ã€ŠHis Exclusive Stripper: You Are Mine, Donã€‹


 Chapter One

    ¡°This man is just taking too long,¡± I grumbled under my breath while tapping my pen on the desk.

    I was wasting enough time as it is, listening to a lecture I already read a lot about and the man had nothing new to offer on it.

    I was standing up by the time the professor said thest sentence. My back strapped over my shoulder and my notebook in hand, i left the ss of murmuring students through the back door. I was alreadyte.

    This professor for the semester¡¯s course was always so damned slow, i groused in my head. It was already 5pm now and yet i had not been able to go grocery shopping or get my nails done¡­ it was a long lsit of things i had to do.

    I quickly reached the bus stop and just in time too, because the bus had just arrived. ¡°Ticket please,¡± the driver said and I handed it to him. He punched a hole in it and handed it back to me and I moved in to find a free seat at the back of the bus, where I wouldn¡¯t be disturbed.

    I was proud of being able to support myself through college. Now I was in myst year of being a business admin major. If only the job that I had was something i could openly talk about. Being a stripper was the only thing that could pay my bills in the way i needed them to, and it was where i had met my boyfriend, so i couldn¡¯t be so ungrateful.

    The bus stopped right in front of the grocery shop and i hurried out. I had to be at home within the next thirty minutes if i was going t be able to get my nails done on time. It was either that or i would have to ask one fo the other girls in the club to do them for me quickly. They always did a shoddy job and i didnt trust anyone but myelf to take care of doing my own things ¨C makeup, nails and hair.

    I used the self-checkout counter and speedily scanned my provide, paying with my credit card and leaving the grocery shop in quick strides.

    The first thing I did once I got home was to rece my sses with my contact lenses, which served to amplify the glow of my eyes more. They were gorgeous eyes, ording to my manager, and made me look exotic. It served to increase the allure of my face, and I could understand why no one could ever link the idea that daytime me was a sses-wearing, sweatpants and jeans and hoodie d girl. Eve, my persona for performances, was anything but a quiet, introverted girl from college.

    Before I had a shower and began to do my hair, I heated up the frozen pizza meal I had gotten, grating extra parmesan cheese on it before eating two delicious slices. Usually I ended up not eating until I got home after work. So this was the only chance I would have before then.

    Contrary to what most people thought, most of us working at the strip club never left our homes with a face full of makeup. It would be a dead giveaway to the neighbors too much.

    I waved Mrs Dedrick who watched me leave from the third floor with a polite smile. She always gave me those looks and I didnt have the nerve to ask her why.

    ¡°Where to?¡± The taxi driver asked me as I boarded, and I gave him the address. The way he hesitated after hearing it made me want to roll my eyes at him. If he wanted to judge a paying customer then that was his choice.

    Secondster he shifted his car into gear and began to drive, muttering something I didn¡¯t care to listen to under his breath.

    I was used to others¡¯ looks and whispering behind my back or under their breath about me and my work. Of course they never had the courage to say such things to my face, because most of them were cowards.

    I had lost both my parents who were both only children of their parents, and had been plunged into a world of no one to hold onto, who would support me and care about me.

    For me to keep myself going this far on my own was an aplishment to me, no matter how I did it.

    As the taxi rolled up to the strip club, I saw the neon signs loud and clear. Delight¡¯s Strip Club, the signage said, along with the image of a woman in lingerie.

    Afterying the disgruntled driver my fare, I quickly exited the cab and rushed towards the back door, passing by the dimly lit entrance which had a short queue of about four or five men waiting for the bouncers to search their bodies.

    I spotted the tinum blonde hair of my boyfriend though, as he searched the body of one of the men. As if I had called his name, Charlie raised his head and spotted me. Our eyes met and I felt warmth and joy from seeing him.

    ¡°Hey,¡± I mouthed at him with a smile and he gave me a nod and a wink.

    My boyfriend, Charlie, was a charmer. I liked everything about him; his six foot hileight, his bulk that made me feel so safe and protected. Even his crude humor that I could only shake my head at with a rueful smile when he spouted jokes.

    I often wondered if he cared that his girlfriend was a stripper but once when I asked him about it he shrugged and simply replied that he had dated an escort once, and he was used to the life of girls like me. I didn¡¯t want to think about that too much, but I was only happy he loved me as I was.

    But I had to take my mind off him, for I was shortly prepping for my set.

    The other girls milling about were loudly talking about one thing or the other and it made for good background noise. The bass of the music pounded through the entire club, even in the dressing room I could feel it. And it was igniting a fire inside me, like it always did.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Gone was the sweatpants set and I put on the ckce lingerie set and ck tform studded heels for the stage performance I would be having. It also came with matching satin gloves and a mask. I applied dark red lipstick and I liked the way it put everything together. I was ready.

    And I heard my name being called. Time for Eve to dance.

 Chapter Two

    Immediately after my set I performed on the lovely stage, I changed into a bluece set with leather harness that cinched my already small waist even more, and joined the girls who entertained the regrs around the club.

    The night was somewhat slow but i didn¡¯t hate it. In fact, I quite enjoyed easy days like this, especially with the regrs. It was the weekday and most of the men who came were running on fumes from work and just needed some time to rx. They also didn¡¯t have much time to spend, as they would have to soon return home to their families. A part of me felt disgust at these men who had wives waiting for them at home. But i wasntining becasue it got my bills paid.

    I didn¡¯t notice themotion outside until I heard one of the patrons sat at the extreme end ¨C closest to the front door of the strip club ¨C loudly curse.

    My brows furrowed as I left another patron with my tips tucked tightly in my hand.

    What was going on. I heard a thud and a groan that sounded like¡­ Like my boyfriend.

    rm bells rang in my head and I rushed outside, moving quickly to be by his side and I saw it ¨C he wasying on the floor with a man stomping on his head. And our manager was there?

    I rushed to his side.

    ¡°Charlie!¡± I shrieked, grasping his face gently and ring at anyone who would daree close. His hair was matted with blood, I noticed. And my fury rose even more.

    ¡°What did you do to him?¡± i put steel behind my voice, not caring that the men were looking down at me as if i was nothing. I longed to drag my long, fake nails down their fces for what they did to my boyfriend¡­ How dare they¡­

    ¡°This one¡¯s got a mouth on her,¡± I heard one of the men say with a smirk and I aimed a re at him. He shut up instantly.

    ¡°Eve, go inside,¡± the manager tried to calm me down. I could see sweat beads forming on his forehead even with the dim red lights. ¡°This has nothing to do with you, so go. You have a job to do.¡±

    His words only served to annoy me further and i pped his hand away, standing up straighter and leveling my manager with a defiant look. Charlie was still bowled over beside me, clearly out of breath and beaten up and he wanted me to go inside?!Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    ¡°I wont,¡± i replied coldly, turning my gaze to the tallest man in the ce. He had a coat on him aand was dressed in all ck, instead of the other men around him that wore suits. He was clearly the boss around there.

    ¡°What did he ever do to you?¡± i asked the man usingly. ¡°What crime did hemit?¡±

    ¡°That¡­¡± i was struck by the deepness of the baritone voiceing out of that youthful face. ¡°Is between me and the man in question. Nothing to do with you¡­ Eve, was it?¡± thest words were punctuated with a look up and down my body. I could practically feel the way that he looked at me, as if he was guaging if i was even good evnough to be in his presence. And it annoyed the fuck out of me, to quote Charlie¡¯s favourite statement.

    ¡°So you dare toe here and attack one of the bouncers for what reason?¡± My anger knew no bounds. ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve.¡±

    ¡°Eve, that¡¯s enough. Go inside now,¡± the manager finally put more steel behind his voice and I looked at him. He looked like he was simultaneously angry and afraid. It was a funny sight if his anger wasn¡¯t aimed at me.

    I opened my mouth to say more but then the manager grabbed my arm and tugged me back into the club, muttering curses and shaking his head over and over again.

    The nameted door of his office was the first thing I got a glimpse of before I heard the manager shout, ¡°Ypure such a menace, you know that?!¡±

    I entered the office unwillingly, panting heavily. The manager was pacing the length of the office.

    I was shocked at the way he was so angry at me. He usually wasn¡¯t like this. Usually, he protected me and the rest of the workers with his life. Even the bouncers, he was so kind and nice to all of us that I never looked anywhere else for work.

    The manager continued, sounding breathless, ¡°Your rtionship with Charlie aside, you have to understand that you nearly got yourself in trouble¡­ if you haven¡¯t already. You know who you were talking to there? That is Antonio Bernoti.¡±

    I paused.

    ¡°Who? I don¡¯t even know who he is,¡± I said by way of response. ¡°All I know is that he has been very rude and attacked one of ours. He attacked Charlie!¡±

    ¡°Charlie made a joke and it wasn¡¯t very well taken by the Boss,¡± he chuckled shakily. ¡°Maybe you need to understand who the hell Antonio is. He owns half the bars and casinos in the country. He¡¯s a boss who can tell his men to kill the president and they aren¡¯t going to bat an eye before doing it. And you, you stupid girl, just made yourself known to him.¡±

    I swallowed.

    All these things he was saying¡­ if it was true, then that would mean that handsome tall man was¡­ a boss of some kind? A mafia Don?

    A knock sounded on the door and both of us turned our heads. The manager walked over to the door but not before saying, ¡°Better figure out how you¡¯re going to apologize to him before he does something to hurt you. He could have killed Charlie. But now he¡¯s spared him. Charlie¡¯s going to have to find another job though. I can¡¯t keep him here, not if the Boss doesn¡¯t want him here.¡±

    It dawned on me that he was talking about firing Charlie and I felt outraged as the spineless manager opened the door and saw one of the men from outside. One of that man¡¯s guards theme?

    ¡°He is in the VVIP room now. He wants a performer,¡± the man was saying to the manager. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll get one of our best girls to-¡±

    ¡°Not just anyone,¡± the man was saying a I realised that he was looking at me. ¡°He wants that girl. Her,¡± he tilted his head towards me in a gesture.

    Dread and anger filled my body. He wanted me to perform for him? After all of that crap he pulled outside!

    No. Hell no.

 Chapter Three

    The VVIP private rooms were nothing short of exquisite. I had only been in here once or twice to help out a colleague whenever they needed someone to cover their shifts. I didnt like performing for only one person in such a closed space, despite my assured safety and the prospect of getting more tips. So I stuck to working the stage and around the regrs in the club. Now, I was being forced to entertain this man.

    I changed into a ck set that was the most expensive one I owned, redoing my makeup and applying more red lipstick on my pouty lips. I was doing all of this under duress however.

    My manager was explicit in his words ¨C if I didn¡¯t do as asked I would be out of the club on my ass. I couldn¡¯t afford that rigat now. Even though I had saved up a lot of money, I still knew that I needed this job for at least my living expenses and then some. I was also saving up for a trip, I couldn¡¯t leave the club now. This job was important to me and I knew I wouldn¡¯t find a club quickly that would give me good treatment like here.

    It was like a deal with the devil, and I loathed the idea of selling my soul, even though I would only be dancing for him for a few minutes tops.

    The devil in question ¨C Antonio the mafia boss ¨C was seated, his coatying on another side of the couch. His eyes felt like hot iron was seared into my skin. The music was ying, creating the perfect sensual atmosphere. And though my heart wasn¡¯t in it, I silently cat walked over to the pole right in front of him and began my performance, movements I knew by heart.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    I tried not to look at him as I did so, and kept my face impassive.

    ¡°Leave the pole,¡± he said, his voice a deep baritone that was rough around the edges of his statement. ¡°Come here, Eve.¡±

    Hearing him call my stage name (and my real-life nickname) made me swallow, and my knees were a little wobbly as I walked to his side.

    ¡°Tell me, are you here by force or by your will?¡± He asked as if this wasn¡¯t a strip club, but a cafe and we were on a date. I was silent. I needed to remember my job. Dancing for this man. Dancing and nothing else.

    I was under no obligation to tell him anything, only to smile and give sultry looks and be a body willing to give visual stimtion to him.

    But Antonio didn¡¯t get the gist it seemed. He continued to talk.

    ¡°I doubt that you¡¯re here by choice. Rather, maybe you don¡¯t want to get thrown out the same way that the man you defended had been. Tell me,¡± his voice went even lower if that was possible as if he was asking a secret. ¡°Who is he to you? That man who left with the broken nose and bruised up face. Is he a friend to you?¡±

    Be quiet Eve, I told myself over and over again. Focus on doing your job. Your job and nothing else. Remember that.

    I twirled, undoing my bra sp and letting the straps slip from my shoulders. I skillfully removed it from my body in one swipe, and swung it like asso before tossing it at the other side of the couch. Itnded near his coat but I paid it no mind other than that.

    My chest bare, I hoped it would get him back to focus on the matter at hand ¨C that I was only here for a few minutes to perform and then leave. He shouldn¡¯t take any interest in me. I was just like the other girls.

    ¡°Is he your lover then?¡±

    I swallowed, trying not to look at his eyes and keeping my mouth shut. The sooner I finish my set here, the sooner I can leave. The sooner I can get away from this dangerous, handsome, annoying man who had gotten my boyfriend fired and nearly beaten to a pulp.

    ¡°I asked you a question, testa calda. Who is that man to you?¡±

    I still didn¡¯t reply.

    Oh, let me just finish from here and leave this ce. I prayed to whatever God would be listening to me, as i saw the sparks of danger in his eyes that made rm bells ring in my own head.

    I continued to dance, closing my eyes to the beat. I tried to remember why I enjoyed the job enough to continue it for over two years now.

    Then I was jerked back to earth as I felt a hand around my waist, and I opened my eyes, gasping as the man tugged me towards him. I nearly fell on top of him, and could barely keep my bnce, finding myself straddling hisp.

    His eyes were grey, I realised nonsensically, as our faces were so close to each other now. EVery part of his body felt warm and hard, and strong. I tried to free myself but his grip on my waist only tightened.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t doing a very good job of pleasing me, are you?¡± he murmured.

    I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. I couldn¡¯t take this. Not from this man who attacked my boyfriend that badly.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t touch me. It¡¯s not right for a customer to do so. And besides, I am only doing my job,¡± I snapped back. ¡°Nothing more and nothing less.¡±

    He smirked.

    ¡°Got you to speak, didn¡¯t I?¡± The devil in human form grinned and I huffed, trying to stand up. But he didn¡¯t let me, and I found myself trapped under his grip and his gaze.

    Damn it.

    ¡°You¡¯re here to please me, Eve,¡± Antonio Bernoti said with underlying tone of warning. ¡°I advise you to do so, or you will test my patience more than you already have.¡±

    ¡­

 Chapter Four

    I was silent and unmoving for moments in the face of his threats. How dare he, I raged inside my head. How dare he try to threaten me when I am already this angry at him? Did he think he could intimidate me?

    Then I remembered the manager¡¯s words.

    I had to please Antonio Bernoti, or I would be in danger. My job would be busy and I would have no source of ie anymore. On top of it, I didn¡¯t want to think about what effects angering a mob boss more than I had already done would have.

    But it was Antonio who acted first and I was at his mercy.

    The way his thumbs slid over my nipples, so caloused and rough, sent sparks of heat shooting down my abdomen.

    I hissed, arching my back into his touch unwittingly. It just¡­ it felt good, despite my not wanting it to. My body felt like it was trembling, and I struggled to keep myself grounded by remembering the bruised up face of my boyfriend. This man was dangerous, I thought. More dangerous than any other man I had ever met. More dangerous that Charlie couldn¡¯t even protect me from.

    ¡°Continue dancing, Eve,¡± the man said, his hands still roving over my body. I tried to move but found myself only able to grind lewdly on hisp. It was so damn embarrassing and I hated it. I slowed down a bit, ring at him as he smirked and his eyes were so unreadable. ¡°I said continue,. Don¡¯t stop for a second. You are here to serve me, are you not?¡±

    I began to move, or more like, grind myself on hisp. His grip on my body didn¡¯t allow for any more than that, unfortunately. I tried to withstand the way his touch brought shivers to me.

    Then it was his mouth.

    ¡°Oh,¡± i moaned, despite myself. The feeling of a warm, wet tongue teasingly touching the peaks of my breasts were too much to bear. My desire was awakened.

    ¡°Hmm, I love the way you sound, testa calda.¡± His hands over my waist tugged me to rest on him even more and I began to feel an ache between my thighs as he caressed me. I was reeling; I was dizzy with his touch.

    ¡°Very good,¡± he said, and then chuckled. And I was taken immediately back to the front of the club, to the way he chuckled at me when I snapped at him. To my boyfriend who was bruised and on the ground due to his men¡¯s beatings.

    I felt cold wash over me and I jerked away from him, hissing as his teeth had grazed over my nipple as I shifted back. Away from his grasp and his hands I could see more clearly now.

    ¡°What do you think you are doing? Are you insane?¡± I snapped at him this time, my rage rising. Had he just tried to sleep with me?

    ¡°We have a no touching policy in this club,¡± I said.

    The man onlyughed, shaking his head.

    ¡°Of course you would say that now that I have already done so. Tell me, Eve. What do you want? Money? A car? A house? I can give it to you,¡± his voice was smooth and his tone pleasing but it didn¡¯t faze me.

    ¡°There is nothing you can give me that would let you sleep with me,¡± I retorted. ¡°I am not a prostitute,¡± I raised my voice. ¡°Just because you think you can throw money at me doesn¡¯t mean i will sleep with you. I¡¯m not that kind of girl. This is a strip club, not a damn brothel, Mr Bernoti. And you would do well to remember that.¡±

    I stormed off, not caring anymore. I rushed to the dressing room, feeling eyes trail on me. The skin around my nipple still stung, in that way that it left tingles down my back. Even in the cool air pf the dressing room, i felt it. I palmed it, trying to ease the feeling.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± I cursed in the empty dressing room.

    I tried my best to calm down, standing there in nothing save for my panties and nothing else. I realized toote that I had left the bra of the set in the VVIP room with that¡­ that monster. And it was an expensive set too, i mourned silently, before walking over to my locker and removing my regr clothes. I will leave for home early tonight. I didn¡¯t care what else happened. My main performance was done anyway. Whatever tips this man would leave me, if he would even leave any for me, wasnt worth the shame and humiliation he had brought upon me.

    I left the dressing room wanting to leave through the back door as I usually did, when one of the girls called out my name.

    ¡°Eve?¡± I turned to her, and she handed me an envelope. ¡°A man asked me to give you this.¡±

    I took the envelope, turning it over. It felt full, and I had a feeling they were full of singles. ¡°Who gave it?¡± I asked her but she only shook her head and shrugged.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who the guy is. I only followed instructions. He gave me a good tip too,¡± she smirked and shed the wad of cash in her hands.

    I huffed, tucking the envelope into my bag and thanking her before leaving.

    It was only when I got home, in the early hours of the morning, that I opened the bag to finally check the envelope.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I gaped at its contents.

    This weren¡¯t $1 notes.

    I took out one of the $100 notes with a gasp.

    After I finished counting everything, my head was dizzy.

    Fifty thousand dors!!

    This envelope that had been given to me, was full of more money than I had ever seen in one ce. Even for a stripper like me, at the most I expected to make in a day was about three to five thousand dors. Not freaking fifty!!

    My heart pounded in my chest as I sat on the floor limply, still holding the envelope in my hand.

    Despite my low upbringing, one of the things I learnt a long time ago was that nothing was gotten for free in this world. Whoever had given me this was clearly wealthy enough to just give away that amount without blinking.

    Who had given me this? And what did they want in exchange?

    ¡­

 Chapter Five

    The next morning I slept inte, because I was d to not have sses that day. Having a free day was always a good thing in my mind because I didn¡¯t know how else to get the time I would have to recuperate from the disaster of a work night the night before.

    I stood up slowly from the bed, yawning deeply. I had been so exhausted from the stress.

    I immediately remembered Charlie and I picked up my phone to call him. The phone rang and rang but no one picked.

    Was he asleep?

    I sent him a message after he didn¡¯t pick up the second time I called. ¡®I¡¯lle over this afternoon. Are you okay?¡¯ The text read.

    With that, I looked around my stufffy bedroom and knew I had to definitely clean today. That was what took up the most of my morning and I thankfully finished myundry as well.

    After hanging out some of my things to dry on the line, I decided to go grocery shopping before going to see Charlie, as I was sure he didn¡¯t have anything to eat. That man could survive in nothing but a pack of smokes ¨C which I loathed, and almost expired milk, I swear.

    The trip to the grocery shop didn¡¯t take long and as I returned from it I spotted a ck car in front of my apartment building but I paid it no mind. At least, I didn¡¯t think anything of. Until I heard that voice call my name.

    ¡°Eve,¡± he said, and I stilled, whipping my head to look at the face of the devil in the back seat of the ck car.

    Antonio Bernoti.

    ¡°Wha?¡± The word left my lips and I felt shock freeze me to the ground. I gaped at Antonio, who smirked at me. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Get in,¡± he said, and I came to my senses. I shook my head at his brashness. ¡°What are you trying to do? How did you even find me?¡± I demanded to know.

    I hadn¡¯t even told the manager where I lived, only the general neighborhood and that was just for the firm filling process he used to hire his people.

    How had this man found me?

    ¡°If you get in, I¡¯ll take you to lunch, and you¡¯ll get a lot more than those fifty grand I gave you.¡±

    Fear filled my body as I realised now the identity of the mystery man. It was him.

    Now I felt revulsion. What was this man trying to do with me?

    Was he trying to brag? Buy me? I didn¡¯t know but I wanted no part in it. I just wanted to wash my hands off hisatter and leave.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give it back,¡± I tried to say, already halfway back up the stairs. ¡°Just hold on. I¡¯ll go get it. I don¡¯t want your money anyway.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly, testa calda. Or would you prefer if I called you Evelyn? Evelyn White, right? You are a senior in themunity college, studying business administration?¡±

    My eyes widened and I was frozen to the spot.

    He knew me. How did he know me? How had he found out about me in such a short time? His grey eyes were cold as he gazed at me with his soulless smirk.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Get in the fucking car unless you want me to convince you how bad of an idea it would be to piss me off,¡± his words struck a cord within me and I left the stairs, walking to the car as if I was a doll on his puppet strings, and I opened the car door and moved to sit beside him, shutting it firmly.

    ¡°Drive,¡± he ordered the driver and immediately the car was moving. My bag of groceries sat prettily at my feet and my heart pounded.

    ¡°What do you want with me?¡± My voice came out as a croak. ¡°What did I ever do to you?¡±

    He didn¡¯t respond and for a moment I had the idea that he hadn¡¯t heard me but then finally I heard the rumble. His deep voice.

    ¡°You interest me, Eve. Such a girl like you, so mysterious,¡± he mused. ¡°Unfortunately, it takes little to find you with my men¡¯s expertise at my grasp. You aren¡¯t very good at hiding.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t hiding,¡± I insisted. Was it a bad thing to separate work and personal life again? Especially with my line of work, it was practically of import to me. ¡°And my life is none of your business,¡± I added after a few moments.

    ¡°Of course. But your boyfriend is, isn¡¯t he?¡± Charlie?

    I sat still as I felt the man lean in closer to whisper in my ears and his breaths triggered tingles all over my skin.

    ¡°I want you to know that I have my eyes on him. Him, and everything that has to do with you. Your dreams, your favorite food, your dead parents, all of it.¡± Be enunciated thest three words in a mix of American and Italian ent that just sounded so¡­ so dangerous.

    Nothinges for free, I thought? Remembering the money of fifty thousand sitting in my wardrobe, i trembled as I asked him.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°You.¡±

    That word was loaded.

    ¡°Me? I don¡¯t have anything to offer you,¡± I tried to reason with him, hoping he would be able to buy it and let me be free. ¡°I am no one special.¡±

    ¡°I want you to dance for me, Eve. Me and no one else. I will leave your boyfriend alone if you agree to break up with him and do as I ask. In return-¡±

    ¡°In return you¡¯ll give me everything I ever wanted? Everything I ever asked for?¡± I had interrupted him, already knowing what he was going to say.

    But his words only served to make me angrier than a bull when it sees red, I was determined now, to wreck his damned mentality of being able to own people, most especially owning me. I belonged to no one but myself, and it was about time he knew that.

    ¡­

 Chapter Six

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    Well the talk with Antonio ended with me storming out of his car, I couldn¡¯t believe him, I felt aggravated.

    I sat on my couch, staring endlessly at the screen on my nk Television, I was overthinking would he harm Charlie because of me?

    The satisfaction etched unto his face, the moment I had red up still taunted me.

    The shrill ring of my phone jonted me out of that face

    ¡°Hello¡± The familiar voice of Debbie broke through. ¡°Any reason why you aren¡¯ting over like you had promised?¡±

    ¡°Save me, Debbie¡± I drawled, dramatically ¡°i am panicking over here¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Then I proceeded to tell her about I and Antonio¡¯s encounter.

    What a bastard!

    ¡°The deal doesn¡¯t seem that bad¡±

    ¡°Debbie!¡±

    Sheughed out loud¡±You know what, there is a party in town that everyone is talking about. you should dress up let¡¯s head out¡±

    I hesitated for a while, this could be the only way I could stop thinking so much about this.

    ¡°Get in¡±Debbie yelled over the loud Taylor Swift¡¯s music ring in her car.

    I climbed into the passenger sit. Looking around for the friends she had told me about. ¡°Where are the rest?¡±

    She nced at me, then back at the road. ¡°Oh they will meet us there¡±

    But I knew better than to believe her. She was obviously lying from the smile that broke out on her face. ¡°You devil¡¯s spun, you tricked me¡± Iughed.

    I took in her dress for tonight, she was in a pink bodycon dress, she looked beautiful, opposite to what I wore.

    I probably looked out of shape in the dress I had worn to my first date with Charlie. I hated i hadn¡¯t looked in the mirror in an hurry to stop Kate from honking her horn multiple times. The neighbors would have filled a report to the police on how I was disturbing the neighborhood.

    ¡°We are here¡±Kate announced happily. I looked outside the window at therge house that stood alone in a swarm if cars and light.  It was beautiful.

    I got down from the car, with Debbie right beside me. She was like a school girl on a sugar rush. Squealing at every fancy thing she set her eyes on. If the outside was this majestic, it leaves me with a curiosity to how the interior would look like.

    We stop at what seemed to be the entrance, a bald looking dark man standing outside the supposed door.

    ¡°Your ids?¡± he asked in a gruff voice, not in the slightest of bit trying to appear pleasant.

    Checking our id, he stepped to the side and gestured for us to enter.

    I looked at him onest time before muttering a thank you and ambled inside.

    ¡°Are you seeing what I am seeing?¡± I heard Kate over the music booming through the speaker.

    ¡°What?¡±I averted my gaze from her stunned figure and looked around, in my 6 years of adulthood never have I seen anything this luxurious.

    Even the people here didn¡¯t look like our average public. Each of them were dressed casually and was still able to y it. Something I never thought was possible.

    ¡°Stop looking at the people that way¡± Debbie whispered-yelled. Forcing me out of my trance. It was then I noticed the colours if different eyes on me. They were watching me, not only did I look like a kid whose fashion inspiration came from her dead mum, i was also staring around like a creep.

    Eventually finding the resolve to move forward, I cast my gaze to the ground and followed the sight of Debbie¡¯s pink heel deeper into therge space, trying as much as possible not to bump into anyone.

    She stopped at the bar taking a sit at the avable stool, not knowing where to go or what to do I joined her, taking the empty opposite stood beside her.

    I watch Debbie ce an order for the both of us, she was always the confident one between us both, whenever I am not Eve.

    A shot ss filled to the brim with vodka lined up in front of us. I nced at Debbie worriedly, we were both aware of what had went down thest time that she had drank.

    ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± I whispered harshly. She knew how much this night could spiral down into the worst thing we have ever done.

    ¡°Rx, i stopped my pillsst two month¡±she rolled her eyes. I hoped she was telling the truth. She had gone down into depression because of how herst rtionship was.

    And drinking alcohol with the anti depressant her doctor had given her resulted to her being hospitalized for a month.

    I thought she was never going toe out the same, the worst period if my life.

    ¡°Here¡± she handed me a ss, taking one for her self. ¡°Bottom up¡± she clinked both of our sses together then I poured the drink down my throat. It left a burning sensation down my throat, unto my chest. It felt like euphoria.

    Dropping my ss back on the table, my gaze connected to a pair of ash eyes, the deepest kind I have ever seen.

    It reminded me of an ocean, the kinds that pulls you in only for it to drown you. It felt wrong to look away from him, but I did it anyways- Antonio was here

    ¡°I think you have had enough for one night¡± I looked at the 5 empty sses sitting in front of her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s dance¡±She cheered, taking my hand in hers, she dragged me to the dance floor.

    Like in the movies, the dj had thought it was best to change the song to our favorite song.

    Debbie wiggled her brows, I knew then that she wanted us to do our dance, a routine we had formed for this song. But in front of the people, it felt as though neddles were pricking my skin as my nerves level increased.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can do this¡± I shaked my head, moving back a bit. I was a bad dancer, I still don¡¯t know how I became a stripper.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, we came out tonight to loosen up remember?¡±

    A bit of doubt still had it ce in my mind. But I needed to forget. Just for a little bit, I wanted something normal. Outside of my heavy schedule and constant club gigs

    Breathing in and out, I began moving my hips to the side, rising my hand over my hand, I allowed the music in my head.

    And she was right, no one was watching me. Everyone around was dancing except Antonio, His  eyes was on me, watching me like a predator and i was his prey.

    I looked away quickly

    ¡°What do you think about that guy?¡± Debbie gestured at an huge guy, making weird hand movement at her.

    I shook my head. ¡°No way. he looks like be would eat you for breakfast.¡± I cringe.

    ¡°You know that is what i am looking for. An after care sex.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean it that way, I am talking about your flesh. He seems to have a thing for human flesh¡± I eyed him once more. ¡°You have bad taste in men¡±

    ¡°You wish. At least I haven¡¯t been eyeing Mr party host over there¡±

    ¡°He threw this party?¡± I asked, astonished.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    My eye snap to the ce Ist saw him, out of instinct.

    ¡°I will be back¡±

    She began walking towards a guy at the other end of the room. ¡°Where are you going?¡± I yelled admist the loud music.

    She didn¡¯t answer me, no doubt didn¡¯t hear me and continued walking to him.

    Come to the consecutive hour, I stood by the bar waiting for Debbie, she was my ride home and I had work tomorrow.

    My phone beeped in my hands. As suspected she has gone home with that guy.

    I nced around the room, I was the only one by the bar, probably confused.

    ¡°Is something the matter?¡± A voice asked. I swirled around to be met with the stranger.

    ¡°Oh it is not much of a big deal¡± I waved it off. ¡°I just don¡¯t have a ride home after my ride here left me to go have sex with a guy.¡±

    I mentally scolded myself for saying too much.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°You know, I could offer you a room over here¡± he shrugged like it wasn¡¯t a big, looking boyish handsome in a suit that probably worth more than my life savings.

    But he obviously wanted something in return.

    ¡°I am not having sex with you, no matter how rich you are¡± I blurted.

    There with my fucking loud mouth again.

    ¡°I am not paying you to sleep with me¡±heughs ¡°my boss would have my head.¡±

    Boss?

    I scoffed, turning my head sideways to hide how flustered I am.

    ¡°Anyone would jump at the offer of sleeping here¡±

    Thinking about it for a while. ¡°Okay.

    Nodding his head, he began walking up the stairs. I followed him leaving a fair distance between us both, making it a point not to bump into anyone.

    He stopped at a brown door, gesturing me in. I opened the door and a strong scent of freshness engulfed me. It felt satisfying.

    His phone rang¡±I need to answer this real quick¡±he walked out the room and closed the door behind him, leaving me to wonder who has called him and who his boss was.

 Chapter Seven

    My eyes pried open, as I looked around the unfamiliar room, the memory ofst night¡¯s hazy.

    ¡°You are awake now¡± a voice said making me jump back in fright.

    I turned my head, staring at the figure of Antonio seated on the chair beside the bed Iy on.

    ¡°Did you drug me?¡± I sprang up, raising the nket to check if I still had my clothes on. Thankfully I still had it on.

    Slowly the event ofst night kepting back bit by bit in a scattered mess of pictures.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t rape you without your consent if that is what you are asking, mia troia¡± he took a sip from the mug he held in his hands.

    It annoyed me how calm he was while I felt extra self-conscious. ¡°It is not like that isn¡¯t something you could do¡± I began putting on my shoes.

    ¡°You should be thankful I gave you a room in my housest night since you didn¡¯t have a ride home¡±

    My cheek heated up in embarrassment, he must have been the boss in question. ¡°Thank you¡± I muttered.

    ¡°You should go on your knees and take my cock in between your pretty lips¡± he got up and walked slowly to me and yet again I was reminded of the reason why I hated him even if I could feel the chill that ran down my toe.

    With every step he took toward me, I took the same steps backward, and his lips slowly curled into a smirk.

    ¡°If you ever think I am going to do any single thing you say, then you¡¯re dreaming and you need to wake up from it as soon as possible,¡± I said, trying to sound calm and not frightened but instead it was the opposite.

    I clenched my jaw when I felt my back finally hit the wall, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    He didn¡¯t reply, instead, I could feel his eyes roaming around my body, the same look I saw in his eyes that I saw in his eyesst night was the same look he was giving me currently.

    He slowly covered the distance between us, each footstep he took was slow but graceful, he ced his right hand beside my head and bent his head to look at me, while I did the opposite and raised my head to stare at him.

    Trying to mask my facial expression with a nk one but I guess I wasn¡¯t doing a really good job at it and I hated it.

    Hated how being so close to me made my heart beat fast with¡­ fear.

    I guessed he noticed my difort because he sighed and shut his eyes, turning his back to me, he walked away and sat on the chair he had seated on a couple of seconds ago.

    A sigh of relief escaped my lips, I shut my eyes and ced my hand over my racing heart.

    ¡°I wonder what you were scared of. Do you really think I would stoop so low to rape you?¡± ¡®he asked, raising an eyebrow over the other, a questioning expression appearing on his face. ¡°As I said earlier, I won¡¯t do anything to you without your consent¡±

    His voice pulled me out and I opened my eyes to meet his, it was really a struggle to keep maintaining eye contact with him.

    I replied immediately I found my voice, ¡°Scared? Do you really think I was scared?¡± I asked, forcing out augh.

    ¡°It¡¯s no use trying to deny it. It was written crystal clear on your face, and your chest was heaving up and down heavily, I could hear the sound of your heart beating from the distance that I was. If it¡¯s not fear then what is it?¡± he asked, tilting his head to the side, while still maintaining holding my gaze with his.

    I blinked, shocked but I didn¡¯t let it show on my face, instead, it was a confused expression that found its way to my face, ¡°What do you mean? Those did not happen¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the use denying it, what¡¯s your goal?¡± he threw another question at me.

    I parted my lips to answer his question but instead, he intercepted me and gave an answer to the question he asked himself.

    ¡°I guess you are trying to look bold and stubborn¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    I parted my lips to give a reply but he intercepted me again and this time I could feel frustration slowly seeping into me until I heard what he had to say next.

    ¡°The offer still stands though, in case you¡¯re wondering,¡± he said.

    I stared at him in confusion, acting like I didn¡¯t understand what he meant but maybe what he meant with that statement is not what I think it is.

    There was only one way for me to find out about that, I decided to voice out my thoughts, ¡°Offer? Which offer are we talking about here?¡±

    ¡°Ah, I see, someone is trying to act dumb here,¡± he said, leaning his elbow on the armrest of the chair and he rested his cheek on his palm. ¡°You know, all these acts only make me want you the more,¡± he added.

    I frowned at what he said, showing my displeasure, the hate that I had for him had increased double-fold at this rate.

    ¡°Are you kidding me, you are still up with this shit, I already gave you my response already,¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to reject this offer? The benefits I called out, still stand with it you know,¡±

    ¡°I am still not interested, do you think I will be easily swindled by money?¡± I asked, already getting annoyed with each passing minute that I spent with him.

    ¡°Nope, I don¡¯t think you would, but I am still not giving up though. Did I forget to tell you that I always get what I want?¡±

    ¡°This conversation is clearly a waste of time,¡± I said and walked past him, storming out of the room.

    Before I could leave, I heard him say behind me in his usual calm voice, ¡°The offer still stands though, in case you have a change of heart¡±

    I turned a deaf ear to what he said and wrapped my hand around the doorknob, not turning back to give him a reply, I pulled the door open but it didn¡¯t bulge.

    I frowned and tried again but it didn¡¯t bulge, already frustrated, I turned back to ask him what was wrong with the door but instead, I saw him standing behind me, the distance between us was not even up to five inches.

    I shrieked and moved back, pressing my back to the door. I saw that his right hand was outstretched, pressing t against the door, which was the reason why the door was not opening, while his left hand was buried deep in his pocket.

    My eyebrows drew closer to each other, and a silent question appeared at the surface of my mind. ¡°How did he get here so fast and quietly, not even making the tiniest of noise in a short amount of time?

    ¡°See, I already told you¡­¡±

    ¡°Shush and let me talk. Let me call someone to take you home¡± he said.

    ¡°I would have to respectfully decline your generous offer even though I know there is no catch to whatever you offer¡± I replied, my voice filled with as much sarcasm as I wanted it to be.

    He let out a chuckle and removed his hand from the door, he slipped his right hand into his pocket and took a couple of steps backward, expanding the space between them, he replied, ¡°Is that what you think of me?¡±

    He shrugged and added, ¡°Anyway, suit yourself. Every deal I offer to you still stands though, until you take it¡±

    He pulled out his hands from his pocket and picked the mug he had dropped, he took another sip from it.

    Still keeping hdi gaze on Ophelia till she walked out.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry yourself, I won¡¯t pick any one of them,¡± I said and pulled the door open, mming the door shut while I walked out of the building and headed straight to the road, gging down a taxi.

    I slipped inside and rubbed my temple softly, a sigh escaping my lips, I told the taxi driver where I was headed to and he ignited the engine of his car immediately, taking me to where I was headed.

    I paid him off after he dropped me in front of my house and made my way in.

    I fiddled with the key and sessfully unlocked the door after a couple of seconds.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look on your face? You look a bit awful¡± the voice of Charlie drew my attention to him.

    I tipped my head upward a bit to look him in the eye, my lips slowly stretched into a smile.

 Chapter Eight

    My mind travelled back to the first time Charlie had let himself into the house to wait for me with the spare key I gave to him. I hadpletely forgotten that he had a spare key, and so when i came home from school that afternoon, stressed out, famished and in a haste to be at the strip club, I had been scared out of my skin to find his hulky figure in my sparsely furnished sitting. The books I held slipped smoothly out of my grip and my heart had been on it¡¯s way to my mouth before he could turn around to reveal himself.

    He had rolled over inughter at the sheer look of horror thaty unabated in my eyes. With time, I grew use to meeting him in my space at random. My room had a certain peace about it, he would im. He is my boyfriend after all and it is totally cool if he wants toe around every minute of the day.

    What if that devil of a handsome man had stalked me all the way to my home? What if he barges into my room and find Charlie? I was thinking of the trouble that would mean and the color in my face drained along with the smile that had been there initially.

    ¡°Babe, are you okay?¡± Charlie was standing next to me.

    His tender touch did very little at elevating the fear that had sprouted it ugly root in the pit of my stomach. But I managed to smile at him, assuring him that I was fine. He led me to the single armed couch that was the only piece of furniture in the room and made me seat.

    ¡°I would get you something to drink, you look terribly pale. Are you feeling sick?¡± He ced two of his fingers around my nape, feeling my temperature.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Charlie,¡± I pulled his hands away, arching forward so I could nt a wet kiss on his lips. He closed his eyes momentarily, as if savoring the kiss.

    ¡°Now I believe you¡¯re okay,¡± he opened his eyes and shed me a toothy smile.

    ¡°Sily you!¡± I punchedzily at his muscled arm.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± He groaned betweenughs and hauled himself beside me.

    ¡°How are you feeling? I was so worried when you didn¡¯t take your calls,¡± I examined his face closely. There were purple patches from the punches he received the day before.

    ¡°I would be fine. What¡¯s up with you? How did you spend your day off?¡± He changed the topic. I could see he was avoiding the subject. I wanted to know what jokes he had made to anger Antonio so badly that had gotten him beaten, but I knew better than pushing the subject.

    ¡°I umm¡­ went out with Debby. There was this party she cajoled me into attending, I didn¡¯t have many options than to go,¡± I told him.

    I contemted telling him about Antonio and his stupid offer, but then again, I thought against it. That might only get him angry. I have never known Charlie to be a jealous type. In the two years since I started working at the strip club, he has never shown an iota of disapproval at my rtionship with the male customers I am been made to pleasure.

    But this might sound different,ing from a man that made him loose his job and had him beaten into plump. I couldn¡¯t even bring myself to spike a conversation like that. I was suddenly filled with rage again. If Antonio or whatever he calls himself really thinks he can make me break up with my boyfriend then he is a joker. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m epting his offer, i told myself. And since I wasn¡¯t going to ept it anyways, then there was no need bothering Charlie with the topic, I thought to myself.

    ¡°And you slept over?¡± He Inquired.

    ¡°At the party, yes. That¡¯s because Debbie left with a new guy she met at the party, when she was supposed to be driving me home. Can you even imagine that,¡± I sighed, spilling without caution the deal of the previous night.

    ¡°You should have called me toe pick you up instead of sleeping out at a party babe, what if someone had gotten drunk and tried molesting you?¡± The concern in his voice warmed my heart.

    ¡°Heyy rx. I was given a room, so nobody touched me,¡± I spilled again, forgetting my decision of not mentioning Antonio.

    Charlie was right though, it would have been risky sleeping around at a party like that, anyone could have gotten rogue and attack a seemingly powerless girl like myself. All thanks to the devil, Antonio.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    It was baffling finding myself stillpletely dressed up when I woke up. I couldn¡¯t have mistaken the look of desire on Antonio¡¯s face. I¡¯ve worked with men for too long to know when a man desires me sexually. I knew that Antonio had such desire, so why hadn¡¯t he taken his chancest night? What had stopped him?

    I was tipsy, in his house, at his mercy and all he had done was seat and watch me sleep? Yet there was that hunger in his eyes when he pinned me to the wall, for a moment, I had feared he would strip me roughly out of my dress, and force himself on me, but he had let me go. Maybe because he still expects to get a positive reply from me.

    ¡°Eve you not listening,¡± Charlie¡¯s voice brought me back from my train of thoughts.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what did you say?¡±

    ¡°I was asking who gave you a room at a party you were invited to?¡± He repeated.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, some random dude that works for his boss, who was the host. Charlie I need to get ready for the club,¡± I leaned into him, kissing his lower lips.

    He took charge of the kiss, slipping his hands, behind my back. I could feel his erection bulging out of his pants.

    ¡°I need to go Charlie,¡± I moaned into his mouth.

    ¡°Your shift starts at night, it¡¯s  still very early, why do you want to leave?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m covering up for Chloe, she has something to deal with and can¡¯t be at the bar to serve drinks,¡± I exined.

    Chloe is the attendant at the club¡¯s bar. While the rest of us have to be at the bar by evening, Chloe stays around during the day, serving drinks to the non-stop  troops of customers. She had pleaded that I help her today at the bar, and in turn she could cover for me at night.

    ¡°Arrrg¡­¡± A frustrated groan escaped Charlie¡¯s lip, as he broke the kiss.

    ¡°We don¡¯t ever get enough time together and it¡¯s  sad you know, I miss you,¡± he leaned in again, kissing my neck.

    ¡°Charlie I miss you too. You know what, why not wait here for me, we could pick this up from here when I get back. How about that?¡±

    ¡°What would I be doing while you are away?¡± He mopped at me with puppy eyes.

    ¡°Errmm¡­ Maybe make dinner, take a nap, read a magazine. Just do anything  that makes you feel useful,¡± I shrugged, standing from the chair and heading to the corner of the room where my closet stood.

    ¡°Really?¡± I heard him calling after me.

    I picked out an attractive dress suitable for the job  I was covering for and threw them into my tote bag, alongside my makeup kits. Charlie had disappeared into the kitchen, by the time I got ready. I strolled over to the slightly opened door, he was over the kitchen counter, whisking egg in a transparent ss dish. I leaned on the door, watching with satisfaction.

    ¡°Break up with your boyfriend ande work for me¡­¡± Antonio¡¯s word echoed in my thoughts.

    Could I be putting Charlie in any danger by refusing the offer? I doubt.

    ¡°Hey babe,¡± he spun to catch me watching at him.

    ¡°I can see somebody is admiring my skills here, huh?¡± He joked.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, I only came to tell you I would be leaving.¡± I defended.

    ¡°Okay¡­ I believe you,¡± he raised his hands in a mock surrender, making meugh.

