaking good when he smirked at me.

    I gasped when I felt him push himself inside me. He stops when he sees my face but I hold him tight, telling him to continue. I¡¯d only felt a little pain when he pushed himself in but as he continued, I adjusted to him.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    It felt good, it felt like heaven. I never knew this was what sex felt like and now that I did, I was d I had it with this man whom I¡¯d fallen hopelessly in love with.

    For the next couple of minutes, all that filled the room was the sound of our breaths, movement of the bed and our bodies on it.

    Everything was strange to me yet so perfect.

    Logan slumped down next to him as he released, one of his hands rapped around my stomach. Logan pulls me into him after catching our breaths and I leaned back into him, my eyes parched at the walls. His nose nozzled against my neck and I smiled. Then he nted a soft kiss there.

    I wanted to ask him if he meant it when he said he loved me, if this changes anything between us but I decided I was going to ruin everything by asking. So I just stayed there, our bodies pressed against each other¡¯s.

    ¡± Logan? ¡± I called.

    ¡± Hmm? ¡± He replied.

    ¡± I don¡¯t ever wanna be away from you, ¡± I lied ¡± I like this, I like everything and I wanna be here with you ¡±

    ¡± I trust you do, La. I¡¯m happy that you¡¯re happy ¡±

    I looked back to the designed walls, a smile crossing my lips.

    This was the beginning of my freedom. The perfect n has just begun. Love. Trust. Escape.

 73

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    Love. Loving someone; a woman was never a n of mine, never crossed my mind. Love was something that happened to me unexpectedly, struck me hard when I least expected it.

    When I¡¯d first picked La up from her home that very night, I was filled with anger. I never thought she¡¯d still be alive today, I never thought I¡¯d be loving her like I did now. I never thought I¡¯d be wanting to be around her, I never thought I¡¯d be this obsessive.

    I could never tell her how much I loved her, she probably didn¡¯t feel the same way but I knew what I had to do, what I must to do make sure she loved me back.

    The sex was good, satisfying me more than any woman ever did. No other woman seemed to matter at that moment, it was all her, it was always her.

    Rubbing her back gently and drawing circles there, she made a stir and turned around to face me. When she smiled at me, I felt my heart skip a beat just for a second before I smiled back.

    ¡± Get dressed, I wanna show you something ¡± I told her.

    She looks confused at first but nods anyway. I watched her step out of the bed and walked out to her room. What better way to end this beautiful day than taking her to my most precious thing of all time? To my art gallery.

    I knew she appreciated art works and couldn¡¯t wait her to put her in a room full of arts. It was hard to know if La was just acting up because she was scared of what I¡¯d do to her if she didn¡¯tply with me butst night meant everything to her and I knew it. She had given me her precious body without thinking twice and I wasn¡¯t gonna make her ever regret that.

    I jumped into shower myself and dressed up in my signatory ck suits. It waste in the morning. After having the breakfast in bed, we¡¯d stayed there, La dozing off a couple of times while I justid next to her, enjoying the feel of her soft body in my hands.

    I stepped out of the room once I was content with myself and came across La half way through.

    I wanted to speak when I saw her, to tell her she looked absolutely beautiful in her ck dress. But I was struck by her rare beauty that moment to even utter a word. So I settled for a small smile and just watched her every curve.

    ¡± You look absolutely breathtaking ¡± I finally spoke as I regained myself.

    The ways she smiles, everything was intoxicating to me. And yet I liked every aspect of it. I gave her my hand and she took it. I walked us down to the elevator till we reached the garage where my driver had my car ready to move.

    ¡± Take us to The Art Gallery ¡± I informed him as soon as we sat in and he nodded.

    La turns a somewhat surprised look at me and asked ¡± the art gallery? ¡±

    ¡± Yes love, it¡¯s across town ¡± I replied, amused by her surprise that I was taking her out of the house after I¡¯d sworn never to do that ever again. I guess when you¡¯re in love you tend to bend a certain rules. I guess I always never wanted her out of the house because I knew she¡¯d wanted to be far from me. I did everything because I never wanted her to leave.

    The Art Gallery was a fine Dom building built way long ago by my Uncle. It was old and nearly ancient to some people, but it remained one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in the city. It stood tall in the middle of the road, charming to pedestrians as it would ever be.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    I walked La into the ce, hand in hand. I wanted to trust her, trust that she wouldn¡¯t try to run away now. I wanted her to prove herself that she wouldn¡¯t leave even when I leave her alone with all these people. We threw greetings to the many folks who¡¯de to appreciate the arts. Many tried to hold La, all looking excited to be seeing me with a woman.

    La didn¡¯t seem bothered. She loved being there. As I watched her standing before a work frame hanging off the wall, I was seeing a woman, not the young naive little girl I¡¯d taken from her home months ago. She was another version of herself and it Intrigued me beyond measures.

    We walked together for another longer while, having short conversations at each frame. Sometimes I¡¯m just lost there, watching this beauty that I possessed, that I owned to myself alone. The thought of losing her was one I never liked to entertain but as we stood there, I knew better. I knew her smiles were all fake, I knew everything she was doing was mere pretense. I knew exactly the game she was ying.

    Pretending to be used to this, to me, to everything. I knew women enough to know that no matter how much love you shower them, once they¡¯ve set their minds out for something, they would do it.

    I knew she still nned to make a run for it when the opportunity presents itself. I knew she was doing everything for a pretense.

    As I watched the side of her face as we stood watching the next art work, a pang of pain washed over me and for the first time, I¡¯d never wished so desperately that she had loved me truly and genuinely, that she¡¯d wanted to truly be with me not just as pretense. That she¡¯d actually felt the way I felt, loved me for whom I was.

    My phone vibrates from my pocket and I reached it to find a calling in.

    From someone I¡¯d thought would never call again.

    Nigel Moretti.

 74

    ¡± Excuse me love, I have to take this ¡± I told La.

    ¡± Okay ¡± she replies with a small smile. Taking my free hand off her bare back, I walked away from the crowd, feeling her eyes watching me as I walked away and towards the stairs. I picked it before it went to voicemail.

    ¡± Nice of you to call today ¡± I spoke first as Inded on the stairs top, looking down on the people walking around, admiring the arts.

    ¡± Hello Logan ¡± his voice is in .

    ¡± I wonder why you¡¯re suddenly calling your old friend ¡±

    ¡± I heard about what happened at the family dinner ¡±

    ¡± That exins everything. I did wonder why you never made it to the dinner though ¡± my eyes fell on La who still remained where I left her, watching the painting on the wall.

    ¡± But you never bothered to ask, did you? ¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t see why I should bother ¡±

    ¡± Let the past stay in the past, Logan. You did try to murder me once but I let it go. Now you have to do the same ¡±

    A smile crossed my lips as I replied ¡± you seem to have something else in mind. If not, I don¡¯t see why you¡¯d be calling ¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m in town Logan. I¡¯m having a party. It¡¯s for the old folks, for friendship. You cane, let¡¯s catch up on old times ¡±

    I saw a red haired woman stop next to La. She says something which causes La to turn a bit to see her. Then they both smiled and seemed to exchange pleasantries. My face darkened as I listened, as if I could hear what they were saying from up here.

    ¡± I take your silence for a no then ¡± Nigel¡¯s voice rings in my ear, causing me to blink repeatedly.

    ¡± I¡¯ll be there, and I want you to meet someone ¡± I told him, my eyes still fixed on La and her new acquaintance. The red head seemed to have said something strange or upsetting judging from La¡¯s changed facial expression because she slowly looks over her shoulder towards me, as if trying to know if I was still watching them.

    That does it.

    ¡± I have a feeling it¡¯s a woman ¡± Nigel¡¯s voicees off again.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± It is. Right now I need to get to that woman before she runs off ¡± I said into the phone before disconnecting the call and hurrying down the stairs.

    As soon as La caught sight of me, she looks down. Reaching her, I snake a hand down her lower back and faced the red head who stopped talking as soon as she saw me next to La.

    ¡± Oh hello Mr DeAngelo¡± she greets like she knew me ¡± I was just trying to have a conversation with your girlfriend here till you came back. Rumor has it that she¡¯s your girlfriend. She¡¯s a very beautiful one ¡±

    Giving her a smile that didn¡¯t reach my eyes, I replied ¡± yes, indeed she is. Would you excuse us? ¡±

    ¡± Oh sure! ¡±

    As I walked us away from her, I tried to remember who she was but failed. A lot of people knew me more than I knew them. The instant I walked into this building with La as my date, everyone presumed she was my girlfriend. Of course I didn¡¯t mind the rumors, I just didn¡¯t know how La would feel about it. The big bad Mafia man, Logan DeAngelo, owner of therge Art Gallery bringing his woman to the ce. I think it¡¯s a sight to see.

    I walked her to the next room. This part of the room is for VIP use alone and right now, there wasn¡¯t anybody here. Just a couple of sculptures standing around, a few other iconic original things on disy and a couple of art frames.

    I stopped us in front of the sculpture I¡¯d intentionally brought her here to see. It was the sculpture of Medusa, the legendary snake Queen. La doesn¡¯t seem surprised when we stopped, everyone did know Medusa.

    ¡± I always loved Medusa since I was a kid, ¡± La spoke just as I was about saying something. ¡± She¡¯s beautiful and brave ¡±

    ¡± Just like you ¡± I replied with a smile and she turns a small smile at me. ¡± Art is is thenguage of the universe, and many does not know that ¡±

    ¡± Is that why you love art so much? Because it gave meaning to your pains and everything about your life? ¡± I asked him.

    Logan hesitates before replying ¡± yes, indeed it does, love¡±

    Silence.

    ¡± Tell me, what makes you love art so much? ¡± I asked as the silence dragged in around us.

    ¡± I¡¯ve always loved watching the flowers at the back of my house as a little kid. I always found them beautiful. Then I started to draw them in papers. And slowly I started sneaking into local museums and galleries back in my ce with my best friend ¡± I saw her eyes glistened at the memory ¡± I did think about going for art school. Be an artist. But that¡¯s not possible ¡±

    She looks away and back to Medusa¡¯s sculpt. I knew I was the man who prevented that dream froming true. I didn¡¯t know how to fix that but I would try.

    ¡± I don¡¯t wanna be the reason why you don¡¯t pursue your dream, La¡­¡±

    ¡± No, you¡¯re not Logan. My family couldn¡¯t afford it anyway. That¡¯s why I was waiting for some miracle schrship when I met you ¡±

    A silent gasp escaped my throat. I hadn¡¯t realized she must¡¯ve gone through such. And now that I knew it, I felt entitled to making her feel a lot better.

    Grabbing hold of her hand, I pulled her out of the gallery and ordered for us to be driven home.

 75

    The four walls of the mansion were now bing suffocating to live within. As the days passed, I was starting to feel empty inside. I had a feeling like I was almost being used. After the sex we had in his bedroom, the only time Logan touched me was after the gallery. He¡¯d walked into my room the next night and gifted me a stunning diamond ne that he¡¯d gotten custom-made just for me. I didn¡¯t really care about the gift as much as his emotions if he¡¯d just told me I meant something to him. Logan whispered sweet things into my ear but it felt almost rehearsed.

    He was sitting on my bed, touching the hem of my dress and his fingers raking up my thigh. Logan had given me something expensive; of course, he¡¯d expect me to give him what he wanted, and that¡¯s what mistresses do, right?

    I automatically spread my legs, feeling obligated to do my duty to him. He kissed me tenderly, pouring every emotion into that kiss, making me think that he was actually in love with me. I knew he wasn¡¯t. To Logan, I was just someone he got for free, fed, and sheltered; someone who was supposed to warm his bed.

    And what did that make me?

    A shameless slut.

    My Inner thoughts about myself were right afterall. Women like me couldn¡¯t be anything more than a keep for someone with such a high social status. That¡¯s exactly what I was. When I woke up in the morning and looked at myself in the mirror, I almost didn¡¯t recognize myself. Who was this woman who was letting a man use her body just so she could get a good life? The good life didn¡¯t matter, I realized. It was my heart that was ying tricks. Every time he was around saying nice things to me, taking me out for dinner my resolve of staying strong melted and all I saw was a bit of an unusual man who may fall in love with me if he gave this rtionship a chance, and I wanted that so bad.

    And so I let it happen.

    Logan had ravished my body with his expert hands and mouth, and I can¡¯t say I didn¡¯t enjoy it. The empty look on his face, that¡¯s what bothered me and his inability to show me his emotions. It wasn¡¯t love making by a long shot; it was downright ¡®fucking¡¯. I could tell the difference between the two. While I loved him, he didn¡¯t. It was just as simple. When we were both breathing hard and spent, instead of kissing my forehead or cuddling with me, he would do his fly, run his fingers through his hair and walk out of the bedroom as if it were a transaction. A luxurious life in exchange of sex. In exchange for my nearest freedom.

    It sickened me what I¡¯d be, and it wasn¡¯t even for the freedom. It was just for the man I thought would love me back.

    Just a little.     ***     I decided to put an end to it. I wanted to stop feeling so used and for that, I needed to get away from this mansion. As if faith could read my mind, an opportunity arose in the disguise of a business party. Logan¡¯s supposed best friend, Nigel, was throwing a grand party at his house and Logan had asked me to be hispanion for the evening. It was an opportunity I would never pass.

    Dressed in a long, beautiful evening gown, I descended the stairs. The dress was beige in color, studded with tiny golden flowers all over. The shoulders were strapless and the neck was a little deeper than what I¡¯d usually wear, but it was feminine and sexy. I liked it right off the bat. I¡¯d found a matching pair of glimmering, high heels and a clutch bag.

    Logan was waiting for me at the foot of the stairs dressed in a navy tux, his dark hair ruffled back. He looked like a movie star. Logan always wore the best outfits; everything that was in fashion and never was an outfit repeated twice. He took his appearance very seriously. As he watched me walk towards him, his gaze raked from top to bottom. His eyes shone with something that I wasn¡¯t yet familiar with.

    Was it lust?

    ¡± Well? ¡± I asked.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    I gasped as he pulled me tightly into his arms. His hands that were on my waist dropped to my hips and he gave it a squeeze. His lips connected to my jaw as he trailedzy kisses down my throat. ¡± You look nothing less than the rarest of gems, ¡± he whispered. ¡± ¡± I could eat you right here. ¡±

    ¡± Hmmm¡­ ¡± I whimpered.

    Just a few nice words from him and I was a puddle on the floor.

    ¡± Now, go back to your room and change into another dress; something that¡¯s not too revealing and doesn¡¯t stick to you like a second skin. ¡± He kissed my cheek, smiling.

    I was puzzled. ¡± I thought you liked the dress. ¡±

    ¡± I do, La, but I won¡¯t appreciate other men looking at you and thinking of you in their bed, and that dress makes you look like a meal.¡± He indicated towards the dress. ¡± Go on now. Wear something else that¡¯s appropriate. And then, when we get home, you can change into this one just for me. ¡±

    I bit my lips again, stopping myself from saying something that would upset him. I scurried upstairs towards my room and threw open the wardrobe. I picked out a less revealing dress this time which was a long satin pink gown; in but elegant and had a lovely butterfly brooch jewel. I loved the previous dress more but knew Logan didn¡¯t approve of me wearing it in public. Logan had a possessive streak. I just didn¡¯t know how far it went until now.

 76

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    Logan exined that Nigel Moretti was his very long-time friend; they¡¯d attended the same elementary and high school and grew up together when Nigel had to move in after the loss of his mother. When I¡¯d asked him about his other friends, he wasn¡¯t very keen on discussing them so I decided not to push him.

    Nigel¡¯s home was a two-story Victorian mansion, vintage with a gothic architecture and quite smaller inparison to Logan¡¯s enormous one. The house was easily a modernized Adam¡¯s family home.

    I hated how Logan paraded me around in the party like a gold medal, telling people that I was his girlfriend, although I knew that wasn¡¯t true. These people didn¡¯t even know me, didn¡¯t know who I was or where I came from and yet, I felt their judging eyes following my every step. It was like they could see right through all the designer clothing.

    I didn¡¯t belong here.

    Logan introduced me to some of the people he called his friends, Tom and Mike. Apparently he still shared a couple of friends with this best friend of his. Spike, he mentioned, couldn¡¯t make it to the party, and was currently traveling somewhere in South East Asia due to his work. Both men were dressed in impressive tailored suits and looked just as handsome, but of course, their attractiveness paled inparison to Logan¡¯s. He waspletely at a different level and I couldn¡¯t stop thinking if I was the subject of envy for a dozen women.

    The men had made polite talk and asked me the questions that Logan and I had rehearsed a number of times. While Tom was being nice, Mike had a strange look in his eyes that made me ufortable. He closely resembled a vulture, ready to tear its prey to shreds. The look in his eyes reminded me of the man in the alley that day.