    ¡°Here,¡± he pushed a mug towards me. ¡°I thought you should take something, before running off.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a darling. Thank you,¡± I stood on my toes, nting a brief kiss on his lips and pulling off immediately to avoid heating up any form of arousal.

    ¡°I know right,¡± he bragged at mypliment.

    ¡°I would see you when I get back,¡± I backed away from the kitchen door, drinking the content of the mug. Charlie was a better cook than me, and it was one of the many things I loved about him. The mug was empty by the time I got to the sitting room so Iid it down on the table, picking up my tote bag and heading out of the front door.

 Chapter Nine

    ¡°Ma¡¯am we are here.¡± The taxi driver called out, bringing me out of my mild slumber.

    The effect ofst night shots were telling on me, my head felt like a hundred soldiers were matching in it. No doubts, I regretted  following Debbie to the  party. I was hoping the little distraction would help me take my mind off Antonio and his increasing appearance in my life. Instead, it had brought me closer, so close as to sleeping in his home.

    I paid my fare stepping out of the taxi, with my hand above my head, shielding away the rays of sunlight that threatened to blind my eyes. For the first time, I felt really grateful that I only had to work at the club at night. Aside the fact that it gave me time for my school work, it was safer being around this part of the town at night to avoid bumping into someone familiar.

    If Chloe wasn¡¯t the nice person that she was, there is no way i would be taking all of this risk for her. What if someone from school sees me? My cover would be blown and I would be the gossip headline in the entire school.

    Chloe waved at me as soon as i stepped into the bar. The room was dimly lighted with a few patrons scattered over coupled booths. I roved through the gaps between each booth towards the bar where she stood.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you woulde, thank you so much, Eve.¡± She reached for my hands over the bar counter and squeezed them lightly.

    ¡°Common, it¡¯s  nothing. I¡¯m sure you¡¯d  do the same for me. If I needed your help,¡± I returned her smile.

    ¡°Alright. So all you have to do is mix up drinks ording to the customers order. You are not to serve outside the bar, that¡¯s the job  of the waiters. I would be back before you know it, okay?¡±

    I nodded in understanding, turning the corner to take her position behind the bar counter, while she packed up her bag.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± The familiar voice of the manager brought us both to an abrupt stop. I exchanged quick nces with Chloe.

    ¡°Eve is here to cover for me while I check out something, I would be back to take over,¡± she exined smoothly.

    ¡°She can¡¯t.¡± The manager blurted.

    ¡°Why!¡± Chloe eximed, her eyes bright with rage.

    ¡°Eve can no longer work with us,¡± he continued focusing his gaze on me.

    It was my turn to exim ¡°why!¡±

    ¡°I was going to see youter in the evening when youe for your shift, but it¡¯s  a good thing you came earlier. Maybe we should step into my office Eve.¡± He motioned at the way in front of him. My legs felt weak. Was I also being fired? Oh God, no!

    I still have a year toplete at school, if I got fired, it would be hard going through my final year. I turned to Chloe, the look of irritation earlier on her face had turned into full blown anger. I felt bad for her, whatever it is she was supposed to go check out would have to wait now.

    I mouthed a silent apology before taking the lead to the manager¡¯s office. I was fully aware of his presence behind me as I struggled to move my feet on the glittering  marble floor.

    I stepped aside to let him open the door as we got to the office. Then following behind him and taking the seat opposite his. Whatever this was had to be serious. The manager solemnly invited workers into his private space. The office was decorated in the style of someone who had great taste.

    The lights from the chandelier that hung too low sparkled over the neatly polished frames of art works that  were ced on the wall. The rug beneath my feet was furry and dippedfortably with each step I took. The cotton drapes had a matching color with the furniture that was in the room.

    ¡°What is this about?¡± I spoke first.

    ¡°The man your boyfriend messed with, he wants you to start working for him and has ordered your dismissal from the club house. Eve, I truly wish there was something I could do about this, but like I said before now Antonio Bernoti is a very influential man, he has the power to shut down this club and there would be nothing I can do about it. You have to understand that I am as helpless as you are here,¡± he ended his speech.

    I didn¡¯t  realize my lips had been parted the whole time as he spoke. The words kept bouncing in my head, refusing to settle in. Antonio Bernoti, that devil! Did he think this was going to make me change my mind? How stupid of him.

    ¡°Eve?¡± The manager called.

    ¡°It¡¯s  fine. You¡¯ve  been a nice man and appreciate your kindness the whole time.¡± I stood up grabbing my bag.

    ¡°Eve,¡± he called again.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should actually go work for him, I think his interested in you and if you ask me, it¡¯s  a good thing being on the side of a man like that,¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d I¡¯m not asking for your opinion. And if youy an eye on your Mr influential Antonio Bernoti, tell him I say that he should go fuck himself cause I¡¯m  never! Read my lips, I¡¯m  never, ever going to work for him,¡± with that, I walked up to the door mming it hard with every little nerve of anger that had formed it way into me.

    I could feel my eyes burning with tears that I couldn¡¯t  let fall out. I took long strides heading for the outside door, knowing fully well that if I stayed a minute longer around here, I was going to break down into tears and I was not ready to loose my dignity in such manner.

    ¡°Eve!¡± Chloe called out as I passed the bar. I walked faster, not sparing a nce.

    ¡°Eve, wait!¡± She called again. This time, I broke Into a run not stopping until I had put a distance between myself and the walls of the club. I wasn¡¯t  ready to exin myself to anyone and Chloe was no exception.

    The sun had retreated into the clouds and evening was setting in. When I was sure that I was away from the club vicinity, I leaned on a car parked along a quiet street catching my breath. The air smelled of the garbage floating in the ditch that separated the main street from the lines of closed shops.

    The tears I had held for so long finally slipped down my cheeks. I pushed them away with the back of my palms. There was no way i was going to cry because if that devil. He¡¯d be happy if he knew i was feeling helpless and so for the sake of my pride, I had to be  strong.

    A low moan sounded from within. At first I had thought it was a mistake, then I heard the sound again, this time I also felt the car shaking behind my body. I turned around to peer through the window, it was tinted and I couldn¡¯t see a thing, but there was no mistaking that they was a couple in the car and by all means they were making out.

    I felt stupid for standing there. Charlie crossed my mind. This was good after all, maybe it was time to go home. At least, Charlie was home. I could sleep in his arms and feelforted. It might take a while, but certainly, we could look out together and get other jobs.

    Since there was no work to return to, I decided to take the walk home to kill sometime. I plugged in my headphones, listening to musics as I half jogged and slow walked to my apartment. I made up my mind to tell Charlie about Antonio.  Now there was no reason keeping it a secret anymore.

    ***Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.

    ¡°Hey babe, you back on time, what happened?¡± Charlie was flung over the couch, a te of sandwich settled over hisp and the remote control in his hands.

    ¡°I got fired,¡± I dropped not mincing words.

    ¡°What?¡± Heid the te on the table with speed, as though it had burned his skin.

    ¡°Was it because of me? Did I get you into trouble with the manager?¡± He was moving over to where I stood now.

    Yes, this was partly Charlie¡¯s fault. If he hadn¡¯t made that stupid joke that got him noticed by Antonio, perhaps, we both would still have our jobs  and live our lives peacefully without the knowledge of the existence of Antonio Bernoti.

    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t because of you. It¡¯s  Antonio Bernoti. He asked the boss to fire me,¡± I told him instead. I could feel the tears building up in my eyes again.

    ¡°Antonio Bernoti? That bastard!¡± Charlie cursed.

    1507 Number of words

 Chapter Ten

    Charlie had managed to tame the heartrending sobs that had burst out of my throat minutes ago, and now, I was quietly coiled beside him on the bed. The sobs had eased into silent hups.

    The sound of the television  invaded my thoughts every now and then. Charlie was still beside me. But I knew he was awake and wasn¡¯t watching the television either. He was probably lost in thoughts.

    ¡°He wants me to go work for him,¡± I blurted.

    Charlie did not respond immediately, I almost thought he hadn¡¯t heard me. Then he shifted closer, pressing his body into mine and rubbing his hand over my bare arms.

    ¡°Do you want to?¡± He finally asked in a whisper that tickled my ear lobes.

    ¡°No,¡± I murmured.

    A long silent followed my response. I was hoping Charlie would be proud of me. Proud of the fact that I had turned down the offer to work for that devil that cost us our jobs. But when he spoke again, I realized my hopes were wrong.

    ¡°Maybe you should,¡± he released his hand that was cuddling my shoulder, and dropped it by his side.

    ¡°You not serious, are you?¡± I rose from my position to take a good look at him.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Was he insane? Why would he ask me to work for that man? Oh¡­ I knew what this was, it was guilt. Maybe he was feeling guilty that he had made me loose my job. It was the only useable exnation as to why my boyfriend would ask me to work for another man. Not just any man, a man that ordered his men to beat him up, a man that wants me to breakup with him.

    If he had any sense right now, he would be asking me to stay as far off as possible from Antonio, not asking me to go work for him.

    ¡°Charlie, how can you even think that? This man wants me to breakup with you ande work for him and you sit here advising me to take up an offer like that? Have you gone nuts?¡± I shifted away from him, putting a little distance between us.

    ¡°Babe can you hear me out first?¡± He was trying to get hold of my hands.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even touch me, Charlie. I can¡¯t believe you right now. I understand that you feel bad about us losing our¡­¡±

    ¡°Can you listen!¡± He snapped at me.

    A little shiver ran down my spine at the change in the tone of his voice. Charlie is not a good sight when he is angry. His hulky figure tends to magnify with anger. Sharp veins had formed a narrow lines around his neck and his typical brown eyes had darkened in color.

    ¡°I hate that bastard as much as you hate him, and that is why you have to work for him if we must make him pay for what he has done.¡± His voice sounded hoarse with rage.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, how do we make him pay if I get to work for him?¡± My voice came out delicate, a mixture of fear and confusion.

    ¡°Come here darling,¡± he pulled me into his chest, patting my hair down my shoulder.

    ¡°We both know that the so called Antonio Bernoti is a Mafia Lord. This can only means he is associated with so many dirty secrets.  Secrets that when revealed would mean his ends,¡±

    I was clearly getting the picture of the suppose n, but rity only heightened  my fear.

    ¡°If you ept to work for him, we could dig up some of those secrets, we could report him to the police and we could bring him down. Wouldn¡¯t you love that Eve darling?¡± The tip of his tongue was caressing my ear lobes.

    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Charlie,¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be, sweetheart. All you have to do is call the fool, tell him you¡¯re willing to take up his offer and vo! n in motion. You would make him trust you by all means, we get what we want and you leave. It¡¯s that simple baby,¡±

    ¡°And if he wants other things?¡± I blinked at him.

    ¡°What other things babe?¡±

    ¡°I see the way he looks at me, Charlie, what if he wants sex?¡±

    I was startled when he burst intoughter at my question.

    ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡±

    ¡°The fact that you think Antonio Bernoti would want to have sex with you. Eve you are a club stripper¡­¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I arched my brows. His words had cut deep into my heart. I would never have expected Charlie to utter words like that. Being a club stripper didn¡¯t  make me less desirable, if anything, it has made me most wanted by men with insatiable sex appeal.

    ¡°Look I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you okay, all I¡¯m saying is, we have to make Antonio pay for all his crimes by all means and if have sex with him is the little sacrifice to pay, then maybe you should do it,¡± he continued.

    All along I have been grateful for having a boyfriend that isn¡¯t  jealous of the nature of my job, but right now, it hurts terribly to know that he didn¡¯t care very much if some other man desired me or was making passes at me.

    For the first time in two years, I was questioning Charlie¡¯s love for me. What if he didn¡¯t really love me?

    ¡°Look babe, I love you so much okay and I wouldn¡¯t let you do something if it isn¡¯t good for us. You¡¯re doing this for us, this is you seeking justice for what Bernoti did to us, okay?¡± He said as if reading my inner thoughts.

    ¡°I love you too, Charlie,¡± I forced the words out of my throat.

    ¡°That¡¯s my girl, nowe to daddy,¡± he covered me again in his arms, taking my lips into his and kissing them feverishly.

    I wanted to be in the moment, to enjoy the feel of his hands that trailed my skin, touching every part of me intimately, but I couldn¡¯t. My mind had been put to work. I was thinking of what Charlie had said, I was weighing  the possibility of the sess of this n.

    I liked the idea of making Antonio pay for his wickedness, but I wasn¡¯t  sure if I liked Charlie¡¯s n. I would have preferred to let karma have it way. If Antonio Bernoti was as notorious as I¡¯ve heard, then Charlie was sending me into the lion¡¯s den. Which brings me back to the disturbing question that has been lited in my heart like candle mes, ¡°does Charlie really love me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful babe,¡± Charlie¡¯s hands were circling my nipples when I looked up at him. I was only realizing that he¡¯d stripped me off my dress.

    ¡°I want to do so many bad things to you,¡± he continued. I was in no mood for his dirty talks, even if I use to like them before now. I faked a moan, ying along.

    ***

    It was evening when I woke up. Charlie was not lying beside me, he wasn¡¯t in the bathroom either. He was gone. I sighed, rolling out of the rumpled sheets and striding nakedly into the bathroom for a wash.

    I thought of calling Antonio as I showered. I thought of his deep baritone voice that brought goose bumps on my skin. If I was to admit, the man was handsome. Maybe too handsome that it got into his head.

    I stepped out of the shower, throwing a robe around my body and heading into the kitchen. There were left over sandwiches in the microwave. I picked a few pieces, threw them into a dish, grabbed a bottle of water and returned into the living room.

    I would be needing physical strength when I call Antonio, and to get that strength, I needed to eat. Half way into the meal, my phone beeped with a text. I concluded it was Charlie. He probably  wanted to let me know that he was home, so I ignored the message, chewing leisurely on my meal as I rehearsed the words I was to tell Antonio when I call.

    A second beep came in by the time I had returned from the kitchen where I went to drop my used dish. The number on the screen was a strange one, not Charlie¡¯s as I had guessed.

    ¡°Hey Angel,¡± the first text read.

    ¡°A gentle reminder that my offer is still on, just incase you change your mind,¡± the second text said.

    I didn¡¯t  need a seer to tell me who it was that had sent the message. Antonio Bernoti. Well, texting made it easier. I thought again about going on with this n. I love Charlie, and I would do anything to please him. Gulping arge amount of air through my lungs, I opened the message and typed.

    ¡°I¡¯m  willing to ept your offer.¡±

    I threw the phone over the couch, bitting my lips hard as I waited for a response. In a nanosecond the phone buzzed again. I picked it up with shaky fingers daring to read the content.

 Chapter Eleven

    ¡°That was easier than I thought. Be ready, my driver would pick you up in thirty minutes time. Don¡¯t keep him waiting,¡± the reply read.

    I hated his guts. How dare He? Was he in anyway implying that I was easy to get? He certainly didn¡¯t know what awaited him. There was no need replying to a rude a text like that. Yet, I took caution of his warning not to keep the driver waiting. It was a few minutes to seven, I made a mental note to get ready within the next twenty minutes.

    There wasn¡¯t  much to do since I had taken bath already. I brought out my makeup kits. This wasn¡¯t a strip club, there would be no need for an intense makeup. I did a light touch on my face, drawing a pink lip gloss  along my lips, and packing my hair into a ponytail.

    I picked out a simple ck dress with low neck and tiny straps behind, a mild heel and a pair of earrings. I was satisfied with the oue of my effortless makeup. I paced the room for a while, anxiety eating deep into my flesh. What would I say when I get there? What would he do? Maybe it would be easier if I just offered him my body, get the details I needed about him and leave.

    A loud horn sounded from outside. I picked up my purse, took one long,st look at the mirror and headed towards the door, to avoid another of that loud horn. What if this n is stupid anyways? There was only one way to find out and that way led to Antonio Bernoti¡¯s house.

    The drive was a silent one, I was in no mood to talk and even if I was, i didn¡¯t like Antonio¡¯s driver enough to want to hold a conversation with him. I kept looking out of the window, hoping to get distracted from the mission at hand.

    Therge gate at Antonio¡¯s castle flung open as we approached. There had been no horn to alert the gatekeeper, neither was there a gatekeeper, it made me conclude that the gate was an electronic gate. ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± the driver annouced, bringing the car to a halt.

    It was at the tip of my tongue to tell him to take me back from where he had brought me, but I knew I couldn¡¯t. The door of the car was opened by a guard that stood outside. I stepped out admiring the elegant structure  that stood in ce of his home.

    ¡°I have been to Antonio¡¯s house for a party before, but this ce looks different,¡± I spoke to the driver, starring in awe.

    ¡°That was probably one of his buildings in town. The boss does not host any kind of party in this castle. It¡¯s the most precious of all his houses.¡± The driver exined.

    I mouthed a silent ¡®wow not wanting to show my surprise in the presence of the guards that were scattered over thepounds, each one of them heavily armed.

    ¡°This way,¡± another guard stepped in front, pointing out the road that led to the entrance of the house. I followed behind like amb that was being led out to be sacrificed. The moment I waited for was near, my heart thumped loudly in my chest in a way that made me feel dizzy.

    ¡°Wait here, the boss would be with you in a jiffy,¡± the guard announced.

    I nodded. The interior of the castle was far better than what I had seen from the outside. The chandelier was bigger than any I had seen in real life, it had the brightest bulbs decorated in the form of little doves that glittered all over the sitting room. There were breath taking paintings that hung on the wall. Arge frame, holding the picture of Antonio Bernoti, covered half part of the wall at the left wing of the sitting room.

    His deep grey eyes peered down at me from the image, it felt alive, like he was there in the frame, looking at me. His jaw lines stood firm, giving him a no nonsense look. His lips were curved tightly, adding to the grim on his face.

    I was lost in the image that I didn¡¯t  hear the approaching footsteps of Antonio. I was astound when his deep voice interrupted my thought. Swirling around so quickly, I had almost bumped right into him, I didn¡¯t  know he was standing so close. I took two steps backward, trying to control my breath that now came out in gasps.

    He moved closer, covering the distance between us. I could feel every liquid in my body turn hot. This wasn¡¯t  what I expected, I had taken my time preparing to be strong for this moment, so why was my body acting differently?

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you changed your mind princess,¡± he finally spoke.

    ¡°My name is Eve,¡± I corrected him, daring to look into those taunting grey eyes of his.

    ¡°As long as you live in my castle, I would call you whatever I please darling,¡± he was so near that I could smell the frangance of his perfume. It was a nice scent, yet, it was messing with my sense of reasoning.

    ¡°I don¡¯t  have to live in your castle, do I?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Yes you do. I would be needing your services at every hour of the day. Hence, you have to be in the castle, dear.¡± He lifted his hands, pushing away a wayward strand of hair from my face and tucking it neatly behind my ear.

    The friction of his hand on my skin sent a wave of new feeling through my entire body. A feeling that I couldn¡¯t  name. I wanted his hands to linger longer on me, even though I knew it was wrong to think that way. How could one man make me feel so many things at a time. I was here, feeling disgusted at how proudly this man carried himself, at the same time, my body was longing for his closeness in a strange way.

    ¡°What kind of services boss?¡± I asked, drawing the boss in a mocking tone, loud enough  for him to hear.

    ¡°You would find out,¡± he turned around, walking towards the spiral staircase that led upstairs. Then stopping swiftly, he whirled back to look at me.

    ¡°I would allow you settle in, Jacob would show you around, he would be your personal guard henceforth, he would take you to school when you have lectures and bring you back directly to the castle. For now, he would show you to your room. Wee home princess,¡± he turned again, this time ascending the stairs without looking back for one moment.

    ¡°I do not need a personal guard!¡± I screamed after him, frustration  had slowly made it way into my voice.

    ¡°Hi, you must be Eve,¡± a voice called from behind me, startling me for the second  time.

    ¡°Jesus Christ! How do you all walk without a single noise around here? Thest thing I need outside this fucking job is a heart attack,¡± I yelled out at the man standing before me.

    ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡± I red at him, when in respond to my querry he had replied with a smile.

    ¡°You sound funny when you yell with a voice like that,¡± he answered.

    ¡°What?¡± I pulled my brows together.

    ¡°My name is Jacob, I was assigned by the boss to show you around,¡± he continued, not dented by my re.

    ¡°I do not need a body guard, and I told him that already. I can handle myself,¡± i bragged.

    ¡°I¡¯m working on orders mydy, you have very slim options here,¡±

    ¡°I guess I have to get use to your annoying presence then,¡±

    ¡°Exactly. This way please, let me show you to your room.¡± He pointed towards the same staircase Antonio had used.

    I knew I had to start my job, the earlier I got the informations I needed, the quicker I could leave this ce and return to my normal life. If what I had before now was in any way normal.

    ¡°Why do you work for your boss?¡± I blurted, not being exactly sure how else to start a conversation.

    My so called personal guard threw me a puzzled look, as though I had asked something out this world. ¡°Because I love working with him,¡± he answered.

    I batted myshes disbelievingly at him, it was my turn to look at him with a scoff on my face. He couldn¡¯t be serious right now.

    ¡°That¡¯s a lie, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Why do you think it is?¡±

    ¡°Cause nobody in their right senses, should enjoy working for someone as mean as your boss,¡± I rushed out in one breath, as though I had rehearsed for that particr question.

    He smiled again, like he had when I yelled at him. Why was it so easy for him to smile?

    ¡°You would like him once you get to know him well enough,¡±

    ¡°I would never get to like him!¡± I swore.

    ¡°We would see about that,¡± he smirked.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± I stopped walking.

    ¡°It means you do not have so many choices, Eve.¡± He paused as well.

    Now, I didn¡¯t know who was more annoying, my so called personal guard or his devilish boss Antonio Bernoti.

 Chapter Twelve

    A brief silence ensued between us as we continued along the spacious corridor that held rooms with closed doors on both sides. The middle way was wide enough to contain extra rooms. The tiled floor beneath our feet shown with a gleam that said it was been scrubbed daily. Perhaps twice a day.

    The walls were sparkling as well. Everything seemed perfectly in order. Antonio must be big on cleanliness, I reasoned. For each room we passed, I longed to slip behind the close doors and find out what it contained.

    I wanted to pull each knob and fill my curiosity with the answer of wether he was hiding something dirty in there. If the rooms were securely closed then it only meant one thing. Why would one man have so many rooms anyways, if he wasn¡¯t hiding something?

    ¡®Don¡¯t be stupid Eve, most wealthy men have extra rooms in their houses. It not unusual.¡¯ I reprimanded myself.

    Jacob paused at thest room on the corridor, fished out a bundle of keys from his pocket and inserted it into the door that stood before us. He fiddled with the lock for a while, before pushing open the door.

    ¡°Your room,¡± he pointed. ¡°Let me know if there are any adjustments you might want us to make,¡± he added.

    ¡°Why would you care about what adjustments I want to make?¡±

    ¡°Cause the boss has given orders to ensure you¡¯refortable and have everything that you want,¡± he bowed slightly.

    I couldn¡¯t help the sigh that escaped my lips. I brushed past him into the room, feeling the urgent need to seat down. I was impressed at how plush everything in the room looked. From the king sized bed, neatlyid, with thick, fluffy, pink sheets, to the sliky, floral sofa.

    The window drapes were drawn halfway up, to let in sunlight. A dressing table sat at the corner of the room, with a Windsor chair facing the lengthy framed mirror on the table.

    At the left side of the bed, was a wardrobe, with it¡¯s door unhooked. Arvamp sat on the drawer by the bedside, glowing mildly. The room was my entire apartment put together. The space felt sorge, i could host a party in here if I wanted to.

    ¡°You noting in, are you?¡± I turned to my so-called bodyguard that was mounted outside.

    ¡°No ma¡¯am. There¡¯s a telephone by the drawer, call if you need something. Dinner would be ready in an hour.¡± He turned to leave.

    ¡°Wait¡­¡± I called back, walking swiftly to the door. ¡°Why are they so many rooms in here? Are they other people living here aside the boss? Wait¡­ is he married? Or maybe engaged?¡±

    The grin that appeared on the man¡¯s face was an indication that I had made a fool of myself by asking those questions. What exactly was wrong with me anyways? How am I supposed to get the informations I need for Charlie if I keep asking questions that sounds funny?

    ¡°You are an interesting little fellow. Now I see why the boss has a huge crush on you,¡± with that, he stalked off, not looking back.

    ¡°Wait¡­ What! Your boss has a crush on me?¡± I wondered aloud.

    ¡°Get some rest Eve,¡± Jacob answered, still not sparing me a nce. His words bounced on the walls, echoing as he walked up through the part leading outside the corridor.

    Now this is absurd. Little fellow? Antonio Bernoti having a crush on me. Perhaps Jacob was misunderstanding. I stood outside the door for a full minute, contemting on his word.

    Gosh! I hate this so-called bodyguard. Why was he been so tight-lipped with words. It would be near impossible getting any vital information from the men around here. From the look of things, there are dead loyal to Antonio.

    A door opened at the far end of the corridor to reveal Antonio. He was bare chest, with sweat glistening from his skin. His dark hair was tousled into a curly mess that fell over his face, giving him the look of an ancient Indian God. His grey eyes caught mine and held them for a moment, neither of us blinking. I wanted to trail my eyes along the firm abs and muscles that formed his body, yet, I kept my eyes locked in his.

    The moment I blinked, he was gone. He had disappeared into an adjoining room without a word, leaving me stupified. I hurried into my room, mming the door hard enough to make it rattle. I hauled myself over therge bed that dipped with my weight. Indeed, it feltfortable. I looked around, surveying the room for the ultimate time. Everything was right except for the pink sheets.

    It looked too girly and I didn¡¯t like it. Simply because I¡¯m a girl doesn¡¯t make pink my default favorite color. I would tell that to my so-called bodyguard the next time I see him. For the main time, I decided to explore my new abode.

    I rose up, heading for the wardrobe, it contained a few dresses that were most certainly my size, three pairs of shoesy on the floor of the wardrobe. A snicker, a heel sandal and a pair of bathing shoes. But who exactly owned them? This room probably belonged to his ex, or was it just a special room kept for any female that came into the house? And I happen to be among the list of such girls now.

    I picked out a pink robe, then on a second thought, threw it back into the wardrobe settling for a white towel instead. I pulled off my clothes, wrapping the towel around myself, I walked towards the bathroom. Even the warm water from the shower felt snug.

    I was drying up my hair when a knock sounded from the door. I paused midway considering who it could be. Maybe my so-called bodyguard? He had mentioned  that dinner would be ready in an hour, perchance, he had decided to bring it to my room? The knock sounded again, announcing that whoever was behind the door wasn¡¯t gone yet.

    ¡°A minute,¡± I called out. This was a wrong timing, my hair was wet and looked disheveled. I rushed to the mirror, then to the wardrobe, thinking quickly of what to throw on my body.

    No¡­ definitely not the pink robe, I argued within myself. It would take a few more minutes to get dressed in any of the other dresses that hung shapely on the hangers. The knock came a third time, and this time, the door burst open alongside.

    ¡°What took you so long?¡± The ever so familiar voice brought me to a halt in the middle of my search for a cover.

    I turned around to face him at once, my heart doing the usual thumping dance that had be ustomed to his presence. My hands gripping tight the edge of the towel that was folded on my chest and stopped a little too high around my thighs. I felt literally naked standing before him in that way. I prayed silently for his eyes to remain on my face.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    I couldn¡¯t bring myself to speak, couldn¡¯t gather together my thoughts, when his eyes were watching me so intensely, as if searching my soul. They slowly moved down, I could tell he was drinking in the view of my thighs, and the knowledge made me feel hot all over.

    ¡°Get dressed, we¡¯re going down for dinner,¡± his eyes finally came up.

    I sighed in relief when he backed away, but my joy was short-lived. He walked over to the floral sofa and settledfortably into it. ¡°Do you like your room?¡± He asked casually.

    ¡°Except for the many pink color around, yeah,¡± I was d my voice sounded firm, not as liquid as my inside.

    ¡°Oh,¡± he replied.

    What was that even supposed to mean? Is he always this terribly at a keeping conversation flowing? I tightened my grip around the towel, hoping to God that he would excuse me to dress.

    ¡°You¡¯re not dressed yet,¡± he observed after a while.

    ¡°No I¡¯m not. If you could excuse me maybe I¡¯d get that done.¡± I was proud of myself for sounding so confident.

    ¡°You¡¯re in my house,¡± he bragged.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t beg to be here,¡± I fired back.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t?¡± He straightened on the chair. ¡°You willingly epted my offer, remember?¡± He reminded me.

    Damn Charlie, I cursed. ¡°I did ept your offer, but I could very well have worked for you from my home, you insisted I stay here,¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that tell you something, Eve dear?¡± He was standing from the chair.

    ¡°What?¡± My voice came out more as a whisper. The beating of my heart became too loud, I could almost hear it echoing in the room. I wondered if he heard it too.

    ¡°That I always get what I want,¡± he was standing right next to me, his finger raised towards my wet hair, he trailed a drop of water down to my neck, then stopped.

    ¡°Dress up, now!¡± The causality in his tone was gone, reced by the devilish deepness of his voice.

 Chapter Thirteen

    ¡°How can I? You¡¯re standing so close, there¡¯s hardly any space to move,¡±

    ¡°You look ravishing without those load of make-up on your face,¡± his hand had returned to my hair, twisting a strand of it around his finger.

    ¡°You should wear less of the make-up while you are here,¡± he leaned in to whisper.

    I couldn¡¯t handle the closeness, couldn¡¯t look him back in the eyes, so I closed my eyes, hoping fervently that he would take my lips.

    ¡°I would be kind enough not to look towards that direction as you get dressed. But that would be just for today princess. You¡¯re now my personal stripper, get used to my presence,¡± he was back at the sofa when i opened my eyes.

    How long was i standing there with my eyes closed expecting a kiss? Damn, I must have looked very silly. True to his word, he brought out his phone and buried his attention into it, not turning towards my direction.

    I turned my back at him before peeling the towel off my skin. I took a quick nce hoping to catch him looking, but he wasn¡¯t. Disappointment crawled in the pit of my stomach. But why exactly? Wasn¡¯t I supposed to be happy that he kept to his word?

    I pulled out the blue dress from the hanger, slipping it into my body from my feet. It fitted perfectly, almost too perfectly, cutting out my shape finely. I picked out the mid-heels, and slipped my feet into it. That too, fitted nicely.

    I tiptoed towards the mirror, trying hard not to draw his attention. I studied the pink hair brush thaty among the bottles of cosmetics. Does everything have to be pink? I decided to pack my hair into a bun instead. It was messy, but didn¡¯t make me look less pretty.

    ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡±

    Without a word, he returned the phone into his pocket, walked over to where I stood, and took my hands into his. ¡°Is this necessary?¡± I asked.

    ¡°No,¡± he was pulling me towards the door.

    ¡°So why do you have to hold me, when I can walk on my own?¡±

    ¡°Cause I want to. Damn it! Can you just quit been stubborn about everything?¡± There was a bit of frustration in his voice.

    We walked through the corridors, then descending the stairs back into the living room. The dinning section had an adjoining door to the kitchen and the sitting room. Two guards patrolled the sitting room.

    The dishes were set on the table already. There was no chef person in view, so I took it as a clue to serve the meal myself. The aroma quickly traveled through the room as I opened the dishes.

    There was tacos, richly made. A very appetizing hamburger sat in another dish, there was chicken and fried chips. I was thrilled to see so many nicely homemade dish.

    Running a shift between school and a strip club job hasn¡¯t permitted me so much luxury for meals like this. I had gradually grown contented with my junk meals, except for the few times when Charlie woulde to my rescue, cooking a decent home meal.

    ¡°You have a chef?¡± I blurted, settling a te of tacos in front of me.

    ¡°No,¡± he answered, picking up his own cutlery.

    ¡°No? So who made this?¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°It was ordered in,¡±

    ¡°You order all of your meal?¡±

    ¡°Sometimes,¡± he was chewing in a delicate manner.

    The reverse was the case with me. I stuffed my mouth with as much food as it could carry, that speaking became difficult. For the first time since I stepped into the castle, I was beginning to ept that maybe this n was good after all, if I would get to eat all of this nice meal and sleep on a fluffy bed and skip nights of rolling my waist at the men in the club for slim wads of cash,  then the n wasn¡¯t so bad.

    But what happens after Antonio Bernoti is brought down? Would I have to return to the club? Definitely I would be back to my wretched apartment and my bouncer boyfriend and my struggling life. Maybe it was best if I didn¡¯t get to use to this life here, it would be easier recuperating to my usual life if I don¡¯t let this gleaming things get into my head.

    ¡°We would have to shop for more clothes for you tomorrow. Especially your lingerie for dancing,¡±

    ¡°I have to be in school tomorrow, I have a test that i can¡¯t miss,¡± I dropped my cutlery, seriousness returning to my face.

    ¡°Easy princess, nobody is saying you should miss school. In fact, I feel impressed knowing that my stripper girl isn¡¯t some college dropout. Jacob would drive you to your apartment tomorrow morning, you would get only the necessary things you¡¯d be needing, he¡¯d take you to school after that and when you done, he¡¯d be there to bring you back.¡±

    ¡°What if ¡­¡± The ring of his phone interrupted me.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± he rose from the table, heading into the sitting room as he picked the call. I returned my focus to the te before me, not entirely though, I eat more silently trying to catch words from the phone call,  but that was not working, his voice came out in silent whispers.

    I hurried through my meal, clearing the tes, then tiptoeing to the slightly opened door of the sitting room, I pressed myself gingerly, trying hard to listen.

    ¡°Do you want something?¡± A voice called out, making me jump out of my skin. My feet slipped through the short steps leading into the sitting room and Inded with my knee to the ground.

    Antonio paused to nce at me from the sitting room, Jacob was staring suspiciously at me from the dinning room. I wanted at the moment for the ground to open and take me in. I quickly gathered myself from the floor, pping my hands against each other and dusting off imaginary dirt from my dress.

    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Antonio questioned.

    ¡°Er.. m¡­ No, I am okay,¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s bleeding,¡± Jacob spoke.

    ¡°What? No I¡¯m  fin¡­¡±

    Antonio was beside me before I couldplete my words. He was starring at my feet with an angry look. I followed his look to realize that Jacob was right. A thin line of blood was crawling down my feet.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­¡± I opened my lips to speak, but was cut short, when he swept me off my feet in a bridal way, leading me to the nearest couch in the sitting room.

    He pulled the dress up to my thigh, there was a little scratch on my knee, that was were the blood came from. He left my knee, examining other parts of my body. ¡°Do you feel any pain anywhere else?¡± He asked, I couldn¡¯t understand why he sounded so angry about my falling down.

    I shaked my head in response, not trusting my voice enough to speak. Jacob was standing in the sitting room now, the suspicious look still on his face. Certainly, he had seen me peeping. I lowered my eyes in shame. Just the first day, and I was already about to blow my cover.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with You! What were you thinking? Are you always this clumsy?¡± Antonio barked, his eyes had darkened, and just like Charlie, a vein had popped on his neck.

    Clumsy? Did he think I was Clumsy? For goodness sake, the so-called bodyguard he assigned to me had frightened daylight out of me by sneaking up on me the way he did, and he thinks I¡¯m Clumsy? I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to shout back at him.

    ¡°I would take her to her room boss,¡± Jacob intervened. He did not wait for a response before pulling me up from the couch and leading me up the steps.

    ¡°Drop me down, it¡¯s just a scratch and I can walk,¡± I argued as soon as we got out of Antonio¡¯s sight.

    He pretended not to hear, so I wingled in his arms. ¡°Drop me off,¡± I insisted.

    ¡°Fine, suit yourself,¡± he lowered me to the ground.

    What is wrong with this men? Is this what he meant by calling me a little fellow? That I was some kind of kid they could carry around by will? I straightened the dress, eyeing him angrily.

    ¡°Now do you mind telling me why you were peeping on the boss?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Is this why you volunteered carrying me up to my room? So you can privately interrogate and use memely?¡± I threw back at him.

    ¡°This is not an usation, I saw you eavesdropping.¡± He maintained.

    ¡°Are you aware that I was leading a peaceful life before your boss came to disrupt it and force me into working for him? What then do you think I might want to eavesdrop on him for?¡±

    ¡°Why do I have a feeling that there¡¯s something fishy about you,¡± he moved closer to me.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what feelings you have. I won¡¯t tolerate your baseless usations next time,¡± I threatened bravely.

    ¡°I have my eyes on you,¡± he pointed.

    ¡°And¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Antonio¡¯s voice interrupted.

    We both turned to look at him. I nced at Jacob, praying ardently that he doesn¡¯t mention the subject of the eavesdropping.

 Chapter Fourteen

    ¡°She wanted to walk by herself,¡± it was Jacob who spoke first. I breathed in relief at his response.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not as bad as you think, I can actually walk,¡± I added.

    Antonio walked up to us, his face expressionless. It was difficult predicting what was on his mind.

    ¡°I would take it from here, get me the first aid box from my room¡± his voice sounded like a low growl. Jacob bowed, stepping aside. He reached for my hand, tugging it between his arm and shoving me towards my bedroom door.

    ¡°I can walk,¡± I protested. He kept moving, ignoring the fuss I made.

    He lead me to the sofa in my room and made me sit. ¡°What was that between you and the guard?¡±

    ¡°Excuse me? What was what?¡± I feigned, feeling irritated by the tone of jealousy that emitted from his voice.

    ¡°Never mind. Let me see your leg,¡± he settled at the edge of the seat.

    I raised my feet unto the couch, watching as he unbuckled my shoe, pulling them off. He pushed the gown up to my thighs, exposing the injured knee. His hands moving so carefully on my skin sent butterflies down my belly. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Ermm, not so much.¡± I stammered. How could it, when all the while I was focused on the shape of him. It was strange how easily i felt lost in his presence and how every cell in my body gets facilely aroused by his touch.

    Jacob came in through the door, holding a small box. ¡°Here boss,¡± he handed the box.

    ¡°Excuse us,¡± Antonio demanded.

    Jacob bowed and left as quickly as he hade. I was internally grateful that he hadn¡¯t mentioned his suspicion to his boss. Although there were just suspicion, it could make the boss have extra eyes on me, and if that happened, it will be difficult executing our n.

    Antonio¡¯s hands were working frantically on the objects in the first aid box. He held a piece of cotton wool, soaked in antiseptic solution, at the edge of a tweezer using it to wipe of the trail of blood. He nced up once in a while, checking my reaction. I tried as hard as i could not to flinch from the hurting sensation the antiseptic sent through my body.

    He finished up with a ster bounding the wound. He had done it all neatly and carefully that I was tempted to ask if he had by any chance studied medicine. But with Antonio, it was hard starting a conversation, as he was mostly quiet, making it difficult to read his mood.

    ¡°You should be able to go to school with this done,¡± he stood up, strolling towards the bathroom.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    I limped from the couch to the bed, not responding to hisment. I could make out the sound of water pouring from the bathroom. He re-emerged, wiping his hands on a small towel, all the while his eyes not leaving mine.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± I muttered, when he strolled to the foot of the bed, where I was seating.

    ¡°I hope that heals fast enough. You would have a dance to perform tomorrow night.¡± He pushed my hair behind. It had be a habit, I noticed.

    ¡°Do you have anything to say?¡± He asked, looking down at me.

    I felt small, like a nursery school kid, seating there and looking up at him and he appeared to be a young giant from his standing position. I thought of the way he had carried me in the sitting room and how tiny I had felt.

    ¡°I take your silence to mean no. In that case, I would leave you to rest.¡± He turned and walked out through the door, closing it behind him.

    I listened carefully as his footsteps disappeared in the distance outside the corridor. I suddenly felt lonely. Flipping myself on the bed, I dragged the duvet over my face, fighting the urge to scream into it.

    Sleep was thest thing on my mind. I kept turning and shifting, listening for approaching footsteps. At a point, I walked towards the window, peering into the dark night. The castle was fully lighted, there were guards on patrol, walking through and fro the length of the house.

    My phone buzzed on the bed. I picked it up immediately, studying the content. It was Charlie. ¡°Hey babe, how¡¯s it going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in his castle. Would see you at the apartment by tomorrow,¡± I typed back, pacing the room.

    ¡°Thanks for doing this for us. I love you,¡± his reply came.

    I was going to type back that  I loved him, but then I stopped, wiping off the letters and throwing the phone on the bed. Things have happened so fast in thest twenty-four hours. I wasn¡¯t sure what I felt anymore.

    I climbed the bed again when I was tired of pacing. This time, I forced my eyes to remain shut. It worked like magic, as I was out within a few minutes.

    ***

    Sunlight sneaked through the window drapes into the room, I could feel the reflection of it rays on my face. I blinked rapidly, trying to get used to the light and  my environment. The bed was strangelyrge and soft beneath my skin, the duvet was thick with quality. It took a moment for my brain to register the events of the previous day, reminding me that I was away from my apartment. I was in Antonio Bernoti¡¯s castle. I sighed at the realization, yawningzily and unwrapping myself from the thick sheet.

    ¡°Holy shiii¡­¡± I staggered back to the bed in fear.

    How long has he been here? How did he get in? Oh, i had forgot to close the doorst night. He turned slowly, registering my presence. He wore a long sleeve that was left unbutton, over a pair of joggers. His hair fell over his face in that way that made him look extraordinarily sexy. He had a magazine resting on his crossed legs.

    ¡°It¡¯s a nice thing you finally decided to wake up.¡± He rose from the couch.

    ¡°You should have knocked, are you always this creepy?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Creepy? I didn¡¯t want to wake you, but now I regret that I didn¡¯t, cause you snore terribly and I had to endure that,¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, I don¡¯t snore, I have never snored,¡± I defended strongly. But what if I did snore? I hope I didn¡¯t.

    ¡°Suit yourself. I would be at the dining, do not keep me waiting,¡± he dropped the magazine, ¡°Try to wash up beforeing down. You don¡¯t want to scare my guards with that face,¡± they was a smirk on his face as he made his way out.

    I rushed to the mirror the moment he was out.  The image of me was demoralizing. My hair was a tangled mess over my head, I had forgotten to wipe off the lipstick on my lips and now, it was scattered over my cheeks.

    It wasn¡¯t enough that he had to see me snoring, he also had to see this shameful side of me. I ambled into the opposite door which was the bathroom and allowed the water crawl over my skin.

    ¡°That took like forever,¡± he groaned when I joined him at the dining room, his face was buried over his phone.

    ¡°Am here now,¡± I smiled, feeling satisfied at my look. I had taken my time to brush my hair, applying the conditioning that stood on the dressing table. It was now falling over my shoulders in a cascading manner. My brows andshes had also received special treatments, adding a glow to my look.

    ¡°I¡­¡± He started, then paused as his eyesnded on me. He was looking at me for the first time since I came down, his Adam¡¯s apple pushed up and down in a quick swallow.

    His jaw hung losed for a moment, I could see the admiration in his eyes, it made my body warm. But it disappeared as quickly as it hade, without apliment, he picked up his mug, sipping at the content.

    I chewed on my bugger with disappointment. How could he have noticed my worst look but not my best look. For a spilt second, I wished it was Charlie sitting in his ce.

    ¡°What would you do while am away?¡± I asked, breaking the canopy of silence that had enveloped us.

    ¡°Work,¡±  he answered.

    ¡°What kind of work do you do?¡± I pushed.

    ¡°A lot of different things that I can¡¯t mention,¡±

    ¡°You mean smuggling, racketeering, drugs?¡± I asked, keeping my face down, avoiding the re that I was sure woulde. The silence that followed was thick, almost like he was not there. I was forced to look up from my dish.

    I was met with dark eyes that swarm with angry venom. The burger got stuck in my mouth, I couldn¡¯t chew, couldn¡¯t swallow, couldn¡¯t avert my eyes from his. He looked like he could kill me at the moment.

    ¡°Jacob would drive you to school,¡± he dropped his mug with a thud, pushing the chair behind in a noisy manner, he left the dining room.

 Chapter Fifteen

    I watched as he ascended the spiral stairs that led to the corridor of rooms above. It was clear from his facial expression that I had spiked a nerve. I didn¡¯t  know if I was to feel sorry for spoiling his mood so early in  the morning or to be happy that I had guessed correctly what his line of work was. At least I had something to tell Charlie  if I was to see him.

    I realized I had lost my appetite for the meal, so I stood up, picking my small purse and heading out. Once outside, I drew arge quantity of the sweet morning air through my lungs. I had made it to another day.

    Jacob waved at me from the ck cruiser jeep where he stood. I looked around observing the faces of the few guards that stood around, paying me no attention. ¡°Are we leaving or not?¡± Jacob called out. I descended the small flight of staircase, heading for the jeep.

    ¡°Hi,¡± I greeted, not waiting for a response, I pulled the car handle, bncing myself at the passenger seat.

    ¡°It nice you not one of thosedies that always expect a guy to hold out the door for them, it makes my job here less stressful.¡± He climbed into the driver seat.

    ¡°If you hate being my personal guard so much, why not talk to your darling, precious boss, I¡¯m  sure he could do something about it,¡± I replied.

    ¡°Good suggestion. I should consider it,¡±

    ¡°But you won¡¯t, will you?¡±

    He was quiet.

    ¡°I thought as much. I would be stopping at my apartment  briefly before heading to school.¡± I ordered him.

    I was beginning to love this. For some reason, it felt better than the little, struggling life I was leading just forty-eight hours ago. I wondered if Charlie would be at the apartment, I hope that he was. I needed to rely to him the few things I had learnt.

    I watched the city out of the window, it was calm and bright, yet cold. I would have had to queue up by the bus stop by now, waiting for the school bus, suffering the morning cold, but here I was, driving in an expensive car.

    It took approximately thirty minutes to get to my apartment. Jacob stepped out as soon as the car pulled to a stop. He was following behind me towards my door. ¡°You don¡¯t have to guard me to my room, do you?¡±

    ¡°The boss said not to let you out of sight. I¡¯m following orders,¡±

    I wouldn¡¯t have mind that he wanted to follow orders, I was only concerned about the fact that Charlie could be inside, it would be nice if I kept my meeting with him private for now.

    ¡°I understand you¡¯re following orders, but what exactly are you thinking? That I would fly out through my windows and disappear out of sight? I¡¯m sure Antonio is well informed, with the eyes he has all over, i wouldn¡¯tst a day out if sight. I trust you and the other guards to find me in no time.¡± I smiled, eyeing the brown haired guy, that was my personal guard. He didn¡¯t return my smile, his face was set in a tight grim.

    ¡°Look¡­ Jacob, we probably started on a wrong foot and I agree that it was my fault. I haven¡¯t  been exactly nice, but that¡¯s because you haven¡¯t  been either.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t dies ever be straight forward with apologies, you just epted it was your fault and then your next  sentence came off using me for the same thing that you agreed was your fault.¡± He scoffed at me.

    ¡°But it¡¯s the truth, you have not been exactly nice to me. I understand you don¡¯t like the fact that you have to follow me around and I don¡¯t  like it either, but can we just pretend to get along for the main time? I promise it won¡¯t  be long before I¡¯m out of your lives.¡± I brushed his stout shoulder, as if wiping off dirt.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± He red at me.

    ¡°To go in alone and meet you back here in fifteen minutes. Can you do that for me?¡± I offered him my sweetest smile.

    ¡°Ten minutes, that¡¯s all you¡¯ve got, if you waste one second longer, I might have to intrude in your privacy,¡± he warned.

    Ten minutes was short, if Charlie was in there, but I could manage that. To think that I had done all of that sweet talking just to get ten minutes. I gave an exasperated sigh, before producing my keys from my purse.

    The light in the room was turned off, but i could make out the sturdy figure at the window.

    ¡°Charlie,¡± I called out in a whisper.

    ¡°Hey, babe,¡± he called back.

    I walked over to him, allowing myself to be covered in his warm embrace. I realized my body had gone through so much torment from being around Antonio, that right now I longed to be touched, but I had just ten minutes.

    ¡°I miss you babe,¡± he kissed me tenderly. I allowed his lips linger on mine, trying to feel the pleasure that my body longed for.

    ¡°I can¡¯t  be here for long. I¡¯ve  got just ten minute.¡±

    ¡°Why? Is Antonio out there?¡± He held me with both his hands.

    ¡°No, his guard. Look Charlie, we can¡¯t  meet frequently and the few times we would have to meet has to be secret. Antonio¡¯s guard is already suspicious of me, I can¡¯t  let him figure out that I still see you, it would make thingsplicated. I hope you can understand?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I do. Now tell me something important,¡± his eyes shed with interest.

    It was dismaying to notice that he wasn¡¯t in the least worried about the fact that I wouldn¡¯t be able to see him frequently. All he was interested in, was his revenge. I swallowed my displeasure at his tone, determined to finish up what I had started.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t get much yet, all I know for now is that he is heavily guarded. They¡¯re armed men at every part of his castle.¡± I reported.

    ¡°Is that all?¡± The sh of interest in his eyes had dimmed.

    ¡°Ermm¡­ No¡­ I mean yes¡­ For now, I¡¯m still¡­¡± I stuttered to a stop.

    ¡°Eve, you have to be useful here if this n has to work. You need to go into his room, check his drawers, read all you can, check for cameras, if you have to seduce his fucking guards to get them to talk then fucking do it!¡± He quarreled.

    I was shocked, I stood rooted to the ground watching him pace through and fro, his hand scratching his hair in what seemed to be frustration. He returned to me, leading me to the couch.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I might have yelled a few minutes ago, you have to understand that I hate knowing that you¡¯re with that monster, and I want us to get this over with. We could go on to live our normal lives when we take him down. Can¡¯t you see?¡± He was holding my hands.

    As a matter of fact, the only thing I could see at the moment was a soul that was deeply eaten by hate and a desire for revenge. And I was been used as an instrument to get this desire fulfilled.

    ¡°Or we could just forget about this whole n, go somewhere else and start afresh, Charlie,¡± I called softly.

    ¡°No! No¡­, that¡¯s not even an option,¡± he shook his head. ¡°We¡¯re going on with this, and I want to get something vital the next time we meet,¡± he sounded, with a note of finality.

    ¡°Very well then, I¡¯d see what I can do,¡± I removed my hands from his grip. ¡°I need to get some of my necessary stuff and be off to school. I would text you when next it is possible to see you.¡±

    I moved straight to my closet, grabbing my tote bag, I threw in my toiletries and the notes I needed. I hurriedly changed into a sweat shirt, joggers pant and a pair of sses, giving the college Eve a final touch by packing my hair into the typical ponytail I was known for. Now the stripper Eve was gone, I took one final look at Charlie, he had resumed his position at the window.

    I was too annoyed to care about what was going on in his mind. I turned the door handle, whisking out of the room. I was one step away from colliding into Jacob. His face was void of any form of friendliness.

    ¡°I gave you ten minutes.¡±

    ¡°And?¡± I questioned, raising my brow.

    ¡°You took fifteen,¡±

    ¡°Oh, I wasn¡¯t aware I took so much. Moreover, I had asked for fifteen initially.¡±

    ¡°What were you doing?¡± He frowned.

    ¡°Girls stuff,¡± I shrugged.

    ¡°I heard voices,¡± he demanded.

    ¡°You did? That must be your head ying games. I was alone in there, I guess you saw me unlock the door myself,¡± I coaxed.

    ¡°Get into the car,¡± hemanded, his eyes not leaving my apartment.

    I was scared that if he looked very closely, he might see Charlie at the window. I dragged my feet towards the cruiser, waiting to hear him follow behind me, but he wasn¡¯t. As a matter of fact, he was heading for my apartment.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter Sixteen

    ¡°I would be waiting in the car,¡± I called out in a bit to distract him from his mission.

    Guess what? it worked. He stopped midway and turned back towards the car, his eyes pinned on me. I fought every urge against smiling.

    ¡°Let¡¯s  go,¡± he opened the front door stepping into the drivers seat.

    I followed suit, taking my position at the passenger seat. Finally out of his view, I gave a smile of satisfaction. That was close anyways.

    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡± He asked, I figure he¡¯d  seen me from the review mirror.

    ¡°Can¡¯t  a girl just be happy?¡± I allowed my smile broaden.

    The rest of the drive was mostly quiet, except for the few curses that came from Jacob to some careless drivers. I hadn¡¯t  really thought much about being noticed at school until the car pulled over at the school garage  and I stepped out.

    ¡°What time does your sses end?¡± Jacob asked, putting his face through the window.

    ¡°I should be done by 2pm,¡±

    ¡°I would be here by 2pm, try not to keep me waiting,¡± he warned, in that authoritative tone that irked me.

    ¡°And, enjoy the attention thates with a luxurious life,¡± he added, with a wink.

    I turned in time to notice the group of girls gathered over the ss corridor, starring with wide eyes and parted lips. Others strolled by, forgetting their neck behind them as they kept mopping. I felt a bit jelly around my knee. I was new to that kind of attention. Did I love it? Oh no, I couldn¡¯t decide just yet.

    ¡°Oh my goodness! Isn¡¯t that Evelyn the nerdy, sses girl? She looks different¡± a low whisper came from the girls that had just whisked pass me.

    ¡°How did she get in a car that expensive?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s probably rich and have been hiding it all along,¡± the whispers died away in the distant.

    I pushed my sses up my nose, fiddled with my bag handle, took a deep breath for a moment and I was fine. I walked right in the midst of the starring students into the ssroom and to my seat.

    ¡°Evelyn! Tell me it¡¯s true?¡± Debby popped beside me, all smiles. Her lips were covered in a shining bronzed lipstick.

    ¡°What¡¯s true? I don¡¯t understand,¡± I raised my brow, showing my confusion.

    ¡°Tell me it¡¯s true that you were brought to school in a morous car?¡± She requested. I could read the desperate anticipation for my response in her eyes.

    ¡°Ermm¡­ Yeah, it was just a cruiser,¡± I shrugged, trying to cut off the exaggeration she might have heard.

    ¡°Oh¡­ my¡­ goodness!¡± She dragged out the words, her face had changed into a glow of sheer excitement.

    ¡°Tell me all about it Eve, how did you move from a struggling student into a car owner?¡± She asked.

    ¡°A car owner?¡± I chuckled at the joke. ¡°Who said I was a car owner?¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s  say you not the owner of the car, who owns it then? I heard the driver was a really cute man. Are you in a new rtionship with some wealthy guy?¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡± I tried to say.

    ¡°Cause girl, I¡¯d  be so happy if you were,¡± she concluded.

    ¡°What? Why?¡± I sat up, wondering why she had said what she said. She knew I was in a rtionship with Charlie and that I loved him.

    ¡°Why what?¡± Her face had taken a look of innocence.

    ¡°Why would you be happy if I was dating someone else rather than Charlie?¡± I asked in the hope of hearing something. I didn¡¯t know what I wanted to hear, didn¡¯t know what I expected. Perhaps, a validation that Charlie wasn¡¯t really in love with me after all.

    ¡°No¡­ I didn¡¯t mean that. I¡¯m saying, it¡¯d be nice if you are now dating a rich guy, I mean, you wouldn¡¯t have to think so much about making money. You¡¯d finally give your whole attention to school, right?¡± She exined.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Yeah, right.¡± I nodded, faking a smile.

    Debby had  no idea that I stripped at the club to get extra cash. She knew I did a part time job at the club to support myself in school, but I guess she had no idea it went down to stripping.

    ¡°So, tell me about this driver that brought you to school. No tell me everything,¡± she adjusted herself beside me, ready for a story.

    ¡°I¡­ i¡­¡± I stuttered to a stop. I didn¡¯t know what to say.

    I couldn¡¯t start telling her how I met Antonio Bernoti. I couldn¡¯t tell her my ns with Charlie. There was apparently no story to tell her.

    Just then, Mr Rashford, the English teacher walked in through the door,manding the attention of the whole ss. I wanted to walk up  to him, peck him on the cheeks and tell him how much of a saviour he was at the moment.

    ¡°Gosh! You¡¯d have to tell me this story at recess. I should return to my seat,¡± she patted my hair, rising from my seat.

    ¡°ss are you ready for the test?¡± Mr Rashford, a full bearded, white, chubby man in his early fifties, asked the ss. When his eyes met with mine, I gave him a smile of appreciation, not like he¡¯d know why.

    School has been the most important thing in my life, aside from my parents who were so dear to me. I had made a vow to graduate coge no matter what it took me. Hence, whenever I was within the walls of Greg¡¯s coge, I kept every other thing aside, facing squarely my purpose for being there.

    It took a great deal dodging from Debby at recess and for the rest of the school hours. She was the only person I talked to at school and that was because she didn¡¯t like others, conclude that I was a snub. It was all good though, having so many friends would mean telling a lot of  people lies about who i was outside of school. Which would have been very risky, cause imagining running into one of em somewhere in the club.

    I was at the garage at 2:05pm. It took an extra five minute for the cruiser  to roll into the schoolpound. ¡°You¡¯rete,¡± I blurted as soon as the car got close enough.

    ¡°Get in, the boss is waiting,¡± he ordered, ignoring my statement.

    I hauled myself into the car inpliance, feeling grateful to be finally out of my hiding from Debby.

    ¡°Why is the boss waiting? Is there something I need to do?¡± I asked, feeling a little jittery about facing Antonio again.

    We hadn¡¯t  parted ways nicely earlier on. Would he still be mad at me? I thought of the hard look on his eyes when I mentioned that he was into illegal stuff. But I was damn sure that I had been right.

    ¡°You would find out,¡± my so-called bodyguard replied, turning the steering swiftly that I was forced to fall into the car seat.

    He didn¡¯t  ride  home. The car came to a halt at a shopping mall, one I had never been to. ¡°You have fifteen minutes to pick what you want and we would be on our way to the castle,¡± Jacobmanded.

    I was too thrilled at the opportunity of changing my wardrobe that I cared very little about his tone at the moment. I rummaged through the array of clothings at my disposal, picking out what I considered the best. Jacob was at a corner speaking on the phone, constantly ncing towards me.

    My phone beeped from my bag. It was a message from Antonio. ¡°Do not forget to pick out really sexy lingerie for tonight,¡± the message read. My heart took to a very fast beat. I had to part my lips to breath from my mouth for a moment.

    It was overwhelming what the thought of him could do to my entire being. He had mentioned earlier that I was going to dance for him tonight. And the thought of having to dance privately for the mafia Lord filled me with dread. A good kind of dread.

    ***

    It wasn¡¯t  long before we were done with the shopping and back to the castle. I had picked so much, that I was afraid Jacob would have to ask me to reduce them, but he had paid for them without even blinking. Why was I surprised anyways, I knew it was Antonio¡¯s money.

    ¡°There¡¯s  a party by seven, get ready,¡± Jacob informed me, before I could step into my room. There had been no sign of Antonio in the castle yard or the sitting room. Neither was there any sign or preparation for a party. Lunch was brought into my room by a guard. And for the first time, I was wondering why there was no female employee in the castle.

    I had just finished eating and was getting ready for a bath, when he casually walked in through the door. He was shirtless, his body glistening with sweat and his hair in the usual tousled way that made my breath stop for a second.

    ¡°You love invading my privacy, don¡¯t you?¡± I asked bravely.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault that you find the door bolt useless,¡± he had strolled into the room and was standing right next to me.

 Chapter Seventeen

    Yeah, he was right. I was always forgetting to lock up the door. I sighed turning for the wardrobe, but he pulled me back.

    ¡°How was school?¡± He asked.

    ¡°What do you care? I¡¯m here to work Right? You do not have to meddle in my personal life.¡±

    ¡°I know when I¡¯m meddling and right now, I¡¯m not. Don¡¯t try side-lining my question next time.¡± He warned, his grip tightening around my wrist.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurting me,¡± I struggled fragilely.

    ¡°I¡¯m having a party and they would be a lot of friends, try to be in your best behaviour,¡± he continued.

    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± I shoved my hands out of his hold.

    ¡°It means you can¡¯t be creating scenes like this out there.¡±

    ¡°Try not to make me,¡± I held his gaze boldly.

    ¡°You know it¡¯s intriguing how you can be both stubborn and scared at the same time. Tell you what, that¡¯s a rarebination.¡± His face stretched into a smile. For one who hardly wore smiles, it looked new on him.

    ¡°I would be downstairs. We leave once it¡¯s seven.¡± He lowered his head down to mine, dropped a soft peck on my forehead, and turned to leave.

    ¡°I thought it¡¯s your party?¡± I asked, when he¡¯d move two steps away.

    ¡°Where are we leaving to then?¡± I asked with a little bit of confusion.

    ¡°You would see,¡± he kept walking.

    ***

    In the past few days, I¡¯ve grown so used to hearing the word ¡°don¡¯t keep me waiting¡± that it now rang in my subconscious mind and I didn¡¯t necessarily need more reminders about being ready on time.

    I was wearing on a set of lingerie from among the things that was bought earlier on at the boutique. I spent more time styling my hair, and a little more while looking for the right pair of jewelleries.

    I stood at the mirror for what might have seemed like an hour, looking down at my almost naked figure. My cleavages were visible in the tiny piece of bra top, so were my thighs in the skimpy skirt and my tummy. I had never had to dress up in my dancing wears from the house. There were always at a safe reach in my bag until I got to the club. But this wasn¡¯t the club.

    I felt a sting of guilt wash through me. Stripping at the club was a means to survive, it wasn¡¯t something I was proud of. And now, I have to be a private stripper, for what? For Charlie to get justices for being embarrassed? I sighed, cursing myself within for ever agreeing to do this.

    But then, I was in it already and had to act fast. Who knows, if I did my best to seduce him with my moves tonight, i could get him drunk, and make him spill some secrets about himself. There has to be something gooding from this party tonight.

    I picked up an after dress jacket, and flung it over my body. I was already downstairs waiting when Jacob stepped in and made for the spiral staircase.

    ¡°You kept me waiting,¡± I announced, stopping him in his track. In his haste, he hadn¡¯t  noticed that I was sitting there. He stopped and changed direction.

    ¡°I see you are quiet on time today and looking umm¡­¡± He stammered.

    ¡°Looking what?¡± I felt the blush rising up my cheek already. I knew I was looking irresistibly hot and I knew it was shouting out.

    ¡°Never mind. I would just tell the boss you¡¯re ready,¡± he turned away, reaching for his phone from his pocket.

    I rxed into the chair, feeling letdown by anotherck ofpliment. This dude is no difference from his boss, I concluded. Except for the fact that Antonio was way finer than any man I have seen in recent time. Finer than Charlie, if I¡¯m being entirely truthful.

    Jacob was done with his call and headed outside through therge door that led into the castle yard. I had no idea if I was to go with him or wait back, and he had said nothing, so I waited. A guard passed by, climbing the stairs with his eyespletely forgotten on my body. I shifted ufortably on the couch, wrapping the jacket over myself.

    A short while after, Antonio¡¯s presence was announced by the heavy sound of his booted feet on the staircase. I stood up, loosening the strap that held the jacket dress, it came undone, so that my body was visible in the lingerie. I posed with my root foot forward and my hands around my waist. He has been a devil for a while, now was my turn to be a Jezebel.

    As expected, he came to an abrupt stop the moment he saw me. His phone was suspended in the air and his eyes shone, not with excitement. The guard that had passed earlier was drooling beside him as well.

    ¡°Jasper leave!¡± Antoniomanded in a rough tone.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    For a moment, I thought I had detected a sense of longing in his voice. Perhaps he needed privacy to take me right there in the sitting room. I watched the guard squirrel off in a hurry at the bossmand.

    My smile widened as Antonio stepped forward, he was so calm, his grey eyes was concentrated on me. He lifted his hand, pushing behind the waves of hair that fell over my shoulder, then leaning in, he pecked my neck softly in a way that sent a shiver through me.

    ¡°I see you tried out doing yourself. But you would never dress out of your room in this manner again, have I made myself clear?¡± He whispered in deep tone that spelt anger.

    ¡°But¡­¡± I tried to speak.

    ¡°Go upstairs and change,¡± hemanded.

    ¡°What exactly is wrong with you? You said I was going to dance, Right? And you asked me to pick out this lingeries, so why can¡¯t I wear them.¡± I yelled, feeling frustrated.

    ¡°I asked you to pick them, I do not remember telling you to wear them for my party. Eve do you know the number of people that would be at that party? Who says you can¡¯t dance dressed moderately?¡± His hand was curved behind my head, holding my face perfectly tilted up to his.

    ¡°I am a stripper!¡± I said softly, in an attempt tomand the same terror that came with his voice when he spoke that way.

    ¡°You can be more,¡± he answered, the calmness was gone, I didn¡¯t blink twice before he was dragging me all the way through the stairs.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I struggled to get free from his grip.

    ¡°Taking you back to your room,¡±

    ¡°Why!¡± My voice came out in a near scream.

    ¡°Because you ain¡¯t ready for this party yet,¡±

    ¡°Antonio stop,¡± I dug my feet into the tiled floor.

    He stopped and I was almost d, then he picked me up in his arms, and continued towards my room. Every attempt to stop him was a failure. We were back in my room.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I followed him to the wardrobe where he was ransacking through the hanger of clothes.

    ¡°Wear that,¡± he threw a red dress at me.

    ¡°What?¡± I caught the dress mid air.

    ¡°And this,¡± he pulled out a pair of ck heels.

    ¡°I¡¯m  not¡­¡± I was beginning to say.

    ¡°I could strip you naked and dress you myself if you want me to. Don¡¯t dare me.¡±

    I knew when to be stubborn and when to quit and right now, with that tone, I knew I was to quit. He had settled on the floral couch and was focused on his phone. I pulled off the bra top and skirt, not caring much if he was looking at me.

    The red dress was a perfect fit, it was slitted up to my thighs and the heels, though a bit high, was the right choice. I loved what I saw when I passed through the mirror.

    I waited patiently for him to look up from his phone, but it was taking too long. So I coughed, aiming for his attention. It worked, as he slowly raised his eyes up to me.

    I wasn¡¯t expecting apliment this time, I have been disappointed the few times i waited for one and have finally epted the fact that this man here, is not one for sweet words.

    I held my breath as I waited for him to say something. He rose from the couch silently, dropped his phone into his pocket, and held out his hand for me. I hesitated for a moment, then ced my hand in his.

    It felt like a groom taking his bride to the alter and I couldn¡¯t help but feel like Antonio¡¯s bride. ¡°Now you look stunning,¡± he said quietly, a small smile ying at the corner of his lips.

    I stood still, shocked at the unexpected remark. Who exactly is this man?

 Chapter Eighteen

    ¡°Eve?¡± He tapped my cheeks.

    ¡°Can you see me?¡± He joked, waving his hands across my face.

    Of course i could see him. I could see the handsome look on his face as he smiled. It was infectious and I felt my cheeks stretching as well.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re in a trance, are you okay?¡± He went on.

    I wanted to tell him the truth, that I was not okay. That it was hard concentrating when he was close. I wanted to tell him that his smile, as rarely as they came had a great effect on me. That his touch did things to my inside that no one else had ever made me felt.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m fine,¡± I nodded.

    He held my hands more firmly, and led me through the corridor, into the sitting room and to the castle yard. Jacob, was standing beside a ck Lamborghini that. Jasper was positioned at the door to the passenger seat, ready to open it. There were other guards lined around two more vehicles that stood before and behind the Lamborghini.

    ¡°Drek, I won¡¯t  be needing the convoy. Jacob and Jasper cane along, the rest of you should keep an eye on the castle.¡± Antonio ordered the guards.

    Jasper had made to open the car, but was stopped by Antonio. He held the door himself, ushering me into the seat behind. It was weird that he was trying to be a gentle man, but I didn¡¯t argue.

    ¡°Drive,¡± he called out to Jacob, when he was finally settled beside me in his seat. The car moved into motion, rolling out of the castle into the street that shone in the starey night.

    Antonio reached for the bucket of ice that was ced on a table, producing a bottle of champagne and two sses, he poured the drink, offering me one of the sses. I took a sip, not taking my eyes off him.

    Aside being really cute, Antonio was a good dresser, maybe a sexy one even. Tonight, he wore a ck, glittering tuxedo, buttoned once around his belly, leaving part of his chest in view. And a ck pant. His hair was brushed, so that it fell smoothly behind his ears in curls.

    ¡°Why are you being so nice all of sudden, Mr boss?¡± I asked,  looking at him over my ss.

    ¡°We¡¯ve not really gotten to know each other, Eve. I figured we could do that now?¡± He ced his ss on the booth-like table before us.

    ¡°What do you want to know? I thought you already did your findings and you know all you want?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d still love to hear from you,¡± he answered.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°What do you want to know?¡± A soft music was ying from the car radio. A westlife.

    ¡°Why you choose to study business,¡± he asked.

    ¡°Cause I¡¯d love to be self employed some day, running my ownpany or firm. I have always wanted to be a boss of my own.¡± I shrugged, rxing into the conversation.

    ¡°So what kind of business do you have in mind?¡± He went on.

    ¡°Buying and selling talents,¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± His arched his brows.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve been in the street for a long time, actually since I lost my parents. I¡¯ve seen teenagers with talents wasting on the streets. If most if them could earn from what they had, they would be better people,¡± I dropped my ss, feeling the need to use my hands in expressing myself.

    ¡°So, I decided within myself, that if I had the opportunity, I would reach out to this teenagers, bring them into the limelight, hook them up with the persons and when they start earning, I get my percent.¡± I exined.

    ¡°And you don¡¯t think that¡¯s exploitation?¡± He argued.

    ¡°No. It isn¡¯t going to be exploitation, as a matter of fact, the teenager in question would choose what percent they deem right to pay.¡±

    ¡°And if at the end of the day they refuse o pay?¡± He went on.

    ¡°That¡¯s where thewes in. It¡¯s a business and so, the terms and conditions would be agreed upon and documents signed.¡±

    ¡°You know that¡¯s brilliant,¡± he poured more wine into the sses.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± I blushed, feeling genuinely d that he had asked. I had never had the opportunity to talk about my dreams so intensely with anyone.

    ¡°You have so much money already, why are you still into illegal stuffs?¡± I asked, after a brief silence.

    He hesitated for a while, studying my face. ¡°It¡¯s hard stopping all of it at once. There would always be a connection that drags you back once in a while,¡± he exined.

    ¡°That means you still get into drugs pushing and the rest, once in a while?¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± he dropped curtly.

    ¡°Maybe?¡± I yed with the word, daring him to say more.

    ¡°We are here,¡± he announced, changing the topic.

    The car was crawling through arge gate into a beautiful building. I watched from the window, catching glimpse of  the colourful lightning and the group of people that stood around in groups. The pool shimmered with clean water that could produce one¡¯s reflection.

    ¡°I would leave you for a moment to take in the view. Jacob would bring you up to my lounge when I need you.¡± Antonio whispered, when we stepped out of the vehicle.

    With that, he strolled away into the crowd that were waiting to swallow him. He was the center of attraction, and for a moment, I reasoned that he wanted all that attention on himself, that was why he left me for the guard to handle.

    A feeling of sadness washed over me. To think that he was being just a few minutes back and now it was all gone. I scanned through my environment, there was a bar not too far from the pool, I decided to head there. Jacob was following closely behind my heels. I doubled by step, trying to get away from him.

    ¡°You¡¯re walking too fast, people might start wondering why you¡¯re running or better still, you might trip on that dress and miss a foot. Trust me you wouldn¡¯t like that,¡± Jacob adviced, trying to catch up with me.

    ¡°Can you just sit out for a while? I¡¯m not a kid, Jacob. I can pretty much take care of myself, I don¡¯t  need you babysitting me, okay?¡± I turned to him.

    ¡°Okay. But I¡¯m  sorry I can¡¯t  leave you on your own¡­¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re following orders?¡± I cut in,pleting his statement.

    ¡°Yeah. I see you¡¯re learning quickly.¡±

    ¡°Oh please,¡± I scoffed, climbing the staircase into the bar. I settled into one of the high stools, speaking in a low conversation about what I needed.

    The bar tender, a dark guy, probably in his early twenties, smiled as he delivered his job diligently. I collected the ss of shot he had just mixed and threw the content down into my throat. I was aware of Jacob standing around.

    I told myself now was the wrong time to get drunk. I still had a job to do, If there¡¯s a person that should stay more alert around here, then it had to be me. Moreover, I had a dance to administer as well.

    ***

    Unlike the rest of the room that was lighted in bright colors, with different sex of people going about with sses in hand. The boss lounge was dark and dimly lighted. There was a small stage in the middle of the room, surrounded by dark blue sofas. There were other men seating around on the sofas. Antonio was one them.

    ¡°Dance,¡± he mouthed silently, as I was eased onto the stage by Jacob.

    The music came alive with a booming sound, loud enough that it vibrated in my heart. The voices of the men tangled In the air, between the soft puff of smoke that traveled around the room from the butts of lighted cigarette and the sound of the music.

    I held onto the pole at the center if the stage. I had taken three more shots at the bar before being led out by Jacob and right now my mind was slippery. I could feel a kind of weakness around my knees.

    I couldn¡¯t  make out any of the other faces clearly, as the air was filled with the mixture of smoke that danced at every corner. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for my next move. Then like lightening, I turned around the pole swiftly, hanging onto it at intervals,manding the attention of all the men in the room as the music floated in the air.

    There was just one person, who seemed less interested in what I was doing and that was Antonio Bernoti. His face was buried on his phone most of the time and when his face came up, they went straight to the door that had been flung open and to thedy that cat-walked into the room and headed straight to Antonio.

    She was all over him before I could say Antonio Bernoti. Dancing and rolling her butts on hisps. Who the hell was she?? I wondered.

 Chapter Nineteen

    ¡°Dance!!!¡± The voice of the men brought me back. I didn¡¯t realize how long I had stood frozen, watching Antonio and thedy that was dancing on hisp.

    Antonio was making no effort to push her off his body. Did it mean he was enjoying what she was doing? I could hardly focus on my dance, as I kept stealing nces at them. For some weird reasons, I felt a pang of jealousy. I wanted to walk up to her, grab her by the hair, and pull her sluty body off him.

    Why the hell did he bring me to his party, if he had a special dancer already? What was all that talk about making me his personal dancer? When he already had one. I stumped out through the door as soon as the music ended, fearing that I might suffocate from the heat that was forming in my chest.

    ¡°Why the hurry?¡± I stumbled on Jacob at the entrance.

    ¡°I need air.¡±

    ¡°Is the boss okay?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t  know, why don¡¯t you find out yourself.¡± I answered, trying to sound unconcerned.

    He went in at my word and came back in a minute, resuming his position at the entrance. ¡°You look upset,¡± he noticed.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡± I answered, fanning my face with my hands.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he shrugged, turning his back on me.

    I was fighting to tame the anger that was taking control of me, but my efforts weren¡¯t helping.

    ¡°Who¡¯s she?¡± I couldn¡¯t help blurting out.

    ¡°Who?¡± Jacob turned back to face me.

    His brows knotted in confusion. It felt stupid that I was acting this way, but i couldn¡¯t stop myself. I pointed towards the dark room where Antonio was.

    ¡°Oh you mean thedy dancing?¡± His face rxed.

    ¡°She¡¯s Reina Carlotti. Ex-girlfriend to boss Antonio¡­¡± he paused, his face breaking into a wide grin.

    ¡°What?¡± I turned around, searching for what had amazed him.

    ¡°You¡¯re jealous!¡± He pointed out.

    ¡°What? Who? Me? That¡¯s not true. Jealous about what?¡± I forced a smallugh, trying to convince myself that it wasn¡¯t true.

    How could he say I was jealous? Of Who? His devilish boss? Or his tiny butt ex-girlfriend? No way. I was only angry cause she broke right in at the middle of my performance, stealing the attention of my audience, nothing more. I convinced myself.

    ¡°Did you see the look on your face when you stumped out?¡± He asked, not taking my story.

    ¡°I looked perfectly okay when I stepped out, whatever you saw was your eyes ying games on you,¡± I retorted.

    ¡°No, my eyes are perfectly okay and i know what they saw, they saw a pair of angry eyes, that was raw with jealousy and look, it¡¯s okay to express what you feel for the boss, Okay? I understand that he¡¯s a fine ass man, and he¡¯s got the attention of manydies¡­¡±

    ¡°I need to use the rest room,¡± I cut him off, in a hurry to escape the bing annoying conversation. I didn¡¯t wait for his response before disappearing into a dark corner. Once out of sight, I produced a wipe from my purse, cleaning off the load of lipstick from my lips.

    There was no restroom outside the building. Which meant, Jacob would be on his way to find me. I took another turn that burst out behind the house, where the pool and bar was located. I decided to seat at the bar. ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± the young bar tender greeted.

    ¡°What would You like?¡± He asked, when I took my seat on the stool, where I had been seated before.

    ¡°More shots,¡± I ordered.

    The space before me was soon lined up with white small sses of acholic shots. I downed the first four shots in a matter of seconds. The burning sensation it brought to my throat was bing painful, as I struggled to swallow.

    ¡°Hey damsel,¡± a voice called out beside me. For a moment I feared it was Jacob who had found me and now I would be dragged back into the dark room. But when I pushed my hair from my face, there was a red hair man, seated on the stool beside mine.

    ¡°Hi,¡± I shed him a smile.

    ¡°What¡¯s an angel like you doing here alone?¡± He coaxed.

    ¡°Having some fresh air,¡± I raised a shot.

    ¡°I would have some of what she¡¯s having,¡± the man announced to the bar tender.

    We were soon in a drinkingpetition. I was drunk and I knew it. My knees and every other joint in my body felt weak. my head was beginning to throb, my vision was blurring, myughter sounded wild, like something from a deranged woman.

    We were at the middle of the bar, dancing to a slow song. I didn¡¯t know how we got there, but I was dancing, swaying my hips before the red haired man. Maybe he was drunk as well, cause he spoke in a strangenguage that made both of usugh.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Eve!!¡± A deep growled voice called out my name.

    The music seemed to halt, silent was restored, and so was my vision. I could make out the figure of Antonio. He was standing a few foot away from the red haired man and myself. His grey eyes looked red from where he stood.

    ¡°Hi boss,¡± I giggled drunkly, waving at him.

    As if ignited by my greeting, he marched forward, pulling me forcefully away from the hands of the red haired man.

    ¡°Hey, you can¡¯t do that, Mr.¡± The man tried holding him back.

    Antonio turned slowly, using his free hand tond a punch on the face of the red haired man. The already drunk man staggered to a fall. The effect of the drink was magically wiped away from my eyes, as I gasped in surprise.

    ¡°I can do whatever I want asshole.¡± Antonio cursed, his right hand still holding me closely to his side.

    ¡°Gracious Lord! What did you do that for?¡± I yelled at him, as he dragged me out of the bar.

    ¡°You would not question my actions and next time, you would not be seen dancing with some random fool,¡± he barked back.

    ¡°You do not have any right whatsoever to decide who I dance with, when you have the liberty to dance with every tiny butt girl.¡± I spat angrily.

    ¡°I¡­¡± He began, then stopped, draging me along in silent.

    ¡°I thought you were responsible,¡± he said, freeing my hands as we got to the Lamborghini.

    I didn¡¯t think, didn¡¯t wait one second, before pping him hard across the face. ¡°You would not call me names,¡± i warned.

    His head had turned sideways with the force of the p and when he turned to face me again, my legs bailed on me. I was so scared of the look on his face and too weak from the amount of alcohol I had taken, that I passed out. Even in my unconsciousness, I felt safe in his arm.

    ¡°I would forgive you tonight cause you¡¯re drunk,¡± I heard his soft whisper in my ears.

    I was awake when the car drove into the castle. I was awake when Jacob offered to take me to my room. ¡°No. I would take care of her myself,¡± Antonio had answered him.

    I was aware of how tenderly he held me in his arms, taking me through the staircase, into the corridor that led to my room. I knew when hey me on the bed, yet, I kept my eyes tightly shut.

    ¡°You¡¯re so stubborn,¡± he pushed my hair away from my face, he was lying beside me, his elbow holding up his face, so that he was looking down directly at me.

    ¡°So beautifully stubborn,¡± he repeated. Then he rose from the bed, reaching for my legs and pulling off my heels. I felt the punch of fresh air on my skin. He stood quietly at the foot of the bed for a long time that I almost thought he was gone.

    Then he turned the corner, and came back beside me. ¡°I knew I said I could strip you naked and change your dress the other day, but I¡¯m starring at you right  now, wanting to take you out of this dress, yet I can¡¯t. I¡¯m so scared I might lose every atom of self control if I put my hands on your soft skin, or set my eyes on your naked body. Gosh! It hard keeping it in check when you¡¯re around me,¡± he confessed.

    Was he repeating my words, or did he really mean what he was saying? Perhaps he knew i was awake and was trying to woo Me? No. He couldn¡¯t possibly think I was awake.

    ¡°I want to do so many lovely things to you, i want to explore every pore on your skin and kiss them pasdionately, but I know I have to wait. Wait until you love me back. Good night princess.¡± He pecked my forehead, drawing the duvet over my body and standing up to leave.

 Chapter Twenty

    My eyes flew wide open as soon as he was gone and the door was shot behind him. I tried getting out of the bed but my head was banging terribly, as though there was an elephant stumping it feet inside my head.

    Antonio, in love with Me? Maybe I was still to drunk. I rxed into the bed, giving willingly to the tiredness that had sunken into my entire being. My phone was ringing somewhere around, but it sounded so far in my head, like it was just a dream.

    ****

    What started as a terrible headache the previous night had developed into a dreadful hangover by morning. I couldn¡¯t keep my eyes open without shielding the lights away with my hands.

    The ring of my phone sounded like a banging in my head. I reached for it, cing it to my ears. It was Charlie.

    ¡°Hi there,¡± he greeted.

    ¡°Hi Charlie,¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t been picking your calls, what¡¯s going on?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Charlie it¡¯s not safe for you to call like this, we don¡¯t  want to blow things up,¡±

    ¡°What the hell are you talking about Eve? You were seen at a partyst night, dancing with a random man¡­¡±

    The door flung open, so I stopped listening. Antonio was walking through with a ceramic tray in hand, his top unbuttoned as usual. Was this an intentional act of seduction? I wondered.

    The jumbled memories ofst night came ying in my head. Surprisingly, I couldn¡¯t remember clearly the things he had said, when he was beside me. Did he say he loved Me? I rubbed my forehead in a failed attempt at recollecting.

    ¡°Eve, are you there?¡± Charlie called from the phone that was hung midway to my ears.

    ¡°Hi, you are awake.¡± Antonio called, walking up to the bed.

    I remembered pping him. Yes, I had pped him before passing out. Oh god, what if he was still angry?

    ¡°Hmmm,¡± I nodded, ending the call and dropping the phone, awaiting what was toe next. There would definitely be a punishment for pping a mafia Lord, but why didn¡¯t I think of itst night?

    ¡°Who was that?¡± He asked, pointing at the phone.

    It was at the tip of my tongue to tell him it was my boyfriend, but I knew better than pushing my limit with someone that could be so sweetly dangerous.

    ¡°A friend,¡± I answered.

    ¡°I thought you would need this,¡± he ced the tray before me. There was a cup of coffee and chocte wafer in the tray.

    I felt relief washing over me, there was certainly no way he was angry and serving me coffee right? But even if he was still angry, it was sweet to know that he had first thought of making me feel better.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± I picked up the mug, sipping it content slowly.

    An awkward silence settled between us. I felt like there was so much he wanted to say, but was intentionally keeping quiet. Should I apologize for the p? I contemted. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t, that would be me reminding him and it could make things worst. So I sipped on in silence.

    ¡°Join me for a walk, would you?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Umm, I do not feel well, I don¡¯t know¡­¡±

    ¡°You would be fine after taking that,¡± he interrupted, pointing at the mug in my hands.

    It was pointless arguing, I drank the rest of the coffee in absolute quietness. I could see from the corner of my eyes that he was starring at me. It was an intentional act, he didn¡¯t turn away when I caught his stare and that made me embarrassed.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± He asked, when I ced my mug on the bedside drawer.

    True to his word, I felt better. The headache had reduced considerably. And some of the weakness in my joints were gone as well.

    ¡°I feel better.¡±

    ¡°I would wait for you to change up,¡± he announced, moving to the sofa.

    I dropped from the bed, walking over to the wardrobe. The pink robe was looking appealing for an asion like this. Then the girl at the party crossed my mind. I remembered she had worn a Barbie pink top on a really skimpy skirt. What if this room belonged to her and the robe too. Well, I pushed the robe aside, developing a more intensed hate for the color.

    I picked out a simple blue gown instead. It could make for a night wear, except that it was thicker. Yet, my nipple were standing hard on the fiber. I walked over to the mirror, packing my hair in a messy bun.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he called from behind me, offering his hand.

    I remembered at once how he¡¯d grabbed me away from the red-haired man, with furry burning in his eyes. Was that jealousy? Why was he being so calm now? Was this a trap after all? He was probably trying to get me to rx before doing what he had in mind. If that was it, then I had to be at alert.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t just coffee, was it?¡± I asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°What did you put in it?¡±

    ¡°A little something to make you feel better,¡± he answered.

    The guard at the sitting room bowed to Antonio as we passed by. Same thing happened as we passed through the castle yard. I couldn¡¯t guess where we were headed. Antonio turned a corner, that took us behind the building. There was an almost invisible gate amongst thick shrubs of flowers. Some part of the gate was rusted with age.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I couldn¡¯t help asking, noticing that there was a wall before us. But Antonio kept walking, not slowing down. ¡°Can you watch out?¡± I half screamed.

    ¡°Oh no, goodness this was it, you¡¯ve been so nice today, ignoring the terrible things that I didst night cause you had this all nned out?¡± I kept screaming, as we walked right into the wall, over to the other side that was a garden.

    ¡°Woow!¡± I whispered.

    ¡°So you were saying?¡± He turned to me, suddenly feigning  attention.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡­ i was saying¡­ I mean I was to say¡­¡±

    ¡°You love me?¡± He interrupted my stammer.

    ¡°No. I meant to say I¡¯m sorry for pping youst night.¡± I coughed out.

    ¡°I¡¯m d you remembered,¡± he answered, taking a seat on a swing.

    ¡°Why are you d?¡± I propped my brows, holding the swinging seat to steady it to a stop.

    ¡°It would be terrible punishing  a person for a crime that they do not remembermitting?¡± He said. At least, one thing was now clear. And that was the fact that I was going to get punished.

    I swallowed tightly, lowering myself into the seat of the swing. The air was fresh and the sky was a hue of blue. The flowers added a peculiar beauty to the environment, as the stalks danced merilly in the air.

    ¡°How did we get here?¡± I asked.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°How did we go through the wall? Are you also some of magician?¡±

    ¡°No, the wall is a mirage. It¡¯s not there, but you¡¯re to think it is,¡± he exined.

    ¡°Same as your rudeness?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± He stopped swinging.

    ¡°Your rudeness and wickedness, they¡¯re a mirage too, right?¡± I went on in a teasing tone.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean, but if you¡¯re trying to say I¡¯m mean and wicked, then you¡¯re not far from the truth.¡± He smirked.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about. It¡¯s a mirage. You want people to see and think that you¡¯re evil. What I don¡¯t understand is why a person would prefer being identified as bad, rather than good.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know me,¡± he stood up from the swing, heading deeper into the garden, through a gate of flowers.

    ¡°You bet. I¡¯ve been here for What? Seventy-two hours? And I¡¯ve seen enough to tell me who you are.¡± I was almost running to catch along with him.

    ¡°Drop it.¡± He called.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Whatever theory you¡¯re trying to prove. It won¡¯t help you escape my punishment.¡± He turned to an abrupt stop, that I would have been right in his face if I took one more step.

    That was what he thought? That I was telling him this to win his heart over and not receive his punishment? Shallow of him to think. But on the side, why was I trying so hard to see the good in him? Wasn¡¯t it better if I continued with my prejudice against him? Convincing myself about his goodness would only do one thing. Ruin the n.

    I was shut out of my thoughts when his lips descended upon mine. I didn¡¯t see iting this time, neither had I thought it would happen. Yet, there I was, giving in hungrily into what could have been a mistake. I had envisioned this kiss for such a long time, that when it finally came, I had to let go of every restrainment.

 Chapter Twenty-One

    ¡°You wanted this, didn¡¯t you?¡± He asked when he broke the kiss.

    ¡°What?¡± I was suddenly angry, not at him, but at myself. How couldn¡¯t I have had a little bit of control over myself to push him off. For the sake of my rtionship with Charlie at least.

    ¡°Is this why you don¡¯t have female staffs around? Cause you can¡¯t get a hold of yourself? Simply because I was too shocked and allowed that kiss doesn¡¯t mean I wanted it.¡± I decided it was best to make him feel guilty. He was wrong for assuming that I wanted his kiss, even if he was right, he shouldn¡¯t have done it.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± His face was frowned in bewilderment.

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t havee here with you in the first ce,¡± I turned towards the exist we hade from, walking away as quickly as I could. He was behind me, calling to me to stop, but I was too embarrassed, I couldn¡¯t stand looking him in the eyes in anymore.

    ¡°Eve are you alright?¡± Jacob asked, walking towards the mirage wall I had just stepped out of.

    I pushed him aside, breaking into a small run, the guards were ready to spring on me, but Antonio showed up on time, stopping them. I ascended the steps in a speed I didn¡¯t know I had and was in my room before he could get to the corridor. This time, I didn¡¯t forget to use the bolt.