    I shuddered.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    I tugged at Logan¡¯s sleeve so he turned his attention to me. ¡± Is it alright if I sit down somewhere? ¡±

    He rubbed my shoulders and looked at me lovingly. ¡± Of course, precious. ¡± He led me to a table at the far corner where there were two beautifuldies already seated. The women wereughing and sipping on wine, enjoying some delicious-looking appetizers. When we approached the table, the blonde nced up towards me.

    ¡± Ladies, would it be alright with you if my beautifulpanion, La, joins your table? ¡± Logan asked politely, giving them his best ¡®Oscar-winning¡¯ smile that probably had women falling all over his feet.

    ¡± Sure, we¡¯d love for you to introduce us to your girlfriend, Logan ,¡± the blonde pointed out. Her smile was sweet and genuinepared to the ones I¡¯d been receiving throughout the evening.

    It kind of made me jealous how familiar they were acting with Logan. I never knew he knew these much people. I wondered if one of them was his ex. And then I was relieved to find out that they were Mike and Tom¡¯s partners, respectively. The blondedy in a royal blue dress was Mike¡¯s girlfriend, Cecilia, and the brte in the red gown was Tom¡¯s wife, Penny. After the fast introductions were over, Logan was pulled away by one of his old clients and that left me to deal with the women alone.

    At first, they eyed me curiously. Cecilia was the first to speak. ¡± We never thought Logan would get serious with a woman. Everyone thought there wasn¡¯t any hope for him, because¡­.. ¡±

    ¡± Because? ¡± I asked.

    Realization registered on her face. She exchanged looks with Penny. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s not my ce to say such things.¡±

    They knew about Logan¡¯s past rtionships.

    ¡°its no secret that Logan is a yer, La. But one thing is for sure, ¡± Penny continued, smiling at me. ¡°He¡¯s acting differently around you; the way he keeps stealing nces towards this table is proof enough that you have him where you need him to be. It¡¯s kinda cute.¡±

    ¡°I second that ,¡± Cecelia said.

    The girls giggled, and I joined in on their good humor.

    ¡± La, which college did you go to?¡± Penny asked me.

    I didn¡¯t have any reason to lie about the college I¡¯d dreamed of attending, so I gave them a real name and they just nodded, probably wondering why I hadn¡¯t joined an Ivy League college. I was d when their conversations changed tracks, and they started gossiping about someone I didn¡¯t know, and then they talked about sex which was thest topic I wanted to be part of.

    ¡± Men will be men, you know. They aren¡¯t satisfied with just one woman. That¡¯s the sad reality, ¡± said Penny, taking a sip of her wine as her gaze followed someone.

    I nced in the same direction to see Tomughing and talking to a tall woman. She whispered something in his ear and he touched her shoulder lightly, one would think the two were a couple. Penny caught me staring, and she flushed. She excused herself, and started walking towards her husband.

    Cecelia clicked her tongue. ¡°Poor Penny. Tom really can¡¯t keep his dick in his pants for one second. She¡¯s caught him cheating on her over a million times already. Mike told me that. ¡±

    ¡± So why is she still with him? ¡± I asked her, astonished.

    ¡± Because she loves him blind, and where would she go anyway? She¡¯s not like us, La. Penny doesn¡¯te from a wealthy background. If she divorces Tom and still manages to get her settlements, it just wouldn¡¯t be enough. Once you¡¯ve gotten used to this lifestyle, you can¡¯t go back to how you used to be.¡±

 77

    I nodded. If I was Penny, I knew my decision would have been different. There wouldn¡¯t be a million chances, once would be enough for me to pack and leave.

    ¡± Well, I can¡¯t say good things about Mike either. I caught him cheating on me once, but it was just once, and I know it never happened after that. ¡± She said, and I ced my hand over hers.

    It was like she was trying to feed herself some horse shit, because I¡¯d caught her ¡°so-called¡± boyfriend steal nces at me more than once.

    ¡°You¡¯re really luckypared to us, La. Logan is a nice man. He¡¯s polite and such a gentleman.¡±

    ¡± He¡¯s a little different, isn¡¯t he? ¡± I asked her, trying to dig for some juicy inside story.

    Cecelia nodded. ¡± A little. He¡¯s straight-forward and that¡¯s what people like about him, and he¡¯s quite the keeper. ¡±

    It seemed like Logan had paid this woman to give me a good report.

    ¡± He¡¯s a little demanding,¡± I whispered.

    ¡± Demanding? ¡± She appeared confused. ¡± What do you mean?¡±

    I could feel the blush creep into my cheeks. ¡°About sex.¡±

    Ceciliaughed, waving her well-manicured nails at me. ¡°Why is that something to worry about? It just means you¡¯re desirable to him. All men are demanding in bed. If you want to keep the man, you¡¯ve gotta do it, honey.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just that, Cecilia. I don¡¯t think Logan loves me,¡± I said, unable to hold it in any longer. I needed to talk to someone. My hands were shaking. ¡°He just¡­well, he just wants my body.¡±

    There. I said it.

    ¡± No, darling, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s true.¡± She squeezed the life out of my hand. ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful and you seem so kind. Logan just doesn¡¯t speak about his feelings. I¡¯m sure he loves you. If not, he wouldn¡¯t introduce you to us.¡±

    I wasn¡¯t convinced yet.

    I nodded, and downed the entire ss of the wine. Cecilia continued to hail down every waiter serving wine and gulped each wine ss with enthusiasm. By the end of the fifth, she wasughing non-stop and talking about something that didn¡¯t make sense. A shadow fell upon me and that¡¯s when I looked up.

    ¡°May I have the honor of this dance?¡± Logan¡¯s hand was raised towards me.

    He ced his hand on my waist and circled my arms around his neck. It was a sensuous, slow dance. I waltzed across the dance floor, moving smoothly to the song in the background. He looked at me like I meant the world to him, and yet there was still something missing entirely. The DJ yed a slow Ed Sheeran song. My head rested against his chest as we swayed to the music. In that moment I knew I would never love anyone as much as I loved him. He had the ability to destroy mepletely without intention.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    I lifted my head up and our gazes locked. I wanted to see onest time if there was something in those beautiful blue eyes that conveyed his true feelings. His soul appeared to be empty just like his eyes. My heart broke into a million pieces. I cupped his face in my palms. ¡± Logan? .¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°I love you,¡± I confessed, a part of me trying to convince me that I was doing this for my own good. and before he had time to say anything, I continued. ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to love me back. I just want to know if you feel something, even an ounce that I can hold onto.¡±

    I realized my hands were shaking as I waited for him to answer. His expression betrayed no emotion as he continued to stare at me in baffled silence.

    His silence was the only answer I needed. It would have sufficed if he had remained silent but what he said next nearly blew my mind away. ¡°I love fucking you in bed. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±

    I flushed, stunned beyond words. Out of all the answers I¡¯d predicted, this hadn¡¯t even crossed my mind. I¡¯d told him that I loved him, and he¡¯d said tantly that he was only interested in one thing, nothing else. I wondered if this was the same man who¡¯d saved me from my worst fate time and time again.

    I stepped back from his touch and started walking away. I heard him call out my name but I didn¡¯t nce back. Thest thing I needed right now was for him to follow me. I tried to fight back the hot tears gliding down my cheeks. I¡¯d chalked up Logan¡¯s behavior so far as him being childish, but this was thest straw.

    Being wealthy, handsome and a man who acquired everything, it was a no-brainer that he¡¯d wanted me in bed and he sessfully achieved that without batting an eye. It only happened in books or movies that a billionaire fell in love with a damsel in distress. In real life, none of that happened.

    In real life; the damsel in distress was just reduced to someone he could use and discard.

    I held onto the granite counters of the bathroom and cried until I had no tears left. It hurt so much. In the end, I was just a daft little idiot who¡¯d assumed that after giving my body to him, I¡¯d eventually have his heart. I hadn¡¯t asked him to love me back, had I?

    All I wanted was for him to tell me if there could be anything in the future.

    His bluntness had proven one thing.

    I was going back home.

    Back to my old life.

    I picked up a tissue and dried my tears. I nced at my reflection before stepping out of the bathroom to meet a room apuding loudly.

 78

    From the stairsnding above the wide hall stood a man with creamy coffee skin, his chin looking to be freshly shaved, d in Navy suits. He¡¯s slim but well built in every ces around his body. His eyes are small and set back into his face, his hair ck as a raven, brushed back stylishly on his head. His face looks cute and average for his broad chest, his slim lips pink and faded.

    I didn¡¯t need anyone to tell me that he was Nigel, Logan¡¯s supposed ex best friend. Everyone pped, their faces turned towards him. He throws his smile across the room like wildfire. I found my steps back to where the women and I had seated earlier before Logan¡¯s interruption.

    The sounds of pping hands soon died down and he put a ss of wine up.

    ¡± Thank you all for making it today ¡± Nigel spoke, his ent resembling that of a German. Logan had said he was half Italian and he had the facial features too.

    I noticed how his eyes scanned the room till they settled on me. He stared at me, his eyes lingering like he knew me. Then I felt a strong hand hand snaking around my waist and pulling me into a body behind me. I looked to the side to see Logan, a long smile on his face as he watched Nigel from above. So that was what Nigel was looking at, not actually me.

    I looked from him and back to Nigel who continued ¡± here is to friendship, both old and new. And I want to make a special toast to a dear friend. ¡± He raised his ss again and the silence fully broke in, thick as a fog. ¡± To my childhood best friend and still my very good friend, Logan DeAngelo! ¡±

    sp rose again. From my peripheral view, I could see the smile tucking at the corner of Logan¡¯s lips. I couldn¡¯t tell if he was genuinely d that Nigel was making a toast to him or if this was just some game to him again. The apuse dies down again before Nigel continued. ¡± Thank you for being here tonight, Logan, and for caring to catch up on old times. Thank you all for being here too ¡±

    Logan¡¯s hand releases from my waist as he pped, along with the few others. I watched as Nigel made it down the stairs after finishing his wine and putting it on the nearest cup bearer¡¯s trey. I saw how some few people tried to get him into a conversation but he waves a hand at them, his eyes seemingly stered on Logan and I. How important was this man? I knew in some people¡¯s eyes, he was Logan¡¯s brother since they lived together at some point in their lives. And I wondered if behind all those sweet smiles and bright eyes, he was just like Logan.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± You¡¯re looking well, man ¡± Nigel spoke as soon as he stopped right in front of us, his smile now faded.

    ¡± I presume you wanted me looking as miserable as yourself, Nigel ¡± Logan shot back, his energy matching Nigel¡¯s. The disgust in their voices, the hate. I felt my neck heat up as I found myself in the middle of zing eyes. Just as I was about to take a sharp breath in to relieve the tension in the air, Nigelughed hard and Logan joined in. I watched the two men who a few seconds ago looked like they were about to devour each otherugh in their faces like nothing happened.

    Nigel spread his arms apart and Logan embraced him, leaving me utterly surprised and wondering if they weren¡¯t the enemies Logan painted them out to be.

    ¡± Good to see you again Logan ¡± Nigel spoke, slightly patting Logan¡¯s back.

    ¡± Good to see you too, brother ¡± Logan replied as they unwrapped from each other¡¯s chest.

    Nigel¡¯s eyes falls on me.

    ¡± Is this the woman you were telling me about the other day?¡± He asked.

    Logan told him about me? He told anyone about me?

    ¡± Yes. She¡¯s the one who¡¯s got my heart stolen ¡± a bigger side of me wanted to blush at his words but the smirk on his face said otherwise about what he was insinuating. With every passing second I wanted to disappear from there.

    ¡± I¡¯m Nigel, your boyfriend¡¯s friend and brother-ish¡± he said as he reached for my hand. I smiled at the way he spoke, how every word that came from his mouth seemed to carry a hint of joke with it.

    ¡± I¡¯m La. It¡¯s nice to meet you¡± I replied with a smile of my own. He nts a firm kiss on my hand before letting go.

    ¡± I must say Logan does always have the eye of a hawk, always choosing the fine women ¡± Nigel said. I¡¯m sure he intended that as apliment of some sort so I took no issues with that.

    ¡± Thank you ¡± I replied regardless.

    A man appears from behind me. He looked the father figure, his stomach protruding from the suit he wore, a button threatening to cut from his suit if he even as much as breathed again. His hair is red, so was his fine beards.

    ¡± Logan, Nigel ¡± he acknowledges them as he takes each one¡¯s hand before turning his head to see me. His eyes scans me for a quick second but I knew he got a fill of his eyes in just that short amount of time.

    ¡± May I borrow your fine woman for a dance?¡± He asks politely.

    I watched Logan, waited for him to refuse and ask the man to go away like he¡¯s supposed to but instead, he smiles sweetly and replied ¡± I don¡¯t see why not, Colonel ¡±

    The said colonel bows as he presents his hand to me. Taking his hand and letting him drag me away like I was some property owned and borrowed whenever, I watched Logan¡¯s eyes as they watched me disappear before turning to face Nigel.

 79

    I didn¡¯t know why Logan had agreed for me to dance with this stranger at the side of the room where he couldn¡¯t keep his eyes on me. Did he suddenly trust me so much?

    But right now, I was more concerned about this pot belly man who seemed to watch my body than my face as we stopped right next to the couples dancing to the slow music on the background. Colonel my arse.

    He ces his big hands on my waist while I ced mine on his arm and the nape of his neck before slowly joining the dance. I tried to look anywhere but his face but that was impossible as we were both of the same height. With the help of my high heels, I was almost a hair taller than him.

    ¡± You don¡¯t look like you¡¯re from around here ¡± he spoke, like it wasn¡¯t enough torture having to dance with my body so closed up to his.

    ¡± You live here?¡± I shot back.

    He smiles gently and replied ¡± yes in fact. I have a house here. I live with my wife and two sons. Lovely family ¡±

    ¡± Ah ¡± I nodded gently. He spins me around, his grip tightening around my waist at that minute.

    ¡± So, you haven¡¯t answered my question ¡± he pressed.

    ¡± Yes, colonel, I live here¡±

    ¡± Please, call me Morin ¡±

    ¡± If you insist¡±

    ¡± How did you meet Logan? I¡¯ve known him for a couple of years and I never knew him to be the type to keep women. But in here, rumor has it that you¡¯re his girlfriend and that you¡¯re even in love ¡±

    As I talked, I racked my brain for the perfect lie to answer with. In the midst of all the thinking, I wondered if I couldn¡¯t tell this man the truth. Tell him that Logan had kidnapped. Surely, he couldn¡¯t kill everyone in this room because I¡¯m trying to escape. But when Morin turned me to the side and I looked up, I saw Logan¡¯s eyes watching me. I looked away immediately.

    ¡± We¡¯ve known each other for quite a while, before dating ¡± I replied, not genuinely answering his question.

    ¡± That¡¯s lovely. I¡¯m happy that he finally has someone by his sides, honestly I am my deardy. Logan has had a couple of reputations, I¡¯m not sure you know that ¡±

    I wondered why this man was saying all these things about Logan to me when he barely knew me. Surely, Logan was bad to everyone. Everyone, including myself believed he was the ruthless mafia man and maybe we all are right. But I thought this room was filled with people who had been his friends in the past and were still very much his friends now. I couldn¡¯t find a possible reason why he¡¯d wanna say mean things about him, especially to his woman. Especially to me. But deep inside, I knew I had to listen to whatever he had to say.

    ¡± What do you mean by that?¡± I asked him.

    ¡± Your boyfriend has abused a number of women in the past, La and perhaps that was the reason why never had a girlfriend. Everyone in this room presumes he probably took you against your will. You¡¯re not looking happy or lively enough to prove otherwise my dear ¡±

    I gulped hard, trying to think straight. Was this one of Logan¡¯s tricks? Did he set this man up to convince me that he was on my side, and when I finally believe him, I get punished and start all over again? I wasn¡¯t going to fall for his tricks anymore.

    ¡± I¡¯m happy with Logan, Morin, ¡± I shut my eyes as the lie came out of my mouth ¡± he loves me and I love him back ¡±

    ¡± Yes, that¡¯s exactly what I expected you to say. But rest assured that I can help you¡­..¡±

    ¡± What exactly do you wanna help me with?¡± I asked, my voice rising a bit in my throat. I wasn¡¯t going to get in trouble tonight. I knew I had the perfect chance to escape tonight if I wanted but this wasn¡¯t how I nned to do it.