    ¡°Eve open the door,¡± he called from outside.

    ¡°No, Antonio. Stay away from me,¡± I shouted, with my back wedged against the door.

    ¡°I thought you wanted it,¡± he said.

    ¡°Why would you even think that?¡±

    ¡°Because you actually kissed me back,¡±

    There was heat raising in my cheeks. He was right, I had kissed him back.

    ¡°Can you just leave?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what you want?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s what I want,¡± I answered.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m gonna go. Call Jacob if you need something.¡±

    I listened as his footsteps disappeared down the hall. The door to his room opened and was shut in a loud bang.

    What just happened?

    ***

    The day turned out terribly slow. I was stuck in the room with no bravery to step out. I read the magazine that was always on the couch, took a cold shower, spent so much time before the mirror making up my face, but even that did not take my mind off the event that took ce earlier in the morning.

    At some point I might have drifted into sleep, as I was awoken by the sound of a knock on my door. I jumped out of my sheets, hurrying to the door. Was he back again? Maybe I should just open up for him so we could talk about what happened.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± I called softly.

    ¡°Jacob.¡± The reply came.

    I sighed in disappointment, turning the locks.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Do I look sick?¡±

    ¡°You look troubled, maybe worried and bored as well.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re guessing,¡± I turned away from the door, returning to my bed.

    ¡°Yes I am. I do not read minds.¡± He stepped in from the door, walking to the couch.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°You left the garden in a devil speed earlier on and nearly knocked me down. I was wondering what might have happened.¡± He sat straight on the seat, cing both his hands on his thighs. His fingers were neatly trimmed.

    ¡°You should ask your boss,¡±

    ¡°Talking about the boss, he said to make sure you¡¯re okay. So, do you mind telling me what¡¯s wrong, cause you do not look okay,¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t give up, do you?¡± I asked him.

    ¡°It¡¯s one of the qualities I love about myself too,¡± he grinned, tapping his fingers on his thighs.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything about liking your pestering behaviour,¡±

    ¡°Pestering? That¡¯s a strong word, but If you look at it from the positive side, I am a darling for giving a fuck about your personal issues. So speak.¡± He said curtly.

    ¡°And if I don¡¯t want to?¡± I sat up, dragging the fluffy sheet over my legs.

    ¡°I would take my leave, tell the boss you¡¯re alright, and you would remain stuck here with whatever is eating you up,¡±

    I hesitated, thinking about what choices I had. Could I even trust him with something like this? Would it change anything if I told him?

    ¡°Can i trust you?¡± I eyed him.

    ¡°With your secrets that are harmless to my boss, yes.¡±

    I scoffed, feeling irritated at the over loyalty that came from his respond. Why did he even think I would share a secret that would hurt Antonio with him?

    ¡°We had an argument, and I refused to open the door to him.¡± I summarized.

    ¡°You might have to be more explicit about what this argument was about,¡± he crossed his hands over his chest.

    ¡°He kissed me,¡± my gaze was fixated on his face, watching for even the slightest reaction.

    But I was dealing with a pro, he did not as much as flinch to my response. His face remained calm. Was he not surprised? Perhaps it was no new thing for his boss to kissdies recklessly.

    ¡°And you didn¡¯t like that he did that?¡± Jacob asked.

    ¡°What? Yes, I mean, no. Does it even matter if I liked it or Not? It was wrong that he invaded my lips the way he did.¡±

    ¡°Okay. So let me get this, you liked the kiss, but you didn¡¯t like he did it?¡±

    ¡°Jacob, I have a boyfriend.¡± I blurted.

    Now they was a reaction. His brows knitted together as he shifted to the edge of the seat.

    ¡°First off, the boss must never find out that you still have a connection to that man. You would be doing him no good if you keep seeing him. The boss is a very jealous man, he doesn¡¯t share his own.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not his own! We not in a rtionship, I only came here to work,¡± I looked at him with eyes that pleaded for understanding.

    ¡°Eve,¡± he called and paused for a while.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you haven¡¯t noticed or have intentionally refused to notice that the boss has some affection for you, and it goes beyond being just his dancer. The earlier you ept this, the easier your staying here would be.¡± He stood up from the couch.

    ¡°Lunch would be brought to your room.¡± He added.

    ¡°Can i step out for a while?¡± I requested.

    ¡°You not under house arrest, you can explore every part of this castle.¡±

    ¡°No, I meant outside the castle. I need to see a friend. Debbie.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± He dropped, turning towards the door.

    ¡°Hey wait,¡± I jumped out of the bed. ¡°Please, I need to see her,¡± I gave him my most convincing look.

    ¡°After lunch, I would be waiting for you downstairs and you have just thirty minutes with this Debbie person.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair enough. Thanks Jay,¡±

    ¡°Hmm. Nice,¡± there was a shift in the shape of his lips when he walked out. I could tell he was stopping a smile.

    I needed to see Debbie so I could drop a message for Charlie. It was going to be hard meeting with him directly and I could tell he was bing worried about not hearing from me. I couldn¡¯t afford to let him think that I was no more following the n.

    As promised, Jacob was standing beside the ck cruiser jeep when I came downstairs.

    ¡°Is the boss aware?¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t take you out of this castle without his permission,¡± he answered.

    ¡°Oh, so his aware.¡± I drew my seat belt, crossing it over my chest.

    I had called Debbie, and she was to wait for us at my apartment. So we drove directly to the slump area that use to be my home. At the first horn, she was outside.

    ¡°Evelyn!¡± She called in excitement.

    I stepped out of the car hugging her tightly.

    ¡°What is this thing that couldn¡¯t wait until tomorrow?¡±  She asked.

    I was aware of Jacob¡¯s watching eye. He was seated at the driver¡¯s seat, looking out at us. I dragged Debbie behind the car, seeking privacy for what I was about to tell her.

    ¡°What? Is that the cute driver that brought you to school the other day?¡± She inquired.

    ¡°Yes. His my annoying body guard.¡± I exined.

    ¡°Damn! Evelyn, you have a body guard?¡± She covered her hands over her mouth.

    ¡°Umm¡­ yeah. But that¡¯s not the thing. I need you to help me pass a message to Charlie.¡±

    ¡°You have refused telling what¡¯s happening with you, Eve.¡±

    ¡°I will, at school tomorrow,¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve said that before, promise?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I will tell you what I can tomorrow.¡± I nodded.

    ¡°Okay, about Charlie, why don¡¯t you call him?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t. I have a feeling that my calls are being cloned.¡±

    ¡°What? Why? Are you in trouble?¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°No, not at all. Debbie I would exin better tomorrow, please.¡±

    ¡°Okay, what am I supposed to tell Charlie?¡± She asked.

 Chapter Twenty-Two

    ¡°Tell Charlie that I¡¯d find a time for us to seat out and talk about what we¡¯ve got going on, but for now, he can¡¯t keep calling me. Please.¡± She had this puzzled look on her face when I was done exining.

    ¡°So you¡¯re in a situation where you can¡¯t talk to your boyfriend. Is that it?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Yeah. For the main time. I have to go now Debby, I¡¯d see you in school tomorrow.¡± I hugged her hurriedly.

    ¡°Can i say hi to your bodyguard?¡± She pouted.

    ¡°Trust me Debby, it¡¯s not wise. I would see you tomorrow. Don¡¯t bete,¡± I turned away, not waiting for a response.

    ¡°d you¡¯re beginning to stick to instructions,¡± Jacob said, as I stepped into the car.

    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re bing more nice than you first were,¡± I smiled at him.

    ¡°You¡¯re feisty, and I like people that are challenging.¡± He was looking at me as he ignited the car.

    ¡°So I challenge you then,¡± I asked.

    ¡°In a way. Although¡­¡± there was a crash from outside the car.

    It was Debby. Everything had happened so quickly. One minute I thought I had seen a figure in front of the car and the next second the figure was down in a crash.

    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± For the first time, I could see raw fear in the eyes of my bodyguard.

    ¡°You just¡­ did you just hit my friend?¡± My voice was terribling.

    In one swift move, we were both down from the car, rushing to the front. Debby was struggling to make her way from the ground.

    ¡°Oh goodness! Debby are you alright?¡± I bent beside her.

    ¡°How the fuck did you get in front of a moving car ma¡¯am? Are you blind?¡± Jacob was bent over her as well.

    ¡°Jacob for Christ sake, can you be more humane here? You just knocked someone down and you think putting the me on her is the best thing to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Debby interrupted.

    ¡°No you¡¯re not, we would take you to the hospital, cause you definitely need to be checked. And I mean mentally too,¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°Jacob!¡± I and Debby screamed at the same time.

    ¡°You know what,¡± he bent, scooping Debby into his arms like she was weightless child. ¡°Open the door Eve,¡± he instructed.

    I did as he said, opening the door to the back seat. Heid Debby gently on the seat. I joined her, cradling her head on my shoulder.

    ¡°Are you hurt? Do you feel any pain?¡± Jacob finally asked from the driver¡¯s seat where he was turning the steering wheel.

    ¡°No,¡± Debby mumbled.

    ¡°Can you speak louder?¡± He called.

    ¡°Jacob she said she¡¯s fine!¡± I yelled back getting pissed at his attitude.

    ¡°Eve you would be stressing her if you keep yelling,¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s you who has to stop being a jerk.¡±

    ¡°Jerk? Seriously now? Why don¡¯t you ask your friend what she was doing back there In front of a moving car,¡± he was looking at us from the review mirror.

    ¡°I wanted to give her this,¡± Debby held out a small, green, fancy note.

    ¡°My diary, how did you get this?¡± I collected the note.

    ¡°I saw it on your couch at your apartment. I figured you had forgotten it. You left in a hurry into the car and didn¡¯t hear me calling you.¡± She exined weakly.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Debbie. Thank you. But did you say you found this on my couch?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it was lying on your couch when I went in,¡±

    ¡°That should be Charlie. I kept this in my bag. Why is he going around checking my bag?¡± I asked no one in particr.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Charlie?¡± Jacob asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t find anything interesting in it, I¡¯m  sure he didn¡¯t either,¡± Debbie said. I was d she¡¯d ignored Jacob¡¯s question.

    ¡°You read it too? What¡¯s wrong with you all?¡±

    ¡°Evelyn I was bored waiting for you, i needed something to keep me busy and like I said, there was nothing of much interest in it. I¡¯m sorry but you¡¯re leading a very boring life and it clearly reflected in that book you holding,¡± Debbie mocked.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°I think you have a good sense of humor. Hi, my name is Jacob,¡± he nced from the driver seat, stretching a hand towards Debbie.

    ¡°Can you focus on driving before we add one more person to the list of ident patients we have here already?¡± Debbie answered him.

    ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± He turned back, focusing on the road.

    The rest of the drive to the hospital was without any conversation and almost in silence, except for the voice that sang from the car radio and the random backup from Debby and Jacob at intervals. It was almost as though they both knew every song by heart.

    At the hospital, the doctor did a general check on Debbie and assured us that she was okay. In his word ¡°she only needs some bed rest.¡±

    ¡°Can she go home tonight?¡± I asked the doctor.

    ¡°Yes, actually. You would just need to sign some papers and she¡¯d be free to go.¡±

    ¡°What if I want to spend the night here doc?¡± Debbie asked, surprising me.

    I had really thought she¡¯d be worried about going home. I stared at her, searching for an exnation in her eyes. When her eyes met with mine, she shrugged.

    ¡°I would get the rest I need more if I stay here.¡± She exined, once the doctor was out.

    ¡°Debbie you know I can¡¯t stay the night with you, do you really prefer staying here alone rather than going back home?¡±

    ¡°You can convince your bodyguard to stay with me, can¡¯t you?¡± Her lips were pouted. I was only beginning to understand what was ying.

    ¡°You like him, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°The hell yes! Evelyn have you seen that man?¡± She was pointing at Jacob, who stood outside the ward¡¯s corridor, with his back to the mirrored door. He seemed to be on a call.

    ¡°Yes, I have seen him Debbie.¡±

    ¡°Evelyn that man is as hot as pancakes just brought out of the oven, and girl, I wouldn¡¯t mind being knocked down ten more times if it means being around him.¡± She rolled her eyes, wetting her lips.

    ¡°Tell me the truth Debbie, did he really knock you down? Or was this all part of your getting him ns?¡± I lowered my voice, looking straight at her. She was quiet for a minute, staring back at me with an innocent look on her face.

    ¡°Spill it Debbie.¡±

    ¡°Fine, it wasn¡¯t really a hard knock, if I¡¯m being honest, it wasn¡¯t even serious enough to bring me here.¡± She confessed. ¡°But please, can we keep that part between us?¡± She pleaded.

    I took a quick nce at the man in question. I didn¡¯t know what to think. Was he going to love her right? Maybe that wasn¡¯t for me to decide. They¡¯re grown ups and should know what they want. So I nodded, promising to keep whatever had gone down today a secret.

    ¡°Eve, we have to go,¡± Jacob called, with his head peeping from the door.

    There was a sudden sad look on Debbie¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to him.¡± I excused myself.

    ¡°We can¡¯t both leave her here, Jay,¡± I called him with the new name I had derived for him, hoping to soften his heart.

    ¡°What does that mean? I need to take you back to the castle. Moreover, the doctor said she was okay, no injuries, no internal whatever, just stress right?¡±

    I could see that he was stressed himself. What was supposed to be a thirty minutes visit had turned into hours at the hospital. It was past dinner time and I could tell he was under pressure to take me back home.

    ¡°She has decided to rest here, and I think it¡¯s  the best, being under the watch of the doctors and nurses. Please Jay, can youe spend the night with her? It would only be tonight, by tomorrow, we could get the discharge papers signed and she¡¯d be gone, away from your life,¡± I coaxed.

    He hesitated, his looks said he was considering it and I hoped fervently for a positive response.

    ¡°We need to leave Eve,¡± he turned his back, walking down the corridor towards the exist.

    ¡°What about her?¡± I yelled after him, but there was no respond.

    It was sad, but I knew I couldn¡¯t dare to spend the night without Antonio¡¯s permission. I turned the door knob weakly, finding it hard to pass the news. I was on time to see Debbie wipe a line of tears from her eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You can go,¡± she said, before I could bring myself to speak.

    She had seen all that transpired from the mirrored door and I knew she was hurt.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Debbie, I tried talking to him.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine Evelyn. Just go, please¡± there was a new line of tears crawling on her cheeks.

 Chapter twenty-three

    I hurried down the corridor in attempt to catch up with Jacob. He was already in the car when I got to him, his both hands stretched out on the steering wheel and his eyes looking ahead.

    ¡°How can you be so mean? All she wanted was for you to spend the night and you said no!¡± Iined, taking my seat beside him.

    ¡°She wanted?¡± He turned to nce at me.

    ¡°I mean¡­ well yeah, if it brings any sympathy in you to know that it was what she wanted.¡± I didn¡¯t  realize I had mentioned that she wanted it, but there was nothing wrong with her expressing herself anyways. It¡¯s only painful that he doesn¡¯t feel the same way.

    I wasn¡¯t in the mood to speak for the rest of the journey back to the castle. I leaned on the window watching as night slowly enveloped the town. The street lights shone brightly, eliminating the signpost of stores and offices.

    My bones felt weak from the day stress, that it didn¡¯t take long before I was soundly asleep. I only stired awake when I was been led up the stairs by Jacob, he hadn¡¯t  bother to wake me up. He carried me gently to my room,ying me on the bed that looked neatly arranged. Someone must have done a general cleanup around here, I observed with sleepy eyes. It hadn¡¯t been so arranged when I left earlier.

    ¡°Have you seen Antonio?¡± I asked drowsily.

    ¡°No. I would check on him on my way out,¡± he stood at the foot of my bed.

    ¡°Where are you going to?¡±

    ¡°To keep your friendpany for the night.¡± He answered bluntly. His respond sparked away a considerable amount of the sleep from my eyes. I hadn¡¯t really expected a change of my mind.

    ¡°Really?¡± I wanted to be sure I wasn¡¯t still sleeping and dreaming.

    ¡°Yeah. If that would make me more humane in your eyes. And to think of it, I put her in that condition. You are right, I should show some sympathy.¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much Jay. It would mean a whole lot to her,¡± I offered a weak smile.

    ¡°You wee. And I love the way you call my name. If you go on that way, I might never be able to say no to your request,¡±  I took his ttering and smiled wider in appreciation.

    ¡°Now if you don¡¯t  mind, I¡¯d love to take my leave. Try to take a shower, I would ask for dinner to be brought up to your room,¡± he added, before turning to the door.

    ¡°One more thing. I might not be able toe home early enough to take you to school, but Jasper or whoever else the boss appoints would do that.¡± He stopped to inform.

    ¡°Thanks Jay. My regard to Debbie. Tell her not to worry, if she can¡¯t  make it to school tomorrow¡­¡± I was trying to say.

    ¡°She will,¡± he cut me off.

    ¡°What?¡± I asked, not really sure about what he meant.

    ¡°She will make it to school and I will make sure of that.¡± He assured me.

    I nodded in gratitude, watching as he disappeared through the door. I fell back on the bed, listening attentively to the quietness that descended on the room upon his departure. I was aware when the door to Antonio¡¯s room at the far end of the corridor was opened.

    I thought of what he could be doing at the moment. Had he justy on his bed the whole day after our little misunderstanding in the morning? Was he angry at me? I was tempted to sneak out of my room and tiptoe to the locked door of his room. What would he say to Jacob about Debbie? Well, what if I get to the door and get caught by either Jacob or Antonio? What would i tell them? That I became so nosy all of a sudden and couldn¡¯t contain my curiosity?

    It was disturbing how this Antonio of a man was frequenting my thoughts. He was the first person I thought of at dawn and thest person on my mind when Iy to sleep. Why did it seem like my rtionship with Charlie was bing less realistic with the distance that had been created.

    I was consoled out of my guilt, remembering that this was all his suggestion. It was all his idea for me toe live with Antonio. If he wasn¡¯t so bent on revenge, this wouldn¡¯t be happening to us. To think that he had given his consent for me to have sex with another man without even thinking about it. He had left me with very little choices.

    I wished hoplessy that Antonio would wander out of his room into mine. But with the way I had shut him out in the morning, telling him to leave me alone, I doubted that he would be here tonight or tomorrow morning when I wake.

    I dragged myself out of the inviting bed into the bathroom, taking my time to scrub off anyyer of dirt that might have clung to my skin from the hospital environment. I had sessfully changed into my nightwear, when dinner came in. It was a light meal of sea food.

    ***

    I yawnedzily, opening my eyes slowly, hoping to see Antonio seated on the couch with his phone or the magazine in his hands, in the usual manner. But hope was far from me and disappoint lurked around, even if it was still very early in the morning.

    I remembered it was a school day and I had to get ready and be downstairs to meet whoever it was that was appointed to drive me to school in the absence of Jacob. I suddenly missed that he was not there. Aside from the constant arguments and fights we usually had, I hade to terms with the fact that he was a good person.

    There was no sign of Antonio in the sitting room when I went downstairs. The dinning room was clear as well. It was relieving and heartbreaking at the same time, to know that he had taken my words to heart.

    There was a guard standing beside a white Lexus car parked in thepound when I stepped out. Intuition suggested to me that he was my driver for the day, so I walked up to him.

    ¡°Hi, i guess you are riding me to school today?¡±

    ¡°Yes please,¡± he held out the door.

    A smile touched my lips remembering that Jacob, wouldn¡¯t have done this for me. We would have probably used the first five minutes of my arrival to argue about something not worthing the time. Now I missed him again.

    I wasn¡¯t dressed in my usual hoodie or sweatpants or sses. I decided to look different. I wore a short skirt on long socks, a heeled sandals and a cored-neck top, neatly tucked into the skirt. My hair was curved over my shoulder in a bob style. I had used the hair stretcher on the dressing table to produce the desired curl. If only Antonio was downstairs to see me, I wished.

    ¡°Have you seen the boss this morning?¡± I asked the guard at the driver seat, as he reversed the car, facing the gate.

    ¡°No. He should be in his gym by now,¡± the guard responded.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    I was d he kept quiet after his respond, because I had asked the question out of my egarness to see Antonio rather than a medium to start up a conversation. Unlike Jacob, the guard at the front seat didn¡¯t bother looking out until I was in the ss. He reversed the car, hitting the road as soon as I alighted.

    There stares from the other student was the same as the other day. There was no Debbie to talk to today, so I was solely focused on the teacher that stood before the ss. It was shortly after the first ss that my phone beeped from inside my locker. It was a text from Charlie.

    ¡°Meet me at the gent,¡± the message read.

    I was stunned, trying to believe that Charlie was at the school¡¯s gent. He was probably ying a game on me, but then, there was only one way to find out. I roved out of the ss, taking the way that led to the school gent.

    As disbelieving as it sounded, it was true. Charlie was standing at the sink, starring at therge sets of mirror in the toilet area. From his position at the morror, he had seen me the moment I got there.

    ¡°Hi Charlie,¡± I waved at him, clearly a aware that he was watching me from the mirror.

    ¡°Eve how could you,¡± his voice came out quietly in the silence if the room.

    ¡°Charlie I can exin, look I was sending Debbie to you with an exnation as to why we couldn¡¯t talk on phone, but she had an ident and is present at the hospital. I wouldn¡¯t intentionally ignore you and you know that,¡± I pleaded, watching his back that was turned to me.

    ¡°Do I know that, Eve?¡± He asked, turning slowly to face me, with eyes that sent goose bumps over my arms.

 Chapter Twenty-Four

    ¡°Charlie you have to calm down, you getting angry and that¡¯s not even nice, please.¡± I pleaded, I could feel the goosebumps covering on my body like a second skin.

    I¡¯ve seen Charlie angry times without number and like I said before, it is not really a good sight to behold. I shifted backward as I spoke, trying to put as much space between us as I could.

    ¡°You¡¯re shifting away because you¡¯re lying, Eve.¡± He kepting closer.

    ¡°No no no, that¡¯s not true¡­ I mean I¡¯m not lying. You can ask Debbie¡­¡± I was trying to say.

    ¡°Tell me the truth,¡± he stretched out his arms, grabbing me closer to himself. ¡°Are you falling out of the n? Is that it? Do I need to find someone else to do this?¡± He held both my hands, trying to still my shaky body.

    ¡°I¡¯m not lying Charlie, believe me. It¡¯s just-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just what?¡± He asked, his brows gathering together.

    ¡°They have cameras, his bodyguards have their eyes on me, Charlie I have a personal guard assigned to me and that nigga is always at my heel. I can¡¯t risk exposing us that way,¡± i lowered my voice, hoping to calm him.

    It worked. The gathered brows returned to their normal shape and the twist on his lips loosened. I felt a huge breath of relief escape my lips as his grip around my wrist lightened.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to get close to my personal guard, when I do, I could make him take off the cameras in my room. It might take a while, but you have to stop calling frequently, please.¡± I went on.

    There¡¯s something about Charlie that only I may know. Regardless of his giant nature, he was easily weakened with words. He is what you could call a big dummy sometimes and other times, he can be so dangerous.

    ¡°I would give you a benefit of doubt,¡± he released my handspletely. ¡°But Eve if I sense betrayal from you, I promise you would hate double crossing me,¡± he sounded.

    ¡°Did you hear me?¡± He growled.

    ¡°Yes!¡± I whispered, rubbing my wrist, around where he had held them.

    ¡°I miss you,¡± he blurted suddenly, taking me by surprise.

    ¡°Umm¡­ Right, I mean I miss you too,¡± I faked a smile.

    ¡°Come here,¡± he grabbed me closer to himself, taking my lips into his. It felt weird standing there in the school toilet and kissing him.

    What felt even more strange was the unfamiliarity of his lips. If I was blindfolded, I would have swore I wasn¡¯t kissing Charlie. How could just one kiss from Antonio change my taste buds and make Charlie¡¯s kiss feel less intriguing?

    He was in my thoughts again, Antonio. The kiss at the garden, the night when I was drunk on my bed, all those times when he just sat there In my room and watched me dress, making my body heat with the desire of wanting him close. Was he teasing me? Did he have any idea about my longings? Or did he share the same longings?

    It was stupid the way I sent him off during our argument. Now he was probably keeping his distance to teach me a lesson. But if he really cared about me, why would he take my words so easily and leave just like that?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Charlie asked as I sighed in his mouth.

    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m just tired. Can¡¯t wait to be done with this and return to my usual life,¡± I said.

    There was an atom of truth in what I had said. Somehow, this whole thing was bing overwhelming. If I kept having this new feelings about the boss, then sooner orter I would be bound to betray Charlie. Which wouldn¡¯t be a wise thing to do, as that would put my life in danger and I doubt Mr boss would bothering to my rescue.

    ¡°I need to go back to ss,¡± i pushed his chest away gently, when he leaned in again preparing for another kiss.

    ¡°Why the rush? I thought this was recess period?¡±

    Just then the bell went off, signalling the end of the recess period. I couldn¡¯t be more grateful hearing the sounds of it. I smiled wickedly at him, letting him no that it was a time up and I had to leave.

    Without more words, I backed away until I got to the door that led out of the gent. I took onest look at the man that was supposed to be the love of my life. He winked and I closed the door, shutting him out of my view.

    I held the door knob for a moment, taking a few deep breaths, thanking my stars for a sessful meeting. After a minute, I traced my way back to the ssroom, praying in my heart that Charlie exits the toilets before someone sees him. If he wasn¡¯t the almost-giant that he was, I wouldn¡¯t be worrying about him being seen.

    The students are on casual wears and nobody would¡¯ve been able to detect that he was not a student, but with his stature, he would easily draw attention to himself. Well, whatever.

    ¡°Eve!¡± I heard my name, just as I stepped into the ss. It was Debbie and I was surprised to see her.

    ¡°Debbie!¡± I called back, ignoring the stares from the other students.

    I walked up to her, hugging her tightly, as though we were two lost friends that had just found each other.

    ¡°You came! How are you feeling?¡± I asked, checking her out.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± she was smiling widely.

    ¡°Girl you¡¯re glowing. What¡¯s up? Where¡¯s Jacob?¡± I looked out through the window, expecting to see the car.

    ¡°He is gone,¡± she blushed.

    ¡°Okayyy, so he took you home to change into this?¡± I looked at her suspiciously.

    ¡°Come off it Eve, you¡¯re bing so naughty in thoughts,¡± she pped me yfully.

    ¡°Girl, I have always been naughty, you just didn¡¯t see that part of me.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I know you thinking we made out or even had sex, but let me stir your bubbles,¡± she leaned in closer, making it seem as though she was about to say something really nasty and didnt want the wind blowing it into the ears of others.

    ¡°Go on, turn over my bubbles if you want,¡± I joked, listening in anticipation.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Nothing happened,¡± she whispered into my ears.

    I waited for a brief second, hoping she had more to say. When she went silent for rather too long, I pulled my ears away and stared up at her, with a questioning look.

    ¡°Yeah, nothing really happened.¡± She repeated.

    Now my bubbles were actually stirring. What did she mean by nothing happened? She spent a whole night with the same dude that had turned her brainst night and made her run in front of a car to be knocked down, just to do nothing?

    ¡°Not even a kiss?¡± I asked, my eyes bulging in disbelief.

    ¡°Not even a hug, Eve.¡± She smiled.

    ¡°I want to believe you Debbie, with everything in me, I really want to believe what you just said, but girl your look is saying otherwise. You¡¯re literally glowing with excitement. Plus I saw the connection between you two, what happened then? Was he rude to you? I know Jacob can be really annoying most times.¡±

    ¡°Eve stop worrying, I¡¯m fine. Last night was the best night of my life. And Jay was a sweet soul as I rightly predicted.¡± She giggled.

    A teacher stepped into the ss, disrupting our conversation. Debbie promised to tell me all about her night after school. She informed me that Jacob would not be able toe pick me, because he would be busy with something.

    So we stood at the garage after the closing bell, waiting for Jasper, the same guard that had brought me to school. It didn¡¯t take long before he arrived, he dropped Debbie off at her ce before taking me home.

    I ascended the stairs, thinking about the things that Debbie had told me about herself and Jacob. I felt genuinely happy for her. But my thought was interrupted by a strange noise as I got into the corridor.

    I paused for a moment, listening for where it came from. It sounded like a female voice, like a crying female voice, low sobs. I listened carefully again, wondering what female could be crying around here, when I was clearly the only female staying in this castle.

    Then I heard it clearly. It was not just a sob, it was a pleasurable sob. It was a moan from a female and the sound wasing from no other ce but Antonio¡¯s room. My heartbeat took into a frantic race as I approached the door that was slightly opened.

    Was it what I was thinking? What if it is? My inner voice asked back. I was prepared to find out, so I went closer.

 Chapter Twenty-Five

    I wasn¡¯t wrong, Antonio was fucking someone. He had his back to the door, his hips swaying back and forth as he mmed into her. She was seated on his desk facing the door, so I could see the sheer feeling of ecstacy that masked her look.

    I wasn¡¯t supposed to be watching, I wasn¡¯t supposed to be getting pissed off by what was going on, I wanted to leave, but my feet stayed glued to the marble floor beneath me. My eyes felt itchy with tears. Why was I feeling so hurt anyways? He isn¡¯t even my boyfriend.

    She opened her eyes and they met with mine. I didn¡¯t take off my eyes because I wanted to see her reaction and maybe make her feel ufortable. She stared back at me, smiling mockingly, her moans climbing a higher pitch, her hands tousling the hair on Antonio¡¯s head. She was clearly trying to upset me. But why?

    Then it rang a bell. I knew her, I mean I have seen her before. She was the Barbie girl that appeared at the party the other night, stealing the attention of the audience and dancing on Antonio¡¯sp. It was her. Jacob had said she was his ex girlfriend. And now she was sitting on his desk getting banged by him.

    She threw her head behind, shifting further to the edge of the desk, moving her hips to match with his pace. I couldn¡¯t take any more of it. I mmed the slightly opened door shut, giving them the privacy that they needed. I leaned on the door for a moment, listening keenly.

    ¡°Who was that?¡± I heard him asking.

    ¡°Nobody to worry about,¡± she answered, before the moaning and groaning continued.

    I sauntered into my room, blotting the door behind me. The lump in my chest gave way and the tears that had been pleading to fall finally got their way, rolling down my checks. I didn¡¯t bother taking a shower, I threw my bag on the couch, hauled my shoes at the door of the wardrobe and buried myself in the thickness of my duvet.

    ***

    I don¡¯t know how I got back to the door, this time I didn¡¯t stand peeping, I went in, pulled Antonio away from the bitch. The ecstacy I had seen on her face had changed into shock. She definitely didn¡¯t expect me to interrupt them.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Antonio turned to me.

    ¡°How could you do this?¡± I faced him.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t be doing this with her, it should be me! Not her,¡± I yelled at him.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t want me. Eve go back to your room and read your books,¡± hemanded.

    ¡°You heard him, leave the room, school girl,¡± the bitch was nowughing.

    I was so angry, so intimidated that I actually obeyed themand, running off like a child and bursting into tears. Then I woke up.

    It was a dream. Thank goodness it was just a dream. I still had on me the clothes I wore to school, I was still coiled under my sheets and one nce at the door gave me the confirmation I needed, the bolt was still locked.

    Was she still there? In his room? I wondered, as my mind reflected on the dream I just had. It would have been very embarrassing if that had truly happened. Why did he ask me to go and read my books? Did he think I was less fun because I was a school girl? He should know better than that, he had met me at a strippers club, what boring girl would survive in a ce like that?

    There was a knock on the door. I couldn¡¯t really start thinking about who it could be, I had less energy for that. I pulled myself out of the bed, struggling to the door with the little strength left in me, I turned the locks. It was Jacob.

    ¡°Hi,¡± he greeted.

    ¡°Hi,¡± I answered, leaving the door and walking back into the room.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he followed behind me. There was a tray in his hand.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I climbed back into the bed.

    ¡°I brought lunch.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±

    ¡°I would leave it here,¡± he ced the tray on the table and returned to the couch.

    ¡°Now tell me what¡¯s eating you up,¡± he continued.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just hear me say nothing? I¡¯m fine Jay, thanks for the meal, you can leave now,¡± I yelled at him.

    He was calm, he didn¡¯t flinch, didn¡¯t raise his brows in surprise, just calm like I didn¡¯t just shout at him. Then he rxed on the couch, tapping his fingers on his thighs, it was probably a habit for him.

    ¡°When the boss lost his sister, it took a hard toll on him, you know why?¡± He asked, not waiting for my response he went on.

    ¡°That was because she was his only friend. She was the only person he could confide in, she knew all his secrets and could predict his next move. He couldn¡¯t handle her death so he gave in to pills and brown liquor and he ended up in rehab. That¡¯s where I met him, we got out together and we¡¯ve been together since then.¡± He finished.

    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± I asked, a little confused.

    ¡°I expected you to be smart enough to draw the moral lessons.¡±

    ¡°Well it seems I¡¯m not, so what is the moral lesson?¡± I red at him. He hesitated for a moment, watching me in a way that suggested he was trying to read my mind.

    ¡°If you bottle up things, you would end up in rehab,¡± he blurted and got to his feet.

    The way he said it made meugh. I could hear my ownughter resounding in the room. He had a puzzled look on his face, which only made meugh more.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡± He finally asked with a smile.

    ¡°You! You¡¯re so funny,¡± I was trying to tame my giggling now.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± he gave a mock bow.

    ¡°For what?¡± I had stoppedughing by now.

    ¡°For thanking me, for lightening your mood,¡± he answered.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say thank you.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    ¡°Well, I appreciate youing in here to check up on me and¡­ for staying with Debbiest night,¡± I studied his face.

    There was a deep smile when he said ¡°Don¡¯t thank me for that, the pleasure was mine as well.¡± he arranged his jacket.

    ¡°Okayyy??¡± I asked stylishly, wanting to hear more.

    ¡°Look, she is a nice person okay, and¡­ and¡­¡± he stuttered to a stop.

    It was the first time I was hearing Jacob stutter orck words since I met him. Was he in love already? That would be nice anyways, because from the things Debbie said, she was swimming in love already.

    She had appreciated his sense of humor. ¡°He said really funny things throughout the night, I couldn¡¯t catch any sleep. He held my hands when there was nothing left to say. He pecked my forehead when I closed my eyes. Then he insisted on taking him home and bringing me to school himself.¡± Debbie had narrated all of this without dimming the smile on her face while we waited at the school garage earlier on.

    ¡°I think I like her,¡± Jacob finally found his words.

    ¡°Wow,¡± I mouthed.

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell her that, please.¡± He pleaded.

    ¡°Why is that?¡± I propped up from the bed, dropping my feet to the ground.

    ¡°Because you can¡¯t, okay!¡± He half yelled.

    ¡°Woah, rx. What if she loves you,¡± his head whirled in a quick motion to stare at me. ¡°I mean what if she likes you too, since you both are still on the like level,¡± I said thest line quietly.

    ¡°Did she tell you that?¡± He asked.

    I thought about telling him, but what if Debbie doesn¡¯t want him to know too? He was looking right at me, with expectation lingering in his eyes.

    ¡°No, she didn¡¯t tell me that. I was just assuming. It¡¯s a lovely beginning though, you both could find out.¡± I strolled towards the table where he had ced the food.

    He was half way walking towards the door already. ¡°Do you think she has a boyfriend?¡± He turned back.

    I settled on the couch, holding the dish on myp and savoring the aroma. ¡°Jay, she is single. And if you have any ns, then you should put them into motion already.¡± I pushed a spoonful of pasta into my mouth.

    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t hungry?¡± He couldn¡¯t just ignore the opportunity to mock me.

    ¡°That was like thirty minutes ago, I guess I found my appetite,¡± I said between mouthfuls.

    ¡°Good for you and again you¡¯re wee,¡±

    ¡°For what now?¡± I turned to face him. He was already at the door, his hand circling the knob.

    ¡°For helping to lighten your mood. I should have allowed you to starve a little longer beforeing,¡± he teased.

    I dropped the te back on the table, walking towards him, ¡°Okay, that is it, you¡¯ve served me lunch and we¡¯ve talked about your girlfriend, can you now leave? I need my privacy.¡± I pushed him gently on the back, opening the door.

    ¡°My girlfriend?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Leave Jacob,¡± I was chuckling, until I saw him.

 Chapter Twenty-Six

    He was walking towards us, his pace increasing when he saw me. Was he heading for my room? I didn¡¯t wait to find out, I closed the door as soon as Jacob was out.

    ¡°Eve!¡± I heard him call.

    ¡°Is she okay?¡± He was asking Jacob.

    Jacob¡¯s tune was a whisper, I couldn¡¯t hear his response from behind the closed door. He was knocking on the door again, but I ignored him. I wasn¡¯t ready to face him after what I had seen earlier on. It was best if he stayed away.

    I returned to my meal, refusing to listen to the voice outside the door and refusing to listen to my heart that was pleading for him. It wasn¡¯t fair that I was here nursing some silly feelings for him and he was with someone else.

    ¡°You weren¡¯t supposed to be nursing feelings. You were supposed to be gathering informations about him.¡± My inner voice reminded me.

    I pulled off my clothes, needing to take a calming shower. There was silence outside the door so I was guessing he was gone. Good for him. Yet, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about his voice calling my name, so I picked my phone, turned on my ylist. I connected it to the speaker in the room, turning on the volume. The sound filled the room, it filled my thought also, as I sang along.

    I took a while in the shower, enjoying the privacy, the coolness of the liquid running through my body, the voice of the female singer that filled the room, flittering into the bathroom. It felt like personal therapy, so I took my time to heal.

    My mind had not prepared me for what I met when i stepped outside the shower into my room. So it was okay to say I staggered a little backward, more from shock than from fear. Or maybe it was both. My throat was instantly dry and the first thought that crossed my mind was to flee back into the bathroom.

    As if reading my thoughts, he rose immediately from the couch, crossing the room in speed, he was standing next to me, holding my hands before i could move. ¡°Wait Eve.¡±

    ¡°Why? How did you get into my room? I closed it,¡± i was sure I did.

    ¡°It¡¯s my house remember? I have my way around,¡± he grinned, which only angered me more.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± I looked away from his alluring eyes, still trying to listen to the music that yed.

    ¡°You. I wanted to see you, to know how you were doing,¡± he was still holding my arm, trying to sound louder than the music.

    ¡°Thanks, you¡¯ve seen me, and have confirmed that I¡¯m okay, you should return to her now,¡± I snapped.

    ¡°To who?¡± He feigned. I red at him refusing to answer the question.

    ¡°Oh my ex? You saw her?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I saw her enjoying the fuck you gave her.¡±

    ¡°And I owe you an apology for that?¡± He asked, his tune was suddenly irritating, with all the masculine prideing with it.

    ¡°No. Not at all. You do not owe me anything and that¡¯s why you have to leave now,¡± I answered.

    ¡°Come,e take a seat,¡± he was pulling me away from the bathroom door towards the couch. I dug my heels into the soft rug, trying to resist the pull but I was clearly no match for his strength.

    ¡°Seat,¡± hemanded. And like a programmed robot, I obeyed, arranging the robe that covered my skin. He walked over to the speaker turning it off. Silence was immediately restored.

    ¡°You know you didn¡¯t have to turn that shit so high like that right? Except of course you¡¯re deaf.¡± He said. I was quiet.

    He had one hand to his waist as he paced the space in front of me, then pausing directly in front of me he said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what silly ideas you have going through your mind, but I just hope you do not expect a perfect gentle man of me.¡±

    I was quiet still. He resumed pacing and after a while, he upied the space beside me. We sat in silence, his hand taking mine and rubbing them gently. Whatever he thought he was doing, it was definitely working.

    ¡°Do you love me? Is that it? Are you jealous about my ex?¡± He turned me around, so I was facing him now. His hand tilting my chin upwards.

    ¡°I am your stripper,¡± I answered bluntly, trying hard not to feel the impact of his body so close to mine.

    ¡°I should take that as a no then,¡± his lips were trailing the vains around my neck now. I swallowed hard, absorbing the ticklish feeling.

    ¡°You should take it as whatever you please,¡± my voice came out more as a moan.

    ¡°You are so soft,¡± his hand slipped into the robe, harassing my skin.

    The cold bath I  took became useless, as my body steamed up in heat to his touch. This was shameless i told myself, yet I threw my head behind, giving him more ess to my neck.

    His hands were doing magic to my body and I was losing control over my lust. I plunged into his lips, kissing feverishly, he returned the kiss, like someone who had been starved of romance. Then it ured to me, that he had probably kissed his ex in the same manner just a few hours ago.

    That was all I needed to quench the burning lust in me. I broke the kiss, removed his hands from my robe and rose to my feet. ¡°Maybe you should leave,¡± I told him.

    ¡°Why?¡± He asked, raising to meet me.

    How do I exin to him that I am so eaten by jealousy, that I can¡¯t stand the thought of sharing him with his ex? Christ! He wasn¡¯t even my boyfriend, he probably doesn¡¯t have any feelings for me and I was allowing shamelessly allowing him to use me.

    I know Charlie had said if it meant sleeping with him to get what I want, then I should do it. But this wasn¡¯t because of the n, if we had sex now, it would be because I allowed my desire have the better hold on me, not because of the n.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to have sex with you,¡± I blurted.

    ¡°Really?¡± He chuckled in amusement.

    ¡°Really?¡± I asked back.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°Who said I was going to fuck you?¡± He asked proudly.

    I batted myshes, feeling tongue tied. Of course he wasn¡¯t going to sleep with me, this was just him teasing me and I fell for it. I was probably not his ss. Then why was he keeping me? I made to ask.

    ¡®He isn¡¯t keeping you, you epted to work for him, you even sent him a text, remember?¡¯ The voice in my head spoke.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± I answered.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Antonio asked. I didn¡¯t realize i had spoken out loud.

    ¡°I mean of course, you weren¡¯t going to fuck me,¡± I turned around, heading to my bed. I couldn¡¯t stand him anymore.

    ¡°Let me take you out for dinner, 7pmter tonight,¡± he offered.

    ¡°Why do you want to do that?¡±

    ¡°Because I feel you need some outside air. You¡¯ve been locked up in this room for too long and it¡¯s begining to mess with your head.¡±

    ¡°My head is perfectly fine.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± He shrugged.

    ¡°See you by 7.¡± He winked before heading towards the door.

    I wanted to tell him not to waste his time because I wasn¡¯t going, but I realized he was right. I needed the outside air or whatever he had said. This would be more of my advantage than his. I told myself.

    Left alone again, I could now wonder about how he had gotten into the room. He must have kept a spare key for himself. After all it was his home. But how didn¡¯t I hear the door open? It must have been the loud music. I wouldn¡¯t probably hear even a gun fight going on in the room with how high I had turned on the music.

    Now I had to take another shower, as I wasn¡¯t feeling cool anymore. I hated that my body would react this way every single time he touched me. Thinking back, I realized I never felt all of this with Charlie. But why? Our rtionship had seem like the best, before Antonio came into our lives.

    It was sad that I now had to question everything I had with Charlie. None of it was making any sense. I picked up my phone scrolling through my gallery at the pictures between Charlie and I. Maybe there was somethingcking all those years and I was too blind to notice.

    A text buzzed it way into my phone. It was from Debbie. Jacob was asking to take her for a date and she wanted to know what I thought. ¡°Go girl,¡± I simply typed.

    ¡°You want to join us?¡± She texted back.

    ¡°Nah. I wouldn¡¯t want to do that, you¡¯ll need the privacy. Besides, I¡¯d be going out with Antonio as well.¡± I informed her.

    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s super cool right? We both going on dates with two really handsome men.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I guess it¡¯s super cool.¡± I typed back, before returning into the bathroom

 Chapter Twenty-Seven

    I was in the sitting room a few minutes before seven. I had seeded in taking a short nap, ransacking my wardrobe for a perfect outfit and knitting my hair into a short wavy ponytail. I kept my look as simple as possible.

    ¡°You are out early,¡± I turned sharply towards the sound of his voice from the steps.

    ¡°I guess I have good manners, I don¡¯t go about keeping people waiting,¡± I shrugged, watching him as he descended the stairs regally.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Or, you¡¯re just so bored, you can¡¯t wait to be out there seeing the outside world. All thanks to my idea.¡± He had reached the foot of the couch where I sat.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so full of yourself,¡± I warned him, unable to help my smile.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it sometimes.¡± He smiled back. It was rare to see that side of him, too rare that when it urred, his face glowed differently in my eyes.

    ¡°You look stunning,¡± heplimented.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it sometimes,¡± I shrugged, using his own words.

    There was a low chuckling sound from his throat as his face splitted into a wide grin. He had found my choice of word funny. My stomach fluttered from knowing that I had made him grin that widely.

    ¡°You¡¯re smart.¡± He finally said.

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°May I?¡± He reached for my hands, offering his curved out arm. I rose slowly, sliding my hand into his arm.

    ¡°Can I ask for a favor?¡± He requested, throwing me off my bnce. Why was he being so polite and nice anyways? This was his house and I was only but a stripper, what favor could he possibly need from me?

    Yet I nodded, giving him the permission to go on with his request. ¡°Can we act normal tonight?¡± He said to my amusement.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°I was hoping we could leave behind your craziness and hatred for me, tonight while we go out. I want to be with the real you,¡± he paused, turning me around to face him, he held my chin gently, tilting my face to meet his.

    ¡°I want you to enjoy your time out today, and to do that, you really have to loosen up,¡± he added slowly, allowing each word to sink.

    Did he really think I was crazy? Well, who wouldn¡¯t go crazy living under the same roof with someone like Antonio? He was insanely cute and could make anydy drip to wetness in her pants by just being close. He could also be right about me hating him, or he could be wrong.

    I watched him with still eyes, not responding verbally to his request. Yet, I knew he could see it in my eyes that I was ready to let down my guards for him tonight.

    ¡®Maybe this is the night you¡¯ve been waiting for, you could y your cards right and get what you need for Charlie and you would be free.¡¯ My inner voice whispered.

    What if I didn¡¯t want to be free anymore? What if all I wanted for tonight was to be allowed to enjoy myself in thepany of this man, who has me trapped in his castle as his stripper, yet wouldn¡¯t use me for his sexual satisfaction? What if I wanted to remain a prisoner to his warm touch and the gleam in his eyes tonight.

    He led me out of the sitting room, holding onto my hands, cing each foot, delicately after the other, as if trying to prevent me from stumbling and shattering into several pieces like an egg.

    The car to be used stood parked in thepound, a driver or just one of the guards stood beside the door ready to take orders. ¡°I would drive myself,¡± Antonio said to the guy that stood beside the car, stretching his hand to get the key.

    The words had dropped like grenades, exploding into a deafening silence. The guard had a surprised look on his face as his hands hung Midway. Why would the boss want to drive himself, must have been the thought on his mind.

    But he knew better than questioning the decision of the boss. He dropped the key into Antonio¡¯s hand with a bow. Even as he shifted from the door of the car, the look of disbelief still hung on his face.

    Antonio held out the door for me. It was sweetly strange watching him do all the things he normally never did, like grinning so wide. What on earth hade over him? Perhaps it was the adrenaline rush from the sex he had earlier with his ex. That was a terrible thing to cross my mind, my mood went bleak immediately, following the thought.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked from beside me, as he rolled the car out of the gate. Just before the car waspletely out, I caught sight of Jacob stepping out of the main building. The car was moving so quickly that I couldn¡¯t make out hisplete dress. He was probably getting set for his date with Debbie. A small smile touched my lips.

    ¡°Now that is better,¡± Antonio said. He had watched me smile, and must have concluded that it was for his sake. He turned on the car radio, searching for something, then turned it off after a while.

    ¡°What is your favorite genre of music?¡±

    ¡°I like hip-hop, and maybe anything cool. Why?¡± I asked back.

    ¡°The music you were ying earlier on, it was my sister¡¯s favorite.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± my lips curved. It was the same sister Jacob had mentioned. I knew better than going further into that conversation, even though I was curious to hear from him what had happened to her.

    ¡°Have I told you I admire your strength,¡± he mentioned.

    Now that was a really sweet thing to say,ing from a cold heart Mafia Lord. Why exactly had he said that? I didn¡¯t care to ask. All I knew was that my cheeks were heated at the moment and must have turned pink with color.

    ¡°And your beauty. And maybe a little of your stubbornness, just a little. The rest of it can be really irking,¡± he smiled that smile again, that made my belly float with excitement.

    He had called me smart and strong and beautiful, all within the spam of an hour. The same man who could be really rugged, and annoying and inconsiderate to people. The same man that had ordered his men to beat up Charlie, mercilessly. The same man that hade into my life and made it spun entirely into a different direction.

    ***

    Struggling to get a degree, and working my ass off in a strippers club would not have afforded me the luxury I stepped into at the diner that was picked for our dinner. It was decorated in the 50s and 60s pop culture theme. A few tall stools, lined around one side of the counter and booths on the other side. A popr hip-hop music filtered through the speaker in a tranquil sound.

    The lights were just dim enough, so that it was possible to see your way through the diner. Avamp was ced on each table, to reveal your dish. The air was a mixture of baked food and stored wines that made my throat itchy.

    We settled into one of the booths at the far corner of the diner, close to the window. It was a reserved spot and cost more than the usual settings. The menus were brought and the meal came after.

    I sipped from the ss of red wine, allowing the expensive taste to fill my buds.¡±I knew you could be nice,¡± I lowered the ss.

    ¡°You have a soft nature hiding behind this thick skin of yours,¡± I added.

    He leaned back in his seat, eying me, with his ss carelessly sitting between his fingers. ¡°Don¡¯t get toofortable. This is only a treat, and you¡­¡±

    ¡°I am still your stripper?¡± I cut off.

    He was silent, then his phone beeped on the table, a perfect escape from my question. He picked it up, pressed on the receiver¡¯s button, not taking his eyes off me. He listened to whoever it was on the other line of the phone with little or no change to his facial expression. It was so quick I almost would have missed it, if I wasn¡¯t watching keenly. A slight frown, and a shift in his brows, then it disappeared quickly again.

    ¡°I would be there in a jiffy,¡± was his only response.

    I packed my purse, getting ready to leave as soon as the call dropped. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I should be asking you, there was a frown on your face two seconds back. And you mentioned leaving in a jiffy.¡±

    ¡°You would finish your meal and we would have one dance on the floor before a jiffy.¡± He answered, dropping the phone on the table, with a new kind of calmness.

 Chapter Twenty-Eight

    Like he had said, I was done with my meal and we danced to a slow song from the speakers. This time, it was soul dance, two warm bodies flowing to rhythm, not stripping, and rolling my naked ass. It turned out a wonderful night, though I still couldn¡¯t get my mind off the call he had made earlier.

    It was strong in my instincts that something wasn¡¯t right. Hisposure did nothing to lessen the feeling, I knew he was acting all cool to help me rx. I knew he wanted to be home in a jiffy as he had promised whoever it was in the phone. I wanted to be home to, maybe I¡¯d get over my restlessness if I knew everything was fine.

    When the music died down, there was a tremendous sound of pping from the crowd that we couldn¡¯t see, because of the dim lights. ¡°How was your night?¡± He asked, his face was so close to mine, that all i had to do was to lean forward a little and I¡¯d be crashing onto his lips.

    ¡°Smooth, I suppose. You were a perfect gentle man,¡± I smiled at him.

    ¡°Am d I was. Can we go now?¡±

    ***

    The calmness at the club vanished the moment we got into the castle. He climbed the steps leading into the house in a great rush and called for all the guards to be in the sitting room in a not so nice voice.

    ¡°Go to your room,¡± he hadmand as we got to the sitting room. The whole guards were summoned and stood in a straight file in the sitting room. Jacob was absent. Fear gripped my chest. Was this because something had happened to Jacob? If anything had happened to him, then Debbie would definitely be affected.

    I walked up the stairs, but leaned on the corridor walls, trying to pick out what I could from the hush conversation that went on downstairs. ¡°How could you be so careless?¡± I heard Antonio asking. The guards spoke in really soft tunes that it was impossible picking anything else.

    ¡°Leave my presence,¡± Hemanded them atst in an angry tune.

    I took the order as well, tiptoeing into my room as fast as I could. I opened the door gently, trying hard to mute the sound, then pressing it quietly after getting in. I peeped through the keyhole, trying to listen to the sound of his voice or his footsteps climbing the stairs.

    They came after waiting noiselessly at the door for ten minutes. He mmed the door to his room so hard that the noise echoed in the empty space of the corridor. Here i was, blind about whatever was going on, but i knew it had to be serious to make him so angry.

    ¡®Call Debbie¡¯ my mind voice finally suggested. I searched through my purse for my phone. On the first ring, she picked up the call, making me breath in relief. She sounded happy.

    ¡°He just dropped me off, maybe five minutes ago. He should be on his way home.¡± She answered, when I asked about Jacob. ¡°How was your date? Did it still hold?¡± She asked back.

    ¡°Yeah, it did. I will tell you all about it when we see tomorrow,¡± I promised before dropping the call. I would be in for a whole lot of chatting tomorrow, if I eventually appear at school. Debbie would not miss a single detail when narrating how her date went. And I would have to listen.

    If Jacob just left her ce, then he probably wasn¡¯t aware of whatever was going on back in the castle. It wouldn¡¯t make any sense calling him to find out, even if he knew something, he would be more loyal to Antonio than he would ever be to me. There was no assurance that he would speak to me about whatever it was.

    What if I walk to his door and asked him what was wrong? Would he open up? I paced the small space between my bed and couch. ¡®When did you start caring so much about this man?¡¯  ¡®You were here to ruin him, but all you seem to be doing is lusting after him and acting all soft, this isn¡¯t the Eve, Charlie sent.¡¯ my subconscious mind spoke.

    I pulled off my dress, took a warm shower and climbed into bed, willing myself to sleep and forget about whatever was going on. After an hour of toasting and turning and sighing, I jumped down, pulled my robe over my nightwear and headed for his room.

    My stubborn heart wouldn¡¯t rest a bit until I knew what was going on, so it was better to find out early and get the peace I needed. I stumbled through the dark and quiet corridor, the lights were turned off, but I knew the direction of his room by heart, I didn¡¯t need the break of dawn to locate it.

    I knocked softly, wrapping my robe more tightly around myself, as the corridor now felt intensely cold. There was silence, but I knew he was awake, probably seating on his desk and going through paperworks from office or just sipping a bottle of wine. Whichever it was, I was sure he wasn¡¯t on his bed by this hour, sleeping.

    I knocked for the second time, wondering now if it was a good idea to havee out here in such light clothes. I rubbed my arms in an attempt to brush off the cold. Silence yet. I was raising my hand for a third knock when the door bolted and gave way, not beyond the chain level.

    He was leaning out to look at me, his eyes dark and his voice heavy when asked, ¡°What are you still doing awake?¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep.¡± I murmured.

    ¡°And why is that?¡±

    ¡°I was restless. What is going on?¡± I asked him.

    ¡°Nothing, go back to your room.¡± He said in a low growl.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be able to sleep, just tell me,¡± I insisted, shifting closer to the door, hoping to get admitted.

    ¡°Do you usually care this way about your customers, or is there an exception here?¡± it was supposed to be a joke, but there was not even a twitch on his lips nor an expression on his face.

    ¡°I guess none of my customers have brought me home to be a personal stripper. The exception seems to being from you,¡± I answered with a small smile, hoping to touch his heart.

    He undid the chain holding the door and allowed me in. It was my first time actuallying into his room. The only light in the room was that from themp stand, the rest of the room was dark. He moved swiftly to the wardrobe and came back with a zer that he threw around my shoulder to help with the cold.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee out here.¡± He repeated, arranging the cloth over my shoulder, like a mother dressing her child.

    ¡°I want to know what¡¯s going on.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business, you are here to work¡­¡±

    ¡°As what?¡± I cut him off.

    ¡°As my¡­ as my personal stripper,¡± He went on to say.

    ¡°Then let me dance for you,¡± I moved closer to him, trailing the hair on his chest with my finger. He wore a zer himself, that was unbutton.

    I stood on my toe, reaching for his ear, ¡°Who knows, my moves may soothe your worried heart,¡± i whispered.

    ¡°Not tonight, Eve.¡±

    I paid him no heed. I walked over to the armless chair facing his table and drew it out, making him seat on it. I turned on the lights to aid with my movement as I tried locating the sound system. It wasn¡¯t hard to find a really suitable music for the asion.

    I reached for his wardrobe, picking a ck tie, from among his ties collection. I came back, taking off the zer, stripping off my robe as I approached him, leaving just the small, light dress beneath. I cared less about the cold now, knowing i would feel rather too hot when I started dancing.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    If he was moved at seeing me almost naked, he made little reaction to it. I wrapped the tie around his eyes lightly, blindfolding him. I took out the band holding my hair, allowing it pour over my shoulders.

    Then I sat softly, directly on his dick. I felt him jerk from beneath at the connection. I smiled inwardly, as I rolled my hips in a circr motion around his thighs. His hands came upon my breast, smooching them lightly. This too was an exception, a customer had no right to grab my boobs.

    As the music got intensed, I turned around to face him, closing the distance between our bodies, so that my body was resting directly on his. I worked my hands over every exposed part of his body. There was a groan, a pleasurable groan. It was a sound of satisfaction or a feeling of want, either one, I was d.

    ¡°Eve¡­¡± He called in a low, vibrating growl.

 Chapter Twenty-Nine

    ¡°Eve,¡± he called again.

    I ignored the call, moving more smoothly over his body. I went down to the bottom of his belly, reaching for his belt. He wore a in, linen trouser, there was no belt, but a button. I reached for it nevertheless, undoing the hold. I allowed my hands to dig deep into his underwear, searching for his dick.

    ¡°Shiii¡­ what are you doing?¡± His hands settled on my hair.

    I went on ignoring him still, I curled my hands around his shaft, feeling the warmth and size of it. A deep moan escaped his lips, his body shook with the sound. His head fell behind in total submission, his hands pulled roughly on the silk strands of my hair.

    I rubbed up and down his shaft, using his precum as a lubricant to ease the movement. ¡°Eve¡­¡± He moaned.

    After a while of stroking, I plunged his dick into my wet mouth. It was almost toorge for my small lips to cover, but I pushed it in anyways, going slowly down to the root of his dick, then up again, allowing my mouth to adjust to the size. The tempo of the movement increased, as I worked on his slippery shaft, using my tongue to send the right stimulus.

    The grip on my hair became rough, as he pushed my head back and forth. What started as a slow, intentional move, became a frenzy of want. He pushed me forward until his dick was hitting my throat, creating a gagging feeling. I could tell he was close to climaxing, the groans became louder and deeper and his hands held tightly to my hair for support. I went faster, quicker, adding more pressure with my tongue, smooching his balls lights.

    A throaty howl emitted from his lips, his muscles became rigid and his hands stopped moving. ¡°Take your mouth off,¡± he warned. I didn¡¯t stop, didn¡¯t listen, I kept going down on him, with more speed, taking him all the way to climax. The liquid burst out, feeling my throat.

    He made an attempt to pull out, but I held on, swallowing every drop of his essence, lifting my eyes to watch the satisfaction on his face. He released my hair, trailed his hand around my cheeks, his eyes were dark and drowsy. I pulled out, pushing his dick back into his pants.

    He dragged down the tie, tilting my face upward, he took my lips in a feverish kiss. ¡°Where did you learn that?¡± he whispered, kissing my neck.

    ¡°I¡¯m a stripper, remember?¡± I moaned back, enjoying the feel of his lips on my body.

    He scooped me from the floor in one swift move, taking me up to his giant bed. The bed dipped in with his weight, as he climbed into it,ying me down gently. He pulled off the zer from his body and threw it to the corner of the bed, then leaned down on me, touching every part of my exposed skin with wet kisses that sent shivers through my entire system.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee out here,¡± he repeated for the third time. ¡°Now I don¡¯t know what to do with you,¡± he added.

    ¡°Do whatever you wish,¡± I drawled.

    ¡°You are so small and soft and beautiful,¡± for every word, he dropped a kiss. His hands reached for my boobs again, bringing them out of my defenseless nightwear, he descended on the right one, sucking on it like a hungry toddler, his other hand nabbing the nipple of the left one.

    A surge of pleasure traveled through my nerves, making me moan in ecstacy. My sound filled the room, shutting out every other thing. I wriggled beneath his body, aching for more of his touch. As if in response to my want, his hand trundled down my inner thighs, touching them intimately.

    I threw my legs wider, giving him more ess. My body quivered with pleasure when his fingers reached the entrance of my honeypot. They roamed about the entrance for a moment, making me lose control of the grip I had on myself. The teasing was intense, I felt my senses flying out of my head.

    ¡°Just go on,¡± I pleaded, arching closer to him. He responded with a groan that spelt desire, yet, he didn¡¯t go in, didn¡¯t indulge me.

    ¡°I want you so badly,¡± He growled.

    ¡°Then have me,¡± I answered, losing every sense of control. I couldn¡¯t think, couldn¡¯t gather a sensible thought, all I wanted was more of him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t. Not tonight Eve,¡± he lowered his head, pecking me on the lips, before rolling off me. Heid quietly on his back, staring at the ceiling.

    ¡°Why? Why can¡¯t you have me?¡± I asked, trying to hide the shame that crept into my voice.

    ¡°You are not ready for me.¡±

    ¡°So why did you go that far?¡±

    ¡°Eve go to bed,¡± he said, turning on his side, so that he was backing me.

    ¡°Why are you always trying so hard to be mean?¡±

    ¡°Sleep, Eve.¡± He said quietly.

    I was too embarrassed to share his bed with him, too embarrassed toy there beside him, after all that just went down. I jumped out of the bed, grabbing my robe from the ground, I matched straight out of the door, heading to my room with a heart that was about to explode.

    He didn¡¯te after, didn¡¯t call me back, he justid there, as if he wasn¡¯t aware of my absence. I had seeded in making a fool out of myself. If I had just stayed In bed, all this would have passed away.

    I buried my face into my pillow, sobbing hard, lumpy sobs. It didn¡¯t take long to drift into a dreamless sleep.

    ***

    I woke up the next morning, trying hard not to think about what happened the previous night. I got dressed for school, went down to the dining area for breakfast, and then out to the car. Jacob was waiting. We greeted each other briefly, as I was in no mood for a conversation.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked, halfway into the drive.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I snapped.

    ¡°Okay,¡± even if he knew I wasn¡¯t, he didn¡¯t press on, didn¡¯t pester me for a response.

    ¡°Tell Debbie I say hi,¡± he said, when I stepped out of the car.

    ¡°Okay.¡± I hung my bag, walking straight to my ss.

    Debbie met me in the corridor, with a cheerful smile. ¡°What¡¯s up Eve, you look gloomy. Is your grandma dead?¡± She joked.

    I paused walking. ¡°No, actually she¡¯s not. Perhaps I heard news of your own mother¡¯s death.¡± I snapped at her. She was shocked at my reply, as she stood freezed to the spot.

    What she said was meant to be a joke, but I was in no mood for jokes and there was no better way to tell her. Debbie kept her distance for the rest of the day, not visiting my desk as usual. I was half d about putting her off, that way, I could save myself the stress of listening to her gist about the date.

    Yet, I felt bad about the approach I had used. ¡®She will get over it,¡¯ I consoled myself. I plugged in my headphones, zooming out of my present environment. My mind was back, wondering about what was eating Antonio up. If only I knew, maybe it would help me understand.

    My body still yearned for his touch. He had led me on too far. I picked up my phone, texting Charlie that I wanted to see him after school at my apartment. ¡°It¡¯s important,¡± I added.

    At the sound of the closing bell, I sneaked out of ss, trying to avoid Debbie¡¯s questioning look. I hurried through the gates, not wanting to be met by Jacob. I picked the first cab that drove past, giving him my address.

    I wasn¡¯t thinking about what Jacob would say, wasn¡¯t thinking about how Antonio would react, if he finds out I was missing. To hell with him.

    The car slowed to a stop when it got to my street. I stepped out, paying my fare, and searching for my key as I approached the door. But the door flew open already, Charlie stood on the way, holding the door with one of his hands.

    He stared at me, as if searching my soul for the reason I had called for the meeting. My eyes watered, and I ran into his arms bursting into tears. He was silent, rocking my back gently as he led me into the room.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did he hurt you?¡± He requested.

    I shaked my head negatively, still sniffing. ¡°Did he touch you?¡± He asked again. I couldn¡¯t say yes to that.

    ¡°There¡¯s something going on, and I can¡¯t tell what it is, I have tried finding out from him, but he won¡¯t open up,¡± I said instead.

    He was quiet for a moment, then raising my face to meet with him, he pecked my lips. ¡°This thing going on, do you think it¡¯s important? Do you think it would help us?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°You have to find out, Make sure you find out,¡± he pecked my neck seductively.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see how this would work, Charlie.¡±

 Chapter Thirty

    His hands circled around my neck. ¡°You would ensure that it would work.¡± He breathed around my nape.

    ¡°Do you understand?¡± He repeated.

    ¡°Yes,¡± I struggled to answer.

    ¡°Damn! You sound so sexy, and smell nice too, you¡¯ve been eating a lot of nice stuff and going out to fancy ces, huh?¡± He whispered.

    ¡°You no longer give a fuck about me,¡± He went on.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true. I care about you and I miss you,¡± I answered him.

    ¡°Prove it.¡± He freed me, reclining on the couch.

    I leaned in, kissing him on the lips. When he didn¡¯t respond, I crossed my legs over, settling on hisps, facing him. I cupped his cheeks, drawing him closer to myself, this time he responded, curving his hands behind my back. He took charge of the kiss.

    It didn¡¯t feel the same, didn¡¯t have the electrocuting feel of Antonio¡¯s touch. Charlie was rough. How was I just noticing now?  His hands came hard on my boobs, squeezing them roughly from my top, his tongue explored every part of my mouth as he groaned with pleasure.

    ¡°I miss you so much,¡± he growled.

    He unbuttoned my top hastily, as if fearing that a moment of dy might make me disappear from his grip. My bra came off next, flying to the floor, my boobs rushed out, escaping the clutches of the bra, celebrating freedom.

    He freed my lips, transferring his hunger to my nipples. He nibbled them, sending a feeling of pleasure and pain. I moaned out, arching forward. He switched to the next boobs, giving it the same treatment.

    I wondered how this would have felt with Antonio, I wished it was him, but remembering his rejection of me the previous day clouded my heart with hate. I had given him myself with no reservation and he had turned me down for an invalid reason.

    I tried to imagine what his reaction would be, if he knew where I was. What exactly would he do, if he had hints that I was with Charlie? Jacob had warned me to stay clear of Jacob if I didn¡¯t want to put him in trouble, but at the moment, I didn¡¯t really care. All I wanted was to satisfy the sexual craving that he, Antonio, had awoken.

    Charlie led me to the bed, pushing me gently on it, he moved over to the closest to withdraw a pack of condoms. He was just pushing his top over his head, when a knock sounded from the door. ¡°Are you expecting someone?¡± He paused to ask.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Does anybody know you are here?¡± He asked again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    ¡°So who the fuck is knocking?¡± His voice was raised this time.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± I yelled back, drawing the sheet over my bare breast.

    ¡°Go get the door,¡± hemanded.

    ¡°Are you serious now? I¡¯m half naked and you¡¯re fully clothed, standing just a few feet from the door.¡±

    ¡°And who¡¯s house is it?¡± He fired back. The knock came again, louder this time.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± I screamed at the knocker, wrapping myself in the bedsheets, I rose from the bed, heading for the door.

    This was certainly the wrong timing for whoever it was. I turned the key, unlocking the door to be met with the surprise of my life. Antonio was standing there, his eyes darker than I have ever seen. My heart was ready to start a race and my knees felt weak.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± I asked, amazed at how firm my voice sounded.

    ¡°Came to take you home,¡± he said calmly. Hisposure threw me off bnce, why was he so calm? Did he know Charlie was inside? How did he know I was here? Why had hee by himself to take me home, when he could send Jacob or the other guards?

    ¡°I can take myself home and I will when I¡¯m ready.¡±

    ¡°I mean now, and with me,¡± he insisted.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to boss me around, this is my house, remember?¡±

    ¡°Thest time I checked, you work under me and I have every right to boss you, because that¡¯s exactly what I am, your boss.¡± He retorted.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Charlie called from the room.

    My heart took off in the race it was getting ready for. Oh no. The two guards behind Antonio tried to enter the room, but he stopped them. ¡°I can see you havepany. Mind introducing me to your guest?¡± He cooed.

    ¡°Antonio, I really don¡¯t want you creating a scene here, you want me toe with you? I will.¡± I bargained, trying to save the impending danger that lurked around.

    ¡°I am not in a hurry. We would leave after I¡¯ve said hi to your guest.¡± He brushed past me, entering the room. Charlie stopped in his tracks at the sight of Antonio.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you,¡± Antonio mentioned casually.

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t not want any trouble, I was about to leave already.¡± Charlie stated.

    ¡°Neither do I. I only came to get my girl.¡± Antonio answered, still maintaining his cool.

    ¡°I am not your girl!¡± I protested.

    ¡°She¡¯s all yours.¡± Charlie raised both his hands in surrender.

    ¡°What?¡± I turned to him feeling betrayed. How could he give me up so easily? We were just about to have sex and here he was denying mepletely.

    I was irritated by his cowardice. To think that he would push me into Antonio¡¯s den to help him seek revenge and standing before the same man, he was quivering like a wet leaf during winter, made me mad.

    I had temporarily forgotten about my fear for Antonio, so I walked over to Charlie. ¡°We were just about to fuck and you stand here, giving me up so easily?¡±

    ¡°She lies, we were going to do no such thing.¡± He defended, facing Antonio. I took a step closer, sending a hard smack across his face.

    ¡°You are such a coward. And you know what? I¡¯m done with your ass,¡± I announced, before turning around to face Antonio.

    ¡°Go wait for me in the car,¡± hemanded.

    I knew better than to be disrespectful in a situation like this. He was too calm and that was dangerous, I hoped fervently that he wouldn¡¯t hurt Charlie when I left. Although I had dumped his ass, I still didn¡¯t pray for him to get beaten by Antonio¡¯s heartless men.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you anywhere around her again. I won¡¯t be this calm the next time I see you even ten feets close to her,¡± I heard Antonio warning. Charlie¡¯s response was inaudible, I guess he nodded.

    I sauntered past the guards, into the car, the bedsheets still wrapped around my body. I didn¡¯t bother picking my bra or wearing my top, I was too upset to care. Or maybe I was scared of upsetting Antonio by dressing up in front of him.

    It didn¡¯t take long before he was back in the car. His face was expressionless. If he was nning on throwing me into a dungeon and starving me of food and water once we got home, I couldn¡¯t suggest it from his countenance. For all I cared, he was probably going to yell at me as soon as we got to his castle.

    The drive was silent. Antonio sat beside me in the passenger seat, while the other two sat in front. I was restless and curious about what was going through his mind. ¡°Why did you decide toe pick me yourself?¡± I tried initiating a conversation, hoping that if he spoke, I¡¯d be able to detect his mood.

    ¡°I wanted to.¡± He snapped, not angrily, just as calm as he had been since his arrival.

    ¡°Why?¡± I pushed. ¡°You didn¡¯t just wake up out of the blues and decided toe pick me up, did you?¡± I asked, not giving up.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yes.¡± He answered.

    ¡°Excuse me, what do you mean by yes??¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s exactly what happened. I just woke up from the blues, whatever that is, and decided toe pick you up.¡± He answered, his eyes were every except on me. He wouldn¡¯t look at me, not even for half a second.

    I gave up trying. Whatever awaited me, I decided I would face it without creating more scenes. I just wished Jacob hade along.

    The car crawled into the castle, slowing to a stop. So did my heartbeat. Would he just act cool like nothing had happened? I Worried but not for long. As soon as he got out of the car, he pulled me along roughly, heading into the house.

    ¡°You are hurting me,¡± I shouted, struggling to break free, at the same time, trying to keep the sheets wrapped around my body.

    ¡°Wait until Iy you on my bed and spank sense into you.¡± He went on, dragging me up the stairs.

    ¡°What do you n on doing to me?¡± I couldn¡¯t help asking.

 Chapter Thirty-One

    He paused before answering, ¡°I will make you scream my name  and beg me to stop.¡±

    Now I actually shivered, thinking about the way he made me felt thest time. ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry,¡± I muttered.

    ¡°Toote now,¡± he swept me off the floor into his arms, making me like a toddler. I stopped struggling, allowing him so as he pleased. He took me to his room,ying me on the bed, he unwrapped the nket from my body. I had just my pants on, and was terribly embarrassed.

    He unbuttoned his sleeve, turning me over so that I was lying on my stomach, he began to trail his fingers down my spine, slowly, sending a rush of sensation through my body. His hands went around my buttocks and he grabbed the flesh on it, smooching softly and then spanking me hard. A soft cry escaped my lips at the mixture of pleasure and pain.

    I stretched my hand, trying to rub the spot that now stung, both he held both my hands firmly in one of his, using the spare hand to send more spanks on my ass. It didn¡¯t take long before I was sobbing loudly and pleading on his name to stop.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have gone back there,¡± he groaned, rubbing soothingly the spot he had just spanked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything!¡± I cried.

    ¡°Buy you were going to, Eve, that¡¯s like breaking one of my rules.¡± He said from behind me.

    ¡°Please stop!¡± I moaned out.

    ¡°Why? You haven¡¯t screamed my name enough.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore Antonio.¡±

    He stopped at that. My butt cheeks were stinging with pain, yet the absence of his hands from them made me yarn for more of those spanks. I was wet and turned on and thest thing I wanted was him abandoning me likest night.

    He flipped me around, this time I was facing the ceiling. He pushed my knees up, settling between my thighs. Oh hell! What was he going to do now? Inflict me with more torture?

    I didn¡¯t wonder for long as his hand rested up on the entrance of my pussy, rubbing through my pants in a circr motion. ¡°You are so wet,¡± he noticed.

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± My voice came out in a whisper from my husky throat. I tilted my head farther into the bed, pushing my hips up to give him more ess.

    I felt a chilly feeling as his bare fingers slipped through my panties, finding my clits. Now I couldn¡¯t just still anymore, the moans escaped my lips unceasingly as I twitched and wiggled in ecstacy.

    ¡°Ant¡­on.. io¡­yea¡­h¡­don¡¯t stop,¡± I kept screaming incoherent stuff.

    ¡°You are so loud,¡± he leaned closer to say, pecking my lips before returning to focus on my entrance. In no time, he was finger fucking me slowly,  taking his time to slip in and then out again. His thumb was rolling against the bump on my clit as his other finger fucked me.

    ¡°Oh yeah¡­ faster please,¡± I begged, grab the sheets for support.

    ¡°You like it?¡± His voice was thick with desire and his eyes darkened in satisfaction.

    ¡°Fuck yeah!¡±

    He increased the tempo, slipping in and out more faster. I could feel my sense blurring. I grabbed stronger on the sheets, trying to stay in control of myself, but that didn¡¯t help, the feeling kept climaxing, higher and higher, until I couldn¡¯t hold back anymore.

    ¡°Yeah,e for me baby.¡± I heard his voice in my blur sense.

    As if waiting for those words, a loud scream tore through my throat, my body trembled and quivered on the bed,  and in no time, it was over, leaving me relished and yet trembling. I rolled into my side, curling myself into a ball. I felt him pulling the sheets above my body, then his solid bodyy next to mine.

    ¡°You okay?¡± He asked.

    Of course I was. Who wouldn¡¯t be after what just went down. But I said nothing, just curling further into his arms in response. ¡°I do not want to ever see you around him again,¡± he mentioned. I knew he was talking about, I didn¡¯t need to ask.

    ¡°You would keep making him get beaten, if you keep going back to him.¡± He added.

    I jerked up, turning to face. ¡°You made your men beat him?¡± I asked.

    ¡°My men were hungry for action, and he just happened to be a scapegoat,¡± he shrugged unconcerned.

    ¡°When was this? When did you send your thugs on him?¡± I yelled.

    ¡°Eve, you¡¯re screaming,¡± he warned calmly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care! I came with you when you asked me to, didn¡¯t I? So why did you have to beat him up?¡±

    ¡°You should sleep now,¡± he advised.

    ¡°Fuck you!¡± I rose from the bed, grabbing the bedsheets I had carried from my apartment, wrapping around myself and walking out through the door to my bedroom.

    I paced around for while, thinking of how best to give Charlie justice over Antonio¡¯s men. I took out a sheet of paper, writing down a list of their names and descriptions. If he could get his revenge on the men that beat him up then he should. I gave him a hint of the kind of errands they ran and where he could possibly run into them.

    I was going to warn him not to get the police involved, not to do anything to hurt Antonio, just the men on the list, that carried out his dirty businesses. Having filled the information, I took a bath, picked up my phone, sending a message to Charlie, I told him I had vital information that could help him get his revenge.

    I needed to see him immediately. When he didn¡¯t reply, I added a text saying the information would be at my ce, he could get it when he wanted. I took out a jean trouser and a tank top, a ck coat and a Chelsea boot.

    After dressing, I made my way through the corridor, down the stairs and into the castle yard. It was getting a little dark. I walked up to Jasper, who was standing beside one of the cars, keeping his guard.

    ¡°The boss has asked that you take me to my apartment to get something real quick,¡± I told him.

    ¡°The boss said that?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± I nodded.

    He stared at me disbelievingly. ¡°I would need to find out from the boss,¡± he answered.

    ¡°You are calling me a liar?¡± I used.

    ¡°No ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Then take me out of here. The boss is sleeping and I am sure you do not intend bothering his sleep, because he would be more furious at you for taking me as a liar,¡± I threatened.

    He bowed, walking round to the door of the car and opening it for me. I smiled mischievously at how smooth that had yed.

    The ride was a quick one. My apartment was in a tumble, but I didn¡¯t give much concern to that. I took the note straight to the stool by my bedside, I used the bedmp to hold the paper to the stool and in less than a minute, I was out again and we were on our way back to the castle.

    Antonio wouldn¡¯t even notice my absence, and so Jasper would never find out about my lie. Back at the castle, I sneaked into my room, feeling at peace for granting Charlie justice. My peace was short lived, I realized I couldn¡¯t sleep when I climbed into bed. What if Charlie does something to hurt Antonio?

    I sent another text, warning specifically not to do anything to hurt Antonio. ¡°You could take them out in a fight or something, but try not to cause permanent damage to anyone.¡± I added to the text, hoping it would make me feel better, but no, it didn¡¯t.

    Who was I fooling anyways, I just gave Antonio and his men out. The same men that stood as family for him, that have protected me since my arrival to the castle. What exactly was wrong with me? Maybe I should go back and take the note.

    But there would be no lie to tell Jasper this time, already it waste and no guard would drive me out of the castle without Antonio¡¯s permission. I could pick the note after school tomorrow, surely, Charlie wouldn¡¯t be so quick to get the note before me. With that in mind, I forced myself to sleep.

    ***

    At the first light of dawn, I was up. I took a sharp bath, hurried into a pair of cargo pants and sweatshirt and made my way down the stairs. I met Jacob in the sitting room, he was on his phone, with a smile on his face.

    ¡°Thank goodness you are here. Good morning,¡± I greeted.

    ¡°Hey, it been a while, how are you?¡±

    ¡°Am good.  You¡¯ve been scarestely, everything good?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Yeah. Off to school?¡±

    I nodded in response. ¡°Would you drive me?¡± I asked.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°If you want me to.¡±

    ¡°Of course I want you to,¡± I beamed at him.

    It would be easier pleading with Jacob to pass by the house, or so I thought. We were almost in the car when he turned around as if remembering something. ¡°Did you say you¡¯re going to school?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Of course.¡± I answered.

    ¡°But Debbie, she mentioned that you guys were done with your exams?¡±

    Shii¡­ how did I forget? Now I had to think of something else to say. ¡°Oh my¡­ you won¡¯t believe that I totally forgot,¡± Iughed out uneasily.

 Chapter Thirty-Two

    ¡°It¡¯s okay to forget most times. I always knew you were the bookworm type,¡± heughed.

    I had tough too. ¡°I guess I might just go in and sit my ass home for the rest of the day.¡±

    ¡°You know i think You¡¯re limited to just your room and that¡¯s why you feel so tired. There¡¯s a library and a gym house upstairs and if you love music, there¡¯s also a sound room, the boss goes there to y with the piano, his sister¡¯s piano. Why don¡¯t you visit one of those, instead of just staying locked up in your room?¡± He suggested.

    ¡°Great. I think I would do as you¡¯ve said,¡± I answered, turning around to head back to my room.

    Maybe if I wasn¡¯t so rude to Debbie yesterday, I could call her and ask her to help me get the note, but I can¡¯t now, not until I have apologized. ¡®What do I do now?¡¯ I pondered on my way up the stairs. I didn¡¯t go to my room, I passed through the gym, the door was slightly opened and Antonio was working on the punching bag that hung from the ceiling.

    His muscles flexed with so much energy. He was shirtless, and the sweat that formed on his back glistened all the way beneath his pants. I stared for a moment, admiring the burst of energy, until it came to my mind that i wouldn¡¯t be seeing this much energy in a short while, if Charlie did something bad to harm Antonio. It would be all my fault.

    I moved from the gym down to the sound room, the door knob was a bit stiff, i had to push hard to get in. The room was stuffy, the air moist, I was attacked by a tiny web of spider. I imagined the room hasn¡¯t been used for a long time now. I turned on the light switch, illuminating the dark shadows thaty around. Whoever used the room must have been a big time rock star.

    There were several guitars hanging on the war, a set of drums arranged at the corner and a giant piano. I moved over to the piano, cleaning off the dust with my fingers, dabbing gently on the chord to produce a sound that echoed in the room. I kept dabbing on random keys, enjoying the sound that came out of it.

    ¡°You terrible, you know right?¡± I heard from behind me.

    I turned around to see Antonio standing at the door. His shirt unbuttoned, revealing his sweaty chest. ¡°I know.¡± I answered, not looking at him.

    He moved forward, taking a seat beside me. ¡°It used to belong to my sister,¡± he said, tapping on the white and ck keys professionally.

    ¡°You learnt how to y?¡±

    ¡°She would not y if I do note down here with her, she was good at it, I guess it just rubbed off.¡± He exined.

    ¡°What really happened to her?¡± I couldn¡¯t help asking.

    He was quiet, ying solemnly and focusing on the key. The lines on his forehead had gathered and his eyes were a natural shade of dark grey. ¡°Bad people¡­¡± he started.

    ¡°Antonio!¡± We turned at once, hearing the voice from the corridor outside the door. His fingers paused on a white key, he was staring at me, looking as confused as I was about who the caller was.

    ¡°Antonio Baby!¡± The voice came again, this time clearer, that even I could guess who it was. The earlier confusion on his face disappeared, reced by a look of disgust.

    ¡°I would be back,¡± he said, standing up and heading for the door. I perched on my seat not knowing exactly what to do. It wasn¡¯t long before I heard arguing voices at the corridor. Her voice was way louder than that of Antonio, she was using curse words on him.

    I stood up, heading out to see exactly what was going on. It was Reina, she wore a pink dress that was slitted way above her thighs, giving her a sluty look. Her makeup was a heap, masking her main futures. Yet, she stood elegantly in a ck heels. If I wasn¡¯t so proud of myself, I might have felt a little intimidated by her presence.

    ¡°Is she the reason you¡¯ve been avoiding me?¡± She pointed at me as I approached, speaking at the top of her voice.

    ¡°Reina leave, you do note here until you¡¯re invited,¡± he ordered her.

    ¡°Well you wouldn¡¯t invite me, I figured I¡¯d do the invitation myself. Baby ain¡¯t you excited to see me?¡± She drew closer to him, putting one of her hands on his chest and the other on his chin, trying to draw him in for a kiss.

    ¡°Reina stop! Get your hands off me. Can you just leave?¡± He pushed her hands away, trying to turn her around to face the exit door. She stopped struggling, standing still for a moment and when I did not expect, she walked up to me, smacking me hard across the cheek.

    ¡°That¡¯s for stealing my man!¡± She yelled.

    I didn¡¯t have enough time to recover from the shock, before Antonio was dragging her away roughly. He promised he was going to do something bad to her if she sets foot in his home again. She kept yelling and threatening to deal with me.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    A guard appeared at the end of the corridor to take her away. I stood there watching, not knowing exactly how to feel about what had just happened. After handing her over to a guard, Antonio trudged his way back to where I stood.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked, stepping so close that I could feel the heat of his angry breath.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I snapped, walking away from him, he was the reason I just got pped. I was heading for my room, the anger just starting to build.

    What right did she have toy hands on me? If I didn¡¯t ept to be here for Charlie¡¯s sake, this wouldn¡¯t have happened. This crazydy wouldn¡¯t have gotten the chance to p me.

    Talking about Charlie made me remember the note. I knew I had to go get it, but how? It would be impossible telling Jacob the reason I had to leave the castle and without a valid reason, I knew he wouldn¡¯t drive me out.

    I decided to send another message, warning Charlie against doing anything at all. I tried convincing him in my message that the information I had dropped off in the apartment wasn¡¯t urate. I told him to abort whatever mission he had, until I was able to contact him for more information.

    I reasoned that if he hadn¡¯t gotten the note already, this would make him uninterested in going over to get it and if he did already, it might dissuade him from going on with his ns. I felt a little rxed after tapping on the sent button.

    What if he isn¡¯t getting my messages? I wouldn¡¯t know what to do until I know for sure if he has gotten the note or not. I made a conclusion to sneak out of the house by dawn the next morning.

    ****

    Having stayed in the castle for over fourteen days, I knew when and where had the strongest securities. The garden with the invisible gate was really watched, so I leaned close to the connecting walls, dodging the shades of light. Behind the shrub of flowers, the fence was lower, the first two attempts to climb over was futile, but a third trialnded me at the other side of the wall.

    I fell over in sharp pains, but I didn¡¯t care much at the moment. I had to get to my apartment before Charlie, I needed to destroy that note, so I ran through the semi-dark streets, hoping to see a cab.

    After running and walking for about fifteen minutes, a cab passed by, giving him my address, I settled into the passenger seat. The driver kept stealing nces at me, perhaps, wondering why a sane person would leave their bedroom with only their pyjamas.

    I sent a text to Debbie, apologizing for my rude behavior towards her. I told her I was on my way to get something from my apartment and will make a brief stop at her house, whening back, if she didn¡¯t mind.

    I highlighted from the cab when it got to my destination, thanking my stars that it was stil a bit dark, it would be easier sneaking around without much questioning eyes on me. I inserted my keys, turning the locks and sneaking in. This was going to be fast, take the note, leave to Debbie¡¯s ce, make her call Jay, when hees around, I could return to the castle with him.

    The moment I stepped into my apartment, I felt the presence of a person, a strange fragrance of cologne danced in the air. I was one breath away from asking who it was, then it descended on me, first choking my breath, then thick darkness.

 Chapter Thirty-Three

    I must have been off for hours. I blinked fully awake to find myself in an almost empty room, with just a bed. The window drapes were half open, a tray with covered dishes sat at the corner of the room, on a small stool. It took a full minute for my brain to register. I remembered entering my apartment and getting attacked from behind, with a piece of clothing pushed to my nose.

    Who could have done that? Charlie? I couldn¡¯t think of any other person that would have ess into my apartment. Where was this ce? And if it was Charlie, why would he kidnap me? My head was pounding and my tongue tasted bitter. Did he drug me? For how long have I been sleeping? The questions kepting and I couldn¡¯t provide answers to them.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    I managed to pull myself out of the bed, limping to the door to check the locks, if it was Charlie, he definitely wouldn¡¯t lock me in. To my amazement, the door was locked. I banged a few times calling for someone to open, but there was no response. It dawned on me that this might in fact not be Charlie, perhaps someone more dangerous. Someone that could hurt me and there would be no one to save me.

    I crumbled to the floor, unable to hold my weak knees, my eyes were stinging with tears as I thought of the danger I could be in. No one in the castle would know about my whereabouts, not Jacob, not Antonio. They will probably think in the first few hours that I would be in my room, not wanting to be disturbed. It will take a while before it finally dawns on them that I am missing. Even if it does, there would be no traces, as I was certain that no one had seen me leaving the castle.

    The tears crawled down my cheekszily. This was all my fault. If I had not written that note in the first ce, I wouldn¡¯t have been so desperate to leave the castle in secrecy. Would Antonio bother looking for me? Or would this be an opportunity to return to his crazy ex? My chest tightened with the thought. I shouldn¡¯t be thinking about this right now, I should be thinking of getting out of here, to safety.

    But how? The windows were protected with iron bars, the room was high above the ground, it would be fruitless shouting for help. I banged at the door again in frustration, moved to the window to peer at the deserted environment, kicked the foot of the bed, before copsing tiredly to the ground.

    After lying on the cold floor for what seemed like hours, I finally felt hungry, as my stomach grumbled. I thought of the food on the stool,¡± what could it be?¡± I wondered at first. What if it is poisoned or drugged? Maybe there¡¯s a camera somewhere with someone watching and as soon as I eat and zone out, they will do something to me.