    Morin leans closer to my ear and spoke ¡± I don¡¯t mean any trouble, La. Like I said, I¡¯m a friend of Logan¡¯s and that hasn¡¯t changed. But I¡¯m also friends with the women he keeps around him. I¡¯m quick to do what needs to be done before it¡¯s toote. I¡¯m a colonel and I can help you. If he is holding you against your will too, you can tell me and I¡¯ll help you ¡±

    What did he mean by if he was holding me against my will ¡®too¡¯? Did he hold women against their wills too? Did he force women to live with him while he assulted them? I didn¡¯t want to believe him but a bigger side of me was beginning me to. I didn¡¯t exactly have any choice here. Here I was, an opportunity to my freedom being presented to me but I¡¯d been so brainwashed by Logan that I didn¡¯t know what was true or not anymore.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    We slowly came to a stop, just in time for Logan to break in, roughly grabbing my hand and raising it to his lips to nt a kiss on it affectionately.

    ¡± I see you two are done dancing, ¡± he spoke calmly, his smile unchanged ¡± I need to take my girlfriend back now, if you don¡¯t mind ¡±

    Morin nods repeatedly and I gave him a slight nod of my head before letting Logan pull me away. He walks me till we were at the end of the narrow hall and he pushed me in through the door. As soon as we were out of the guest parlor and inside the bedroom, he pushed me into the wall and red at me.

 80

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    I watched La walk away with the backstabbing traitor I¡¯d endured his friendship for many years towards the dancing floor. Colonel Morin always prided himself of being the most kind and knowledgeable whenever there¡¯s a group. But we all knew he was just as evil as every soul gathered here tonight. Even he had his own skeletons well hidden in his closet.

    ¡± Now don¡¯t look too sad, Logan, Morin doesn¡¯t intend to take your woman from you I can assure you that ¡± Nigel¡¯s voice brings me back and I looked at him, stering on a wide smile. He raises his ss towards the nearest empty bar table.

    ¡± I am sure his wife would have his head before he even makes an attempt to steal La from me ¡± I replied, walking towards the bar with him.

    ¡± My point exactly brother ¡± he replied before we both settled on the empty bar stools.

    The bartender starts filling a cup for me.

    ¡± So, ¡± Nigel breaks the building silence ¡± how long has it been? Ages? ¡±

    I chuckled at his remark, looking over my shoulder to see La dancing with the colonel, his hand tightly wrapped around her waist. I looked back with a frown, sipping my wine.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± I heard you lost your uncle, Santiago, ¡± Nigel continued as I emptied my ss and pulled the bottle closer to me ¡± I¡¯m very sorry ¡±

    ¡± Thank you Nigel but I assume you also heard that I killed him so I could have his wealth to myself, no? ¡±

    Nigel chuckles before replying ¡± I like to assume that¡¯s just a rumor, Logan. You¡¯re a famous man, that should be well expected and thest thing I expect you to care about ¡±

    ¡± Oh I do not care, Nigel. ¡±

    ¡± I also heard from a source that he was murdered by Jamie Templeman, bullet to the head they say ¡±

    ¡± Seems you¡¯ve been keeping tabs on me more than I cared to put on you, brother ¡±

    ¡± Come on, Logan, we¡¯re brothers. I forgave the fact that you once tried to have me killed over a little misunderstanding ¡±

    ¡± You turned against me when the rest of the world did, you call that a misunderstanding? Well then, make me understan now, shall we? ¡±

    Nigel looks into the door and sets his half empty ss down. I could tell he was on a difficult position with the way he strained his eyes even when he was looking at nothing.

    Turning back to face me, he said ¡± okay, I agree that I was wrong. I¡¯d done things to you which I couldn¡¯t take back even if I tried. But at least I can apologize ¡±

    ¡± Apologize? You seriously think a simple apology can fix all what you did? ¡±

    ¡± Hey I thought we were even. You tried to have me killed and I tried to have you killed too. You should take my apologies while I¡¯m still offering it ¡±

    He picks up his drink roughly and drinks up. I watched him, amused. Now I understood everything. Why he came here, why he¡¯s having this damn friends party.

    ¡± Tell me Nigel, why are you back in town? Last time I heard, you were in Mexico taking care of one of my father¡¯s businesses ¡±

    Turning a tired eyes to me, he spoke ¡± that¡¯s personal, Logan. And I thought you didn¡¯t keep tabs on me ¡±

    ¡± I don¡¯t. You¡¯re not exactly the kind of man to keep your life private enough. So, why are you in this damned city? ¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m here on a business. I also came because I wanted to see you, have a word with you ¡±

    ¡± Well, ¡± I spread my arms apart for effect ¡± I¡¯m all yours, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    Nigel stared at me for a long while, contemtion written all over his face. At first I felt curious about what was so important he had to travel all the way here to talk to me, then I thought maybe my dear father put him up to this.

    When he wouldn¡¯t speak, I started to pour myself another drink when he spoke ¡± Your father says he wants you to back down on his father¡¯s properties that you wish to im for yourself ¡±

    I stopped pouring, pausing as the words reached my ears. My lips extends into a smirk, because I knew it. This was all about my fucking father. Setting down the ss, I looked back at him and replied ¡± I see you do his bidding now. What else did he tell you? That I should give him his brother¡¯s properties too? ¡±

    ¡± Let it all go Logan, ¡± he rubbed his hand across his face tiredly ¡± it¡¯s just some few cash and some deadpanies anyway ¡±

    Looking to the other side of the room, I saw La¡¯s body wrapped up in Morin¡¯s arms. My frown deepens at the sight and I turned back to Nigel, not trying to hide my anger.

    ¡± You can go back to that old man and tell him that if he wants me to give it all to him, he should stop hiding behind others ande to me himself ¡±

    Standing up, I added ¡± or better still, tell him to shove his concerns up his ass. It was nice seeing you again, Nigel¡±

    Then I marched out, nudging anyone on the way as I stormed towards La and Morin. I noticed how he talked to her, how seriously he said whatever he was saying. And I knew he was in for no good. And La would be stupid enough to believe whatever he said to her.

    As I closed in on them, all I could think about was this anger I was feeling. The room suddenly seemed sorge and everything standing here tonight mocked me.

 81

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I knew Logan was upset when he dragged me away and out of the party premises into a secluded room. His fingers dug into my arm and I had to hold back a scream.

    This side of the house wasn¡¯t a room, it was more like arge dome like structured side of the house resembling a library with arge tall ancient shelf carrying identical brown books on it. There¡¯s several flower pots seated around and a desk table at one side. This looked like a public study room and I wondered why Nigel would have that in his house. I doubt he was married.

    Logan tossed me to the side harshly causing me to hit my back against the shelf. I thought the life in me escaped my throat. He looked angry. He was furious. I knew he¡¯d seen the colonel talking to me and now I¡¯ve only just got to y right and not get punished. I couldn¡¯t tell him what Morin had said. No matter how much I said I didn¡¯t believe him, Logan was still going to punish me and he would definitely have Morin killed too.

    I watched with squinted eyes as Logan advanced towards me, his much taller and broader frame towering over mine intimidatingly.

    ¡± I see you enjoyed his arms around you, La ¡± ha spoke, his breath fanning my face.

    I looked at him, surprised. Of all the things I thought he¡¯d say, I never expected he¡¯d say that. I never expected he¡¯d act on jealousy.

    When I didn¡¯t speak, he grabbed my arm roughly and roared harshly ¡± answer me!¡±

    ¡± No,¡­¡± My voice broke as the pain shot through my arm ¡± it wasn¡¯t like that. Please¡­.. you¡¯re hurting me¡±

    Logan¡¯s eyes watched me for a while, tears brimming at my eyes now. He slowly let¡¯s go and Inches even closer, leaving no space between us as his hard chest grazed mine softly.

    ¡± I know that you enjoyed his hands all over you, La and that you would probably sleep with him if I gave you the chance¡± he spoke directly into my ear.

    I gulped hard and painfully. His usation was painful but I couldn¡¯t prove him otherwise. He would probably hit me at this point if I try to defend myself. So I kept my gaze down.

    ¡± You wanna get touched so badly?¡± His lips grazed my ear, his hand going up my clothed stomach. When his lips nibbed my neck, I tried to hold back a moan. How stupid of me to actually enjoy the feel of his lips against my skin when he just hurt me. But he doesn¡¯t stop. His lips continued tosh kisses on my cor bone and down my cleavage, his hand molesting my entire body.

    ¡°Stop¡± I tried to push him off. He angrily pushes my arms back against the shelf and pulled back to look into my face. That¡¯s when I saw it. The burning desire in his eyes, the lust. I knew he wanted me but he was also upset.

    ¡± Tell me La, what were you so much discussing with the colonel?¡±

    I shut my eyes as the words left his mouth.

    ¡°Answer me while I¡¯m asking nicely La¡± his words are moaned into my ear, causing a strange wetness between my legs.

    I raked my brain for what to say but I couldn¡¯t think properly. Not when his hands are all over my body and I could feel his breath against my skin.

    ¡± Nothing¡­ I ¡­ he only asked me if I¡¯m from around here¡± I blurted.

    ¡°Just that?¡± He pulls back.

    I watched his eyes as they poured down on me and waited for the worse.

    He surprises me when his lips lifted up into a smirk and his hand patted my hair, before he whispered ¡°liar ¡±

    What Morin said about him holding girls hostage reurred to me and I fought myself not to ask the question but it escaped me regardless.

    ¡± I need to ask you something¡± I spoke before he could seed in opening his mouth to say another word. ¡± I wanna know¡­.. If you ever held other girls hostage before¡±

    I saw how his eyes changed, how the colors drained out and left them cold and intimidating. I saw surprise and anger in them. Surprise that I knew about his little secret that wasn¡¯t so secret except to me and angry that I even found out.

    What he does next surprises me because he ms the pile of hard books behind my head and spoke angrily into my face.

    ¡± I have a much more interesting question for you, La ¡± I watched his eyes, surprised at the turn of events ¡± I know Morin offered to help you escape and as I talk to you right now, he¡¯s about to leave with the back elevator open. Would you leave if I asked you go right now?¡±

    I watched his eyes intensively. He had that mad smile on again, the smile that said he was enjoying this. He enjoyed testing me and torturing me. He steps away from the exit and added ¡± you can leave and never see me again, I won¡¯t stop you¡±

    My eyes moved from his face to the exit. That way led to the party and from there I could get to this elevator and leave him behind. He could be saying the truth this time, he wouldn¡¯t test me with all that people in here. They would catch on. Unless they were all in together.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    My fingers fidgeted with my dress as I watched the exit for a long time. I knew I could go. But suddenly, I knew I couldn¡¯t leave.

    I couldn¡¯t leave him because¡­.

    Because I loved him.

    Logan grabs hold of my hand and made sure his face was watching mine, his smile lengthening as he spoke ¡± I thought as much¡±.

    Then he was dragging me out of the party towards the back, until we were outside in the cold night.

 82

    Logan dragged me to his car and made me sit in. His driver drove off and I tried to keep my distance. I scooted to the side of the car as soon as he sat next to me and started undoing his necktie.

    I thought he was gonna jump on me but he never did. all the way home I was trapped inside my own thoughts. We left the party early. I couldn¡¯t even say goodbye to the few friends I¡¯d made tonight and I had no idea what was waiting for me at home.

    Morin¡¯s voice kept repeating itself in my head. Something told me I should¡¯ve opened up to him. I should¡¯ve said something, Logan wouldn¡¯t have guessed if I yed well. And maybe I¡¯d be getting out of here before I knew it. But again, I¡¯d have nowhere to go if I escaped from Logan. I needed to have some money to be able to survive on my own and as the car drove along, I told myself Logan was going to give me that money and I knew how I was going to take that from him.

    Tonight, I was going to change this horrible game.

    When the car came to a stop in front of the house, I stepped out after him. The heels were starting to hurt my feet and I wanted to get rid of them, and this dress. I walked in before Logan and we both stepped into the elevator in silence. I watched his reflection on the pure elevator iron as he stood behind me, his back pressed up straight behind me. I felt chills run up my neck as I felt his bulge with my butt pressed against him. And I think I knew what wasing.

    shes from the first time we had sex came back. That was the only time I¡¯d ever truly wanted the sex. Ever since then, Logan was always making me have sex and it disgusted me. I had seen iting and now it¡¯s happening. This was all he cared about, all he wanted me for and now I¡¯m going to change it all.

    When the doors slid open, I tried to step out but he caught my hand and yanked me back into his arms. He pushes us out, his lips going up to kiss my neck till we were right in front of his door. He turned and pushed me against it, hoisting me up as he tried to slip a hand into my dress while trying to push the door open with his other hand. He opens the door First and grabbed my waist, walking us in.

    I waited for him to kiss me but he never did. He wasn¡¯t passionate about this, he just wants to have my body and be done with it.

    I felt anger shoot through me and I wanted all this to stop. I should¡¯ve left when he asked me to even when I didn¡¯t know what kind of deranged test that was for me. Somehow, I could¡¯ve managed to leave.

    But here I was again, about to please him in his bed because that¡¯s all I¡¯m good for.

    I started fighting him as soon as he pressed me against the wall.

    ¡± Have something to say? ¡± He stops peppering kisses on my neck to ask.

    I dragged air into my lungs and replied ¡± I don¡¯t wanna do this ¡± I told him confidently.

    His lips went into a long smile ¡± you don¡¯t have much say in this, La ¡±

    ¡± I do. I do not want you having sex with me whenever you feel like while I just have to obey you andy there every damn night! ¡±

    ¡± I guess you finally got the answer to your nagging question about why I haven¡¯t killed you and instead kept you here. ¡± he replied, amusement in his voice.

    I pushed him back with a great force and he stumbled back. I realized I shouldn¡¯t have done that immediately but it was toote. He was angry and was gonna hit me now. I needed to act fast.

    ¡± Tell me La, ¡± he spoke as he watched me from the distance ¡± what were you discussing with that red head at the gallery the other night? ¡±

    I felt my heart fall into the pit of my stomach as the unexpected question hit me like a wrecking ball. He still hasn¡¯t forgotten about that? I¡¯d expected him to ask me this question that night but he never did. He¡¯d only pretended to trust my loyalty.

    I remember thedy asking about how I was doing and if Logan was treating me well. She also mentioned working for him once before and then she¡¯d told me they¡¯d slept together once and I¡¯d felt angry.

    ¡± She told me that you two used to work together and that you slept with her before firing her ¡± I told him bitterly.

    He stops for a second, as if shocked that I¡¯d speak to him the way I just did but I didn¡¯t care. Thinking about all she¡¯d said that night seemed angering all over again.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    He starts taking light steps towards me and then stopped as he reached me. ¡°Yes, me must¡¯ve had good sex for her to do something as shameful as telling my current girlfriend about it. ¡±

    ¡± What do you take me for, Logan? Your y thing? ¡±

    ¡± You truly want an honest answer to that? ¡±

    ¡°No!¡± I replied before he could get the words out. I didn¡¯t think I was ready to hear it as I knew exactly what he was going to say. I didn¡¯t mean anything to him, I was just the sex object he got for free.

    I tried to leave but he grabs me and mmed me back against the wall, causing a great deal of a pain in my ribcage.

    ¡± I¡¯m not done talking ¡± he said before roughly grabbing me again and tossing me aside.

 83

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    As I yanked her into me, pressed her back into the wall and watched how wide her eyes went in surprise, I began to wonder so many things. I wondered what she wore underneath that slim dress that seemed to be a big barrier between my body and hers. Images of scanty ckce wreaked havoc with my mind, but even the thought of her in nnel pants and a cropped T-shirt did things to him no other woman had ever aplished.

    She turned me on without even trying. The way her lips parted sensually as her eyes watched me, the way she tried to control her ragged breath, the way her back is arched so her chest is pressed up, half of her cupped breasts in full disy. And I smiled at how wired yet beautiful my mood had changed from being angry just a while ago to wanting her so badly now.

    My groin felt heavy and I knew I needed to pour everything into her.

    ¡± Logan . . . . . .¡± Her voice cuts through my mind like a scissor.

    I did the only thing I should to shut her up. I lounged for her sulent looking lips and kissed them. She tries to fight me off but I hold her arms still against the walls. I pushed my tongue further inside but she cages her mouth well with her teeth so I pulled back.

    ¡± You are the woman who turns me on quicker than any other woman has ever seeded in doing ¡± I told her honestly, reaching my voice deep into her soul. I loved how my voice affected her, loved how she was losing control, how she was breathing. I could only wonder what was going on in her little mind.

    Her eyes brightens up either in surprise or relief as to my reply to her question. That¡¯s when I leant in closer to kiss her.

    But she inches her face away. Only looking back to search my eyes. Then I got the hint immediately that she had something in her mind that she needed to get out.

    ¡± You can tell me . . . . . .¡± I assured her, my hands going up to cup her delicate face.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get married ¡± she cuts me off.

    I froze for that split second before regaining myself and dropping my hand from her face to her shoulder. I¡¯d thought that was some joke because marriage was thest thing I thought La would ever want with me. But the longer I watched her eyes, the more I saw every reason to believe she was being honest with every word she just said.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry . . . . I just, ¡± she struggles to get her words out ¡± I love you so much and¡­. I think I wanna spend the rest of my life with you and I can¡¯t always be here with my heart divided and¡­.. ¡±

    I cut her off as I imed her lips once again, this time with a much bigger purpose. With that simple kiss I was conveying a message to her. I was telling her that she didn¡¯t need to exin herself, that I was sorry she had to say it first.

    ¡± I should be the one asking you and¡­. Yes, let¡¯s get married, La ¡± I replied, my heart summersuting inside my rib cage.

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get married ¡± as soon as I the words left my mouth, I didn¡¯t know how I¡¯d managed to get the word out. The idea was to change this stupid game I was ying with him but his reaction had surprised me. He didn¡¯t just agree to get married with me, he has had it in his mind all along. And he wanted to marry me.

    A while ago we were yelling at each other and I¡¯d thought he was gonna hit me again. But everything seems to have taken a better turn.

    Logan leans in again, snaking a hand around my waist, his eyes glistening as they watched me carefully.

    He stamped his mouth over mine, not giving me a chance to think or back off or push him away. He invaded my mouth, plunging his tongue inside the slick, silky cave, then closed his lips around the wet flesh and sucked hard.

    I grabbed for his shoulders, and made a little moan deep in my throat.

    Then I exploded.

    I reached up and tangled my fingers into his hair, holding his head as I kissed him back and met demand with demand. My hips rose up to thrust against him, and his taste and smell invaded me like a drug.

    My skin burned as all the pent up desire I¡¯d buried deep burst out of my body in a flood of heat. I was ravenous for his taste, for his hands to strip off my clothes and take me right there against the wall, and I reveled in his wild response that was so opposite his rigid control.

    Control.

    He tossed me on the bed and finished his strip tease. Unbuttoned his shirt and threw it on the floor. Slid the belt buckle from the loops and lowered the zipper. Kicked off his pants in one swift motion. All of this was done as I sprawled in the center of the bed and stared at him as if he were my own private Chippendale dancer.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    Nope, he was even better.

    All lean sinewy muscle and gilded blond hair. Trim hips and hard thighs and an erection that stood proudly between his legs, hidden from view by a pair of ck briefs. My fingers curled into my palms as my fantasy joined me on the bed and settled against me.

    ¡± Your turn.¡± His voice scraped like sandpaper over my ears, one side rough, the other smooth. He reached behind me and slid the zipper down.

 84

    My muscles trembled as his hands settled over the slim straps of my dress and stopped. My breath hitched as seconds beat past, and the heavy weight of his palm pressed against the top of my breasts. My heart pounded so loud I knew he heard it. Anticipation cranked hard between them until I battled a scream, and then he hooked his index finger underneath the strap and pulled it down.

    Oh, God.

    Cool air rushed over my skin, but his gaze scorched as he drank in the flesh revealed. My nipples hardened into points as the silk caught briefly, then continued on its path. He gently maneuvered my arms out of the holes, then moved the fabric even lower, exposing my belly and hips. He stopped and studied every inch of my nakedness with a silent intensity that unnerved me, until I longed to say something but the words died in my throat.

    His hands settled on my hips. He grasped the delicate fabric at both sides and began to work it down over my thighs, calves, then tore it away from my shoes and tossed the dress to the floor.

    Our breath rose and fell together in an uneven, choppy rhythm. Liquid heat pulsed and pounded between my thighs, masked by the scrap of red panties I had pulled on with no one in mind but myself. But now Logan focused his attention in that direction, still saying nothing, studying the apex of my thighs, his thumb lightly brushing the line of my panties as I sucked in my breath and waited. As if he had all the time in the world, he began to y with the stic band as if testing its strength. My entire focus shrank to those five fingers and the slow torture they bestowed. He explored the crease at my thighs, then traced an invisible line down the center of my body. He watched every reaction in silence, as if I were his love ve and he was a king used to obedience.

    And I exploded with sheer frustration, wondering how I¡¯d turned from being furious a while ago to this mess.

    He covered my mouth with his and plunged his tongue deep into my mouth. I arched like a bow as the lightning crack of energy ripped through me. My fingers clung to him as I held on and kissed him back, drowning in the taste of Scotch and male heat. He parted my legs and tortured me with promises of his hands and his penis, until I became crazed with need, until there was no more pride or logic, just this ache to have him inside me.

    His mouth moved on my breasts, sucked my nipples, and nipped with his teeth. His fingers stroked my belly and hips, and hooked under thece to y, one long index finger moving underneath to test my heat, drenched with moisture as I cried out for more, always more.

    He slid off my panties and plunged a finger deep inside, then added another, rubbing delicately over the hard nub hidden between curls, just giving me a taste of it until¡­

    I cried out and my hips bucked as the climax took me hard. My body shook with pleasure as he shed his briefs and covered himself with a condom. He slid back up to my silken length, inteced all ten fingers with mine, and pressed our joined hands deep into the pillows.

    I blinked up, dazed by the endless depths of his eyes, a deep, dark brown that held an array of secrets and a gleam of tenderness I¡¯d never seen before.

    He pressed against me, seeking entry. Liquid warmth rushed out to ease his wee and I lifted my hips to take him. He pressed an inch, then another. My body tightened around him and I panicked, knowing this was all that mattered to him, knowing he¡¯d never want me in the way I needed.

    He paused, almost as if he sensed my emotions. ¡± Too fast? Talk to me.¡±

    I shuddered with pure need as I felt him retreat one precious inch. ¡± No, I just, I need¡­.¡±

    ¡± Tell me.¡±

    A fine sheen of tears filmed over, my emotions raw and easy for him to read. ¡± need you to want me. Only me. Not¡­.¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Oh, God.¡± He closed his eyes. I watched sheer agony ripple over his face. He stopped at my entrance and bent to kiss me.

    He tenderly mated his tongue with mine, stroking, tracing the swollen flesh of my lips in an action that bespoke pure humbleness. And when he opened his eyes and looked into mine, I sucked in my breath as he finally let me in, let me see it all, and gave me what I needed.

    The truth.

    ¡± It¡¯s always been you. I only want you, La ¡±

    I cried out as he buried himself to the hilt inside of me. My body opened and epted his swollen length, hugged him deep and demanded more. His fingers gripped mine and pressed harder into the pillow as he began to move, slowly at first, joining me to the rhythm. I climbed again with him, and the twisting spiral path tensed my muscles, stopped my breath, and teased me with each inch as I moved closer to release.

    It was a rawbining of needs, rough and primitive, and I reveled in the honesty of our lovemaking as sweat slid down his forehead and my nails dug deep into his back until I exploded. Pleasure broke over in waves, and I heard him cry out as he joined me, and in that moment we were one.

    He slumped and rolled so I sprawled on top of him, my cheek against his slick muscled chest, my hair spilling over my face, my arms wrapped around his waist. No thoughts imed me in this moment, and I treasured the deep peace as I let myself go, safe in his embrace. I slid toward sleep as he held me tightly.

 85

    The next morning I woke up to Logan¡¯s face and bare chest as he sat watching over me. He gave me a genuinely sweet smile before asking us to eat breakfast. As we walked out hand in hand, It started dawning on me that I was about to take a bold step in my life and I wasn¡¯t even twenty yet. I¡¯d be twenty in two months time but still, that didn¡¯t justify what I was about to do in a couple of weeks from now.

    I always dreamed of marrying a noble man from a wealthy family. I guess that¡¯s the kind of fantasies girls like me had in their heads when you¡¯ve lived your whole life poor. It was merely fantasy because girls like me never meet men like that.

    But I did. I met Logan and he was everything I ever wanted in a man. Only this marriage was my coteral for my freedom. I was doing this so I could earn his full trust, escaping from him in return, even though I couldn¡¯t deny the fact that I was hopelessly in love with him.

    I knew I loved him because all my life, I¡¯ve never been loved properly. So I clung to him for dear life and the little care he showed to me.

    I always dreamed of being married in a small court room, with my parents, and a sister I never had, a best friend and a few work colleagues. It would¡¯ve been so beautiful. But now, it¡¯s just gonna be and Logan, getting married without my parents¡¯ consent.

    As we ate breakfast, I tried not to think about how agonizingly painful the thought of getting married without my parents¡¯ blessings was. But this wasn¡¯t a real marriage to me. It was the key to my freedom.

    ¡± Are you having second thoughts? ¡± Logan¡¯s voice brings me back from my thoughts and I quickly turned a smile at him.

    ¡± Not at all Logan ¡± I assured him.

    I knew Logan probably didn¡¯t care much about me except for what I could do for him in bed but I¡¯ve noticed the change in his mood since I proposed for this marriage. He¡¯s seemed quite different and smiled more often. I thought marriage would be the least he¡¯d ever do and being who he was, I thought that he¡¯d catch on fast about why I wanted to get married but so far, he hasn¡¯t said anything and that was all I needed at the moment.

    After having our breakfast, Logan asked us to get dressed. He asked if I wanted him to send a tailor to the house for my wedding dress measurements or I¡¯d rather we go out together for it. I chose thetter. This might not be a real wedding but I might as well live the best out of it.

    Dani arrived just in time to apany us to the designer¡¯s store where Antoniette joined us shortly after.

    Madame Alexander, the owner of the boutique showed us around herself as a special treatment in Logan¡¯s honor. She showed us the best and most expensive fabrics they had. Logan and Dani sat aside while Antoniette and I busied ourselves with picking the fabrics that went better with my skin.

    Antoniette walked back into the room after offering to get us some warm tea and offered me a cup. Beaming a smile at her, I epted the small cup of tea and took a sip while ncing out through the window.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Are you very sure about this, La? ¡± Antoniette asked me.

    Looking back at her worried face, I nodded with a smile ¡± yes, Antoniette. You don¡¯t have to worry about me, I¡¯ll be fine. ¡±

    ¡± I know, you¡¯re a tough girl ¡±

    I wanted to ask her about all colonel Morin had said at that party the other night but thought against it. I¡¯d have plenty of time to ask Logan himself about it after this wedding. Besides, I didn¡¯t want anything that would ruin this for me. And Logan wasn¡¯t seated that far away from me, I wouldn¡¯t want to raise any suspicion.

    ¡± Hugo! ¡± Madame Alexander calls out to one of her shop attendants ¡± let¡¯s take this bride¡¯s measurements and make it quick darling. ¡±

    Hugo nods andes towards me. I stood up straight and had my measurement taken. Logan was handed a style magazine where we both chose a style for me to wear. It was a beautiful in dress, it¡¯s back bare with a hook holding it up below the neck area. Stones decorated the body and chest areas, it¡¯s sleeves long andced.

    Madame Alexander promised to work on it and get it done in a week.

    As we drove the car away from the boutique, Antoniette made a call for an appointment with a hair stylist. As soon as she informed her that the bride was going to be wedded to Logan DeAngelo, she seemed even more thrilled to be receiving the call and promised to be avable for the session.

    ¡± Take us to the restaurant ¡± Logan told his driver. The car made a speedy turn towards a different avenue. I slowly looked up to find Logan¡¯s eyes watching me intensely, a sly smirk at the corners of his lips.

    Logan was seated next to Dani, opposite Antoniette and I. My eyes moved away to Dani and as soon as our eyes met, he looked away. I didn¡¯t know if It was just in my head but Dani has been avoiding making eye contacts with me and he barely said much to me.

    After the car came to a stop, Logan helped me off and the car drove off with the duo.

    ¡± We have a lot to talk about, love, don¡¯t we?¡± He spoke as we headed towards the entrance.

    I walked silently beside him, hand in his. Whatever he was gonna say today, I¡¯mpletely prepared to hear.

 86

    As soon as we stepped into the restaurant, a woman who wasn¡¯t dressed as a waitress stood at the side, dressed in pink suits and skirts, two waiters standing behind her.

    ¡± Good morning Mr DeAngelo, ¡± the woman greets with a warm smile ¡± your table is this way ¡± she points towards the back, taking a path forward before we followed, hand in hand.

    As we approached the table, Logan pulls back a chair for me and I sat down, beaming with a smile. Logan rounds the table and sits on his chair too.

    ¡± Would you like to drink any refreshments before I serve you sir? ¡± The pink suits woman asks, her blond ponytail cascading her chest as she spoke.

    Logan looks up to give her a smile and replied ¡± yes. A ss of red wine for the both of us please. ¡±

    She nods and leaves immediately. I guessed right that Logan had made advanced order of what meal we were going to be having before our arrival.

    Logan leans back on his chair, fixing his suit buttons while giving me a lingering smile.

    ¡± So, ¡± he breaks the building silence, a mischievous smirk dancing on his lips ¡± tell me love, why do you wanna get married? ¡±

    For a second there my heart stopped. Because I thought he caught on the game I was ying. But I tried to remain calm and not show the surprise his question caused me.

    Instead I smiled and replied shortly after ¡± I am Logan. I love you, ¡± I reached for his hand on the table ¡± I don¡¯t see why we can¡¯t get married. ¡±

    I intended to shut him up of whatever he intends to say afterwards. He seems to notice this and smiles too, pulling out his hand to hold mine, brushing his thumb tenderly over my palm.

    Thankfully, one of the previous waiterses back with a tray bearing our drinks. I mouthed a thank you as he ced mine down before he disappeared again.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± I want you to meet my family La, ¡± he said out of the blue and for that moment I googled at him, surprised. I thought that he hated his family and because of that I¡¯d imagined we were going to be getting married with just the two of us, Dani, his other men and the priest. ¡± I know that . . . . . My family isn¡¯t the best in the world but I just . . . . . Wanna show them how beautiful my girlfriend is and show them how extremely lucky I am ¡±

    I tried to smile and not look too shocked by his revtion but I failed miserably. I¡¯m never the type to be able to pretend, especially in situations like this.

    ¡± But . . . . ¡± I wasn¡¯t sure if I was ready to meet his family. I should be happy that he was taking me to see his family, any woman would jump at the opportunity and if he were my boyfriend under different circumstances, I probably would have jumped too, but this is different. And meeting his parents would only make me feel more guilt than I already feel ¡± . . . I haven¡¯t been to Italy before ¡±

    ¡± Enough reason for you toe, love ¡± he pressed further ¡± I know you¡¯re gonna love it there. Italy¡¯s a beautiful city and I don¡¯t doubt for a second that you wouldn¡¯t love it. We could go out in the evenings and see the city. There¡¯s a lot of ces to go, La. I wanna show you where I grew up. ¡±

    I saw how excited he was judging from the glow in his eyes and the joy in his voice. It was nearly impossible to turn him down.

    ¡± My mom would like you, ¡± he adds with a smirk that told me there was more he wasn¡¯t telling me ¡± I mean, you¡¯re the first woman I¡¯d be bringing home. They would never be expecting that I¡¯d be getting married ¡±

    ¡± So you¡¯re the womans¡¯ man ¡± I blurted out before I could stop myself.

    I could tell that he was impressed that I said that.

    ¡± Is my dear wife-to-be jealous already?¡±

    ¡± No. ¡± I replied monotonically, looking into the distance.

    Heughs gently.

    ¡± Don¡¯t worry love. I am done with every other woman, La, as soon as we walk down that alter ¡±

    I watched him and suddenly put so much meaning to that. He was gonna stop sleeping with other women after getting married to me. That only meant that he¡¯d been sleeping with the lots of them even while he was sleeping with me before we agreed to get married. The thought hit my heart hard and I actually felt a surge of pain.

    But I pushed it all away and smiled back.

    ¡± I¡¯m d, Logan. And I¡¯ll be happy to meet your family ¡± I replied.

    ¡± I can¡¯t wait for you to meet my favorite family, ¡± he said ¡± my cousin, Grazie. She doesn¡¯t live in Italy anymore, she stays in Paris, working. She¡¯s a whole vibe and I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be more than happy to meet you. I have to warn you, she¡¯s a bit clingy. ¡±

    Iughed at his joke. ¡± I can¡¯t wait to meet her Logan ¡±

    ¡± We have your order sir ¡± the pink suits woman appears again with two waiters, their hands filled with two white tes carrying a dish I very well recognized. They were dishes I enjoyed very much as a kid. Even though my mother was Asian, she always made my father¡¯s native foods every Sunday and made sure I knew how to eat many of the delicacies.

    And I knew Logan had intentionally asked for these meals to impress me. It made my heart flutter.

 87

    Logan¡¯s jet arrived in the early morning of Italy. We were picked up and driven to a fancy hotel. After Logan told me he wanted me to meet his parents, I could only just imagine how they¡¯d react when they see me. Would I be good enough for their son in their eyes? Would I finally meet this brother of his that he seemed to hate so much? And his heartless father?