    Yet, I couldn¡¯t resist the urge to reach out for the tray. It was a te of baked beans. I mmed the cover closed,  hoping to call somebody¡¯s attention with the noise. As if it had worked, I heard the sound of footsteps from the corridor.

    ¡°Help!!! Please, help me! Can you hear me? Can anyone hear me?¡±

    The footsteps went farther away from the door, disappearing in sound. It was quiet outside again, so quiet that I doubted if I had heard properly a minute ago or that was my imagination. Who could have brought me here and for what reasons? My curiosity intensified, but I had very little strength left in me to think. After much deliberation, I dropped the tray to the floor, spooning the beans to my mouth.

    In less than five minutes, the dish was empty. I hadn¡¯t realized I was that hungry. My attention snapped to the door as there was a turn in the lock. Surprised, would be an understatement to what I felt, when I saw who it was. Why didn¡¯t it cross my mind for a second that it could be her? How did she get into my apartment? Why was she holding me locked up in this room?

    ¡°Did you enjoy your meal?¡± She inquired, a wicked smile lying on her lips as she leaned on the door, folding both her hands around her chest.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± I started.

    She gasped at my question, giving me a shocked expression. ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± She questioned.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know shit, I don¡¯t know why you have me locked up in a ce like this, knowing fully well that I could sue you for this,¡± I threatened.

    Her tiny voice vibrated through the room in a wicked burst ofughter. ¡°You have so much audacity, don¡¯t you?¡± She took a step, drawing nearer to me. ¡°What makes you think you¡¯d live this ce alive to sue me? You think I¡¯m dumb to let you go out of here after seeing my face?¡± she asked.

    ¡°How did you get into my apartment? And how did you know I was going to be home?¡±

    ¡°One question at a time, hunny.¡± she bent low, reaching my level. ¡°How did I get into your apartment? It wasn¡¯t so hard to break in dear.  It¡¯s not like you have heavily protected walls like the castle. And how I knew you¡¯d be home? Sweetie, that was in luck. You know, I didn¡¯t really think you were that cheap to be sleeping at Antonio¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°I guess you didn¡¯t really think that this was a bad idea either?¡± I replied back, fighting the fear that struggled to settle in my belly.

    ¡°Why is that?¡± She readjusted.

    ¡°Antonio doesn¡¯t love you anymore, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re so dumb not to have found out. But let¡¯s keep that aside. If he ever finds out that you are connected to my kidnap, I bet you wouldn¡¯t be smiling so widely the next time I see you,¡± I loved that my voice sounded so confident. The smile on her face was cut short.

    ¡°He would never find out. At least not after I visit the castle and tell him about seeing you with some random dude. Remember I once fucked that dude, so tell me why you think he¡¯d believe you over me?¡± She maintained.

    I thought of the few times Antonio had caught me in the arms of someone else other than him and how it made him feel. The man at the party that he had punched badly and Charlie. If Reina tells him about seeing me with a random dude, would it make him want to find me more, or would that make him despite me so much, that he wouldn¡¯t care knowing where I was?

    I didn¡¯t see Reina leaving my front, as I was lost in thought. I only raised my face to the door when she spoke. ¡°Stop wasting your time to scream, no one would hear you, and even if they do, it would be guard and he will never save you.¡± She winked, then turned again as if forgetting something, she added. ¡°I¡¯m going to the castle. I will tell you all about it when I get back. Just in case you were wondering how I knew where you stay, I made very little effort to get that information, you know why? Because you ain¡¯t so important and nobody minds throwing your information around for really slim wads of dor.¡± With that, she opened the door, disappearing outside it.

    I tried to think of all she had said. Was she really going to kill me? Would Antonio believe her over me? Who had given her my information for slim wads of money? Was there really no way out of this trap? Is this the end of me?

    A new wave of tears rushed out of my eyes. I did nothing to fight them off, allowing them to flow down my cheeks. If I had made an attempt to push her away from the door and run out, what would have happened? If there were guards outside the door, would I be able to outsmart them? Would they shoot at me at sight? That would be out of the n.

    If there were guards outside with guns in their hands, then I might just as well settle here and cry for help until I¡¯m killed. Hopefully, someone thinks fast enough to put the puzzle of my disappearance in one piece and save me out of here.

    If they had given me just a little chance to grab the note from my nightstand before taking me away, I wouldn¡¯t be bothered at all. But lying down here and not knowing if the note was still at my apartment or in Charlie¡¯s custody made me feel sick to my belly.

    Debbie might be of help.

 Chapter Thirty-Four

    As I slowly opened my eyes, the haze of sleep still clouded my mind. I tried to lift my head, but a dull ache resonated through my skull, making me wince. Groggily, I attempted to sit up, but a sharp jolt rocked me back down. Confusion swirled in my disoriented brain as I struggled toprehend my surroundings.

    My blurred vision gradually cleared, revealing an unfamiliar ceiling mere inches above my face. Panic set in as I realized I wasn¡¯t in my bed, nor was I in a room I recognized. The air was thick with the scent of worn leather and stale air, a far cry from the familiarforts of my own space.

    Instinctively, I tried to stretch, extending my arms and legs to shake off the remnants of slumber. But my body was met with resistance, confined by the cramped quarters of¡­ a vehicle? The jolts and bumps I felt were not from a bed, but from the motion of a car driving on a rough road.

    My mind raced as I scrambled to piece together the events leading up to this moment. How did I end up here? Where was ¡°here¡±? The questions swirled in my head like a maelstrom, but answers eluded me.

    With each bump and jolt, my body bounced up and down, my head hitting the ceiling with a dull thud. The difort and disorientation only added to my growing rm. I strained to hear any sounds that might provide a clue, but the only noises were the hum of the engine, the creaking of the vehicle¡¯s suspension, and the asional whoosh of passing air.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Fear crept in, its icy tendrils wrapping around my heart. I tried to call out, but my dry throat produced only a faint croak. My voice was hoarse, as if I had been screaming for hours. The more I struggled to remember, the more my head spun.

    Time seemed to stretch andpress, leaving me lost in a haze of confusion and fear. The only constant was the relentless motion of the vehicle, carrying me further and further away from the familiarforts of my life.

    As I struggled to sit up, my body protested with a wave of dizziness, but I persisted, driven by a primal urge to know who shared this confinement with me. My gaze fluttered around the cramped space, slowly adjusting to the dim light. The vehicle¡¯s interior came into focus, revealing the worn seats and faded upholstery of a mini bus.

    My mind reeled as I realized I had beenid across thest row of seats, my legs syed awkwardly across the narrow aisle. The memories of how I got there remained shrouded in darkness, but my instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong.

    As I strained to see beyond the seats in front of me, my heart raced with trepidation. Two figures, d in ck, sat with their backs to me, their silhouettes ominous against the faint light filtering through the windows. My gaze locked onto the gleaming metal of their weapons  guns held casually in their hands, knives bulging from their pockets.

    A gasp escaped my lips, loud and involuntary, as my brain struggled to process the danger that surrounded me. The sound echoed through the mini bus, shattering the silence. The two men snapped their heads around, their eyes locking onto me with an unnerving intensity.

    Time froze as our gazes met, their faces etched with a mixture of surprise and calction. My heart hammered in my chest, threatening to burst free. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, heavy with the weight of unknown intentions. I felt like a small prey, trapped and vulnerable, as the men¡¯s eyes bore into me like cold, calcting des.

    My mind raced with thoughts of desperation and fear, ¡°What have I gotten myself into?¡± I silently screamed, my thoughts echoing off the walls of my own mind. The two men in ck, their faces stern and unforgiving, red at me with an unspoken warning. ¡°Cooperate with us if you want toe out of this less injured,¡± one of them growled, their Italian ent thick and menacing.

    My thoughts swirled with questions, ¡°What do they mean? Will they really spare me if I cooperate? No, they¡¯ll hurt me anyway,¡± I tried to reassure myself, but the uncertainty was suffocating. I was trapped, with no escape from these armed and dangerous men.

    As they turned back to face the front, their silence was oppressive, leaving me to my own thoughts. My mind wandered to Antonio , wondering if he was searching for me, if he was worried or angry. I thought of Charles, wondering if he had received my note, the note I came to pick, the note that got me into this mess and how these men had managed to infiltrate my home. I realized how much danger I had gotten myself into.

    The sudden interruption from one of the men jolted me back to reality. ¡°Miss, we will alight here. Try not to misbehave, follow orders, do not make any noise, or you are dead.¡± His deep Italian ent sent a chill down my spine.

    I gazed out the window, only to find we had stopped at a deste junction. ¡°But this is just a junction!¡± I protested, my voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Cooperate, youngdy,¡± he repeated, his tone firm butced with a hint of amusement.

    I was nudged forward, the men following closely behind, their weapons at the ready. ¡°Move, miss,¡± one of them directed, their eyes fixed on me like hawks. I stumbled forward, my legs trembling beneath me, as they guided me through the deserted junction, their grip on my arms like a vice.

    The silence was oppressive, the only sound being the crunch of gravel beneath our feet. I was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape from these men and their sinister intentions. My heart raced with fear, my mind screaming for help, but my voice was silenced by the weight of their threats.

    We trudged along, the silence between us oppressive, until we finally arrived at a dpidated building. Its worn facade seemed to loom over me, casting a long shadow of dread. The men¡¯s warnings still echoed in my mind, ¡°Cooperate¡­ ma¡¯am can be very irritated¡­ love your self, do as she says.¡± I turned around, hoping against hope that Antonio or even Charles would be lurking in the shadows, ready to rescue me. But my rational mind knew it was a futile wish. In fact, why would I expect Charles to rescue me, of course, the only reason he would rescue me is for me to continue my mission for him. What a jerk.

    As we entered the building, I was met with a sight that made my jaw drop in shock. A woman, d in a red, strapless dress that left little to the imagination, was engaged in a passionate embrace with a man. Their lips were locked in a fierce kiss, their bodies entwined as they moaned and gasped erotically in unison. The air was heavy with the scent of alcohol and desire.

    My initial reaction was a whispered ¡°Oh my God,¡± followed by a mutter ¡°Horny bitch¡± as I forgot, for a moment, the precarious situation I was in. But as the couple finally became aware of our presence, my eyes locked onto the woman¡¯s face, and my mind reeled in shock. I recognised her. It was¡­ ¡°What the fuck¡± was all I could manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

    Time seemed to freeze as I struggled to process this unexpected revtion. The woman¡¯s eyes, once locked onto mine, narrowed, her expression a mix of achievement and happiness . The man, still holding her close, looked at me with a mixture of confusion and hostility. The two men who had abducted me stood behind me, their presence a stark reminder of my captivity. I felt like a pawn in a twisted game, with no idea of the rules or the yers involved.

    Reina¡¯s smile grew wider as she approached me, her arms open for a hug. ¡°Oh my darling, look who we have here. I missed you so much, and I know you miss me too.¡± Her voice wasced with sarcasm, and her eyes gleamed with malice.

    I recoiled from her touch, my face twisted in disgust. ¡°I hate you,¡± I spat, my voice low and venomous.

    Reina¡¯s smile never wavered. ¡°I know, honey,¡± she purred, her hand shing out to deliver a stinging p to my face.

    I stumbled back, my cheek burning, and my anger boiling over. I pushed her away, my face inches from hers. ¡°What do you want from me? Can you just let me go? I¡¯m not ready to give in to a crazy prostitute like you!¡± I screamed, my words dripping with contempt.

    The men who had abducted me took a step forward, their faces dark with intent, but Reina¡¯sughter stopped them. ¡°Hitting her would be a waste of time, my great men. Leave her to me.¡± She gulped the alcohol from the bottle, her eyes never leaving mine. ¡°I want you to leave my Antonio alone. He¡¯s mine and mine alone.¡± She punctuated her words by poking her chest with a bony finger, her eyes shing with a mad, possessive gleam.

    My anger and disgust boiled over. ¡°Oh really,ing from a person who was making out with a guy just a few minutes ago? You¡¯re a desperate and shameless thing,¡± I snapped, my wordsced with venom.

 Chapter Thirty-Five

    Reina¡¯s face contorted with rage, her eyes zing with a fierce intensity. She raised her hand, and for a moment, I thought she would strike me again. But instead, she let out a cold, mirthlessugh. ¡°You have no idea what I¡¯m capable of,¡± she hissed, her voice dripping with malice.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    A stinging pnded on my face, followed by a forceful push that sent me stumbling backward¡­ Just when I least expected¡­ I didn¡¯t see thising¡­ I actually didn¡¯t see iting. I ruggled to regain my bnce, my eyes fixed on Reina¡¯s sneering face with a drop of tearsing out from my eyes.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ll be staying here longer,¡± she taunted, her voice dripping with malice. ¡°Suffer here while I think of what to do with you¡­ maybe kill you or something.¡± Her smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with cruelty.

    My heart skipped a beat as her words sank in. Was I destined to be trapped here, at the mercy of this deranged woman? The thought sent a chill down my spine.

    ¡°No¡­ no, this can¡¯t be happening,¡± I muttered, my mind racing with thoughts of Antonio . My Antonio¡­ no, I corrected myself, my Charles. But my heart refused to listen, clinging to the hope of seeing Antonio again. What¡¯s the use, I already ended things with Charles.

    Reina¡¯sughter cut through my thoughts, her eyes gleaming with triumph. ¡°There¡¯s no need to get angry, dear. Get used to it. I¡¯ll give you gists about my stay with Antonio every time I visit you.¡±

    Her words ignited a fire within me, and I tried to push her, but the men held me firm. In a fit of rage, I spat at their faces, the saliva hitting them with a sickening st. I spat on them in a ¡± This is for you, this is for you and this is for you¡± manner.

    Reina¡¯s face darkened with anger, her eyes zing with fury. ¡°Diego, Francis, take her to her room. No food, only water. Is that clear?¡± she barked, her voice dripping with venom.

    The men nodded respectfully, their faces expressionless, as they dragged me away. I twisted my head, my eyes fixed on Reina, who was now kissing the man she had been making out with earlier. Her lips traced his neck, and he¡¯s grabbing her butt cheek and from her mouth was a very loud erotic moan that wasn¡¯t even necessary, it was just exaggerated, her eyes locked on mine with a taunting gaze. Like that¡­ She walked out.

    ¡°To¡­ meet¡­ my¡­ Antonio,¡± I thought, the words echoing in my mind like a cruel joke.

    Finally, I was dragged to the room, the darkness enveloping me like a shroud. The only source of light came from a faint shlight beam, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The men remained silent, their faces expressionless, as they shoved me onto a narrow bed. The springs creaked beneath me, the sound echoing through the deste space.

    Without a word, they turned and walked out, the door creaking shut behind them. The silence was oppressive, the darkness suffocating. Iy there, my eyes straining to adjust to the faint light, my mind reeling with thoughts of Reina¡¯s taunts and Antonio¡¯s absence.

    The room was sparse, the walls cracked and peeling, the air thick with the stench of mold and decay. A small, rusty water pipe jutted out from the wall, a stic cup hanging limply from its end. The bed creaked beneath me, its thin mattress offering littlefort.

    Iy there, my thoughts consumed by Reina¡¯s cruel words and the image of her kissing that man. My mind raced with questions, my heart heavy with fear. How long would I be trapped here? Would anyone ever find me? And what did Reina n to do with me?

    The darkness seemed to closing in around me, the shlight¡¯s beam flickering like a dying breath. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to stay calm, but my mind refused to quiet. The silence was oppressive, the shadows cast by the shlight dancing on the walls like malevolent spirits.

    Time seemed to stretch out, each moment an eternity, as Iy there, trapped in this deste room, at the mercy of Reina¡¯s whims. The only sound was the creaking of the old bed, the faint rustling of unknown creatures in the darkness, and the heavy beating of my own heart.

    My mind wandered back to Antonio , my thoughts consumed by the image of him with Reina. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what they were doing at that very moment. Were they entwined in each other¡¯s arms, their lips locked in a passionate kiss? Or were they surrendering to their desires, their bodies tangled in a fierce embrace, fucking the hell out of each other ?

    I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to banish the thoughts from my mind. But they lingered, taunting me with visions of Reina¡¯s seductive charm and Antonio¡¯s vulnerability to her advances. I knew she was a master maniptor, using her beauty and charm to get what she wanted. And what she wanted was Alberto, the man I hade to care for despite¡­ Everything.

    ¡°Antonio , please don¡¯t do anything with her,¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible. ¡°Think of me,e save me.¡± But my pleas were met with silence, and I knew I was nothing more than a distant thought in his mind.

    I was just his stripper, a mere object for his pleasure. Reina was the one who  could satisfy him, the one he wanted to be with. And I was trapped here, a prisoner of her twisted games.

    My mind raced with conflicting emotions, my thoughts torn between Antonio and Charles. Would I want to go back to Charles, the man who had used me for his own gain? Or did I want to stay with Antonio , the man who had shown me kindness andpassion?¡­ ¡°In a kind of way¡­ ¡± My brain echoed.

    Charles didn¡¯t love me, I knew that. He only cared about the information I could provide, the secrets I could uncover. He didn¡¯t care about my well-being, my happiness, or my safety. All he cared about was his own interests, his own desires. It was a good thing I broke up with him.

    And Antonio ? Did he truly care for me, or was I just a passing fancy? Would hee to rescue me, or would he abandon me to Reina¡¯s mercy?

    The questions swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, each one tormenting me with uncertainty. I was trapped in this dark room, with no escape from my own thoughts. And in that darkness, I realized that I was lost, unsure of what I wanted or who I wanted to be with¡­ If I would evene out here alive.

    _-_-_-_-

    Antonio trudged into the mansion, his exhaustion strongly felt after a long night of impromptu meetings with fellow mafia lords across the city. The weight of his responsibilities as a mafia boss bore down on him, his eyes heavy with fatigue. He hadn¡¯t had a chance to check on Evelyn the previous night, Reina¡¯s cruel act of pping her hard in his presence was still fresh in his mind. As he entered the mansion, he headed straight for Evelyn¡¯s room, his concern for her well-being growing with each step.

    As he approached her door, a sense of unease settled in the pit of his stomach. He pushed open the door, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of her. But she wasn¡¯t there. The bed was untouched, the room eerily still. Antonio¡¯s heart began to race as he called out to the guards, his voice firm butced with worry. ¡°Have any of you seen Evelyn?¡±

    The guards exchanged nervous nces, their faces pale. ¡°No, boss, we haven¡¯t seen her sincest night,¡± one of them replied, their voice trembling.

    Antonio¡¯s mind raced as he pulled out his phone and dialed Jacob¡¯s number. He answered on the first ring, his voiceced with concern. ¡°Good morning boss, I¡¯ve been looking for Evelyn all morning. I went to her room, but she wasn¡¯t there. I¡¯m justing from her house now, but I haven¡¯t found her yet.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s gut told him something was wrong. Eve wouldn¡¯t just disappear without a trace. He knew her too well;  she could be very stubborn but she was also a creature of habit, and this was out of character for her. His heart racing, he decided to rush to his room to settle and think of his next movement as his mind conjuring up worst-case scenarios.

    As Antonio opened the door to his room, his eyes widened in surprise at the sight before him. ¡°Holy shit!¡± he muttered in an Italian-American ent, his gaze fixed on Reina. She stood before him, her body radiating sensuality, her dress clinging to her curves like a second skin. The fabric seemed to be eating away at her, leaving little to the imagination. Antonio¡¯s eyes were drawn to her, his body responding to her seductive presence.

    Reina sauntered towards him, her hips swaying with each step. She reached out a hand, her fingers tracing the lines of his face, her touch sending shivers down his spine. ¡°Come on, hon, let¡¯s get started,¡± she whispered, her voice husky and inviting.

    Antonio¡¯s resolve began to crumble, his mind clouded by Reina¡¯s seductive charms. But then, like a ssh of cold water, he remembered Evelyn. His eyes snapped back into focus, and he took a step back, his voice firm. ¡°Reina, leave. Now.¡±

    But Reina refused to give up. She continued to taunt him, her body writhing against his, her lips brushing against his ear. ¡°What else do you want me to do, Antonio? I love you, I¡¯ll do whatever you want. I don¡¯t want money, I just want you, your thick and sweet body.¡± Her words tumbled out in a rush, her voiceced with desperation.

 Chapter Thirty-Six

    Antonio¡¯s face remained impassive, his eyes fixed on some point beyond Reina¡¯s shoulder. He didn¡¯t even flinch as she tried to kiss him, her lips pressing against his mouth. He pushed her away, his hands firm but gentle, and Reina stumbled back, her eyes shing with anger and hurt.

    She fell to the floor, her body trembling with sobs, her words tumbling out in a torrent. ¡°After everything I¡¯ve done for you, I¡¯m always avable for you, my body is always here for you. Still, you¡¯re choosing that lowlife over me. I even had her removed from our lives right now, but you still don¡¯t want me. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s suffering right now, wherever she is.¡±

    Reina¡¯s words trailed off, her eyes widening in horror as she realized what she had just revealed. Antonio¡¯s eyes darkened, his brows drawing together in a fierce scowl. ¡°What the fuck did you just say?¡± he growled, his voice low and menacing.

    Reina¡¯s words tumbled out in a stuttering mess, her eyes darting wildly as she struggled to exin herself. ¡°Em¡­ Em¡­ I mean¡­ Like¡­ It¡¯s not what you think, it came out wrong¡­ Em¡­ I wasn¡¯t thinking,¡± she stammered, her voice cracking under the pressure of Antonio¡¯s intense gaze.

    Antonio¡¯s scowl deepened, his grip on her neck tightening as he growled, ¡°Will you answer me at once!¡± His eyes zed with fury, his patience wearing thin.

    Reina¡¯s face contorted in a desperate plea, her words spilling out in a torrent. ¡°What! Do whatever you want to do with me. I don¡¯t care anymore. If I can¡¯t have you all to myself, then you can¡¯t have that thing you call Evelyn. I would rather die! I would rather die, Antonio. You¡­ Belong¡­ To¡­ Me!¡±

    Tears streamed down her face, her body trembling with sobs. Antonio¡¯s anger reached a boiling point, his breath hot as a volcano, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. He snarled, ¡°You¡¯re testing my patience, idiot!¡±

    Reina¡¯s response was defiant, her wordsced with a reckless abandon. ¡°Kill me¡­ Kill me, Antonio ¡­ I don¡¯t care anymore!¡± She red at Antonio, her eyes shing with a mad determination.

    Antonio¡¯s devilish instincts raged to be unleashed, his hands itching to wrap around her neck and squeeze the life out of her. But he hesitated, Reina¡¯s father¡¯s loyalty to him , a man who had always been loyal to him from the very beginning. The battle between his demonic impulses and the value he had on loyalty raged on, but he had himself under control and  pushed her to the floor. His hands on his head while thinking of his next move.

    Antonio¡¯s voice wasced with a sense of urgency as he barked orders into the phone, his words dripping with authority. ¡°Jacob, I need three of my men in my room, now. I don¡¯t have time to waste, make it quick.¡± He paused, his eyes fixed on Reina¡¯s tear-stained face. ¡°I need them here in less than a minute, got it?¡±

    The response on the other end was immediate, and Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed as he waited for the men to arrive. He paced around the room, his footsteps echoing off the walls as he struggled to contain his anger.

    The door burst open, and three men filed in, their faces set in determined lines. Antonio¡¯s gaze swept over them, his eyes lingering on each face before he spoke. ¡°I want two of you to take this¡­ thing,¡± he spat, his voice dripping with disdain, ¡°to the smallest room here. She¡¯s obsessed and crazy, no food, only water. Make sure she doesn¡¯t leave that room. You¡¯ll watch her and wait until I give the next instruction.¡±

    Reina¡¯s eyes widened, her face pale as she realized what was happening. She struggled against the men, but they were too strong, and they held her down, her cries echoing in the room.

    ¡± I can¡¯t stay there, I hate small and tight ces, please don¡¯t do this to me¡±Reina continued crying.

    Antonio¡¯s gaze never wavered, his eyes fixed on thest man standing before him. ¡°And you, bring Donald, Reina¡¯s father, to me. You have thirty minutes. I don¡¯t care what you have to do, just get him here.¡±

    Reina¡¯s eyes shed with defiance, her mind racing with thoughts of why he wanted her father. ¡°What if he wants to kill him¡± She thought but then again, her mind went to Evelyn ¡°I won¡¯t give up. I won¡¯t tell him where she is. She can¡¯t have him.¡±  She said in her thoughts but the  silent gasps that escaped her lips were the only indication of her distress as she was dragged away.

    Thest man nodded, his face set in a determined line. ¡°Yes, boss. I¡¯ll bring him here, no matter what it takes.¡± Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with menace. ¡°You¡¯d better. You know how I can be when I¡¯m angry.¡± The man nodded again, his eyes flicking to the door before he turned and disappeared into the hallway, leaving Antonio to wait for Reina¡¯s father.

    _-_-_-_-

    Evelyn¡¯s P. O. V

    Iy there, my body weak and tired, the aftermath of struggling with the men who brought me water still lingering. I couldn¡¯t help but think about how foolish I had been, trying to fight off two hefty men. Who did I think I was? Wonder Woman? The thought brought a mix of frustration and despair, and I let out a sob.

    As I cried, I called out to the men, hoping that if I talked to them patiently and respectfully they would find it in their hearts to let me go. My voice shaking. ¡°Please, sirs, I¡¯m so sorry for acting stubborn earlier¡­ I know it wasn¡¯t your intention to hit me¡­ Why are you even working for that witch?¡± One of the men turned to me, his Italian ent thick and rich. ¡°Our boss isn¡¯t a witch, watch your mouth.¡±

    I muttered an apology, feeling a mix of embarrassment and desperation. How could someone be so loyal to Reina? I thought to myself, my mind reeling with the levels of loyalty I had seen since entering Antonio¡¯s household. It was as if these men were blind to her true nature, her maniption and cruelty. Who knows if she had been having sex with these men too, I wonder why she still wants Antonio. At least cocks aren¡¯t scarce for her.

    As Iy there, my hand on my jaw, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what Antonio was doing at that moment. Was he waking up with Reina by his side? Had they spent the night together, lost in their own twisted world? The thought sent a pang of sadness through me, and I sighed, feeling the weight of my situation bearing down on me.

    I yed back on the bed, my mind racing with thoughts of my impending fate. Would I ever escape? Or would I be trapped here, at the mercy of Reina and her loyal minions? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I closed my eyes, praying for a miracle, any glimmer of hope in this dark and desperate world.

    _-_-_-_-

    Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed as Donald, Reina¡¯s father, entered the room. ¡°So, you¡¯re finally here,¡± Antonio said, his voice firm but controlled. ¡°Your daughter has put you and your entire family in a precarious situation, Donald. She abducted someone who belongs to me, someone I care about deeply.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s gaze bore into Donald¡¯s soul, his eyes shing with anger. ¡°You have served me well over the years, Donald. Your loyalty has beenmendable. But even that won¡¯t save you if Reina doesn¡¯t tell me where Evelyn is.¡±

    Donald¡¯s eyes widened in fear, his voice trembling. ¡°Y-yes, sir. I¡¯ll talk to her, sir. I¡¯ll make sure she tells you.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s expression remained unyielding. ¡°You¡¯d better. I won¡¯t hesitate to harm you and your family if Reina doesn¡¯t cooperate. How could you have raised such a reckless, foolish daughter? You both should have a DNA test¡±

    Donald¡¯s face paled, his words barely audible. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know, sir. I¡¯ll try to reason with her.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s tone was curt. ¡°You don¡¯t have much time, Donald. Make it quick.¡±This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    With that, Donald hastened out of the room, leaving Antonio alone with his thoughts. Antonio¡¯s mind raced back to Evelyn, remembering their first encounter, her fiery spirit, when he kissed her and how she wanted more of him when he had his fingers in her hole. His eyes fluttered closed, and for a moment, his tough exterior cracked, revealing a glimmer of vulnerability. ¡°Dear Eve,¡± he whispered, the words barely audible, a silent cry from a man who didn¡¯t know how to show weakness.

    The Almighty Antonio, the feared mafia boss, brought low by his emotions. The thought would have beenughable if it weren¡¯t for the desperation that gripped his heart. He needed Evelyn, needed her by his side, needed her to survive. The realization shook him to his core, and for a moment, he felt lost, unsure of how to reim the control he once wielded so effortlessly.

 Chapter Thirty-Seven

    Antonio¡¯s world had been turned upside down since Evelyn¡¯s disappearance. He couldn¡¯t sleep, couldn¡¯t eat, and couldn¡¯t think straight. Thoughts of Evelyn upied every space in his brain, haunting him like a ghost. He had been threatening Reina, trying to break her, but she seemed willing to die rather than giving Evelyn to take all to herself. To her, Antonio Bernoti was hers and hers alone. Donald, her father, was a different story. He begged for mercy, pleaded for his family¡¯s life, and Antonio could see the genuine fear in his eyes.

    Despite his tough exterior, Antonio had a soft spot for loyalty. He was very big on loyalty . He couldn¡¯t bring himself to harm Donald or his family, not yet. He needed Reina to lead him to Evelyn, and he was willing to use her to get what he wanted. But, he couldn¡¯t deny the pang of guilt that hit him every time he looked at Donald, every time he thought about the pain he was causing. Donald was really scared for his life and his family¡¯s life as well.

    Debbie, on the other hand, was a mess. She had been crying nonstop since she learned about Evelyn¡¯s abduction. The fact that they had fought thest time they saw each other made her grief even more unbearable. She had been reading thru apology message Evelyn had sent to her over and over. She felt guilty for not being there for her friend, for not being able to protect her. But, amidst her sorrow, she foundfort in Jacob¡¯s arms. He was always there to hold her, to listen to her, and to make her feel better.

    As they spent more time together, Debbie found herself growing closer to Jacob. She had always had a crush on him, but now, she saw a different side of him. She saw a kind, caring, andpassionate person who was always there for her. And, Jacob, too, he seemed to like Debbie but is still setting boundaries . Deep down he  loved her strength, her courage, and her determination. Amidst the sadness and chaos, they found sce in each other¡¯spany.

    Their friendship blossomed , and she found herself lost in his arms. Jacob always reminded her that there is a ray of hope in a dark time, a reminder that even in the midst of sorrow, there could be joy, there could be hope. And, as she held him  tight, she prayed that  Jacob  woulde to like her as more than a friend and that they would find Evelyn.

    _-_-_-_-

    Antonio stood tall, his imposing figure exuding confidence and power, even though he had lost weight from not eating and thinking about Eve as he gazed at the door leading to Reina¡¯s prison. His shades hid his eyes, but his jawline was set in determination. He had discovered her phone in his room earlier, and a n had formed in his mind. He would wait for her to make a call, hoping it would lead him to Evelyn. He sent one of his men, Albert, to return the phone to her.

    Unbeknownst to Antonio, the man he had sent to return the phone to Reina was secretly working for her. She had tempted him with a tantalizing offer ¨C the best sex of his life ¨C and he had betrayed Antonio¡¯s trust. Reina had already received a warning about Antonio¡¯s arrival and his ns.

    As Antonio opened the door, Reina smirked, her eyes gleaming with defiance. She handed over the phone, and Antonio¡¯s eyes scanned it frantically, but she had deleted all traces of the call. His anger erupted, and he grabbed her neck, his grip tightening. ¡°You think you¡¯re smart, don¡¯t you?¡± he growled, his voice low and menacing as he gave her the hottest p she had ever received .

    Reina¡¯s head twisted to the side, her nose bleeding from the force of his p. But she didn¡¯t flinch, her eyes zing with determination. ¡°That¡¯s right! Hit me! Hit me! It¡¯s not my fault that I want you! I¡¯ll do everything in my power to keep you from finding that thing you call Evelyn!¡±

    Antonio¡¯s eyes darkened, his face reddening with rage. How dare she defy him? He was Antonio Bernoti, the feared and respected mafia boss. He wouldn¡¯t be denied. With a swift motion, he pulled out his gun and shot her twice in the arm. Reina crumpled, her cries echoing through the room.

    Antonio turned and walked away, his anger and frustration boiling over. He ordered the door to be locked and instructed his men to leave her be. As he stormed back to his room, his mind raced with new ns, new strategies to find Evelyn and crush Reina¡¯s resistance. The game was not over yet. He is still Antonio Bernoti.

    _-_-_-_-

    Debbie returned from school and decided to go to a coffee shop near her home. Debbie¡¯s eyes widened as Charles walked into the coffee shop with a stunning woman, his hand possessively on her ass. She couldn¡¯t believe her eyes ¨C Charles, already moving on from Evelyn? Debbie¡¯s mind raced with thoughts of her friend, still missing and possibly in danger. Charles on seeing her, walked proudly to her, she felt a surge of anger and disbelief, her words spilling out before she could think. ¡°You cheat! Evelyn is missing, and you¡¯re already cheating on her?¡±

    Charles smirked, his eyes gleaming with pride. ¡°You¡¯re mistaken, Debbie. I¡¯m single, and I can do what I want. And as for Evelyn, she broke up with me, remember?¡± He emphasized thest part, his tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this.¡± He turned to leave, his arm still wrapped around the mysterious woman.

    Debbie¡¯s mouth hung open, her thoughts reeling. Could it be true? Had Evelyn really broken up with Charles without telling her? She felt a pang of uncertainty, her mind racing with questions. Charles¡¯s parting words only added to her confusion. ¡°And if you ever find her, remind her that she still has an unfinished business with me.¡± He smiled slyly, his eyes glinting with a sinister intensity.

    Debbie watched them leave, her coffee forgotten. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to act, after sitting there without actually doing nothing She dialed Evelyn¡¯s number, even though she had tried it several times and had always been switched off, her heart racing with anticipation. To her surprise, it rang ¨C a sign of life, a glimmer of hope. Without hesitation, she called Jacob, her words tumbling out in a rush. ¡°Jacob, it¡¯s Debbie. I think I found Evelyn¡¯s phone. It¡¯s ringing!¡±

    Jacob¡¯s response was immediate. ¡°I¡¯ll get this info to my boss. We¡¯ll work on it right away.¡± Debbie waited anxiously, her mind racing with possibilities. Minutester, Jacob called back. ¡°Antonio¡¯s on it. He¡¯d start tracking the phone¡¯s location immediately .¡±

    Antonio immediately ran into the bathroom for a quick shower, he needed water to cool his brain before he started the search, he cleaned his body immediately and rushed to the  beside hisptop. He opened it and began tapping the screen roughly, his eyes not leaving the screen for a sec. After a while, he got a location. He immediately called Jacob and gave him the information. He ordered him to get men to go with him.

    Like that¡­ He ended the call to search for an outfit that¡¯d suit the event that¡¯d take ceter ¨C Blood shed¡­ For his property, Evelyn.

    ¡°I am Antonio Bernoti, I am a step closer, I¡¯ll save you testa celda¡± He muttered

    His mind going back to the first time he called her that.

    _-_-_-_-

    Antonio Bernoti, the feared mafia boss, dressed with precision and purpose, his outfit a testament to his unwavering determination to rescue his girl, Evelyn. He wore a tailored ck suit, the fabric sleek and luxurious, adorned with a subtle sheen that hinted at his wealth and power. A crisp white shirtplemented the suit, its buttons gleaming like diamonds in the light. A ck tie, knotted to perfection, added a touch of sophistication, while his ck leather shoes shone like polished onyx. A gold watch glinted on his wrist, a symbol of his status and influence. His dark hair was slicked back, revealing piercing eyes that seemed to bore into the souls of those around him. He exuded an aura of confidence and authority, his very presencemanding respect. As he set out to rescue Evelyn, his outfit was a deration of his unwaveringmitment to protect her, a testament to the unyielding power of his love.

    _-_-_-_-

    Evelyn¡¯s P. O. V

    As I sat in the dimly lit room, surrounded by my captors, I stared nkly at the phone thrust in front of me. The sound of heavy breathing and exaggerated moans filled my ears, and my heart sank as I recognized the voice. It was obviously Reina, no one else. But who was the guy?¡± she sure must be fooling herself not me¡± I thought

    It was cut short when I heard the moans of a guy too¡­ She wasn¡¯t alone¡­ Antonio¡­

    ¡°Fuck¡­Antonio¡­ You are so good¡± This was what followed it. Realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I felt a wave of despair wash over me. I was nothing more than a mere stripper, a disposable pawn in their game of power and deceit. Antonio¡¯s betrayal cut deep, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he had ever truly cared for me.

    As I pushed the phone away, tears streaming down my face, the men surrounding me seemed to take pleasure in my distress. They leered at me, their eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity. The sound of moans and groans continued to echo through the phone, a cruel reminder of Antonio¡¯s infidelity.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Get this phone out of my face!¡± I screamed, my voice hoarse from crying. The men merelyughed, their mocking gazes burning into my soul. Finally, the phone was pulled away, but I heard something else from the phone because it was on speaker. It was a loud ringing tone and the next thing I heard was from the phone was ¡°Shh¡±

    Like that¡­ The men walked out of my room.

    I kept wondering what had happened over there with sadness written all over my soul and body.

 Chapter Thirty -Eight

    Reina was reveling in her cleverness, her body entwined with Albert¡¯s as they engaged in a passionate encounter. She had promised him the best sex of his life, and she was determined to deliver. But amidst the fervor, she remained cautious, ensuring their noises were muffled to avoid detection. Simultaneously, she was orchestrating a sinister n, her phone call to the men holding Evelyn captive a testament to her cunning.

    As she whispered instructions, her voice wasced with malice, her intention clear: to deceive Evelyn into believing she was hearing Antonio¡¯s intimate moments with Reina herself. The ruse was meant to crush Evelyn¡¯s spirit, to extinguish any hope she might have held onto.

    However, after her sessful n, Albert¡¯s phone rang, shrill in the silence, and Jacob¡¯s voice on the other end delivered news that would upend Reina¡¯s scheme. Evelyn¡¯s phone had been tracked, and a rescue mission was underway. Albert¡¯s eyes met Reina¡¯s, and he ryed the message, his voice barely above a whisper.

    Reina¡¯s expression transformed, her eyes shing with anger and her face contorting in a maniacalugh. ¡°Antonio may be smart, but I outsmarted him this time!¡± she gloated, her voice low and menacing. ¡°Let¡¯s see him try to rescue Evelyn now!¡±

    Albert¡¯s countenance was solemn, his eyes locked on Reina¡¯s. ¡°You need to be cautious, Reina. This isn¡¯t a game anymore.¡± With that, he disentangled himself and exited the room, his departure nonchnt yet urgent.

    Reina¡¯s focus shifted to her phone, her fingers flying across the screen as she contacted her henchmen. Her tone wasced with venom, her words dripping with malice. ¡°How did the phone get switched on?¡± she spat, her anger palpable.

    The men¡¯s sheepish admission only fueled her ire, and she berated them mercilessly. But time was of the essence, and Reina knew it. She ordered them to discard the phone and relocate Evelyn to a secure, undisclosed location. Her mind raced with possibilities, her intention clear: to ensnare Evelyn in a trap from which she might never escape.

    _-_-_-_-

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    As the men dragged me out of the room, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a glimmer of hope. ¡°Are you finally letting me go? Thank you so much! I can start a new life and forget about anyone and anything from my past,¡± I eximed, my words tumbling out in a rush.

    But my optimism was short-lived. One of the men growled in his thick Italian ent, ¡°You better be quiet if you don¡¯t want bruises on that mouth of yours.¡± His tone was menacing, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

    I tried to struggle, but it was futile. They were too strong, and I was too weak. ¡°Wait, are you going to kill me? Did that witch already order you to kill me?¡± I pleaded, my voiceced with fear.

    But they didn¡¯t respond. Instead, they swiftly bound my hands and legs with rope and blindfolded me. I was trapped, helpless, and at their mercy. My mind raced with thoughts of despair. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s time. I¡¯m going to be killed. No one even cares,¡± I thought, tears streaming down my face.

    I was lifted and tossed into the same mini bus that had brought me to this nightmare. The familiar feeling of the rough fabric beneath me and the sound of the bus¡¯s bouncing suspension brought back memories of the initial abduction. I felt like I was reliving the horror all over again.

    The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of the bus¡¯s tires hitting the rough road. Iy there, helpless and blindfolded, my mind wandering to Debbie and school. I missed the sounds ofughter, of chatter, of life. All I had now was the eerie silence and the constant bouncing of the bus.

    As we hit the main road, the sounds of other vehicles filled the air, and I felt a pang of nostalgia. ¡°I miss this,¡± I muttered to myself, my voice barely audible. My thoughts were a jumbled mix of fear, despair, and longing for a life that seemed lost forever.

    _-_-_-_-

    Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed as he stared at hisptop screen, his mind racing with the implications of the changed location. ¡°Fuck! What is this?¡± he exploded, his voice like thunder, causing his men to turn to him with a mix of concern and fear.

    Jacob, always the brave one, dared to ask, ¡°Boss, what¡¯s wrong?¡± but Antonio¡¯s response was a growl, ¡°The location changed!¡± His eyes zed with anger, and his jaw was set in a determined line.

    Albert, however, remained calm, his eyes fixed on Antonio with a knowing glint. He had suspected Reina¡¯s involvement from the start, and thistest development only confirmed his suspicions.

    ¡°It¡¯s at a point!¡± Antonio barked, his patience wearing thin. ¡°Don¡¯t fucking disturb me!¡± He red at Jacob, his eyes shing with warning.

    The driver, sensing the tension, elerated the vehicle, eager to reach the new location before Antonio¡¯s wrath turned on him.

    As they arrived at the location, Antonio¡¯sptop beeped, and he pounced on it like a predator. His eyes scanned the screen, and his face darkened as he spotted something on the ground. With a swift motion, he leapt out of the vehicle and sprinted towards the object, his men following close behind.

    It was Evelyn¡¯s phone, broken and battered, but still intact. Antonio¡¯s hands trembled as he picked it up, his eyes fixed on the shattered screen with a mix of anger and despair.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    His men fanned out, searching the area, but returned empty-handed. Antonio¡¯s expression turned grim, his eyes zing with determination. ¡°To the next location!¡± he barked, his voice like a whip crack.

    The driver sped off, and they arrived at an abandoned building, its walls worn and weathered. ¡°This is where Mr. Donald used to live,¡± one of the men remarked, and Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed as he remembered the connection.

    With a swift kick, he opened the door, and his men followed, their guns drawn. The interior was musty and decaying, but Antonio¡¯s eyes scanned every inch, searching for any sign of Evelyn.

    That was when he saw them ¨C pictures of himself, defaced with red lipstick kisses. Reina¡¯s signature move. Antonio¡¯s anger boiled over, and he kicked the table, shattering it into pieces.

    He stormed through the rooms, his men at his heels, searching for any trace of Evelyn. And then, he saw it ¨C a familiar hairclip, Evelyn¡¯s hairclip, lying on a dusty shelf. Antonio¡¯s eyes welled up with emotion as he picked it up, his fingers closing around it like a vice.

    The search yielded nothing else, but Antonio¡¯s determination only grew. ¡°To the mansion!¡± he growled, his eyes zing with a fierce intensity. His men knew better than to argue, and they rushed back to the vehicle, ready to face whatevery ahead. His eyes not leaving the road to see if he¡¯d find anything that¡¯d lead him to Evelyn.

    _-_-_-_-

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    I stirred awake, my senses foggy, and my body aching from the prolonged bus ride. I tried to sit up, but my movement was met with a stern re from the men, their eyes fixed on me like hawks. I felt their gaze even though I was blindfolded, and the sound of their shifting in their seats was a subtle warning to remain still.

    The bus came to an abrupt halt, and I was yanked out of my seat, my arms pulled behind my back. I stumbled, my feet dragging on the ground as I was dragged into a building. The sound of the door mming shut behind me was deafening, and the click of the lock was a stark reminder of my captivity.

    Time passed, and I heard the door creak open. The blindfold was removed, and I blinked as the faint ray of sun entered my eyes. A tray of food and water was ced on the floor beside me, and one of the men gazed at me with a mixture of indifference and contempt. He turned and left, leaving me alone in the hot, dirty room.

    I stared at the food, my stomach growling with hunger, but my mind wary of the potential poison. Yet, something inside me urged me to take a bite, to taste the bitterness of my fate. I had no choice. I picked up a piece of bread, the crust hard and dry, and took a small nibble. The vor was nd, but it was enough to spark a spark of hope within me.

    As I ate, my thoughts wandered to Debbie, to Antonio, and to the life I once knew. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I fought them back, determined to face my reality head-on. I was a prisoner, a pawn in Reina¡¯s game of revenge, but I refused to let her break me. I would hold on to hope, no matter how fleeting, and pray for a miracle to set me free even if I¡¯d have to do it myself.