    After getting settled, I walked out in my flowing red gown and stopped at the balcony, looking over the city. Italy was more beautiful than I¡¯d been told and I haven¡¯t even gone sightseeing yet. The air was weing, the humidity felt just right on my skin. I knew I loved it here the instant I saw all the fancy local eateries our car passed as we headed towards the hotel. I knew in my mind that moment that this was a beautiful ce to raise kids. And the thought actually caused me to smile but it faded just as it came. This marriage means nothing but my key to freedom. I have to keep reminding myself no matter how beautiful the idea of getting married to Logan was.

    I¡¯d left Logan back at the bedroom, carried away by the beautiful morning sky as I walked towards the balcony. I had no idea he had followed me until I felt his chest pressing up against my back, his hands running up my arms.

    I inhaled deeply, inhaled his manly scent and smiled to myself. I felt his chin graze my ear and cheek and heard him chuckle lightly.

    ¡± Italy¡¯s beautiful, isn¡¯t it? ¡± He whispered into my ear.

    I leaned back into him and he fondled me into his chest, his arms now folded around me. ¡± Indeed it is. I can imagine you growing up here.¡±

    He chuckles tenderly, leaning forward to nt a firm kiss on my cheek.

    ¡± Nothingpares to your beauty, love, ¡± he said ¡± but I would take you on a romantic tour after dinner tonight ¡±

    I turned around so I could see his eyes. They were beautiful. And happy. Genuinely happy. And I wished this was all real. Him, this marriage, this thing we have which could be love or not, thispliment. Everything. Logan was a romantic, I¡¯ve lived long enough with him to know this and at times like this when he says and shows romantic gestures, I feelpletely pleased with the idea that he was in love with me. But I couldn¡¯t entertain that right now.

    ¡± I would very much love that.¡± I replied with a small smile.

    He tightens his grip around my waist and pulls me into him, our hips meeting.

    He lifts a hand and smoothens my hair down my head, his eyes roaming over me like I was the thing he adored most.

    ¡± Don¡¯t be scared tonight, my family may be a collection of assholes but they¡¯re nice and weing. Especially since you¡¯re my girlfriend.¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m actually excited to meet them.¡±

    I remained in his arms, head leant against his chest, the morning air brushing tenderly against my skin.

    By 3 p. m, a car was waiting out for us. We were having dinner at his ce but Logan said he wanted me dressed up first.

    The car drove us to a beautiful ce. It was arge fashion house. A much older woman appears from behind the long curtains as we stepped inside.

    ¡± Wee, how may I help you today? ¡± She asked, her smile unmatched.

    ¡± I want a beautiful dress for my fiance here¡± Logan replied before I could even think of a reply. She nods and takes my hand, Logan following slightly behind.

    ¡± What¡¯s the asion dear? ¡± The woman asks as we got to the dress section.

    ¡± I¡¯m¡­ having dinner with my fiancee¡¯s family today¡± I replied, feeling my cheeks redning.

    ¡± Oh Wonderful! Italian families are simply wonderful! I¡¯ll put you in the most beautiful evening dress we have dear. ¡±

    I gave her a smile and turned to the full length mirror to watch my reflection as she hurried away to bring the dress. I watched my face and tried to smile but it seemed so pointless. Why smile on a day like this? On a day that I¡¯m supposed to be happy if I was someone else.

    She returns shortly with a carton colored gown. Only after wearing it did I see how it actually looked. The fabric was one I¡¯ve never seen before, it was soft and tender against my skin. it¡¯s a mermaid gown with a corset bodice, one arm bare and off the shoulder, the other long and joined to the side of the gown, nearly swallowing my tiny right fingers. The dress clung to my body like a second skin, entuating all of my curves.

    It only takes her a long number of hours to get my face and hair done. My hair was made into a french braid down my back, curled and held up behind my back in a neat fashion, a few strands left sticking out of the sides.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    I watched my reflection on the full length mirror and couldn¡¯t see myself. My true self. I felt like a whole new person, not different, just new. I noticed I¡¯d added more skin since thest time I¡¯d first arrived here. It¡¯s probably been five months? Seven?

    I was lost staring at myself in the mirror that I hadn¡¯t realized the attending woman had left as Logan walked in.

    I saw his reflection on the mirror as he stopped right behind me, himself now dressed in Navy blue suits. He looked different. He looked beautiful.

    ¡± You look absolutely breathtaking, La¡± he said, his face serious and focused.

    My heart seemed to summersault inside my chest as I turned slightly to the side to see him. He steps forward and added ¡± I have something for you¡±

    Bringing his hand up to my face, he presents me with an open ring box. Inside it was a shimmering, no doubt costs a fortune ring. I looked up to find the smile on his face. He gently picks out the ring and sets the box away, picked up my right hand and firmly slips the band through the right finger.

    I watched the band adorning my finger for a split second and smiled. Looking into his eyes, I said ¡± it¡¯s beautiful, Logan ¡±

    ¡± Nothingpares to you, La¡± he replies, moving in to kiss me firmly on my lips.

 88

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    I thought that all I felt for this woman was mere lust but there was more to it than just wanting her body. I¡¯d kept her on my side through all the good and bad. And now, we were both walking into something good.

    For so long I believed I was passed redemption. But La came and showed me that I wasn¡¯t broken beyond repair. She showed me I could be loved too. She showed me she could love me regardless of everything and this wedding arrangements proves it all.

    I knew my mother would finally be proud of something about me. I knew Grazie would be happy especially, it was all over the phone when I called.

    The car drove us to the house, and I could tell from the way she looked at it that she was impressed by the gigantic mansion I lived in as a kid.

    We walked hand in hand until we stepped from the foyer and into the sitting room. Everywhere is quiet and for a fact I wasn¡¯t expecting to see Dno tonight but there he was, standing beside the firece, arms folded, eyes waiting expectatingly just like the rest of the family.

    Grazie is seated on the single chair at the right side of the entrance, well dressed in a rusty green in gown, her hair pulled back into a wavy ponytail. At the front sat my mother on her usual seat, her make up well made and her white dress beautiful as always.

    When I¡¯d call to tell my mother about bringing a woman to her, I¡¯d never expected an extended family attendance but there sat Elina, seated right next to my mother. Asides from them, therge room waspletely empty.

    ¡± Wee home guys¡± my mother exims as soon as we walked in, standing up with her arms spread apart for La. La let¡¯s go of my arm and embraced her.

    ¡± Good evening Mrs DeAngelo¡±

    Pulling away, my mother spoke ¡± please, call me Annalise¡± La beams with a smile ¡± you are absolutely beautiful my dear¡±

    ¡± Thank you.¡±

    Grazie sneaks through the back as my mother went ahead to introduce her to Elina. She ps my back and whispered into my ear ¡°so it¡¯s ck haired now huh? I always knew you had genuine feelings for ck haired women¡±

    ¡± I guess this onepletely stole my heart ¡± I replied.

    ¡°After this whole thing, you¡¯re gonna tell me again how you two met because I honestly think she¡¯s too beautiful for you¡± she winks at me and I knew exactly what that meant. She was trying to start up trouble again.

    La turns back to see us and I quickly gestured towards Grazie ¡± I want you to meet my favorite person, love. This is Grazie. We grew up together. ¡±

    La beams with a smile as she stopped before her and put out her hand ¡± hello, it¡¯s finally nice to meet you. I¡¯ve heard a lot about you ¡±

    Grazie gives me a slight frown before throwing her a smile and saying ¡± Logan on the other hand takes pleasure in not saying a thing about you ¡± and pulled her for an embrace. I saw the shock in La¡¯s eyes but soon her face settles before pulling away.

    Dno walked out of the room before La could say hi. If anything I was d that he left. La is quick to notice his back disappearing through the door. Grazie noticing the awkward situation interlocks her arm with La¡¯s and eximed ¡±e, everyone¡¯s at the back. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re hungry ¡±

    ¡°, I¡¯m starving¡± La replied courteously with a broad smile as they both turned around.

    Looking up the stairs for my my father, I walked behind them like a guard.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    A set of stone steps led us to the garden path under arched trellises thick with vines and roses so lush and fragrant that the scent was intoxicating. The shrubs lining the path were green and fresh. A white bench sat conveniently on the side if anyone wanted to rx and enjoy the blooms. At the end of the path was the gazebo, highlighted by soft lighting.

    La¡¯s eyes twinkled with pleasure at the grand disy of blooming flowers.

    ¡± This is stunning. I can¡¯t believe you grew up here. And the house¡­ It¡¯s incredible-and huge.¡± She whispers to me.

    I chuckled. ¡°I used to y hide-and-seek with Grazie and my¡­¡­ brother here. They could never find me. I had all the good hiding ces. We can hide from everyone now, if you want. They¡¯ll never see us. Wanna?¡±

    ¡°If only.¡± She sighed softly. ¡°I always knew you were rich. But I was wrong. You are extremely rich. No, scratch that-you¡¯re wealthy. I was very intimidated when the butler ushered us inside your house. It¡¯s ridiculous to call it a house. It¡¯s a castle.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one if that¡¯s what you want.¡± I enjoyed how much her mood seems to have lifted after we started this walk. I never expected it.

    She let out a softugh. ¡± What would I do with a castle? Besides, it¡¯d just give you more floor space to litter with your clothes. I¡¯d be exhausted every day picking them up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pick them up.¡±

    She rolled her eyes, but I only grinned, bent down to pluck a red flower from the garden, and tucked it behind her ear.

    She smiled up at me sweetly. ¡°I don¡¯t want a castle, Logan. I never did. I just want a home. A simple one. With you.¡±

    My heart somersaulted. How could she still do this to me? I didn¡¯t want it to ever stop.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you one,¡± I said,cing our fingers together again while we strolled towards the yard ¡°I have a couple houses lined up for us to look at. Make time for me this week, love¡±

    ¡± Oh that¡¯s enough, Logan, ¡± Grazie whom I¡¯d totally forgotten was right behind us cuts through, grabbing my arm again ¡°we all know how romantic you can be. But save it for some other time. Tonight, I just wanna feed La our Italian dishes¡±

    I chuckled lightly as we stepped into the back.

 89

    La¡¯s P. O. V.

    I never expected to get the warm weing that I got from Logan¡¯s family. I didn¡¯t understand why his brother would give me the cold shoulder he gave me earlier but I guess it was understandable seeing as he wasn¡¯t exactly on the same page with his big brother.

    Grazie walked next to us, exchanging a few rash words with Logan as we took a long corner towards the side of the house. There¡¯s a different lighting on this side, a long white trampoline with bulb lightening decorations roofing a long table carrying all sorts of food. I noticed Dno walking out from behind the tall pirs supporting this side of the mansion, a woman¡¯s arm wrapped around his as they proceeded towards the table too.

    ¡± That¡¯s Dno¡¯s girlfriend, Daisy Patrova, ¡± Grazie whispered the answer to the question in my head ¡± apparently she¡¯s part of the family now¡± I saw the mockery in her eyes as they watched her and I nearlyughed.

    As we reached the table, I noticed two men walking out of the shadows and into the light under the trampoline. One was much older and the other a lot more younger. The younger one was Nigel, it was impossible not to recognize him, especially how he talked with a hint of joke with the older man. The older man was no doubt Logan¡¯s father. And I knew immediately that Logan was theplete replica of this man.

    I felt Logan¡¯s grip tighten around my waist as the duo reached the table and his father¡¯s gaze watched us intensely.

    ¡± Gather round everyone, we don¡¯t want the food to get cold¡± Logan¡¯s mom waved everyone around the table.

    Logan pulls back a chair for me to sit, the same time Dno pulled a chair for his girlfriend right in front of us. After the entire family had settled, I found it hard to look at anybody in particr. I suddenly felt the butterfly in my stomach grouching to set free from the acidic walls of my stomach.

    I felt the nerves in my body calm down as Logan¡¯s hand found mine under the table and he squeezed gently, giving me a sweet smile as I looked up at him.

    ¡± You two are so adorable, Logan ¡± his mother¡¯s statement causes us to look back at the table.

    ¡± I was beginning to wonder why Logan would request to have a family dinner here in Italy. ¡± his father spoke, intertwining his fingers on the table.

    ¡± Everyone, ¡± Logan calls distastefully, looking him straight from the distance ¡± meet my beautiful girlfriend, La. ¡± he picks up my hand and nts a firm kiss on it.

    The smile on his mother¡¯s face was sickening, the look on Dno¡¯s girlfriend¡¯s face was nerve wracking. None of this seems to settle with me. It¡¯s like all I¡¯ve done is lie to Logan and everyone here. And frankly, I couldn¡¯t quite read his father¡¯s expression. He was just like Logan. Hard to read, hard to crack.

    ¡± So the rumors are true,¡± his father blurted ¡°rumors that you¡¯ve got yourself a girlfriend¡±

    ¡± Ah yes,¡± Logan replied and while I fixed my gaze on the suddenly interesting table cloth, I knew he was smirking wickedly ¡°I fell in love with this beautiful woman, father. You know how that feels¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re all happy for you, Logan,¡± another woman seated very close to Logan¡¯s mother spoke.

    ¡± Father, I want you to meet La ¡± he said, causing me to look up and meet his gaze ¡°La this is my father, Jed ¡±

    I forced a smile ¡°it¡¯s nice meeting you Mr DeAngelo¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    He seemed to suddenly think against his frown and threw me a soft smile that didn¡¯t really reach his eyes and replied ¡± we¡¯re happy to have you here with us, La¡±

    ¡± I¡¯m Elina, ¡± the woman seated next to Logan¡¯s mother spoke ¡± Logan¡¯s uncle, Martello¡¯s wife¡±

    ¡°Hi¡± I said with a small smile.

    ¡°And I¡¯m sure we¡¯ve met already, La¡± Nigel spoke, his broad smile unchanged.

    ¡°Go on, La, eat¡± Grazie said before I could reply him and I quickly nodded. Logan¡¯s hand stops me from picking up the spoon. He takes it instead and fetches my food. I noticed how Dno and his girlfriend watched us while Grazie engaged in some conversation with Elina.

    ¡± Tell us, La, how did you and Logan meet?¡± his father questioned.

    I almost choked on the veges in my mouth as I never talked about this question with Logan. I didn¡¯t know what exactly to say and I just looked at Logan who smiled and ced a hand over mine on the table.

    ¡± It appears La and I shared Strong passion for the same thing, mother. Art.,¡± Logan spoke and I struggled to swallow the veges in my throat ¡± she came to my art gallery a year ago where we met. I was quickly taken away by her strange beauty and sincere appreciation of many of the art works. It was truly enticing. It was love at first sight¡±

    I watched the side of his face as he spoke. I almost wished that was real. That we¡¯d actually met and fallen in love not him kidnapping me from my house and taking me hostage. And for the first time I couldn¡¯t believe I was willing to marry this man who did that to me.

    ¡± And, ¡± he continued, picking and raising up his wine ss ¡± I actually called everyone here today to announce our engagement to you. La and I has decided to get married¡±

    The silence that followed after his words were nearly deafening. There was no reaction whatsoever, just tight lips and eyes watching the both of us. I saw how Elina¡¯s and his mother¡¯s eyes flew over to the ring on my finger and I looked down instantly.

 90

    ¡± Oh my goodness, that¡¯s great news!¡± Grazie breaks the absurd silence, picking up her wine ss. Logan¡¯s mother ps her hands too, a broad smile crossing her face as she picked up her wine too. Then the rest of the family followed in cheering in their own ways, picking up their sses.

    ¡± I am so proud of you mijo¡± his mother said to him.

    I noticed that his father remained still, watching the rest of the family jubte. Then he picked up his ss and the table went silent.

    ¡± Congrattions to you two, ¡± he said ¡°I wish you all the best together¡±

    ¡°Thank you¡± I replied with a small smile.

    ¡°Tell me, have you decided on a date yet?¡± Elina inquired.

    ¡°Ah yes,¡± I replied ¡± Logan and I decided to have a small wedding in Las Vegas in two weeks,¡± I felt Logan¡¯s hand circling mine and intertwining our fingers on the table ¡± we wanna have this wedding as soon as possible¡±

    ¡± Well I guess we have a lot of preparations to do then¡± his mom said with glints in her eyes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, mother, I have everything covered¡± Logan replied, pride edging his voice.

    ¡± The wedding seems a bit rushed don¡¯t you think?¡± Daisy finally spoke and I finally looked her in the eyes. She wanted me to ¡°I mean, unless you¡¯re arleady pregnant¡±

    Before I could reply the question thrown at me, Logan replied ¡± I don¡¯t see why you have to speak Daisy,st time I checked you¡¯re not part of this family¡±

    ¡± Daisy has every right to speak at this table as the rest of the family, Logan¡± Dno shot back.

    ¡± Is that true, brother?,¡± Logan shot back, untangling his fingers from mine ¡± Daisy can hardly think the same way¡±

    ¡± Can you two not do that in front of La?¡± Nigel broke through the thick fog surrounding the table.

    ¡± We haven¡¯t eaten this meal I prepared¡± Grazie cut in, hitting her ss with a fork.

    ¡± I¡¯m afraid we haven¡¯t yet met, La,¡± Dno spoke, turning his eyes to watch me now ¡°I¡¯m Dno, Logan¡¯s brother¡± he points out his hand across the table.

    I felt my heart beat harshly inside my chest as he smirked wickedly at me. I didn¡¯t know if Logan would be okay with me taking his hand or not but after much needed contemtion, I slowly reached my hand over his and his thumb grazed my hand tenderly.

    ¡°I¡¯m La. It¡¯s nice to meet you¡±

    ¡°Likewise¡±

    ¡± I think we¡¯ve had enough of the introductions brother¡± Logan spoke, grabbing and pulling my hand from Dno¡¯s.

    ¡± Afraid I¡¯d steal her from you?¡± Dno teased, mockery in his eyes.

    ¡± Poor Daisy, what would she think about that now?¡± Logan said, throwing a nce at Daisy. I looked at her from under myshes and saw the hateful look in her eyes as she watched me. She was being toyed with by the man she called her boyfriend and his brother. Anyone would hardly like that.

    Before Dno could reply, Daisy tossed her napkin on the table and grabbed her purse from the side. With her eyes still throwing daggers at me, she pushed her chair back and rose up. She matched away and disappeared through the house. With a long frown and a growl, Dno tossed his napkin away too and stood up, following the way Daisy went.

    I looked back at Logan and he gave me a satisfied smile.

    ¡± So,¡± Grazie broke the silence ¡± anyone wanna try the pork steak I made myself?¡±

    From the way she turned to me with a smile, I knew she was d Daisy had left. And as bad as it may sound, I was d too.

    ¡°So do you have a hair stylist yet?¡± Grazie asked as she put a steak on my te.

    ¡± Yes Grazie, ¡± Logan replied before I could say a word ¡± you¡¯re not nning to do that, are you?¡±

    ¡± Of course not darling, but I could use the money¡±

    ¡± You¡¯re a liar ¡±

    ¡± Fine! Okay? I just wanna be around her when she¡¯s getting everything done, penalize me¡±

    Everyone around the table chuckled and I smiled at her joke too. We spent the rest of the dinner talking about Logan and I, and Logan asking why Elina hasn¡¯t followed her husband and kids back to the states. After the dinner, we all returned back into the room where Logan¡¯s mother had a brief talk with me. She even showed me Logan¡¯s photo album since he was a baby.

    I could tell that she had a beautiful family from the start. Logan was always so happy, it was obvious in all the countless pictures. So was Dno. The family time was amazing.

    I never saw Dno and Daisy around after they left earlier and nobody seemed to be bothered about their absence.

    Logan talked with Nigel most of the time while Grazie and I talked a few more times before we got too exhausted and decided to return back to the hotel.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    At the hotel, I figured Logan had actually trusted me. He let me talk with Grazie without fearing that I could tell her everything he¡¯s done. Without me attempting to escape.

    That night, Logan made love to me. He didn¡¯t force me. It was tender and sweet. He was gentle and he kept telling me how much he loved me. Like he¡¯d done the first time we had sex.

 91

    As a couple more days dragged on, Logan made the necessary preparations against our wedding. I was standing over the ss walls of my room when my door slid open and I looked over my shoulder to see Dani. I knew Logan had left the house earlier.

    I realized Dani had been keeping his distance from me. I wondered why and since then I haven¡¯t been opportuned to ask him why, he always kept his distance.

    A woman steps out from hehind him. She has ma hair, her eyes big and blue. Her skin in tanned in the right manner. She¡¯s dressed in a chiffon yellow top tucked into a belted ck baggy jeans with sneakers for a finishing touch. She has her hair made into a donut at the center top of her head, her face well made up. I hadn¡¯t seen her before but knew instantly that she was probably someone Logan sent concerning the wedding.

    ¡± Dani¡± I called as soon as I fully turned around to see them.

    ¡± Hey La, Logan asked me to bring her¡­.¡± He gestured towards thisdy who stepped out, a smile on her face.

    ¡± Hi, I¡¯m Emily, ¡± she greets ¡°your hair stylist. Logan had phoned me some timest week about making your hair for your wedding ¡±

    ¡± Oh, yeah! How wonderful of you toe¡± I told her. She beams a smile.

    ¡± I¡¯m here to have a look at your hair and have you pick whatever hairstyle that would go with your dress¡±

    ¡± But I don¡¯t have the dress here now, it will be delivered tomorrow¡±

    ¡± That¡¯s not a problem, ma¡¯am. As long as you know the style of your dress and what kind of hairstyle you¡¯d befortable with ¡±

    I nodded with a smile and watched her dive into the shoulder bag hanging off her arm. She pulls out a hair magazine.

    ¡± Where would you like us to stay?¡± Emily asks.

    ¡± Here would be fine¡± I replied.

    ¡± I would leave you alone now¡± Dani announced and I look on time to see him slightly bowing his head and attempting to leave the room.

    ¡°Dani?¡± I called him and he stopped, turned around to see me. ¡± Can I have a word with you?¡±

    In his eyes there¡¯s hesitance, but he nods anyway. I took light steps till I stopped right in front of him and watched his face. I knew Dani wasn¡¯t much of a talker but I knew he wasn¡¯t shy. I didn¡¯t know why he was avoiding me.

    ¡± What¡¯s going on, Dani? I haven¡¯t been seeing you for some time now. Is everything alright?¡±

    He smiles gently and replied ¡± I¡¯ve just been busy, La¡±

    ¡± With what? I know that you have nowhere to go and you¡¯ve been around this house, especially since Logan wasn¡¯t chasing after his enemy anymore. But you¡¯ve been avoiding me. Did I do something wrong?¡±

    ¡± Of course not, ¡± he said that with a hint of surprise like he didn¡¯t think I could say that ¡± like I said, I¡¯ve just been busy ¡±

    I knew something was wrong and he wasn¡¯t going to tell me. I knew he was stubborn and probably wouldn¡¯t spill it even if we spent hours standing here so I gave it up.

    ¡± I¡¯m getting married, Dani ¡±

    I saw how he gritted his teeth before replying ¡± I¡¯m truly happy for you, La. I hope you¡¯re happy¡±

    ¡± I am¡± I replied before I could say any other thing. Dani may be my friend but he was Logan¡¯s friend first and he still works for him. And he was the most loyal of them all.

    ¡± Do you truly want this La? To marry Logan?¡± He asked. I watched his eyes as his pupils dted as they watched mine. I didn¡¯t understand what he meant. I thought he¡¯d be happy for me. Who was I kidding? No one would be happy knowing that I was marrying a man like Logan.

    ¡± I love him, Dani ¡± I replied.

    ¡± Then congrattions, La. I have to go ¡± he said before walking out. I stood there for a while, watching the doors before turning around to find Emily watching me.

    I didn¡¯t know if he¡¯d heard our conversation but I knew it was hard not to have. Giving her a smile, I walked back to sit on my bed.

    ¡± Shall we begin now ma¡¯am?¡± She asked as she started to open the magazine on her hands.

    ¡± Please, call me La¡±

    ¡± Okay. So could you describe what kind of dress you would be wearing for this wedding?¡± She asked as she pulled my dresser chair to my front and sat down facing me.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I exined everything to her and she started looking for hairstyles that went well with it. She pointed out a couple of hair styles. I watched them for a long time and struggled to pick. When I finally pointed out the one I liked she takes the magazine back and stared at it.

    ¡± Mmm,¡± she nods ¡± nice pick, La. I¡¯m gonna have to give your hair a little blond shade at the roots. ¡±

    I nodded, my mind upied. My heart beats intensified as thoughts spiralled through my mind. I wondered if there was anyone watching the security cameras. If anyone was, I doubt Dani would¡¯vee that close to me without fear of upsetting Logan.

    I looked at Emily and somehow knew she wasn¡¯t a regr worker here. If she was, she wouldn¡¯t have been surprised to be getting a call from Logan the other night.

    Slightly shifting, I looked straight into the magazine in her hands and spoke silently ¡± I want you to listen carefully to what I¡¯m about to say and I need you to continue watching that magazine like we¡¯re just having a casual talk ¡±

    Emily doesn¡¯t move and I knew instantly that this was it.

 92

    ¡± I need your help, Emily ¡± I told her, putting a hand over the magazine like I was pointing out a hair style to her.

    ¡°I need to get out of here and you¡¯re the only one that can help me. I¡¯ve been brought here against my will and I want you to help me get out ¡±

    There¡¯s a moment of silence on her ends before she finally spoke.

    ¡± Okay¡­. Are you serious about this?¡± She whispers, slightly looking up to see me. I nodded gently and gave her a smile so whoever was watching us from somewhere didn¡¯t catch up on what I was doing.

    ¡± I¡¯m about to be forced to get married to this man, Emily and I beg you to please help me ¡±

    ¡°Okay, what do I have to do?¡±

    ¡± I need you to bring a car to the hotel where I¡¯d be getting dressed for the wedding. Have it hidden and when I¡¯m alone, I would take it and leave. Can you do that for me? Please¡­..¡±

    ¡± Yes¡­. But¡­. Do I call the police?¡± There¡¯s fear and worry in her voice.

    I thought about that for a moment. Calling the police was probably the worst idea and I wasn¡¯t trying to get noticed while doing this. Logan was the most powerful and influential man I¡¯d ever met and he would either kill all the police men and go scot-free or make a deal with them to even track me down and bring me back to him.

    No, that was a risk I wasn¡¯t willing to bet on. Once I get into that car and leave, I never wannae back here. I would eithere in a bag or remain a renewed ve to him for the rest of my life. It would be hell and I wasn¡¯t prepared for that. I wasn¡¯t going back to that. Not aftering this far and earning his trust.

    ¡± No, don¡¯t. I just need the car and I will be very grateful to you, Emily ¡±

    ¡± Alright, ¡± she nods ¡± is that all you¡¯d be wanting for your hair?¡±

    I smiled at how well she yed along and mentally prayed she wasn¡¯t just pretending, only to rat me out to Logan as soon as he gets back. But something told me I could trust her. And I did.

    ¡± Yes, thank you¡± I replied and watched her rise up. She bows slightly and turned around. I watched the doors slid apart and she stepped out.

    I felt unsettled throughout the night. I kept wondering if Emily had told Logan about my ns to escape. I already had everything nned out. The hotel I¡¯d be staying at won¡¯t be far from the court house where we¡¯d be getting married. I would leave as soon as Emilyes and tells me where to find the car. Then I¡¯d leave.

    A few more days and Logan seemed even more lovely than he¡¯d ever been. He would take me out to eat and constantly toast to our wedding and us against the world. He never doubted that I would not attempt to run anymore. I knew he just wanted to be happy and at some point I wished I could do that. But I needed to save myself, I needed my life back.

    The wedding day came and I stood at the ss walls of the hotel, having my dress zipper zipped up. The dress fitted perfectly in every curves. Antoniette stood right next to me, helping me get into the dress.

    She gasped as soon as the dresspletely fitted my body ¡± oh my goodness, La, you look lovely in the dress ¡±

    ¡± She is perfection itself¡± a new voice said from the door and we all looked to see Grazie stepping in. She¡¯s well dressed in her yellow fitted gown. I¡¯d asked Grazie to be my maid of honor since I had no friends around to take the ce and she¡¯d been more than thrilled when Logan called herst week. And now, she looked stunning more than ever.

    ¡± Grazie¡±

    ¡± Tell me, how do I look?¡±

    ¡± You look like you¡¯re ready to get married¡± I teased and sheughed.

    ¡± Let¡¯s get this show started ¡± Grazie eximed with a p of her hands.

    After getting my dress done, I thought of ways to get rid of Antoniette and Grazie before Emily walked in here.

    ¡± Um¡­. I almost forgot, Antoniette, Dani came in here looking for you just before you came in, he said Logan wanted to see you¡±

    ¡± Wait, Logan is in this hotel too?¡± Grazie asked. ¡± That¡¯s hardly fair!¡±

    I chuckled lightly and replied ¡± no, Grazie. He¡¯s a few blocks from here¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Better. He¡¯s not allowed to see his bride before the wedding¡± she added.

    ¡± Why would Logan wanna see me¡± Antoniette asked.

    ¡± Dani said something about surprise package?¡± I added.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll just go hear him out. Please excuse me ¡± she said and stepped out of the room.

    ¡± We¡¯re done here,¡± the woman fitting my dress announced ¡± is your hair stylist here yet?¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s almost here, thanks¡± I told her ¡± I feel the butterfly in my stomach already, Grazie please could you get me something to drink? I¡¯m sorry for bothering you ¡±

    ¡± Nonsense. That¡¯s no bother, La. I¡¯ll be right back¡± and then she walked out.

    Just after the door shut close after her, it went open again and Emily walked in, her face sweaty and her facial expression uneasy.

    I turned to the dresserdy ¡± please excuse us for a minute, I¡¯ll call you back when we¡¯re done with my hair¡±

    ¡± Very well ma¡¯am¡± she replied and walked out.

    I stood there, watching Emily expectingly.

    ¡°Time to go, La. I parked a car at the back for you ¡± she said.

    I felt my heart drop to the bottom of my stomach as I watched her, heard the words leave her mouth.

    So this was actually happening. I was going to be free.

 93

    I thought about changing back into my clothes but I knew Grazie woulde back into the room before I¡¯m able to do that. So I picked up the ends of the clothes and turned back to Emily.

    ¡°There¡¯s a way through the parking lot inside the hotel, this way¡± she called and I quickly followed her.

    As we made our way out, I kept an eye out for Grazie, while still trying to hide my face from the rest of the few people seated around. I knew it was hard for any of Logan¡¯s men who saw me in this white dress to not recognize me. I knew he had given me all the privacy a bride to be needed before the wedding by allowing me alone here with the women. He had trusted me and never thought I¡¯d do something like this.

    The people seated at the lobby threw beautiful smiles at me, some even nodded at me. They all saw a beautiful bride about to get married, they didn¡¯t know that I was there against my will and on my way to freedom. After returning their smiles, I got into the elevator with Emily.

    I felt my body physically vibrating, my heart beat elerating and my mind in a fuzzy. But Emily held onto my arm and I was d she did. I didn¡¯t trust myself to not copse with all the fears.

    The elevator stopped to drop some people a couple of times, and each time we made the stop, fear paralyzed me. Fear that the doors might slide open and Logan would be standing right there, waiting to grab me.

    My heart nearly leaped out of my chest through out the ride and I was able to keep it down there when we stepped out at the underground garage.

    ¡± This way¡± Emily called hesitantly while grabbing my hand and pulling me towards a door that lead to the outside. The garage was awfully silent, rid of people but I didn¡¯t care. I was about to be free and that¡¯s all that matters. I could imagine Grazie looking for me right now. Would she get the hint that I¡¯d run away and called Logan? Or would she assume I¡¯d just stepped out for a bit and would definitely be back? I prayed for thetter.

    As we stepped out into the outside, the morning sun hit my skin and gave me this strange relief. I knew there wasn¡¯t going back. I was finally free.

    ¡± The car is this way¡± Emily told me as we took the corner towards the next few blocks after the hotel. Between two house was a dark passage where an old green Toyota car was parked.

    I couldn¡¯t believe this was happening. For a second there when Emily pulled my hand and took me out of that garage, I¡¯d weighed my trust in her, it had actually crossed my mind that she could be betraying me and taking me back to Logan. But I¡¯d been wrong.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    She¡¯d heard my pleas and felt my pain when I¡¯d told her at my ce and she¡¯d helped me even when she barely knew me.

    ¡± Here¡± she lets go of my hand and picked a key from her jeans pocket. She puts it into my hands ¡°you should leave now if you don¡¯t wanna get caught¡±

    I nodded and pulled her into a hug ¡°thank you so much. I won¡¯t forget this, I promise¡±

    She pulls back after a while, her smile widened. She opens her mouth to speak but what happened nextpletely took my soul away from me. Her eyes widened just a split second, her smile faded and her lips hung open.

    Everything happened so fast that I couldn¡¯t actually get where the sound of the gunshot came from or where the blood that sshed over my face came from.

    The next thing I knew, Emily¡¯s eyes were turning into the back of her head and she was falling, unconscious.