 Chapter Thirty-Nine

    Antonio stormed into his room, his footsteps thundering on the floor like a raging bull. He paced back and forth, his mind racing with the implications of Reina¡¯s so-called smartness . His eyes zed with fury, the red hue a testament to his unbridled anger. He couldn¡¯t fathom how Reina had outmaneuvered him, a seasoned mafia boss. The only usible exnation was that one of his trusted men had betrayed him, feeding her information like a mole.

    His gaze narrowed as he thought of his men, his mind scanning their faces like a surveince camera. That¡¯s when he remembered the CCTV footage, and his eyes widened as he recalled the suspicious scenes he had dismissed earlier. Albert, his loyal man, had been caught on camera entering and exiting Reina¡¯s room, his movements furtive and secretive.

    Antonio¡¯s mind raced back to the day he had sent Albert to return Reina¡¯s phone, the same phone he had nned to use to get information about Evelyn. The connection was crystal clear now ¨C Albert had been ying both sides all along. A growl escaped Antonio¡¯s lips as he clenched his fists, his anger boiling over like a volcano.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°How dare they?¡± he bellowed, his voice shaking the walls. He punched the wall with a fierce cry, the drywall cracking under his fist. Blood oozed from his knuckles, but he didn¡¯t flinch, his rage consuming him. ¡°You¡¯re dead, Albert,¡± he hissed, his gun appearing in his hand like magic.

    But as he reached the door, he hesitated, his mind finally catching up with his emotions. He couldn¡¯t just barge in and shoot Albert without a n. No, he needed to y this smart, to outsmart the traitor and Reina, to use them to get Evelyn. A sly smile spread across his face as he holstered his gun, his eyes gleaming with a newfound determination.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to y a game, Albert, Reina¡± he whispered to himself, his voice dripping with menace. ¡°And this time, only one of us will walk away alive.¡±

    He said and walked into his bathroom.

    Antonio got out of his bathroom, his mind filled with thoughts of Evelyn. His mind seethed with anger and frustration as he stormed towards Reina¡¯s room, his gun at the ready. The thought of Evelyn suffering at the hands of her abductors fueled his rage. He couldn¡¯t believe Reina could outsmart her this way. Reina had always been able to get whatever she wanted using her body.

    As he approached Reina¡¯s room, he spotted Albert emerging from the doorway, a look of guilt and fear etched on his face. Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed, but he didn¡¯t confront him yet. He simply nodded and continued towards Reina¡¯s room.

    Reina¡¯s sultry voice greeted him as he entered, her words dripping with seduction. ¡°Hi baby, did you miss me? My body missed you too.¡± She reached out to touch his chest, her fingers tracing the contours of his muscles. Antonio¡¯s expression remained stoic, his eyes fixed on her with a cold intensity.

    ¡°Take me to your room already, I¡¯m dripping down there already,¡± Reina pouted, her voiceced with desperation. Antonio¡¯s response was swift and brutal. He pped her hands away, pinned her to the wall, and pressed his gun to her temple.

    ¡°You idiot, you think you¡¯re smart, right?¡± he sneered, his voice low and menacing. Reina¡¯s eyes widened, but she didn¡¯t back down. ¡°I love you, Antonio, I want you, can¡¯t you see it?¡± she protested, her voiceced with a false sincerity.

    Antonio¡¯s grip on her neck tightened. ¡°Look, Reina, I never loved you, and I know you never loved me too. What you cared about was sex, just sex, we both wanted sex right? Isn¡¯t that what you are very good at?.¡± His words wereced with venom, his anger boiling over.

    Reina¡¯s face contorted in a mixture of anger and desperation. ¡°You know how my body can be, hon, my body¡­¡± she began, but Antonio¡¯s p cut her off. The sound echoed through the room, leaving a red mark on her cheek.

    ¡°That¡¯s how you slept with different men while we were together, or you think I don¡¯t know? You even slept with my best friend Ricardo,¡± Antonio spat, his eyes zing with fury.

    Reina¡¯s eyes shed with defiance, but Antonio¡¯s grip on her neck only tightened. ¡°I hate you, Reina, I promise you, when I find Eve, I¡¯ll kill you,¡± he hissed, his voice dripping with malice.

    With that, he released her, and she slumped against the wall, her eyes fixed on him with a mixture of fear and anger . Antonio turned and strode out of the room, his mind already racing with a new n.

    As he entered his room, he remembered the name he had mentioned ¨C Ricardo. His eyes narrowed, and he rushed to his phone, a new lead forming in his mind. He dialed Ricardo¡¯s number, his eyes fixed on the screen as he waited for an answer.

    Antonio¡¯s fingers flew across the screen as he dialed Ricardo¡¯s number, his mind racing with the n he had concocted. The phone rang twice before Ricardo¡¯s cheerful voice answered, ¡°Hey, Tony! What¡¯s up, my friend?¡±

    Antonio¡¯s expression turned serious, his voice dropping to a low tone. ¡°Ricardo, I need your help, man. I¡¯m in a tight spot.¡± He paused, collecting his thoughts beforeunching into the story of Reina¡¯s betrayal and Evelyn¡¯s abduction.

    Ricardo¡¯s tone turned somber, his wordsced with concern. ¡°Damn, Tony, I¡¯m so sorry. What can I do to help?¡±

    Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed, his mind working overtime. ¡°I need you to y a role, Ricardo. I need you to gain Reina¡¯s trust, make her think you¡¯re on her side.¡± He paused, his voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°I need you to use your charm, your sex appeal, to get close to her. She¡¯s weak for sex, Ricardo. Use that to your advantage.¡±

    Ricardo¡¯s chuckle was low and husky. ¡°I see what you¡¯re getting at, Tony. You want me to be the mole, to get close to her and find out where she¡¯s hiding Evelyn.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s voice wasced with determination. ¡°Exactly, Ricardo. I know I can count on you. You¡¯re the only one I trust right now.¡±

    Ricardo  was sure good with handlingdies, he himself loved sex too, so, it would be very easy to use Reina¡¯s weakness to his advantage. He was a fine looking mafia who lived across the city, with the way he is going to handle this case reina would sure fall into his trap.

    The two friends brainstormed, their conversation flowing like a well-oiled machine. They hashed out the details, their n taking shape with each passing minute.

    Finally, they concluded, their smirks mirroring each other¡¯s. ¡°Let¡¯s do this, Ricardo. Let¡¯s get Evelyn back and take down Reina once and for all.¡±

    Antonio ended the call, his mind already racing with the next step. He knew he had to keep his circle small, and couldn¡¯t risk another mole. Jacob was the only other person he trusted, and together, they would put their n into action.

    With a deep breath, Antonio stood up, his eyes fixed on his door and he thought of going out to read in the library. Like that¡­ He walked out  of his room. He slipped on his shirt, while walking, his movements swift and silent, his mind focused on the task ahead.

    Antonio walked into the library, his anger and frustration had calmed a little due to his n with Ricardo. He grabbed a book from the shelf, but his mind refused to focus on the words. The thought of Evelyn consumed him, her absence a heavy weight on his chest. With a growl, he hurled the book across the room, the sound of pages fluttering and the thud of the book hitting the floor echoing through the silent space.

    He stood up, his eyes welling up with tears. ¡°I will find you, Eve,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. ¡°I promise.¡± The tears spilled down his cheeks, a rare disy of vulnerability from the usually stoic Antonio.

    He quickly brushed away the tears, his face set in a determined expression. No one must see him weak, no one must see him cry. With a deep breath, he strode out of the library, his destination clear.

    Reina¡¯s room was his next stop, his n already in motion. He flung open the door, his eyes locked on her smirking face. ¡°Hey, get out,¡± he barked, his voice firm.

    Reina¡¯sughter was like a cold breeze, her eyes glinting with amusement. ¡°Baby, are you giving up?¡± she taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

    Antonio¡¯s jaw clenched, his eyes shing with anger. ¡°I said get out! I don¡¯t want to ever see you again. You won,¡± he spat, his wordsced with venom.

    Reina¡¯s hands trailed down his chest, her fingers leaving a trail of fire. ¡°Shh, don¡¯t say that,¡± she purred, her voice husky. ¡°A whole Antonio Bernoti, give up?¡± Sheughed again, the sound grating on his nerves.

    He pushed her hands away, his face twisted in disgust. ¡°I don¡¯t want to ever see you again. Go into the deep forest if you have to, or else I¡¯ll give your head to your father,¡± he snarled, his eyes zing with fury.

    Reina¡¯s smile never wavered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

    ¡°I will take care of myself for you, my body is in a mess right now, but trust me, I¡¯ll be waiting for your call when next you need a hole to fuck. Thanks sweetheart. She said and  gathered her heels in her hand and walked out of the room, her hips swaying with a seductive rhythm. Antonio watched her go, his face set in a determined expression. The game had begun, and he was ready to y.

 Chapter Forty

    Antonio and Ricardo had meticulously crafted their n, every detail carefully considered. Ricardo, posing as if he just came into the city for work, would approach Reina with a charming smile and an offer of a ride home. As they drove, he would casually disparage Antonio, fueling Reina¡¯s animosity towards Antonio who chose Evelyn over her after all the way she had tried to get him.

    The n was set in motion as Ricardo spotted Reina waiting for a cab, her sleek figure and fiery hair impossible to miss. She had indeed taken care of herself and was now in good shape, like nothing had ever gone wrong with her body. He pulled up in his sleek ck car, the engine purring smoothly, and leaned over to open the passenger door.

    ¡°Hey, beautiful, need a ride?¡± Ricardo asked, his voice low and smooth, his eyes locked on Reina¡¯s with a hint of mischief.

    Reina¡¯s gaze narrowed, her eyes scanning Ricardo with a mix of curiosity and wariness. ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked, her voice husky.

    Ricardo shed a disarming smile. ¡°Oh really? You don¡¯t remember me? Stop pretending already. You don¡¯t remember, Ric? Antonio¡¯s best friend¡­ I

    I mean¡­ Ex Best friend.

    Reina¡¯s eyes lingered on his face, her expression softening slightly as she remembered the night they had sex. ¡°I¡¯m Reina,¡± she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°You look different now.¡± She managed to say as she quickly entered his ck expensive car.

    As they drove through the city, Ricardo expertly wove a web of deceit, his words dripping with venom as he spoke of Antonio¡¯s supposed wrongdoings. Reina¡¯s eyes shed with anger, her grip on the door handle tightening.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe him,¡± Ricardo said, his voiceced with false indignation. ¡°Thinking he can just use people and discard them like trash. He deserves to pay for what he¡¯s done.¡±

    Reina¡¯s eyes locked onto Ricardo¡¯s, a spark of interest igniting within them. ¡°You have no idea how much I¡¯d love to see him suffer¡­ And at that time, I¡¯d be the only one avable for him and he¡¯d have no other choice than to be with me.  She purred andughed like a crazy woman that she is.

    Ricardo¡¯s smile grew wider, his eyes gleaming with triumph. ¡°Well, maybe we can work together to make that happen,¡± he suggested, his voice low and conspiratorial.

    Reina¡¯s eyes narrowed, her mind working overtime. ¡°What do you propose?¡± she asked, her voiceced with caution.

    Ricardo¡¯s response was smooth, his words dripping with persuasion. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, I have the resources and influence to help you take down Antonio. And in return, you can¡­ assist me in other ways.¡±

    Reina¡¯s eyes shed with understanding, her lips curling into a sly smile. ¡°I think we cane to an arrangement,¡± she purred, her voice husky.

    As the car pulled up to Reina¡¯s destination, Ricardo¡¯s mind raced with the possibilities. He knew he had her right where he wanted her ¨C in his pocket, ready to do his bidding. And with Reina¡¯s help, they would bring Antonio down, once and for all.

    The game was on, and Ricardo was ready to y.

    ¡°Em¡­ Wait¡­ Reina,¡± Ricardo called out as he came down from his sleek ck car, the engine still purring softly. He sprinted towards her with urgency in his stride.

    ¡°Yes, Ric?¡± she responded in her usual bitchy tone, her eyes narrowing as she looked him over.

    ¡°Can I go in with you to have some water?¡± he asked, his voice a mix of genuine need and ulterior motive.

    ¡°Sure,¡± she said with a slight smirk, turning quickly to unlock her door, her high heels clicking sharply against the pavement.

    Once inside, Ricardo took a moment to survey her apartment. The ce was tastefully decorated, with modern furniture and subtle hints of luxury. ¡°Not bad,¡± hemented, his eyes scanning the room with a hint of approval.

    ¡°Just manage¡­ I,¡± Reina began, but her words were cut short as Ricardo abruptly pinned her against the wall, his eyes burning with a feigned desire. The sudden movement left her breathless.

    ¡°You look hot,¡± he said in a deep, seductive voice. At this moment, Reina couldn¡¯t help but smile seductively, feeling a rush of heat between her legs. She attempted to drape her arms around his neck, but he swiftly captured her wrists and pinned them above her head against the wall, ensuring she was fully ensnared in his scheme.

    ¡°You know what? Why don¡¯t you be my personal bitch? You are too hot to resist,¡± he continued, his lips tantalizingly close to hers. His breath was warm and intoxicating, causing her to moan softly in response.

    ¡°And, you know you would have power, the power Antonio couldn¡¯t give you¡­¡± he whispered, his lips moving from her mouth to her neck. This time, she let out a loud, erotic moan, unable to contain her excitement.

    ¡°With this power, you can do what you want¡­ My n gets stronger every day. I¡¯m sure that idiot, Antonio, wouldn¡¯t be a match for me¡­ for us,¡± he said, his lips trailing down to her exposed cleavage, sending shivers down her spine.

    ¡°And even after you have Antonio, your body would still be mine¡­ ¡®Cause you are irresistible,¡± he dered as he pulled down the top of her gown, exposing one of her breasts. He sucked on it fiercely, making her gasp and writhe with pleasure.

    ¡°Pl¡­ ease, Ric¡­ Please,¡± she managed to moan, her body trembling with desire.

    ¡°You already want me,¡± Ricardo said, his voice dripping with arrogance as he continued to suck on her breast. ¡°I can¡¯t have you here. I¡¯ll give you my location tomorrow. Think of a way we can bring Antonio down and tell me everything tomorrow,¡± hemanded, giving her breast a final, harsh squeeze before stepping away.

    Ricardo walked out of the door, leaving Reina struggling to catch her breath, her body still burning with unfulfilled desire. She wanted more, needed more. Desperate for release, she quickly grabbed her phone and called one of her men, demanding that hee over immediately to satisfy her.

    As she waited, she paced the room, her mind racing with Ricardo¡¯s proposition. The thought of power and revenge was intoxicating, almost as much as his touch. She knew she was ying a dangerous game, as she knew Antonio was very strong, dangerous and not easy to defeat but the allure of it all was too strong, she believed in Ricardo too.

    Later that night, Antonio called Ricardo over the phone to get an update on their ns. The atmosphere was tense, the kind of tension that only existed between men involved in dangerous schemes.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You can¡¯t call me like this, man,¡± Ricardo¡¯s voice was a harsh whisper, filled with urgency. ¡°We have to be careful. I don¡¯t want Reina to suspect anything.¡±

    ¡°Alright, man. Also, change my name on your contact list in case of anything,¡± Antonio instructed, his tone shifting from impatience to concern. ¡°So, gist me about what happened?¡±

    Ricardo took a deep breath before recounting the events. He described in vivid detail how he dropped Reina off, how he entered the house with her, and the bad  things he did to her. His voice was devoid of remorse, almost proud of his actions.

    ¡°You¡¯re such a bad guy, Ric,¡± Antonio said, his deep voice rumbling with a sinisterugh.

    ¡°I know, right? I now have a personal ything¡­ For free,¡± Ricardo boasted, his voice dripping with arrogance. ¡°I wonder what will happen after our n works out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll kill her,¡± Antonio¡¯s voice hardened, transforming from the friendly tone he used with his best friend into the cold, ruthless voice that struck fear into everyone else. It was the voice of a Mafia boss he is. With that, they continued their conversation, shifting topics to less pressing matters, until it waste. This was the first time since Evelyn¡¯s abduction that Antonio could smile andugh genuinely. At least, the talk with Ricardo took his mind off his problems for a while. Finally, they ended the call.

    The next day, Ricardo messaged Reina, sending her information that contained his current location. Reina¡¯s heart raced with excitement as she read the message. She turned her wardrobe inside out, scattering clothes everywhere, as she struggled to decide what to wear.

    ¡°I must look irresistible for Ricardo,¡± she kept repeating to herself, her voice filled with determination and a hint of desperation.

    She had already nned to use Ricardo to her advantage, intending to leverage her body to extort as much as she could from him. Unbeknownst to her, Ricardo had his own sinister ns with Antonio.

    After what felt like an eternity of searching for the perfect outfit and applyingyer uponyer of makeup, Reina finally settled on a dress that screamed seduction. She arrived at the location Ricardo had sent her, her eyes widening in awe at the luxurious environment. Ricardo was indeed a powerful Mafia lord.

    She rushed into his house with the fervor of a woman on a mission. ¡°Hi baby,¡± she purred, walking seductively towards a shirtless Ricardo.

    ¡°You look hot as always,¡± he replied, his gaze fixated on her nearly exposed breasts.

    ¡°Thank you. But, not now baby, I have something important to show you,¡± she said, her fingers lightly tracing the muscles on his exposed chest.

    ¡°One of the things we can use to bring Antonio down¡­ A girl,¡± she said wickedly, a triumphant smirk ying on her lips.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Ricardo responded, ying with her hair. ¡°I should get dressed then,¡± he said, kissing her cheek before retreating to his room. His mind raced as he pieced together her cryptic hint. He suspected the girl she referred to was Evelyn. With this thought, he quickly pulled out his phone and sent a message to Antonio. ¡°I think our n is getting sessful. I think she wants to take me to Evelyn.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take time before Antonio replied ¡°Game on, I trust you man¡±.

 Chapter Forty-Two

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    I was cold, a bone-chilling cold that seeped deep into my marrow, numbing every inch of my body. It felt like I was dying. To be honest, I was already dying. The frigid air sliced through the tattered remnants of my clothing, a cruel reminder of my vulnerability. I tried to wrap my arms around myself, my hands trembling as I attempted to shield my body from the biting wind. My fingers, stiff and blue, could barely manage to hold the rags together. It was a futile effort, and I knew it.

    The night was pitch ck, the kind of darkness that swallowed everything whole, leaving nothing but an oppressive silence. I couldn¡¯t sleep; my mind was a turbulent sea of thoughts and memories. My mind kept drifting back to the rich and powerful-looking man who had appeared out of nowhere, like a phantom. His presence had been almost surreal in this deste ce. He had said he was going to save me. His words, like a lifeline, had lodged themselves in my mind.

    ¡°Did he really mean it?¡± I wondered, the question gnawing at me relentlessly. ¡°Was he a police officer?¡± His demeanor had been authoritative, but there was something about him that didn¡¯t fit the usual mold ofw enforcement. ¡°Was he just a good man who felt pity for me?¡± That seemed too good to be true. ¡°Was he sent by Antonio?¡± The thought sent a shiver down my spine, a different kind of cold that had nothing to do with the weather. Of course, Antonio has forgotten about me.

    All these thoughts tumbled through my mind like a never-ending carousel. The man¡¯s promise echoed in my head, a fragile thread of hope in the overwhelming darkness. ¡°Lord, please save me,¡± I whispered into the void, my voice barely more than a breath. The prayer was instinctive, a desperate plea from a soul on the brink of despair.

    The hours dragged on, each minute feeling like an eternity. The darkness seemed to grow thicker, pressing down on me, suffocating me. But somewhere in the back of my mind, the man¡¯s words lingered. He promised. With those words as my anchor, I clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, he woulde back for me. My eyes grew heavy, the exhaustion of the night finally taking its toll. With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I drifted into a restless sleep.

    Ricardo had nned meticulously to save Evelyn from Reina¡¯s clutches today, ensuring that nothing could go wrong. The previous night, Ricardoid the groundwork for his daring rescue. He told Reina that he would be ordering arge number of men to guard the house where Evelyn was kept, under the pretense that the video he had sent to Antonio of them maltreating Evelyn would incite Antonio to retaliate, especially since Antonio already knew of his coboration with Reina. Reina, believing Ricardo to be firmly on her side, was thrilled by this news. They spent the entire night in each other¡¯s arms, making love until morning. By morning, Reina was too exhausted to even stand up, which yed perfectly into Ricardo¡¯s n.

    Early that morning, Ricardo discreetly instructed his men to act as though they were there to guard the house. He told them that once he gave the signal, they should strike and rescue Evelyn. Ricardo then suggested to Reina that they spend the day together. He proposed taking her out to buy whatever she desired, praising her for the pleasure she had given him the previous night. Reina, filled with pride and self-satisfaction, eagerly rushed to the bathroom to get dressed.

    After a while, they were both dressed and ready to go. They spent the day indulging Reina¡¯s whims: shopping for luxurious clothes, dining at the finest restaurants, rxing at a high-end spa, and visiting various boutique stores. Ricardo¡¯s actions were all calcted to reinforce the illusion that he was deeply infatuated with her. As the day progressed, he plied her withpliments andvish gifts, each more extravagant than thest. He made sure to keep her in high spirits, never letting her suspect that he had an ulterior motive.

    As evening approached, they decided to continue their escapade. Ricardo expertly maneuvered Reina into drinking copious amounts of alcohol, gradually getting her drunk and weakening her resolve. They went from seat to seat drinking as Reina was misbehaving , and each drink made Reina more uninhibited. Soon, she waspletely intoxicated, her inhibitions gone. Her desire for Ricardo grew uncontroble, and she made it clear that she wanted him. Ricardo, skilled in the art of seduction,plied, taking her back to his room where they could be alone.

    He made love to her with such intensity that she eventually passed out, too drunk and exhausted to stay awake. Ricardo, satisfied that she was out for the count, quickly dressed and slipped outside. He had an important mission toplete. He dialed Antonio¡¯s number and told him that the time hade. He instructed Antonio to send two of his men to transport Evelyn to his mansion after she was rescued. Ricardo provided the location where they should wait for his signal.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Antonio, recognizing the urgency, chose Jacob and another trusted man for the task. Jacob, eager to help, immediately called Debbie to inform her that Evelyn was going to be saved today. Debbie, who had been anxiously waiting for news of her friend, insisted on joining Jacob. She couldn¡¯t bear to wait any longer and wanted to be there when Evelyn was finally rescued. Jacob agreed and gave her the location where they would meet.

    Meanwhile, Ricardo¡¯s men, who had been pretending to guard the house, were ready and waiting for hismand. They were poised to act swiftly and decisively. Everyone involved knew their roles and understood the stakes. They all waited with bated breath, ready to spring into action the moment Ricardo gave the signal.

    As night fell, the atmosphere grew tense with anticipation. Ricardo, hidden in the shadows, watched the house where Evelyn was held captive. He knew that timing was crucial. With a deep breath, he sent the signal, setting the rescue operation in motion. His men, trained and prepared, moved in with precision. They overpowered Reina¡¯s guards quickly leaving the sounds of bullets everywhere.

    Inside, Evelyn, unaware of the unfolding rescue, remained scared as she wondered what was going on outside. She had endured so much but clung to the belief that Ricardo woulde for her as he said. Suddenly, the door burst open, and Ricardo¡¯s men rushed in. They found Evelyn and assured her that she was safe now. As they escorted her out, Evelyn couldn¡¯t believe her ordeal was finally over.

    Outside, Jacob and the other man awaited their arrival. Debbie, seeing Evelyn, ran to her and embraced her tightly, tears streaming down her face. Evelyn, though weak and shaken, smiled with relief. Ricardo, watching from a distance, felt a sense of triumph. His n had worked perfectly. As Evelyn was taken to safety, Ricardo knew that he had not only saved her but also made his friend happy too.

    Reina, still unconscious and unaware of the the whole thing, remained in her drunken slumber, oblivious to the fact that her carefully constructed world was crumbling. Ricardo, ever the strategist, had outmaneuvered herpletely. Today was a victory, Evelyn was safe, and that was all that mattered.

    Jacob dropped Debbie off at her house, knowing it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for her to apany them to Antonio¡¯s mansion. She wanted to go with them, but Jacob insisted, promising to call her as soon as Evelyn was safe. As Jacob and hispanion drove through the night towards Antonio¡¯s estate, Evelyn drifted in and out of consciousness, her body finally sumbing to the exhaustion and trauma she had endured. By the time they reached the imposing gates of Antonio¡¯s sprawling mansion, she had lost all awareness of her surroundings.

    As they pulled up to the mansion, Jacob noticed that Evelyn had passed outpletely. He gently lifted her from the car, her body limp and unresponsive. Carrying her carefully, he made his way toward the house. The grand entrance loomed before him, its massive doors opening to reveal thevish interior of Antonio¡¯s home. The halls were silent, the air thick with the gravity of the night¡¯s events.

    Antonio, having been alerted to their arrival, rushed out to meet them. The sight of Evelyn¡¯s frail, unconscious form in Jacob¡¯s arms brought an unexpected tear to his eye. Jacob, who had always seen Antonio as a stoic and unflinching figure, was taken aback. He had never imagined that the hardened mafia boss could show such raw emotion.

    Antonio quickly took Evelyn from Jacob, his movements gentle yet urgent. He cradled her in his arms, the tear sliding down his cheek a testament to his deep feelings for her. Jacob watched in stunned silence as Antonio, his usual tough demeanor cracking, carried Evelyn inside with a tenderness that seemed almost out of character.

 Chapter Forty-Three

    Inside Antonio¡¯s room, heid Evelyn down on the bed with great care. The room, adorned with luxurious furnishings, seemed a stark contrast to Evelyn¡¯s disheveled and battered state. Antonio began to undress her, his hands trembling slightly as he removed her dirty and torn clothes. He carried her to the bathroom, filling the tub with hot water. As he bathed her, he was meticulous and gentle, ensuring that her wounds were cleaned and her body was soothed by the warmth.     He dressed her in clean, soft clothes, and for a moment, he just stood there, watching over her as she slept. His heart ached for her, and he cursed himself for not being able to protect her sooner. He had never felt so vulnerable, so powerless.     When Evelyn finally stirred and opened her eyes, Antonio¡¯s face lit up with a hopeful smile. However, his joy was short-lived. As Evelyn¡¯s eyes focused on him, her expression hardened into one of anger and betrayal. The memories of everything Reina had told her flooded back. She remembered how Reina had imed that Antonio had been unfaithful, that he had used her disappearance as an opportunity to indulge in his own desires. Her mind, clouded by the trauma and confusion, couldn¡¯t reconcile Antonio before her with the man Reina had described.

    She pushed Antonio away with surprising strength, her fists pounding against his chest. Her voice, though weak, carried the weight of her usations. ¡°How could you?¡± she cried. ¡± I thought you cared about me,¡± Reina told me. She said you were with her, that you didn¡¯t care about me at all. Thank God for the man who saved me!¡±     Antonio, caught off guard by her sudden outburst, felt a surge of anger and frustration. He had done everything in his power to save her, to bring her back safely, and yet here she was, using him of betrayal. He grabbed her wrists, not to hurt her but to stop her from hitting him. ¡°Evelyn, listen to me! I didn¡¯t do any of those things. Reina is lying to you. I¡¯ve been trying to save you this entire time.¡±     But Evelyn¡¯s rage was uncontainable. She struggled against his grip, her emotions a chaotic whirlpool of anger, pain, and confusion. She screamed at him, her words a torrent of usations and anguish. Antonio¡¯s heart broke a little more with each word. He wanted to shake her, to make her understand, but he knew that now was not the time for force.     Suddenly, Evelyn¡¯s body began to tremble. Her eyes rolled back, and she copsed into his arms once more. Panic surged through Antonio. He scooped her up andid her back on the bed, calling out for the house doctor who was always on standby. Within minutes, the doctor arrived, and Antonio stepped back, his heart pounding, as the doctor examined Evelyn.     Antonio watched anxiously, his mind racing with thoughts of what could be wrong. He felt helpless, a sensation he was not ustomed to. His usual confidence was reced by a gnawing fear for Evelyn¡¯s well-being. The doctor worked quickly, checking her vitals and administering what care he could. After what felt like an eternity, the doctor turned to Antonio with a reassuring nod.     ¡°She¡¯s stable for now,¡± the doctor said. ¡°Her body has been through a lot, and she needs rest. It¡¯s not umon for someone in her condition to have episodes like this. Give her time, and she should recover.¡±     Antonio let out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he had been holding. He nodded, thanking the doctor, and returned to Evelyn¡¯s side. He sat there, holding her hand, willing her to wake up and see the truth in his eyes. He would stay by her side, no matter how long it took. He would prove to her that his feelings were genuine, that he had done everything he could to save her.     As he sat there, the weight of the night¡¯s events pressed down on him. He knew that this was just the beginning. He had saved Evelyn, but now he had to win back her trust by telling everything that happened . And he would do whatever it took to make that happen. Antonio Bernoti, the feared and respected mafia boss, had found his heart, and ity with the woman sleeping before him.     Later that night, Antonio sat by Evelyn¡¯s bedside, his mind reying the moment she hadshed out at him. Her anger and pain were seared into his memory, and he knew that Reina was the cause of it all. The rage simmering within him reached a boiling point. He vowed that Reina would pay dearly for what she had done.     Antonio stood abruptly and took out his phone, dialing Jacob¡¯s number with a steady hand, though his voice betrayed his fury. ¡°Go to Ricardo¡¯s house. I¡¯ll send you the location right now. Bring me Reina. Don¡¯t waste my time,¡± hemanded, each word dripping with anger.     ¡°Yes, boss,¡± Jacob replied, sensing the urgency in Antonio¡¯s voice. Without hesitation, he gathered a few of Antonio¡¯s most trusted men and set out toplete the task.     Meanwhile, at Ricardo¡¯s house, Reina began to stir from her drunken stupor. Her head throbbed painfully, and she groaned as she tried to sit up. The room spun around her, and she pressed her palms to her temples, attempting to steady herself. As her vision cleared, she noticed Ricardo standing nearby, a smug smile ying on his lips.     ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± she mumbled, her voice weak and confused. But before she could fullyprehend the situation, Jacob and his men burst into the room. The men moved swiftly, grabbing her roughly by the arms. Reina struggled, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. ¡°Ricardo, what¡¯s going on?¡± she demanded, her voice rising in panic.     Ricardo¡¯s smirk only widened. ¡°Bye bye, sweet pussy,¡± he said sarcastically, watching as Jacob¡¯s men restrained her. Reina screamed and thrashed, but it was no use. The men were too strong, and her resistance only seemed to amuse Ricardo further.     She was dragged out of the house and shoved into a waiting vehicle. The ride to Antonio¡¯s mansion was a blur of terror and confusion for Reina. She could hardly process what was happening, her mind racing with fear. When they arrived, she was unceremoniously hauled out of the car and brought inside. Her legs and hands were tied, and she was thrown into a dimly lit room.     Antonio entered the room shortly after, his expression a mix of cruel satisfaction and simmering rage. The men nking him stood silent and watchful, ready to act at a moment¡¯s notice. Antonio¡¯s face transformed from a wicked smile to a look of pure anger as he approached Reina.     ¡°Well, well, well, you idiot,¡± Antonio sneered, his voice cold and menacing. He grabbed her by the neck, his fingers digging into her flesh. Reina gasped, struggling to breathe, her eyes wide with terror. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as she tried to speak, but no words came out.     Antonio tightened his grip, his face inches from hers. ¡°I almost forgot,¡± he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°I know that one of my men was working with you.¡± His fingers dug deeper into her neck, and Reina¡¯s vision began to blur. She could feel the blood pounding in her head, and panic surged through her.     Turning to his men, Antonio barked, ¡°Two of you, get me Albert, immediately!¡± His voice was sharp andmanding. Two of the men nodded and rushed out of the room, leaving Antonio and the others to watch over Reina.     Minutester, the two men returned, dragging Albert between them. Albert, a once trusted member of Antonio¡¯s inner circle, looked terrified. His eyes darted around the room, settling on Reina with a mix of fear and hatred. He knew that his betrayal had been discovered and that there would be no mercy.     Antonio released Reina, letting her slump to the floor, gasping for breath. He turned his attention to Albert, his eyes zing with fury. ¡°So, you think I wouldn¡¯t know ,¡± Antonio said softly, his voice a dangerous whisper. ¡°You¡¯ve been working with her.¡±     Albert trembled, his knees buckling under Antonio¡¯s gaze. ¡°Boss, please, I can exin,¡± he stammered, but Antonio¡¯s expression hardened.     ¡°Exin? There¡¯s nothing to exin,¡± Antonio spat. He stepped forward and backhanded Albert across the face, the force of the blow sending him sprawling to the floor. ¡°You betrayed me. You betrayed all of us. And for what? For her pussy? For this piece of trash?¡± He gestured to Reina, who was still gasping on the floor.     Albert tried to scramble to his feet, but Antonio¡¯s men held him down. Antonio crouched beside him, his voice low and menacing. ¡°You know the penalty for betrayal,¡± he said. ¡°And you will pay it in full.¡±     He stood up and nodded to his men. They dragged Albert to his feet and forced him to his knees. Antonio walked over to a nearby table and picked up a knife, its de gleaming in the dim light. He turned back to Albert, his expression cold and unfeeling.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter Forty-Four

    ¡°This is for every lie, every secret meeting, every piece of information you passed to her,¡± Antonio said, his voice devoid of emotion. He stepped forward and plunged the knife into Albert¡¯s shoulder, twisting it as Albert screamed in pain. The men holding Albert tightened their grip, preventing him from moving.     Antonio withdrew the knife and wiped the blood off on Albert¡¯s shirt. ¡°Take him away,¡± he ordered. ¡°Make sure he remembers this moment for the rest of his miserable life.¡±     The men dragged Albert out of the room, his screams echoing down the hallway. Antonio turned back to Reina, who was watching with wide, terrified eyes. ¡°And as for you,¡± he said, his voice icy. ¡°You will suffer for what you¡¯ve done. You will pay for every lie, every maniption, and every ounce of pain you caused Evelyn.¡±     He knelt beside her, his face inches from hers. ¡°You thought you could y with me, with my people. But you were wrong. Very wrong.¡± He stood up and looked at his men. ¡°Take her to the cer. Make sure she¡¯s secure. I want her to think about what she¡¯s done. And tomorrow, we¡¯ll decide her fate.¡±     The men moved quickly, hauling Reina to her feet and dragging her out of the room. Antonio watched them go, his mind already racing with thoughts of how to handle the situation. He knew that this was just the beginning. There were still many pieces to move, many decisions to be made. But one thing was certain: he would protect Evelyn at all costs, and he would make sure that those who had hurt her paid dearly for their actions.     Evelyn¡¯s P. O. V     I woke up still on the same bed I was receiving treatment. The sterile smell of the room filled my nostrils, a stark reminder that I¡¯d be staying here for a long time to recover from the injuries and sickness I sustained in the hands of Reina. My mind shed back to the torment I had encountered while I was abducted, and how Antonio was busy enjoying Reina¡¯s pussy. The memory of him, cut deep into my soul.     ¡°Now, he wants to lead me on again,¡± I muttered silently, my voice barely audible over the steady beep of the heart monitor. I thought of how I was going to leave immediately after I recovered. There was no way I was staying with Antonio any longer. Going back to my ex, Charlie, wasn¡¯t an option either. My n was to ask Debbie to let me squat with her while I looked for a job. Maybe I could go back to my stripper business and start a new life. The thought of rebuilding my life from scratch was daunting, but it felt like my only option.     I was still lost in thought when I looked up and saw someone smiling at me sillily. It was Jacob, leaning casually against the doorframe.     ¡°Hey Silly,¡± he said out loud, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Jacob had always been sarcastic about everything, and today was no exception. I didn¡¯t have the energy to engage with him, so I just replied with a terse ¡°Hey.¡±     ¡°For real, I can¡¯t believe you did that to Antonio. You¡¯re really a¡­¡± Jacob began, his tone usatory.     ¡°Really? Really a what? What? Complete it. Really a what?¡± I snapped, my voice rising in anger. My eyes felt like they were bulging from their sockets as I red at him.     ¡°Wow, so I¡¯m next,¡± Jacob said sarcastically, but I didn¡¯t respond. My silence seemed to encourage him to continue. ¡°I don¡¯t care what¡¯s going on in your mind, but I think you¡¯re really crazy from the trauma.¡±     ¡°Call me crazy all you want, but I promise you won¡¯t be able to call me that when I get out of here,¡± I said, my voice steady with determination.     ¡°Can¡¯t you even be grateful that Antonio saved you? After everything he went through because of you, all you had to do was say hurtful things to him,¡± Jacob retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.     Unbeknownst to me, Antonio was already at the door, watching silently and listening to our discussion. His face was a mask of conflicting emotions, a mixture of sadness, anger, and something else I couldn¡¯t quite ce.     ¡°Wow, I see you¡¯ve joined the lying team. All of you are liars! Or do you think I don¡¯t know? While I was gone, Antonio didn¡¯t even bother to look for me. I thought I was a little bit important but I was wrong, I was just an ordinary stripper. All he did was fuck Reina¡¯s wide pussy. I heard everything! Reina fucking showed me. If not for the man who saved me, I wouldn¡¯t be here. You guys probably got me after he saved me and pretended like you were the ones who actually saved me. Quit it. Just quit it! I want to leave! I¡¯ll get myself treated,¡± Ished out, my voice breaking with tears and rage. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of the betrayal I felt.     ¡°Shut up and listen to me,¡± Jacob said, his voice harsh. His words hit Antonio like a punch to the gut. He immediately wanted to rush in and grab Jacob by the neck for telling me to shut up, but he held back, knowing that it would only cause more problems. I was already angry at him, and any rash action on his part would only make things worse.     Jacob took a step closer to my bed, his expression softening slightly. ¡°Evelyn, I get it. You¡¯re hurt. You¡¯re angry. But you need to understand that Antonio did look for you. He never stopped looking. He even saved you¡±     I turned my head away, staring at the wall. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible.     Jacob sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°You don¡¯t have to believe me. Just focus on getting better. When you¡¯re ready, you can decide what you want to do next. But please, don¡¯t make any decisions out of anger.¡±     Antonio finally stepped into the room, his presencemanding. ¡°Evelyn, I looked for you. I know Reina tried to frame me up. But please, listen to me. Let me prove to you that I care and that I didn¡¯t do anything wrong ¡± he said, his voice filled with genuine remorse.     The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Antonio took a step back, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Jacob looked between us, his expression conflicted. The tension was palpable, each of us lost in our own thoughts and emotions.     I knew that my path to recovery was just beginning, and that it would be a long and difficult journey. But one thing was certain: I was determined to take control of my life, to find my own way, and to never let anyone hurt me like that again.     Go away!¡± Ished out, my voice echoing off the sterile walls of the hospital room.     Antonio finally whispered something into Jacob¡¯s ear, amand that I couldn¡¯t make out but felt was an order to let him handle this alone. Jacob, with a quick nod, immediately left the room, closing the door softly behind him.     ¡°Now, will you listen to me?¡± Antonio¡¯s voice had changed, bing hoarse and authoritative, reminiscent of the dangerous mafia boss he was. His eyes were dark and serious this time, a stark contrast to the Antonio I thought I knew.     A chill ran down my spine. I suddenly remembered who I was dealing with, and the fear that I had managed to suppress came rushing back. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a lump in my throat. ¡°Can you please let me go?¡± I said, trying to keep my voice calm despite the terror I felt.     ¡°You go nowhere!¡± His voice thundered, and the finality in his words sent a wave of dread through me.     ¡°You know me,¡± he continued, his tone harsh. ¡°You think I¡¯d care this much if I didn¡¯t care about you? Huh? Don¡¯t you know who I am? Or do you think I¡¯d have brought you here if I didn¡¯t care? Or do you think I¡¯d have made you my personal stripper if I didn¡¯t see something in you?¡±     Each word cut through me, the intensity in his eyes making me shiver. I felt a mix of emotions-fear, confusion, anger-but above all, I was terrified.     ¡°I actually looked for you for days. I went crazy because of you! I cried because of you! I threatened Reina to get information because of you! Reina is in the cer because of you! The man that worked for her is half-dead! I sent my friend Ricardo to fuck with Reina just to get information on where you were! I was the one that asked him to save you! I was the one that asked Jacob to get you here after Ricardo saved you! It was all me!¡± Antonio¡¯s voice was filled with a bitter anger, each sentence a revtion that struck me to the core.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡± And I never fucked with Reina when you were missing! ¡°He added.

 Chapter Forty-Five

    My head hung low throughout his tirade, too ashamed and scared to meet his gaze. My mind was a whirlwind of guilt and fear. How had I misjudged everything so badly?

    But when I finally looked up, I saw something that I never thought I would see in Antonio¡¯s eyes-tears. He was crying. The powerful, intimidating mafia boss whomanded fear and respect was crying because of me.

    Antonio¡¯s shoulders shook slightly as he struggled to keep hisposure. ¡°You mean more to me than anything, Evelyn,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking. ¡°I did everything I could to bring you back, and it kills me to see you in pain. I know . I know I wasn¡¯t quick to finding you but I promise I tried¡± He said as he cried and he banged the table.

    The sight of his vulnerability shattered something inside me. The anger and fear I felt were reced by a profound sadness. I realized that beneath his tough exterior, Antonio was just a man who had fallen deeply for me. The weight of his emotions, his actions, and his words pressed down on me.

    I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. ¡°Antonio,¡± I said softly, my voice trembling. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you can forgive me .  I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t believe you and Jacob but believed Reina instead. I now understand now that you did try to save me. I¡¯m so sorry¡± I said as tears began falling from my eyes

    Antonio nodded slowly, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand. ¡°You need to rest by tomorrow you¡¯d be fit to be taken to your room but you¡¯d still be under medication and care.

    The room was silent again, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. Iy back on the bed, my body exhausted from the emotional upheaval. Antonio stood there for a moment longer, his eyes filled with a mixture of what I couldn¡¯t exin before turning to leave the room.

    As the door closed behind him, I let out a shaky breath. My mind was a tumult of thoughts and emotions, but one thing was clear: my life had been irrevocably changed, and the path ahead was uncertain. Yet, in that uncertainty, there was a glimmer of something new-a chance to rebuild, to heal, and perhaps, be with the man I love, Antonio.

    The next day I woke up, feeling significantly better. I discovered that I had already been moved to my room, the familiar surroundings offering aforting sense of normalcy. ¡°I miss the smell of this ce,¡± I muttered, taking in the scent of the fresh linens and the faint aroma ofvender from the diffuser on my bedside table.

    As I settled back against the pillows, there was a knock on the door. I smiled, thinking I knew who it was. ¡°Come in,¡± I said, excitedly but calmly. However, it wasn¡¯t who I expected. Instead, a woman dressed in a nurse¡¯s uniform stepped in.

    ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯am. I am Nurse Trina. I work in this mansion as one of the nurses. I am your personal nurse, assigned to take care of you, ensure you take your medication properly, feed you, and bathe you. That¡¯s the order from Boss Antonio,¡± Nurse Trina said with a warm smile.

    I tried to process everything she said. Antonio thinks I need all this? I haven¡¯t fully recovered, but I¡¯m not a baby. Just as I was about to respond, Jacob walked in.

    ¡°Hey Evelyn, close your mouth before a housefly enters. Why do you look so shocked?¡± Jacob teased.

    ¡°Heyyyyy!¡± I whined, throwing a pillow at him. He dodged it skillfully, and Nurse Trina stood there,ughing at our antics.

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve met your personal nurse. The boss asked her to treat you like a baby,¡± Jacob teased again, winking.

    ¡°Where is Antonio? I want to see him. I thought he¡¯de here,¡± I asked curiously, feeling a pang of disappointment.

    ¡°Em¡­ You can¡¯t right now. The boss wants to be alone,¡± Jacob said, his tone gentle but firm.

    This actually got to me. I think Antonio is angry at me because I didn¡¯t believe him at first. I sighed sadly.

    ¡°Well, the reason I came here is to give you this,¡± Jacob said, handing a brand new phone to me.

    ¡°Wow, this is so expensive,¡± I muttered, staring at the sleek device in my palms.

    ¡°It¡¯s from Boss Antonio. Guess what? I saved some numbers there. You should check them out,¡± Jacob said with a grin.

    I immediately went to the contact list and checked the saved numbers: Debbie¡¯s, Jacob¡¯s, and Antonio¡¯s. ¡°Awwn,¡± I muttered, feeling a warm glow in my chest.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°This was thoughtful. Hmm, I see you¡¯ve grown really close to my friend Debbie. I¡¯m suspecting you both,¡± I teased, noting the way Jacob¡¯s face lit up at the mention of Debbie.

    ¡°Get better quickly. Debbie and I have a surprise for you,¡± he said, shing a broad smile.

    ¡°Hmm, is that what I¡¯m thinking? Tell me now, please,¡± I begged, my curiosity piqued.