    My heart raced as she fell into my arms, blood oozing from the back of her head. That¡¯s when I saw him. That¡¯s when I saw Logan standing at the distance, his gun pointed towards me.

    At first, I thought this could only be a fragment of my imagination, of my deepest fears. He didn¡¯t just shoot Emily at the back of her head. This was a nightmare. But it wasn¡¯t.

    And all I could think about was that I¡¯d led this girl to her death.

    I screamed as I held her tight, falling to the ground with all her weight pulling me down to my knees. I continued to wail in sheer agony.

    I didn¡¯t know how fast Logan moved but in the next moment he was standing right in front of me, his gun pointed at me.

    ¡°You dare try to leave me again?!¡± He screamed, anger edging his voice. I managed to look up to find his eyes. They were full of anger. Anger I¡¯d never seen before.

    He was already dressed up in his expensive looking suits, looking well ready for our wedding.

    Before I could put my thoughts together to get anything straight, he grabbed hold of my hair and pulled me up to my feet. I thought my hair detached from my scalp.

    ¡± Answer me!¡± He screamed into my face, the cold metal of his gun still pressed against my neck.

    I felt pain, I felt this surge of energy. Because I was angry. I hated him for being such a monster. I hated him for killing this innocent woman because of me.

    For the first time, I didn¡¯t care about my life. I couldn¡¯t care less if I died right this moment or not, so, I pushed him hard on the chest and he let go of my hair.

    ¡± You¡¯re a monster!¡± Tears escaped my eyes. I couldn¡¯t bear the pain, couldn¡¯t bear the guilt.

    Logan lifted his hand and pped me across the face, and I stumbled back into the car.

 94

    My fingers trembled as I stood in front of the priest, hand in Logan¡¯s as we said the vows. My voice trembled and it fascinated me a great deal that none of the people seated on all those pews could stand up and speak about how strange this wedding was.

    I had a bleeding nose, blood sshed across my face, my make up smeared on the wrong ces and my white wedding gown was stained and dirty all over. But nobody could say anything about it, not even the priest.

    Of course they all knew Logan, nobody wanted to interfere or meet an early death.

    When we¡¯d first walked in, I¡¯d seen the surprise in his mother¡¯s wide eyes as she saw me. So was Elina and the rest of the family. There wasn¡¯t an outsider here except for Logan¡¯s men and so far they were all the same people.

    When Logan slipped his ring into my finger, I knew this was it. I felt caged for some reasons and felt it impossible to leave at this point. I knew a simple band around the finger meant nothing but I couldn¡¯t help the foreboding feeling of doom.

    I noticed Grazie seated at the back of the room, her face changed. She was the only one aware of what had happened out there and it beat me that she wouldn¡¯t say anything. I understood though. How could she say anything when it was obvious nobody in this room would do anything. Not even Dno who¡¯s seated next to his girlfriend. Surprise and confusion was all written in their faces but nobody to ask.

    There was a party back at his parents home for us after here but I wasn¡¯t sure if I had the stomach for it. All this was wrong.

    After the vows and pronouncement, Logan kissed me passionately like it was thest time he would ever kiss me so. And it scared me. Then he pulled my hand and started to drag me out of the hall. My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach and I thought I was going to throw up. Everyone in the room rose to their feet and watched us exit the hall, none daring to say a word. His men followed till we reached his car, with it¡¯s door pulled open.

    His grip on my wrist was painfully tight yet I couldn¡¯t say or do anything about it. Now we were married for better or worse. Right now it was only for worse, there wasn¡¯t better days ahead. I stopped in front of the open door to look at his eyes. They were icy cold and held no remorse of any sort. They were cold and heartless. Mine were teary and I knew I would break down if I stood longer there. So I looked down.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Get in. ¡± he ordered and I did immediately. I pushed myself inside and he sat next to me.

    As soon as he wasfortable right next to me, he turned to face me, a deranged smile stered on his face as he spoke ¡± wee to hell, my beautiful bride. ¡±

    I gulped hard. I¡¯d never been so scared of someone my entire life. I tried to speak but nothing seemed necessary to say at the moment. The car roared to life and sped off, his other cars right behind us.

    The windows were dark and impossible for me to see the outside. I stayed put as the car drove for what felt like forever till it came to an abrupt stop and the doors flew open. I stepped out reluctantly, only toe in contact with a darkening cloud and an airport, with a single ck airne seated on it.

    I thought I stopped breathing at the sight of the airne. Where was he nning on taking me? This was madness. He was going to kill me right after I step foot on that ne.

    When he walked over from the other side of the car and tried to take my hand, I pulled away and stepped back, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

    ¡°No¡­.¡± Was all my wavering voice could muster up.

    Logan¡¯s hand remained open in front of me as he waited for me to take it but I refused to.

    ¡± Do not make me say it again, La ¡± he warned, although without a trace of anger this time. But I didn¡¯t trust him. He was Logan.

    His men stood around us in circle like soldiers.

    I shook my head negatively, fear eating me inside out as I watched his cold eyes and the serial killer smirk on his lips.

    ¡± Where are you taking me?¡± I managed to push out the disturbing question.

    Logan¡¯s smile widened and he closed the distance between us. My legs are rooted, my body paralyzed and I just stood there till his body was pressing up against mine and his fingers running up my arms and leaving goosebumps there.

    His face moved in close till they reached my ear and he whispered ¡± when two people get married, what happens next?¡±

    He pulls back and I watched his face, a tear sliding down my cheek as the thought ured to me.

    ¡± We¡¯re going on our honeymoon, my beautiful bride ¡± he adds with a grin I couldn¡¯t get over. It was frightening.

    He roughly grabs my arm and pulled me towards the airne whose door was already pulled open. Logan dragged me up the steps and into the airne.

    And then we were airborne. I was flying to my doom and I couldn¡¯t do anything about it. A while ago I was willing to die because of all the guilt umted inside me for killing Emily but right this moment, I was scared out of my mind and I just wanted this to go away. I didn¡¯t want to go anywhere with Logan.

    And most importantly, I didn¡¯t wanna die.

 95

    I didn¡¯t know where we went but we arrived there in thete evening, the clouds angry and dark. As if my day couldn¡¯t get any more worse. The ride had taken a long while and throughout we didn¡¯t say a word to each other. I kept my distance and he did too. I knew he didn¡¯t want anything to do with me. I¡¯d proposed for this wedding and tried to run from it when he waspletely into it, I wouldn¡¯t have anything to do with me either.

    The airnended and we stepped out to find a Lamborghini parked below. Logan doesn¡¯t waste time and hauled us inside.

    I wanted to ask him where he was taking me but decided against it. Asking him wouldn¡¯t change a thing if he nned to go kill me and dump my body in some ce. And it doesn¡¯t guarantee my life either.

    On our way, I knew I needed to say something. He still looked angry.

    ¡± Logan¡­.¡± I called but he doesn¡¯t budge ¡± Logan I¡¯m sorry¡­.¡±

    ¡± Save it La, ¡± he turns to me with a broad smile ¡± we¡¯re about to have the best time of our lives, love ¡±

    The car drove up a hill, a beautiful hill where you could see the house standing singly from afar. I couldn¡¯t see much till the car came to a stop right in front of the house and I stepped out. The ce was brightly lit but the house itself was what captivated me. The building looked like a ck triangle pushed back into a rock, the front sideplete ss, dim lights seeping out of it. It was beautiful.

    Everything was cut short when Logan¡¯s hand grabbed my arm and roughly dragged me towards the rocky or rather stone building. Around the house were nts and trees of all sorts, lingering over the ce. There¡¯s a metal door set back into the stone walls and he pushed a button that set them sliding open. Logan doesn¡¯t waste a second and drags me inside.

    We¡¯re met with another door which slid open. It was an elevator and he dragged me inside and we started the flight. My heart thudded inside my rib cage and I just couldn¡¯t think at the moment.

    The elevatores to a stop and slid apart, revealing a different kind of scenery. The room ispletely white and ssy, neat and serene. Logan stepped out and waited for me to follow but I don¡¯t. He stops and turned around, watched my fingers fidget with the hem of my dress and pointed out his hand for me.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I watched it for a moment, gulped hard and carefully stepped out and ce my shaky hand on his.

    He walked us past the series of ss doors till we got to a certain room. He punches In some passcodes and the doors let us in.

    The room was big and beautiful. This was the side of the room I¡¯d seen from the outside. It¡¯s not entirely white here, it¡¯s dimly lit and beautiful. There¡¯s arge king sized bed seated at the bigger side of the room. There¡¯s a bouquet of flowers ced in the middle of the bed, circled by red petals sprinkled on the white bed spread. On the walls hung some rambling nts with beautiful flowers climbing down, the table next to the next entrance probably leading to the closet and bathroom held flowers too. It was all beautiful.

    I watched with my lips opened. He¡¯d done all this for me. For us. And now it¡¯s all ruined. Why did he still bring me here after I¡¯d tried to escape again?

    He leaves me at the door and walked towards the bed, pulling off his suit and flinging it on the table close by. He turns to face me from afar, his eyes trained behind me as he started undoing his necktie.

    ¡± Why did you still bring me here? ¡± I asked, unable to keep it in.

    He doesn¡¯t reply. Instead, he aggressively pulled at his tie. He pulls it and flings it across the floor.

    ¡± Answer me Logan! ¡± My voice rose a notch.

    He turns away from me, like he was trying to control his anger, his hand undoing his buttons. But I wanted him to let it all out. I wasn¡¯t okay with all of this.

    ¡± Answer me Logan! ¡± I yelled now.

    In one instant, he was turning around and striding towards me with so much anger, I wanted to cower in fear.

    ¡± How dare you ask me that, La?! ¡± He spoke angrily into my face. I tried to look down but it seemed impossible. I felt immobilized by his eyes.

    ¡± Take off that dress, ¡± he said, his eyes going over my chest ¡± now. ¡±

    ¡± What? ¡± I couldn¡¯t hold back my own tears now.

    ¡± I said fucking take off that damn dress, La!! Fuck! ¡± He screams and I felt it. I felt all the energy he put into that and knew I was only a second away from getting hit again.

    I didn¡¯t know how I was able to walk away from him and found my way towards the other side of the room nearest to me. I was crying profusely by the time I reached the closet. My vision is blurry and my stomach churned.

    All I could hear was the sound of his voice screaming in my face.

 96

    Everyone wears a mask, and everyone tries to also hide the fact that they are wearing a mask. Emotions areplicated; sometimes you are angry because the person walking in front of you used to be loyal.

    And sometimes you are angry at yourself. You me yourself for every ordeal that has happened to you, you me yourself for the situation. That was how I was feeling right now. Lost and angry.

    As I watched my reflection on the mirror, I saw how much pounds of flesh I¡¯d lost over the course of hours. I didn¡¯t know where this ce was but judging from a couple of neon lit banners I could manage to see on our way here, I was certain this was some Asian country. Could be Thand or Tokyo or anywhere at that.

    I heard Logan knocking out something back in the bedroom and it moved me. I was terrified out of my mind and did the only thing I could do to avoid any more of his wrath. I slipped out of my dress and grabbed a towel to cover myself.

    I took a minute to survey the closet room. There¡¯s a long and tall wooden wardrobe upying the whole of westside of the room, a fluffy circr table at the center and a dresser chair to the side. Opposite the floor length mirror in front of me were racks of zers, jackets, jeans and many more clothing. There¡¯s a tall shelf carrying women shoes of different kinds and colors. From the looks of things, it was clear Logan had nned for us to stay here for a long period of time. Then I ruined everything. And now I¡¯m gonna spend a long time here regretting it.

    I grabbed a long white button up shirt and wrapped myself in it. It was long enough to reach my knees, it¡¯s sleeves swallowing my hands. I untangled my hair and let it fall down my back.

    I took a moment to steady my heartbeat before walking out, taking light careful steps. Logan is still standing where I¡¯d left him, only he has his back turned to me now.

    Like he¡¯d noticed my presence regardless of my light steps, he turned around, his face contorted with anger. His shirt is unbuttoned halfway down his chest, his hair disheveled on his head. I just stood there, eyes on my tiny feet while waiting for the worst.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    I heard him taking light steps towards me, a voice in my head warning me to step back but I stubbornly stood still.

    ¡± Tell me La, ¡± he trails a hand along my cheek, forcing me to look up at his face ¡± why? Why did you have to ruin this perfect night for us?¡±

    I gulped. I knew nothing I would say to change his mind from doing whatever he wants to do with me now. So I remained still while my heart threatened to open up my chest and run off.

    ¡± You still think there¡¯s a perfect life out there for you? You think your pathetic excuse of parents would still want you back?¡± He startsughing, his hand trailing down my chest and stopped at the first button of my shirt.

    ¡± I finally thought that¡­. you were getting used to this, that you were finally loving me for who I am, but like every other woman, you lied! ¡±

    His scream causes me to shudder, but his free hand grips my arm, holding me still. He closes the space between us, his chest pressed up against mine and I tried to move back but he holds me still.

    His hand grips my chin tightly and I winced in pain, his other hand snaking around my waist to hold me tight against him.

    ¡°You¡¯re just like the rest of them¡± he adds with distaste.

    ¡± You¡¯re¡­.. hurting me¡­.¡±

    ¡± Oh this is just the beginning La, you haven¡¯t seen anything yet. This is just a fragment of what you¡¯re about to be subjected to for the rest of your life ¡±

    He pushes my chin back and steps away. I reached for my chin to hold it even though it still hurt like his hand was still there. From the corner of my eyes I could see him taking off his shirt. Then his buckle. That¡¯s when it hit me hard what he was going to do.

    ¡± Logan please¡­¡±

    ¡± Get on the fucking bed¡± he said with ease as he sessfully pulled out his belt and started with his zipper.

    ¡± No! Don¡¯t¡­ I¡­.¡±

    ¡± I said get on the fucking bed La!¡±

    I thought I¡¯d frozen until his voice once again shook me beyond expectation and I scurried over to the bed. I knew I couldn¡¯t fight him. Even if he was smaller than me, I still couldn¡¯t. He was going to rape me.

    When he advanced towards me, I pushed myself back till I hit the bed board. Logan reaches the bed with his pants still on and easily pulled me down with my leg before flying on top of me. For the first few seconds I tried to fight him even though that was pointless. I wasn¡¯t about toy there like a lifeless body and watch him rape me.

    Tears easily spilled out of my eyes now and the strength in my arms reduced from all the fight. I thought that I could bear whatever he was going to do to me tonight but then he spoke into my face and the words shook me in depths unimaginable.

    ¡± I am going to have you so bad, so roughly till you bleed all over this bed. Then I¡¯ll fuck you in your damn blood till you either die or lose your god-damn consciousness. ¡± I blinked tears as I watched him. I wanted to speak but I felt nothing. I blinked tears a couple of times so I could see. He was a monster.

    A smirk crossed his lips in amusement like a clever thought just ured to him and he leaned closer to say ¡°or wait, I have a perfect idea for a bloody sex. ¡°

 97

    I watched wide eyed as Logan provided a portable knife from his back pocket and pushed it¡¯s de out. He leans back on top of me and traced the cold metal along my chin. I knew I had to remain still so I don¡¯t get torn with the sharp object.

    ¡± Please¡­¡± I begged, my body physically vibrating.

    ¡± Shhhhhh¡± Logan said like he was cooing to a baby. ¡± That¡¯s not what I wanna hear, love. You don¡¯t need to beg me, you know why I¡¯m doing this to you don¡¯t you? So you don¡¯t have to be scared of me ¡±

    I simply nodded gently as I knew exactly what would happen if I disobeyed him. Whatever happened today was my fault but I didn¡¯t deserve this. Nobody deserves this drastic punishment and I knew being the Logan that he was, there was more installed for me.

    Logan sighed and slowly started stroking my hair. I flinched at first but I knew there was no point in defying him anymore. So I let him stroke my hair and I saw how satisfied he was that I wasn¡¯t trying to fight him anymore.

    Then he leaned in closer and spoke ¡± I hate doing this to you, you deserve so much better,¡± all my focus was on the knife that was now being dragged along my neck ¡± but you made me angry and you know how I am when I get angry. We will have a lot of questioning and answering La, because I want to know¡­¡­. No no, I deserve to know why you tried to run away from me, before I kill you in the most inhumane way possible in this world ¡±

    My heart skipped a beat and I tried not to shake. I realized he was going to kill me anyway so I did the only thing I knew I could do to bypass this situation. I pleaded.

    ¡± Please Logan¡­.. I¡­. I was wrong¡­ I knew I shouldn¡¯t have tried to¡­. It was a mistake please¡­¡±

    ¡± Shushhh. If you are going toe up with an excuse, I suggest youe up with a better one. Because we have a whole month ahead of us and killing you now is not part of my n ¡±

    I gulped hard while trying to breathe properly and speak without faltering. This was hard. Not in a million times would I ever imagine myself in a situation with a knife pressed up my face and I¡¯m being expected to defend myself for something I clearly did.

    ¡± I¡­. I¡¯m sorry¡­. I shouldn¡¯t have tried to escape. I don¡¯t know why I did that but I¡¯m so sorry Logan¡± I cried out.

    Logan got furious and screamed, the knife cutting my arm in the process. He had done that intentionally, it was no mistake. He wouldn¡¯t want to cut my face, it was far too precious for him to show off. So he would cut the skin I could hide.

    I winced in pain and cried more. Logan jumps off me and punched the wall.

    ¡± Damn it La!!¡± He screamed, his voice now trembling and I managed to look at him. His eyes are getting ssy and teary now, his body veiny. He was angry and I could¡¯ve sworn I¡¯d never seen him this angry before.

    ¡± You were a fucking liar La and you tried to fool me, damn it!¡± He roared from the distance ¡± I trusted you, I fucking did! Then you betrayed me. Do you have any idea how I hated women? How I despised them? But I made an exception for you! I should¡¯ve killed you when I had the chance and not let myself get so attached!¡±Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    He turns around again and punches the wall. I tried to sit up, shaking every time because I knew that punch was meant for me. Something was stopping him from hitting me and I was d he could still control himself even in the feet of anger.

    Turning to face me again, he continued yelling ¡± let me tell you something La. You always told me how you loved me, you always lied about it! Well at least I never lied about my feelings. I may not have the courage to tell you but I had true feelings for you, La! I loved you and was willing to pull down my walls for you! I was willing to make exceptions for you! Why the fuck did you think I kept you by my side all this while and never killed you, huh?! Think I was just stupid?! I fucking loved you, you were all I thought about when I was away and I never stopped trying to make you love me and see who I truly was. But you received me¡­¡±

    I watched him and all I could see in his eyes was hurt. He wasn¡¯t angry that I¡¯d tried to escape. He was hurt. Because he loved me. Because he thought I¡¯d only said I loved him just so I could escape. Because he thought he wasn¡¯t enough.

    I saw the tears tucking at his eyes and knew there was something different about him tonight. His knuckles were bleeding from punching the wall. And he was breathing hardly.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡­..¡±

    ¡± Shut your fucking mouth, La! This is it! This was all I avoided all my life till you came along. And now you¡¯re just another reason for me to never trust another woman again! And you truly did a perfect job¡±

    I sat up on my knees on the bed, tears still running down my face. Before I could say another word, he¡¯s on the bed, pushing me back with so much force, my breath nearly knocked out of my lungs.

    I tried to fight him off but he was solid as a rock, grabbing my shirt and tearing off it¡¯s buttons. Then he leaned in and forcefully pushed his tongue into my mouth.

 98

    I believed that I almost saw every side of him. But this one was new to me. Logan never forced himself on me; he never had sex with me without my consent. This wasn¡¯t sex, this was rape.

    ¡± Logan stop! I don¡¯t want this!¡± I screamed. I tried to push him away. But he doesn¡¯t stop. He abducts my two hands and locks them in his one hand at the top of my head.

    And with his one hand he started to roam my body. Every part, every inch. He slides his hand down my stomach and reaches the hem of my white pants. I tried to pull my legs together but his wide body separates them further as he fullyid on top of me, letting go of my hands so he could take off my shirt.

    Then I started to fight him again. Logan never forced me to have sex with him. I knew he¡¯d attempted that when he¡¯d newly kidnapped me but he always stopped when I asked him to. But right now, he was so furious and driven by pure hate and anger I knew he wasn¡¯t going to stop if I begged him to. But I don¡¯t stop fighting. I tried to kick him but I always missed by every inch. My body was getting exhausted by the minute.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Logan doesn¡¯t stop. He seeds in pulling and tossing off my shirt, leaving me stark naked except for my pants. He takes hold of my waist and pins me down again, pulling me into his hips as he pushed off his pants. I don¡¯t know how he does it but my pants are dragging down my legs the next moment, leaving mepletely naked before him.

    I didn¡¯t know what to do next, I was out of options. I tried begging, screaming, kicking but none of it worked so in the end, I justid there while he forced himself on me, without my permission.

    A part of me still couldn¡¯t believe this was happening even though Ipletely med myself for believing he had changed so much.

    Logan, the man that I thought I had feelings for, the man that I loved whom I¡¯d married and wished the marriage was true to me, whom I¡¯d tried to run away from was raping me.

    *****

    People said emotional pain is much more harsher than physical pain. But somehow we always end up hurt in both ways. Emotionally as well as physically.

    I couldn¡¯t remember how everything had ended with Logan. He¡¯d sexually assulted me to the point that my body couldn¡¯t take it anymore and I gave it all up. I woke up after what seemed like an eternity. I¡¯d fought so hard at some point that the darkness started to consume me, till I finally started feeling dizzy and gave up fighting.

    When I opened my eyes, everything seemed blurry and I couldn¡¯t understand why I¡¯d passed out. Then everything came back in shes, events ofst night.

    It was too much to take in. The guilt and remorse was killing me, but the feeling of being abused overpowered every other feelings.

    The room looked a lot different fromst night and the bright lights seemed to hurt my eyes. My body felt stiff as a wood as I tried to sit up but something else made me stop trying to move. Pain. There was a lot of pains between my legs. I was still naked but there was a sheet wrapped around my body. I managed to sit up. I looked around and found Logan standing at the door, his arms crossed and his back leant against it.

    ¡± You look terrible, my dear bride ¡± Logan said with a hint of mischief as he pushed himself off the door and started towards me.

    ¡± You raped me!¡± I blurted out, anger foaming inside me.

    A smirk crossed his lips like there was absolutely nothing wrong about him assaulting my body.

    ¡± I did enjoy it, thanks for caring to ask, La. I wanted you to watch what I do to you all night but you passed out ¡±

    Another tear ran down my eye ¡± you¡¯re a monster¡±

    ¡± Oh I know. I¡¯ve been told a million times and still here I am¡± he sits at the edge of the bed next to my legs. ¡± I was upset. You made me upset and you paid for it ¡±

    ¡± So raping me was your idea of punishing me?¡±

    ¡± Well¡­.. I mean there were many other ways I could¡¯ve punished you. Including raping you¡± I saw his eyes travel to my arm and I looked to see the ster on it. I¡¯dpletely forgotten that he¡¯d cut mest night and now that I saw it, I started to feel the pain too.

    ¡± Now, ¡± he rises to his feet ¡± I want you to get dressed and be out in thirty. We have our first date, ¡± he smiled childishly ¡± this is day one of our honeymoon and I intend to make it worthwhile ¡±

    ¡± I¡­..¡±

    ¡± If you refuse to go I will show you things you could never imagine. It¡¯s not a threat but a fact that we both know La ¡±

    I watched him turn back and disappeared through the door. I looked away and carefully wiped the year from my face before gently stepping out of the bed and going to the bathroom.

    I must¡¯ve spent an hour under the running water, trying to wash my body clean. I knew Logan meant his words. Refusing to go out with him would only make things worse for me. I wasn¡¯t nning on seeing more of his wrath.

    So I picked out a yellow dress with long sleeves that covered my stered arm. The dress is turtle necked but slim enough to cling to every curve of my body, a lot at the back. I made my hair into a donut on top of my head before walking out.

 99

    When Logan had said he nned a date for us I¡¯d expected him to take us to one of his very fancy restaurants that he loved to take me to. Logan loved spending money on grande things, the idea thrilled him and he was always d whenever he could impress me with all the expensive things he buys for me and the fancy ces he takes me to.

    But instead, he¡¯d taken me to a small eatery set back into a wooden house facing the ocean. It¡¯s built up high on a rock, just below the ocean so people could easily get their snacks and drinks and still go down to have a swim while those who loved to sit and eat could see the view of the ocean from up here. It was beautiful. And it kinda felt Mexican. Logan loved things like this I¡¯ve noted and I couldn¡¯t help loving it too.

    Flower pots decorated the front of this dark oak building with people walking in and out, others eating outside and some inside.

    Logan was being overly sweet when he pulled a chair out for me and wouldn¡¯t stop smiling at me whenever a woman walked past. I noticed they all threw flirtatious smiles at him and he made sure to tell them that he was with me. I didn¡¯t know if I should be impressed or not. But I was happy that regardless of all that¡¯s happened, he still respected me.

    ¡± Good morning, ¡± a petition raven ck haired waitress approaches our table, menu in her hands ¡± here¡¯s your menu for the day. ¡± she points it to Logan.

    Logan doesn¡¯t spare her a nce and just grabs it from her, his smile unchanged. I reached for mine and mouthed a ¡®thank you¡¯.

    ¡± Is there anything I can get you two while I wait for your order? ¡± She adds, causing Logan to turn abruptly to her.

    ¡± That won¡¯t be necessary, ¡± he said ¡± but tell me, what might I get for my new bride here? She seems edgy due to the long flight here, ¡± he turns a sweet look at me and I managed a smile back ¡± surely she can¡¯t be pregnant already,st night was wild, yes, but still. . . . . . ¡±

    I thought aboutughing at that but couldn¡¯t help feel a bit upset about how he¡¯d easily reminded me of what he¡¯d done to mest night. But I managed a smile anyway, trying to save the waitress some embarrassment as her cheeks turned red.

    ¡± Oh, ¡± she muttered ¡± congrattions to you two. Surely she¡¯s not moody, sir ¡±

    ¡± She¡¯s not, ¡± Logan replied, his eyes watching me like he was trying to figure me out ¡± but I still wanna treat her to something extraordinarily special, don¡¯t you agree? ¡±

    ¡± Completely sir! We have something special just for the newly wed ¡± she exims.

    ¡± Let¡¯s have it then. ¡± Logan replied before she sped off.

    I felt disgusted by his act and looked away instead of pretending to be happy about any of this. I wished he hadn¡¯t been so cruelst night.

    ¡± Are you feeling unwell my love? ¡± He asks, reaching over the table to grab my hand.

    Throwing him a smile, I replied ¡± I¡¯m fine. ¡±

    ¡± We could leave if you don¡¯t like it here. ¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡± Logan, I love it here. ¡±

    Logan nods, bringing my hand up to his lips to kiss it. ¡± You look so beautiful, La. ¡±

    I tried to reply but didn¡¯t know what to say. This was all overwhelming. I gently wiggled my hand out of his and reached to touch the cut in my arm.

    After a short while, the waitress apanied by two other waiters came back with tes of dishes I¡¯d never seen before. They called it their special treats for us.

    For someone who didn¡¯t have the buds or stomach for new foods, I enjoyed it all. it didn¡¯t take long for the rest of the customers to catch on that we were newly Weds. They stared at us and whispered to each other. I did enjoy the feeling.

    ¡± Come on ¡± Logan said as he rose up, giving me his hand. I took it and rose up, then followed him out. I stopped at the front patio, feeling the fresh morning airing from the sea hitting my face. I closed my eyes for a second and pretended things were different. I listened to the water hitting shore and smiled.

    Everything disappeared when I felt Logan¡¯s arm circle around my waist from the back and he pressed his body to mine. His face inches forward and he kissed my cheek, his hands going down my waist to caress my butt. I gasped for air as the closeness electrified my whole body.

    ¡± You smell so nice. ¡± he whispered into my ear, his breath tickling. I smiled. Truly smiled.

    My heart beat started to pound rhythmically. This was all beautiful. And peaceful.

    ¡± I¡¯m sorry that I ever hurt you, La. ¡± he continued in a low whispery tone ¡± I love you. ¡±

    I waited for some moments, trying to figure out what to say. I never imagined him to apologize. But he did and now I¡¯m in a frenzy.

    He doesn¡¯t wait for me to reply and continues to kiss my neck, his hands pressing my body, his lips moaning into my ears.

    I gasped myself. He was making me feel things I wished I wasn¡¯t feeling at the moment. But it couldn¡¯t be helped. I was attracted to this man, I was in love with him and as far as he was near, I would always feel attracted to him.

    ¡± I love you too. ¡± I whispered back.

    In this moment I was willing to flow with it. Like a tidal wave, I was willing to follow wherever it lead me. As we stood there, body pressed up against each other, I knew that I was willing to take this chance. To take a chance without knowing it¡¯s oue. Even if that was going to be the end of me.

    Because, in the end, I love this man.

 100

    For the next few couple of days Logan took me out to ces and I thought he¡¯dpletely forgotten about my attempt to escape on our wedding day. Logan would make love to me tenderly, he¡¯d drive us out to eat at the most beautiful restaurants in town, he¡¯d show me around the city and always talk about beautiful things. He¡¯d take me visiting bawling alleys, take me shopping till I got tired.

    I started to warm up to him and quickly put so many things behind us. Logan would asionally whisper into my ear how much he loved me and I¡¯d confess it back. Especially one of the many times he pulled me into the shower with him. The feeling was immensely overwhelming.

    And then, just when I¡¯d thought he¡¯d done too much, Logan grabs me by the arm unexpectedly at the beach he¡¯d taken us to and inhaled my hair deeply. Then he whispered into my ears ¡± what do I have to do to make you love me La? ¡±

    I shuddered before spinning in his arms to face him. And for the first time in so long, I felt genuinely safe and happy in his arms. I felt loved and that was all that mattered.

    Grabbing hold of his arms, I replied ¡±e on, let¡¯s go home. ¡±

    Logan¡¯s smile could never be matched as he rose up and we packed up to leave. As soon as we reached the space of our bedroom, I surprised him by grabbing his face and kissing him on his full lips. Logan¡¯s body tenses up in surprise, surprise that I was kissing him first. That I was making the first move. But after a moment, his body rxes and he kisses back with so much energy, he started to grab my body impossibly closer to him.

    For what felt like long minutes we stood there kissing harshly and urgently, our hands roaming each other¡¯s bodies, trying to pull each other¡¯s clothes away.

    I seeded in pulling off his shirt and tossing it away before pushing him back in the bed. He seems surprised by this but I gave him a sensual smile and he got it immediately. Today I was taking control and I saw that he loved it when I started pulling at my sundress.

    Slowly, I took out it¡¯s straps and wiggled out of the light dress, revealing my naked body. I saw his eyes twitch with excitement as he watched me. I methodically walked towards him, climbed on top of him and straddled him before leaning in to im his lips again. While I gently reached down to unbuckle his belt and push off his pants, out lips danced harmoniously.

    Soon we were struggling to breathe under the intense love making. My legs are wrapped around his thighs as I take his throbbing penis full on. I rode him perfectly for a first and I saw how impressed he was. It was all over his face by the time he exploded and I leaned on top of him to kiss his chest.

    ¡± I love you Logan, ¡± I confessed into his ears ¡± that is my answer to your question ¡±

    Logan¡¯s P. O. V.

    What is acting? Some people say it¡¯s an art. That cannot be taught, you are born with it. Or some people are just natural, they don¡¯t get any recognition because their acting takes ce in real life and not reel life.

    I was a marvelous actor judging from my disturbed childhood. All I¡¯d done was act, acting was the only possible way to fit into this world. A world where I was judged on so many levels. I learned I wasn¡¯t going to be normal a long time ago, when my father sent me to jail. A young teenager who had fought school bullies and street tugs for his little brother. And he had never looked back. Neither had my mother, or the brother I sacrificed years of my life protecting.

    But since I met La, she made me realize without even trying that there was always a second chance for everybody out there. Even for me.

    I knew I was falling in love with her when I couldn¡¯t bring myself to kill her the first time she¡¯d attempted to escape and that was a dangerous game I¡¯d yed. I knew that day that I would never be able to let her go, no matter what. And she can try to run away from me every time but I would always get her back. Because I was in love with her and only wanted a chance to show her that.

    Growing up without getting much love has taken a rough turn on me. It was hard for me to show what I¡¯d never been given as a child. But I was willing to change all that for this woman. I was willing to love and cherish her till myst breath.

    A couple of years ago, if someone had told me I would ever find a woman in an unruly circumstance, I would¡¯ve probably shot them dead because I knew love wasn¡¯t for me. I could never let myself love a woman, my uncle thought me that. Women only wanted your money and what you had between your legs. But not La. She was different. I doubt she¡¯d even care about these two things.

    And now, all she wanted was my love back. The thought alone was a huge turn on for me. I never knew this was what it felt like. Being genuinely happy over your love for someone yet it hurts so much because you¡¯re scared that no matter how they assure you they were gonna stay forever, they could always leave one day.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

    I wanted to set her free. But she would leave. So I needed to do the one thing that would make her stay forever: show her how much I loved her. . .

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!