    ¡°I have to go now. Get better quickly¡­ Nurse, take care of her,¡± he said before making a swift exit.

    After Jacob left, Nurse Trina helped me brush my teeth. Then, she bathed me herself. It was so embarrassing; I felt like a child. After that, she fed me a nutritious breakfast and gave me my medication. Before she left, she handed me her number in case I needed anything before she returned.

    With a moment to myself, Iy back and stared at the ceiling, my mind swirling with thoughts. Why did Antonio want to be alone? Was he really angry with me? As I pondered this, I couldn¡¯t help but smile at Jacob¡¯s and Debbie¡¯s antics. Whatever surprise they had in store, I was sure it would be interesting.

    I picked up the new phone, admiring its sleek design, and decided to send a quick message to Antonio. ¡°Thank you for the phone. I hope to see you soon,¡± I typed, hesitating for a moment before hitting send.

    I spent the rest of the morning exploring the features of the new phone, listening to music, and trying to distract myself from my swirling thoughts. Despite the awkwardness, Nurse Trina¡¯s care was impable, and I felt a sense of gratitude for the support system I had around me.

    As the day wore on, I couldn¡¯t help but think of Antonio. I had been waiting for his message but nothing came in. It sure looked like he was really angry at me. At this point I was hating myself.

    The day wore on, and I found myself constantly looked after by Nurse Trina. She was attentive and meticulous, ensuring I had everything I needed and even anticipating my requests before I voiced them. Despite her impable care, my thoughts remain  tangled up with Antonio. The guilt gnawed at me; I didn¡¯t want to lose him, and I knew I was the cause of the rift between us.

    In an effort to distract myself, I chatted with Debbie, but our conversation was cut short when Jacob arrived at her house. Alone once more, I found my thoughts drifting back to Antonio. The evening deepened into night, yet I still heard nothing from him. Nurse Trina came in onest time to tend to me, then left me alone with my thoughts and growing restlessness.

    Unable to bear the silence and separation any longer, I decided to go to Antonio¡¯s room. I slipped on my flip-flops, steeling myself for whatever awaited me. As I reached his door, I noticed it was slightly ajar. Pushing it open gently, I walked inside. The room was dimly lit, and Antonio was sitting in a chair, a ss of whiskey in his hand. He didn¡¯t look at me, but his voice broke the silence.

    ¡°What are you doing here? You should be in your room,¡± he said in a hoarse,manding tone that sent a shiver down my spine. It was his mafia voice, the one that could make anyone tremble, but I was determined.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not believing you. I¡¯m really sorry, Antonio,¡± I said, my voice full of remorse. If only he could see how much my heart was aching.

    The room fell into a heavy silence, and for a few minutes, it seemed like he might not respond at all. But then he spoke, his voice filled with pain. ¡°You hurt me, Eve. You broke me.¡±

    ¡°I know, and I¡¯m so sorry. Please forgive me,¡± I replied, tears streaming down my face. I felt so helpless, so desperate for his forgiveness.

    ¡°I saved you. I did everything possible, but you still hurt me. You might not trust me entirely, but you should trust me a little bit. I was sincere,¡± Antonio said, and then, to my shock, he broke down, crying like a baby. This strong, imposing man was in pieces because of me.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m so sorry, baby,¡± I muttered, moving closer to him, my heart breaking at the sight of his tears.

    ¡°Say it again. Please, say it again. Call me that again, please,¡± Antonio pleaded, his hands cupping my face as he searched my eyes.

    ¡°Baby, I¡¯m sorry,¡± I whispered, and Antonio¡¯s face lit up with a grin. This side of him, the vulnerable, tender side, was so different from the intimidating mafia boss. Antonio Bernoti, in this moment, was just a man in need of love and reassurance. Like that, his lips met with mine.

 Chapter Forty-six

    Author¡¯s POVThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Later that night, Antonio called Ricardo over the phone to get an update on their ns. The atmosphere was tense, the kind of tension that only existed between men involved in dangerous schemes. Antonio paced back and forth in his room.     ¡°You can¡¯t call me like this, man,¡± Ricardo¡¯s voice was a harsh whisper, filled with urgency. ¡°We have to be careful. I don¡¯t want Reina to suspect anything ¡¯cause we¡¯d be around each other from tomorrow ¡±     Alright, man. Also, change my name on your contact list in case of anything,¡± Antonio instructed, his tone shifting from impatience to concern. ¡°So, gist me about what happened?     Ricardo took a deep breath before recounting the events. He described in vivid detail how he dropped Reina off, how he entered the house with her, and the bad things he did to her. His voice was devoid of remorse, very proud of his actions, as he paced in his living room, the shadows from the dim light flickering on the walls.     ¡°I made sure she enjoyed every bit of it and even craved for more,¡± Ricardo began, his tone disturbingly casual. ¡°Dropped her off at her ce, walked her inside. Gave her what she wanted and she was  locked with me. Simple as ABC.¡±     ¡°You¡¯re such a bad guy, Ric,¡± Antonio said, his deep voice rumbling with a sinisterugh. He leaned back in his chair, a smirk ying on his lips as he imagined the scene.     ¡°I know, right? I now have a personal ything¡­ For free,¡± Ricardo boasted, his voice dripping with arrogance. He kicked back on his couch, crossing his legs with a satisfied grin. ¡°I wonder what will happen after our n works out.¡±     I¡¯ll kill her,¡± Antonio¡¯s voice hardened, transforming from the friendly tone he used with his best friend into the cold, ruthless voice that struck fear into everyone else. It was the voice of a Mafia boss he was known to be. Silence hung in the air for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in.     Ricardo nodded, even though Antonio couldn¡¯t see him. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll make sure she stays quiet. For now, let¡¯s move on to other matters.¡±     They continued their conversation, shifting topics to less pressing matters. Ricardo filled Antonio in on thetest developments of his operations across the city, from new recruits to recent deals that went off without a hitch. They discussed the security measures at their various n, making sure every detail was meticulously shaped. . Antonio¡¯s mind was sharp, his questions precise, his thoughts  clear. His empire depended on this level of control, and he decided to incorporate some of what Ricardo had said.     As the night wore on, the tension between them began to ease. They reminisced about their early days, long before the power and money, when it was just the two of them against the world. Stories of narrow escapes and cunning schemes brought a rare smile to Antonio¡¯s face. Ricardoughed, the sound echoing in his empty apartment.     ¡°You remember that time we had to hide in that old warehouse for three days?¡± Ricardo chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°We survived on nothing but stale bread and water.¡±     Antonioughed, a deep, genuine sound that hadn¡¯t been heard in a long time. ¡°Yeah, and you keptining about the rats. I thought you¡¯d lose your mind.¡±     Those shared memories, the bond forged through countless trials, momentarily lightened the burden on Antonio¡¯s shoulders. For the first time since Evelyn¡¯s abduction, he felt a sliver of peace. The talk with Ricardo took his mind off his problems, allowing him to breathe a little easier, if only for a while.     As the hours passed, their conversation drifted into more mundane topics-sports, movies, thetest gossip within their circle. It was almost as if they were two normal friends catching up, rather than masterminds of a criminal empire. Antonio leaned back in his chair, a rare sense of normalcy washing over him. The stress and overthinking  that had been his constantpanions seemed to fade, reced by a fleeting sense of camaraderie.     Finally, they ended the call. ¡°Take care, man,¡± Ricardo said, his voice softer now, devoid of the earlier bravado. ¡°And remember, we¡¯ve got each other¡¯s backs.¡±     ¡°Always,¡± Antonio replied, his tone sincere. ¡°Stay safe.¡±     Antonio set the phone down and leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment as he smiled widely.     The next day, Ricardo messaged Reina, sending her a  message with his current location. Reina¡¯s heart raced with excitement as she read it, a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins. She nced at the clock, calcting how much time she had to prepare.     ¡°I must look irresistible for Ricardo,¡± she kept repeating to herself, her voice filled with determination and a hint of desperation. She turned her wardrobe inside out, scattering clothes everywhere, the normally tidy room now a chaotic mess. Dresses, skirts, and blouses were strewn across the bed and floor, each discarded option adding to her frustration.     After what felt like an eternity, she settled on a form-fitting red dress that entuated her curves, the dress that screamed seduction. She stood in front of the mirror, applyingyer uponyer of makeup with meticulous care, her hands shaking slightly with a mix of excitement and nerves. Every detail had to be perfect. She couldn¡¯t afford any mistakes; not when so much was at stake.     Her mind raced with possibilities as she got ready. She had already nned to use Ricardo to her advantage, intending to leverage her body to extort as much as she could from him. She knew he was infatuated with her, and she nned to exploit that weakness to its fullest. Money, protection, power-she wanted it all, and she saw Ricardo as the means to achieve her desires.     Unbeknownst to her, Ricardo had his own sinister ns. He and Antonio had discussed using Reina as a pawn in theirrger scheme. She was a tool, a disposable asset to be manipted and discarded when she was no longer useful. Ricardo¡¯s message was part of a carefully crafted trap, designed to lure her into a false sense of eptance and power.     As Reina applied the finishing touches to her makeup, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of doubt. What if Ricardo wasn¡¯t as gullible as she thought? What if he saw through her ns? She shook head and then lifted her boobs ¡°He wants my body right? I¡¯ll make sure I use it to get what I want ¡± She said checking out her seductive face in the mirror.     She arrived at the location Ricardo had sent her, her eyes widening in awe at the luxurious environment. The mansion was grand, surrounded by high walls and security cameras, a testament to Ricardo¡¯s status and power as a Mafia lord. The driveway was lined with sleek cars, and the garden was meticulously maintained, with exotic flowers and perfectly trimmed hedges.     Reina took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. She had to stay focused. This was her chance to secure her future. She adjusted her dress onest time and walked up to the massive front door, her heels clicking on the marble steps. A burly guard opened the door for her, giving her a cursory nce before stepping aside.     Inside, the opulence continued. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the floors were polished to a shine. Expensive artwork adorned the walls, and plush furniture filled the rooms. She was directed by one of the guards to where Ricardo was, , her heart pounding with anticipation and a touch of fear.     She finally found Ricardo in a spacious living room, lounging on a leather couch. He was shirtless, his muscr torso glistening under the soft lighting. He looked up as she entered, a sly smile spreading across his face.     ¡°Hi baby,¡± she purred, walking seductively towards him, her hips swaying with each step. She let her eyes linger on his chiseled abs, feeling a rush of excitement.     ¡°You look hot as always,¡± Ricardo replied, his gaze fixated on her nearly exposed breasts. His voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it, a hint of something darker beneath the surface.     ¡°Thank you. But, not now baby, I have something important to show you,¡± she said, her fingers lightly tracing the muscles on his exposed chest. She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his skin.     Ricardo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°Oh? And what might that be, Angel?¡±     One of the things we can use to bring Antonio down¡­ A girl,¡± she said wickedly, a triumphant smirk ying on her lips.     ¡°Oh, really?¡± Ricardo responded, ying with her hair. He watched her carefully, his mind working quickly to piece together her cryptic hint. ¡°I should get dressed then,¡± he added, kissing her cheek before retreating to his room.     As he closed the door behind him, Ricardo¡¯s mind raced. The girl she referred to could only be Evelyn, the girl Antonio was looking for . He needed to confirm his suspicions and move swiftly. Pulling out his phone, he quickly typed a message to Antonio: ¡°I think our n is getting sessful. I think she wants to take me to Evelyn.¡±     He didn¡¯t have to wait long for a response. Antonio¡¯s reply came almost immediately: ¡°Game on. I trust you, man.¡±

 Chapter Forty-Seven

    Ricardo¡¯s POV

    I brought out a ck outfit from my wardrobe, a carefully curated ensemble that exuded power and authority. The wardrobe itself was an imposing piece of furniture, made of dark, polished wood and lined with rows of meticulously arranged clothes and essories. It was a reflection of my meticulous nature and my desire for control.

    I reached for a tailored ck dress shirt, the fabric smooth and luxurious to the touch, with subtle patterns woven into the material that caught the light just right. The shirt had an almost imperceptible sheen, hinting at its expensive nature. The feel of the fabric between my fingers reminded me of the importance of appearances in my line of work.

    Next, I selected a pair of ck trousers, perfectly fitted and creased with military precision. They were made from high-quality wool, soft yet durable, designed to move with me while maintaining a crisp, authoritative appearance. Iid them out carefully, smoothing the creases and ensuring they were perfect.

    A ck leather belt with a silver buckle, engraved with an intricate design,pleted the look, adding a touch of understated elegance. I admired the craftsmanship, knowing that every detail mattered in projecting the right image.

    I picked up a ck zer from the hanger, its lining a rich, deep red that only became visible when the jacket moved. The zer was adorned with subtle, but unmistakable, details of fine tailoring: sharppels, precisely stitched seams, and a cut that emphasized my broad shoulders and lean frame. I draped it over a chair, appreciating the way it hung, ready toplete my ensemble.

    On the bed, Iid out the essories that wouldplete my transformation into the Mafia lord that I was. A ck silk tie, smooth and sleek, with a small silver tie pin that glinted menacingly under the light. I took a moment to run my fingers over the tie pin, the emblem of my family¡¯s crest engraved with precision, a silent symbol of my heritage and power.

    Cufflinks made of onyx and silver, each engraved with a delicate, almost cryptic, emblem of my family¡¯s crest, were ced beside the tie. They were a subtle reminder of my legacy and the weight of my responsibilities.

    I also ced a ck leather holster on the bed, designed to be concealed under my jacket but easily essible, hinting at the ever-present danger of my world. I checked the holster¡¯s straps, ensuring they were secure and would not hinder my movements.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    A pair of polished ck leather shoes, sharp and shiny, stood ready toplete the outfit. I picked them up, feeling the weight and solidity of the leather, appreciating the craftsmanship that went into making them.

    With everythingid out on the bed, I stepped back and surveyed the ensemble. It was more than just clothing; it was a carefully constructed image, a uniform that projected power, control, and a subtle threat. Each piece was chosen to reinforce my identity as a Mafia lord,manding respect and instilling fear.

    Satisfied, I began to dress, preparing to step into my role with every button fastened and every detail attended to. My heart pounded with anticipation as I dressed, my mind spinning with the possibilities. If Reina was indeed leading me to Evelyn, our n was progressing faster than I had anticipated. The stakes were high, and the adrenaline coursing through my veins heightened my senses. As I buttoned my shirt, I felt a surge of excitement. The game was on, and I was ready to y my part to perfection.

    With the final button fastened, I walked over to the mirror to check myself out. I could never go wrong when it came to fashion. My all-ck ensemble screamed wealth and power, every piece meticulously chosen and perfectly fitted. The tailored clothes hugged my athletic frame, the luxurious material adding a touch of sophistication that caught the light just right. The shirt, with its subtle sheen and intricate patterns, exuded a quiet confidence, while the trousers, creased with military precision, emphasized my disciplined nature.

    I adjusted my ck silk tie, ensuring it sat perfectly against my cor, and pinned it with the small silver emblem of my family¡¯s crest. The onyx and silver cufflinks glinted in the light, a subtle but unmistakable sign of my heritage and authority. I secured the ck leather holster under my jacket, the weight of the concealed weapon a constant reminder of the dangers that came with my world.

    My shoes, polished to a mirror-like shine, reflected my meticulous attention to detail. The final touch was a spritz of my expensive cologne, a blend of rich, musky notes that added an air of mystery and sophistication to my presence. As I ran a hand through my dark hair, slicking it back neatly, I admired the way it framed my sharp jawline and piercing eyes. I looked every bit the powerful man I was, my presencemanding respect and instilling fear.

    Satisfied with my appearance, I could never go wrong when ites to fashion. I turned away from the mirror and grabbed my phone. I quickly sent a message to Antonio: ¡°I¡¯m ready. Heading out now. Will update you soon.¡± The reply was swift: ¡°Stay sharp, man¡±

    I finally walked out of my room and descended the grand staircase, each step echoing in thevish hallway. As I  reached the bottom, the sound ofughter filled the air. I entered the spacious living area, the opulent decor reflecting his wealth and taste. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room, and expensive artwork adorned the walls.

    My eyes quickly found Reina, moving her body seductively on one of my men, her right hand on his shoulder and her left hand holding a ss of alcohol. Her dress was as provocative as it was elegant, clinging to her curves and hinting at the allure beneath. The man she was with looked ufortable but didn¡¯t dare push her away.

    ¡°Reina,¡± I  called, my  voice blunt and my face a mask of cold fury. My presence alone was enough to make the room fall silent. Reina¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of me, and she quickly stepped away from the man, her previous confidence wavering.

    ¡°I was¡­ Em¡­ Helping him wipe the stain off of his shoulder,¡± she stuttered, her voice trembling slightly.

    My expression softened slightly as I approached her, but my  eyes still held a dangerous gleam. ¡°That¡¯s okay, you¡¯re my personal bitch. I won¡¯t share you, that¡¯s how much I want you,¡± I whispered, my  voice low and seductive as I leaned in and bit her ear gently, sending a shiver down her spine. My touch was both a reassurance and a reminder of my  control over her.

    Hearing this, Reina smiled, her earlier fear reced with the satisfaction of knowing she had a hold on me. ¡°Okei, baby,¡± she replied immediately, a low smirk ying on her lips.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we don¡¯t have much time. I still have other things to do,¡± I  said, my sharp deep voice leaving no room for argument. I  straightened up, offering her my arm with amanding presence.

    ¡°Alright, baby. You look hot, by the way. I could eat you right here,¡± she said, her eyes roaming over his figure appreciatively.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have me all to yourselfter,¡± I replied with a confident smirk, my eyes never leaving hers. The anticipation of whaty ahead was electric, and I could see it mirrored in her gaze. ¡°By the way, you¡¯re safe with me. Some of my men will be joining the rest soon, just in case Antonio learns you¡¯re working with me and tries to cause trouble,¡± I added, my tone serious as I looked into her eyes.

    ¡°Thanks, darling,¡± she said, her voice softening as she felt a sense of protection wash over her. I could see the relief and gratitude in her expression. She knew she was with a powerful man, and that made her feel invincible. The thought of being under my protection and having my attention made her feel on top of the world. It was a heady feeling, one I knew all too well. Power had a way of intoxicating those who touched it, and I was no exception.

    With a final nce around the room, I led her out, our presence leaving a lingering sense of awe and fear among those who we passed by.

    After about an hour¡¯s drive through winding, narrow roads and dense forest, we  finally arrived at the remote hideout where Reina¡¯s men had been holding Evelyn captive. The house was a decrepit mansion, its grandeur faded with time. Thick ivy crawled up the cracked walls, and the windows, covered in grime, barely allowed any light to prate. The ce was heavily guarded; Reina had doubled the security detail with the intention of selling Evelyn as a sex ve to a notorious mafia boss in Spain. However, upon learning of my involvement, she quickly altered her ns, leaving me to make Evelyn¡¯s life miserable . I was a formidable figure in the underworld, known and feared across the city. My presence offered a new opportunity, one that could potentially yield what I wanted.

 Chapter Forty-Eight

    Reina¡¯s POV

    As Ricardo and I entered the building, the air was thick with tension. My men, recognizing Ricardo instantly, straightened and greeted him with utmost respect, their faces pale with fear and surprise. Ricardo¡¯s reputation preceded him-he was a legend among the city¡¯s criminals , a figure of both admiration and dread. Seeing my men react with such deference, an intoxicating rush of power coursed through my veins. I could almost taste the fear and respect in the air, mingling with the musty scent of the old building.

    I nced at Ricardo, his presence a silent yet powerful affirmation of dominance. He gave me a small nod, a signal that we were in control here. I felt a surge of power. With Ricardo, it was now a bigger territory, and everyone in this ce knew it.

    ¡°Take us to Evelyn,¡± Imanded, my voiceced with authority. There was no room for hesitation or doubt. The guards, clearly understanding the gravity of the situation, moved quickly. They led us through a series of dimly lit corridors as a result of an improper amount of sunlight , each turn revealing more of the building¡¯s neglected state. The walls were damp and crumbling, the air heavy with the smell of decay and mildew.

    With each step, I felt the weight of my mission lessen more with Ricardo in charge. Evelyn was a key to our ns, and failure was not an option. I could sense Ricardo¡¯s unwavering focus beside me, his silent strength aforting presence. We were unstoppable, a force to be reckoned with. As we approached where Evelyn was kept , I steeled myself for the confrontation ahead, ready to show her that my game was getting interesting.

    As we finally reached a small, dingy room at the end of the winding corridors, the sight that greeted us was the kind that I loved. Evelyn was there, tied to a chair in the center of the room. The dim light flickered, casting eerie shadows across her battered form. Her face was bruised and swollen, her body weak from days of mistreatment. The vibrant spark that used to light up her eyes was gone, reced by a hollow, lifeless gaze that spoke of profound despair.

    I paused at the threshold, taking in the scene with a mixture of satisfaction and anger. This was the woman who had dared toe between me and Antonio, the one who thought she could escape the consequences of stealing what was mine. Now, she was nothing more than a broken shell, a pitiful reminder of the price of defiance.

    Did you miss me? You look unrecognizable!¡± I screamed sarcastically, my voice bouncing off the cold, damp walls. It was a cruel taunt, designed to twist the knife of her suffering deeper. Evelyn barely lifted her head at my words, her spirit visibly broken. Her response, orck thereof, only fueled my resolve. She needed to understand the gravity of messing with me.

    ¡°So, this is the girl?¡± Ricardo asked, his voice calm but menacing.

    ¡°Yes, baby,¡± I replied, my tone suddenly sweet as I clung to Ricardo¡¯s side, pressing my body against his. I reveled in the attention and the fear hemanded. There was something intoxicating about his power, something that made me feel invincible when I was with him.

    Ricardo took a step closer to Evelyn, his presence imposing and his gaze unwavering. ¡°Hmm, Antonio¡¯s girl? I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯ll have to pay for what Antonio did to me,¡± he said, his deep voice resonating with cold, calcted malice. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m a girl¡¯s guy but not you. I¡¯ll make you suffer slowly until you die, and I¡¯ll send your head to Antonio.¡±

    I watched as he inspected her with a look of disdain, his words sinking into her already broken spirit. Evelyn barely lifted her head, her spirit visibly shattered. There was no fight left in her, just a hollow shell of the person she once was.

    What¡¯s her name?¡± Ricardo asked, his eyes never leaving the pitiful figure chained to the chair.

    ¡°Evelyn,¡± I replied with a smirk, relishing the fear that flickered in her dull eyes at the mention of her name.

    Ricardo took a step closer, his presence looming over her like a dark shadow. ¡°Well, Evelyn, you kinda look good in this condition, but I have a surprise that will make you look even better,¡± he said with a cruel smile. In an instant, he grabbed Evelyn¡¯s hair, yanking her head back. She gasped in pain, her eyes widening in fear and confusion. The sight made me smirk. Ricardo knew exactly how to break someone the way I wanted.

    He leaned in close to me, whispering in my ear. His breath was warm against my skin, and his voice wasced with a sinister edge. ¡°Have the men pour buckets of cold water on her¡± I immediately knew that he was really ready to use Evelyn as one of the keys to bring Antonio down. I couldn¡¯t wait till the time when Antonio would have nothing else but me.

    Ricardo¡¯s POV

    Once Reina was out of sight, I knelt in front of Evelyn. My expression softened, and I  leaned in close, speaking in a low, gentle voice. ¡°I¡¯m not here to hurt you. Just bear with whatever they¡¯re going to do to you. I¡¯ll get you out of here,¡± I said softly, my eyes conveying sincerity

    Evelyn looked at me in disbelief, her mind too foggy from the abuse to fully grasp his words. Her eyes searched his face for any hint of deception, but the genuine concern in my eyes seemed out of ce in this hellish situation. Before she could respond, the door opened again, and the sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the room. I stood abruptly, resuming mh menacing facade, my eyes hardening as he turned to face who was entering the room.

    Reina re-entered the room, her face alight with cruel glee, a sadistic excitement dancing in her eyes. She lived for these moments, basking in the power and control we wielded over our enemies. I draped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to me.

    ¡°How about we make Antonio mad?¡± I suggested, my voice calm and calcting.

    ¡°How, baby?¡± she replied eagerly, her eyes fixed on mine, eager to please and ready to follow my lead.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ¡°We¡¯ll make a video of what I¡¯m about to do to this thing,¡± I said, my voice dripping with malice. I nced at Evelyn, her body limp and shivering, her eyes wide with fear.

    Reina¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement at the idea, but there was a flicker of hesitation. ¡°He¡¯s going to know that we¡¯re working together,¡± she muttered, a hint of fear creeping into her voice.

    I tightened my grip on her waist, my tone confident andmanding. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that, hon. I¡¯m Ricardo, remember? No one crosses me and gets away with it.¡±

    She nodded, her fear melting away under my reassurance. ¡°Leave it to me,¡± I said, releasing her and stepping forward. I ordered the men to take pictures of Evelyn while they doused her with buckets of ice-cold water. Each ssh elicited a gut-wrenching scream from her, her body convulsing with pain and cold. My heart ached seeing her this way, knowing the suffering I was inflicting, but I knew I had to maintain the act.

    After the brutal session, the men filed out of the room one by one, leaving me as thest to leave. I looked down at Evelyn, her body shaking uncontrobly, her spirit nearly broken. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was shallow. I bent down once more and whispered softly in her ear, ¡°Forgive me. I¡¯ming for you.¡±

    I stood up and left the room, my heart heavy with the weight of what I had done. Once outside, I sent the video to Antonio, knowing it was a necessary part of the n. Momentster, my phone buzzed with his response. The message was immediate and filled with anguish.

    ¡°I asked you to get her out, not maltreat her! She¡¯s looking weak already,¡± Antonio texted back, his distress palpable even through the screen.

    I could picture him, devastated, as he fell onto his bed, hot tears streaming down his face. The pain in his words cut through me, but I knew I had to stay the course.

    It¡¯s part of the n. I got you, man. I¡¯ll do everything to get her out tomorrow. She looks like she¡¯s dying already,¡± I replied, my mind racing to devise a strategy. I needed to find a way to save Evelyn and make Antonio believe in the ruse we had constructed.

    As I paced the dimly lit hallway, a spark of an idea ignited in my mind. ¡°Yes,¡± I finally said out loud, the pieces of the puzzle falling into ce. I knew what I had to do to save Evelyn, and I wouldn¡¯t rest until she was safe.

 Chapter Forty-Nine

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    I was cold, a bone-chilling cold that seeped deep into my marrow, numbing every inch of my body. It felt like I was dying. To be honest, I was already dying. The frigid air sliced through the tattered remnants of my clothing, a cruel reminder of my vulnerability. I tried to wrap my arms around myself, my hands trembling as I attempted to shield my body from the biting wind. My fingers, stiff and blue, could barely manage to hold the rags together. It was a futile effort, and I knew it.

    The night was pitch ck, the kind of darkness that swallowed everything whole, leaving nothing but an oppressive silence. I couldn¡¯t sleep; my mind was a turbulent sea of thoughts and memories. My mind kept drifting back to the rich and powerful-looking man who had appeared out of nowhere, like a phantom. His presence had been almost surreal in this deste ce. He had said he was going to save me. His words, like a lifeline, had lodged themselves in my mind.

    ¡°Did he really mean it?¡± I wondered, the question gnawing at me relentlessly. ¡°Was he a police officer?¡± His demeanor had been authoritative, but there was something about him that didn¡¯t fit the usual mold ofw enforcement. ¡°Was he just a good man who felt pity for me?¡± That seemed too good to be true. ¡°Was he sent by Antonio?¡± The thought sent a shiver down my spine, a different kind of cold that had nothing to do with the weather.

    Reina had been my captor, my tormentor. Someone who had  delivered nothing but pain and suffering because of Antonio, who doesn¡¯t even care about me. Of course, Antonio has forgotten about me. He is busy enjoying all what Reina has to offer in bed while I¡¯m here suffering because of him.

    I shifted ufortably, the ground beneath me unforgiving and hard. My stomach growled, a painful reminder of my prolonged hunger. I hadn¡¯t eaten well in days, surviving only on the scraps I could find. The rich man¡¯s promise echoed in my head, a beacon of hope in my otherwise bleak existence. I promised myself to stay away from Antonio if I eventually get out. But as the hours dragged on, my hope began to wane.

    All these thoughts tumbled through my mind like a never-ending carousel. The man¡¯s promise echoed in my head, a fragile thread of hope in the overwhelming darkness. ¡°Lord, please save me,¡± I whispered into the void, my voice barely more than a breath. The prayer was instinctive, a desperate plea from a soul on the brink of despair.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    The hours dragged on, each minute feeling like an eternity. The darkness seemed to grow thicker, pressing down on me, suffocating me. But somewhere in the back of my mind, the man¡¯s words lingered. He promised. With those words as my anchor, I clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, he woulde back for me. My eyes grew heavy, the exhaustion of the night finally taking its toll.

    My body trembled uncontrobly as the cold gnawed at me, but my mind was too weary to fight it anymore. The wind howled louder, and I could hear the distant sounds of the city, life continuing on without me. It was as if the world had forgotten I existed.

    My breathing grew shallow, each exhale a visible puff in the frigid air. My mind drifted between wakefulness and sleep, haunted by the images of my past and the uncertain future.

    _-_-_-_-_-

    Ricardo had nned meticulously to save Evelyn from Reina¡¯s clutches today, ensuring that nothing could go wrong. The previous night, Ricardoid the groundwork for his daring rescue. He told Reina that he would be ordering arge number of men to guard the house where Evelyn was kept, under the pretense that the video he had sent to Antonio of them maltreating Evelyn would incite Antonio to retaliate, especially since Antonio already knew of his coboration with Reina. Reina, believing Ricardo to be firmly on her side, was thrilled by this news. They spent the entire night in each other¡¯s arms, making love until morning. By morning, Reina was too exhausted to even stand up, which yed perfectly into Ricardo¡¯s n.

    Early that morning, Ricardo discreetly instructed his men to act as though they were there to guard the house. He told them that once he gave the signal, they should strike and rescue Evelyn. Ricardo then suggested to Reina that they spend the day together. He proposed taking her out to buy whatever she desired, praising her for the pleasure she had given him the previous night. Reina, filled with pride and self-satisfaction, eagerly rushed to the bathroom to get dressed.

    After a while, they were both dressed and ready to go. They spent the day indulging Reina¡¯s whims: shopping for luxurious clothes, dining at the finest restaurants, rxing at a high-end spa, and visiting various boutique stores. Ricardo¡¯s actions were all calcted to reinforce the illusion that he was deeply infatuated with her. As the day progressed, he plied her withpliments andvish gifts, each more extravagant than thest. He made sure to keep her in high spirits, never letting her suspect that he had an ulterior motive.

    As evening approached, they decided to continue their escapade. Ricardo expertly maneuvered Reina into drinking copious amounts of alcohol, gradually getting her drunk and weakening her resolve. They went from seat to seat drinking as Reina was misbehaving , and each drink made Reina more uninhibited. Soon, she waspletely intoxicated, her inhibitions gone. Her desire for Ricardo grew uncontroble, and she made it clear that she wanted him. Ricardo, skilled in the art of seduction,plied, taking her back to his room where they could be alone.

    He made love to her with such intensity that she eventually passed out, too drunk and exhausted to stay awake. Ricardo, satisfied that she was out for the count, quickly dressed and slipped outside. He had an important mission toplete. He dialed Antonio¡¯s number and told him that the time hade. He instructed Antonio to send two of his men to transport Evelyn to his mansion after she was rescued. Ricardo provided the location where they should wait for his signal.

    Antonio, recognizing the urgency, chose Jacob and another trusted man for the task. Jacob, eager to help, immediately called Debbie to inform her that Evelyn was going to be saved today. Debbie, who had been anxiously waiting for news of her friend, insisted on joining Jacob. She couldn¡¯t bear to wait any longer and wanted to be there when Evelyn was finally rescued. Jacob agreed and gave her the location where they would meet.

    Meanwhile, Ricardo¡¯s men, who had been pretending to guard the house, were ready and waiting for hismand. They were poised to act swiftly and decisively. Everyone involved knew their roles and understood the stakes. They all waited with bated breath, ready to spring into action the moment Ricardo gave the signal.

    As night fell, the atmosphere grew tense with anticipation. Ricardo, hidden in the shadows, watched the house where Evelyn was held captive. He knew that timing was crucial. With a deep breath, he sent the signal, setting the rescue operation in motion. His men, trained and prepared, moved in with precision. They overpowered Reina¡¯s guards quickly leaving the sounds of bullets everywhere.

    Inside, Evelyn, unaware of the unfolding rescue, remained scared as she wondered what was going on outside. She had endured so much but clung to the belief that Ricardo woulde for her as he said. Suddenly, the door burst open, and Ricardo¡¯s men rushed in. They found Evelyn and assured her that she was safe now. As they escorted her out, Evelyn couldn¡¯t believe her ordeal was finally over.

    Outside, Jacob and the other man awaited their arrival. Debbie, seeing Evelyn, ran to her and embraced her tightly, tears streaming down her face. Evelyn, though weak and shaken, smiled with relief. Ricardo, watching from a distance, felt a sense of triumph. His n had worked perfectly. As Evelyn was taken to safety, Ricardo knew that he had not only saved her but also made his friend happy too.

    Reina, still unconscious and unaware of the the whole thing, remained in her drunken slumber, oblivious to the fact that her carefully constructed world was crumbling. Ricardo, ever the strategist, had outmaneuvered herpletely. Today was a victory, Evelyn was safe, and that was all that mattered.

    Jacob dropped Debbie off at her house, knowing it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for her to apany them to Antonio¡¯s mansion. She wanted to go with them, but Jacob insisted, promising to call her as soon as Evelyn was safe. As Jacob and hispanion drove through the night towards Antonio¡¯s estate, Evelyn drifted in and out of consciousness, her body finally sumbing to the exhaustion and trauma she had endured. By the time they reached the imposing gates of Antonio¡¯s sprawling mansion, she had lost all awareness of her surroundings.

 Chapter Fifty

    As they pulled up to the mansion, Jacob noticed that Evelyn had passed outpletely. He gently lifted her from the car, her body limp and unresponsive. Carrying her carefully, he made his way toward the house. The grand entrance loomed before him, its massive doors opening to reveal thevish interior of Antonio¡¯s home. The halls were silent, the air thick with the gravity of the night¡¯s events.     Antonio, having been alerted to their arrival, rushed out to meet them. The sight of Evelyn¡¯s frail, unconscious form in Jacob¡¯s arms brought an unexpected tear to his eye. Jacob, who had always seen Antonio as a stoic and unflinching figure, was taken aback. He had never imagined that the hardened mafia boss could show such raw emotion.     Antonio quickly took Evelyn from Jacob, his movements gentle yet urgent. He cradled her in his arms, the tear sliding down his cheek a testament to his deep feelings for her. Jacob watched in stunned silence as Antonio, his usual tough demeanor cracking, carried Evelyn inside with a tenderness that seemed almost out of character.     Inside Antonio¡¯s room, heid Evelyn down on the bed with great care. The room, adorned with luxurious furnishings, seemed a stark contrast to Evelyn¡¯s disheveled and battered state. Antonio began to undress her, his hands trembling slightly as he removed her dirty and torn clothes. He carried her to the bathroom, filling the tub with hot water. As he bathed her, he was meticulous and gentle, ensuring that her wounds were cleaned and her body was soothed by the warmth.     He dressed her in clean, soft clothes, and for a moment, he just stood there, watching over her as she slept. His heart ached for her, and he cursed himself for not being able to protect her sooner. He had never felt so vulnerable, so powerless.     When Evelyn finally stirred and opened her eyes, Antonio¡¯s face lit up with a hopeful smile. However, his joy was short-lived. As Evelyn¡¯s eyes focused on him, her expression hardened into one of anger and betrayal. The memories of everything Reina had told her flooded back. She remembered how Reina had imed that Antonio had been unfaithful, that he had used her disappearance as an opportunity to indulge in his own desires. Her mind, clouded by the trauma and confusion, couldn¡¯t reconcile Antonio before her with the man Reina had described.

    She pushed Antonio away with surprising strength, her fists pounding against his chest. Her voice, though weak, carried the weight of her usations. ¡°How could you?¡± she cried. ¡± I thought you cared about me,¡± Reina told me. She said you were with her, that you didn¡¯t care about me at all. Thank God for the man who saved me!¡±     Antonio, caught off guard by her sudden outburst, felt a surge of anger and frustration. He had done everything in his power to save her, to bring her back safely, and yet here she was, using him of betrayal. He grabbed her wrists, not to hurt her but to stop her from hitting him. ¡°Evelyn, listen to me! I didn¡¯t do any of those things. Reina is lying to you. I¡¯ve been trying to save you this entire time.¡±     But Evelyn¡¯s rage was uncontainable. She struggled against his grip, her emotions a chaotic whirlpool of anger, pain, and confusion. She screamed at him, her words a torrent of usations and anguish. Antonio¡¯s heart broke a little more with each word. He wanted to shake her, to make her understand, but he knew that now was not the time for force.     Suddenly, Evelyn¡¯s body began to tremble. Her eyes rolled back, and she copsed into his arms once more. Panic surged through Antonio. He scooped her up andid her back on the bed, calling out for the house doctor who was always on standby. Within minutes, the doctor arrived, and Antonio stepped back, his heart pounding, as the doctor examined Evelyn.     Antonio watched anxiously, his mind racing with thoughts of what could be wrong. He felt helpless, a sensation he was not ustomed to. His usual confidence was reced by a gnawing fear for Evelyn¡¯s well-being. The doctor worked quickly, checking her vitals and administering what care he could. After what felt like an eternity, the doctor turned to Antonio with a reassuring nod.     ¡°She¡¯s stable for now,¡± the doctor said. ¡°Her body has been through a lot, and she needs rest. It¡¯s not umon for someone in her condition to have episodes like this. Give her time, and she should recover.¡±     Antonio let out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he had been holding. He nodded, thanking the doctor, and returned to Evelyn¡¯s side. He sat there, holding her hand, willing her to wake up and see the truth in his eyes. He would stay by her side, no matter how long it took. He would prove to her that his feelings were genuine, that he had done everything he could to save her.     As he sat there, the weight of the night¡¯s events pressed down on him. He knew that this was just the beginning. He had saved Evelyn, but now he had to win back her trust by telling everything that happened . And he would do whatever it took to make that happen. Antonio Bernoti, the feared and respected mafia boss, had found his heart, and ity with the woman sleeping before him.     Later that night, Antonio sat by Evelyn¡¯s bedside, his mind reying the moment she hadshed out at him. Her anger and pain were seared into his memory, and he knew that Reina was the cause of it all. The rage simmering within him reached a boiling point. He vowed that Reina would pay dearly for what she had done.     Antonio stood abruptly and took out his phone, dialing Jacob¡¯s number with a steady hand, though his voice betrayed his fury. ¡°Go to Ricardo¡¯s house. I¡¯ll send you the location right now. Bring me Reina. Don¡¯t waste my time,¡± hemanded, each word dripping with anger.     ¡°Yes, boss,¡± Jacob replied, sensing the urgency in Antonio¡¯s voice. Without hesitation, he gathered a few of Antonio¡¯s most trusted men and set out toplete the task.     Meanwhile, at Ricardo¡¯s house, Reina began to stir from her drunken stupor. Her head throbbed painfully, and she groaned as she tried to sit up. The room spun around her, and she pressed her palms to her temples, attempting to steady herself. As her vision cleared, she noticed Ricardo standing nearby, a smug smile ying on his lips.     ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± she mumbled, her voice weak and confused. But before she could fullyprehend the situation, Jacob and his men burst into the room. The men moved swiftly, grabbing her roughly by the arms. Reina struggled, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. ¡°Ricardo, what¡¯s going on?¡± she demanded, her voice rising in panic.     ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± she mumbled, her voice weak and confused. But before she could fullyprehend the situation, Jacob and his men burst into the room. The men moved swiftly, grabbing her roughly by the arms. Reina struggled, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. ¡°Ricardo, what¡¯s going on?¡± she demanded, her voice rising in panic.     Ricardo¡¯s smirk only widened. ¡°Bye bye, sweet pussy,¡± he said sarcastically, watching as Jacob¡¯s men restrained her. Reina screamed and thrashed, but it was no use. The men were too strong, and her resistance only seemed to amuse Ricardo further.     She was dragged out of the house and shoved into a waiting vehicle. The ride to Antonio¡¯s mansion was a blur of terror and confusion for Reina. She could hardly process what was happening, her mind racing with fear. When they arrived, she was unceremoniously hauled out of the car and brought inside. Her legs and hands were tied, and she was thrown into a dimly lit room.     Antonio entered the room shortly after, his expression a mix of cruel satisfaction and simmering rage. The men nking him stood silent and watchful, ready to act at a moment¡¯s notice. Antonio¡¯s face transformed from a wicked smile to a look of pure anger as he approached Reina.     ¡°Well, well, well, you idiot,¡± Antonio sneered, his voice cold and menacing. He grabbed her by the neck, his fingers digging into her flesh. Reina gasped, struggling to breathe, her eyes wide with terror. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as she tried to speak, but no words came out.     Antonio tightened his grip, his face inches from hers. ¡°I almost forgot,¡± he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°I know that one of my men was working with you.¡± His fingers dug deeper into her neck, and Reina¡¯s vision began to blur. She could feel the blood pounding in her head, and panic surged through her.     Turning to his men, Antonio barked, ¡°Two of you, get me Albert, immediately!¡± His voice was sharp andmanding. Two of the men nodded and rushed out of the room, leaving Antonio and the others to watch over Reina.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter Fifty-One

    Minutester, the two men returned, dragging Albert between them. Albert, a once trusted member of Antonio¡¯s inner circle, looked terrified. His eyes darted around the room, settling on Reina with a mix of fear and hatred. He knew that his betrayal had been discovered and that there would be no mercy.

    Antonio released Reina, letting her slump to the floor, gasping for breath. He turned his attention to Albert, his eyes zing with fury. ¡°So, you think I wouldn¡¯t know ,¡± Antonio said softly, his voice a dangerous whisper. ¡°You¡¯ve been working with her.¡±

    Albert trembled, his knees buckling under Antonio¡¯s gaze. ¡°Boss, please, I can exin,¡± he stammered, but Antonio¡¯s expression hardened.

    ¡°Exin? There¡¯s nothing to exin,¡± Antonio spat. He stepped forward and backhanded Albert across the face, the force of the blow sending him sprawling to the floor. ¡°You betrayed me. You betrayed all of us. And for what? For her pussy? For this piece of trash?¡± He gestured to Reina, who was still gasping on the floor.

    Albert tried to scramble to his feet, but Antonio¡¯s men held him down. Antonio crouched beside him, his voice low and menacing. ¡°You know the penalty for betrayal,¡± he said. ¡°And you will pay it in full.¡±

    He stood up and nodded to his men. They dragged Albert to his feet and forced him to his knees. Antonio walked over to a nearby table and picked up a knife, its de gleaming in the dim light. He turned back to Albert, his expression cold and unfeeling.

    ¡°This is for every lie, every secret meeting, every piece of information you passed to her,¡± Antonio said, his voice devoid of emotion. He stepped forward and plunged the knife into Albert¡¯s shoulder, twisting it as Albert screamed in pain. The men holding Albert tightened their grip, preventing him from moving.

    Antonio withdrew the knife and wiped the blood off on Albert¡¯s shirt. ¡°Take him away,¡± he ordered. ¡°Make sure he remembers this moment for the rest of his miserable life.¡±

    The men dragged Albert out of the room, his screams echoing down the hallway. Antonio turned back to Reina, who was watching with wide, terrified eyes. ¡°And as for you,¡± he said, his voice icy. ¡°You will suffer for what you¡¯ve done. You will pay for every lie, every maniption, and every ounce of pain you caused Evelyn.¡±

    He knelt beside her, his face inches from hers. ¡°You thought you could y with me, with my people. But you were wrong. Very wrong.¡± He stood up and looked at his men. ¡°Take her to the cer. Make sure she¡¯s secure. I want her to think about what she¡¯s done. And tomorrow, we¡¯ll decide her fate.¡±

    The men moved quickly, hauling Reina to her feet and dragging her out of the room. Antonio watched them go, his mind already racing with thoughts of how to handle the situation. He knew that this was just the beginning. There were still many pieces to move, many decisions to be made. But one thing was certain: he would protect Evelyn at all costs, and he would make sure that those who had hurt her paid dearly for their actions.

    Evelyn¡¯s P. O. V

    I woke up still on the same bed I was receiving treatment. The sterile smell of the room filled my nostrils, a stark reminder that I¡¯d be staying here for a long time to recover from the injuries and sickness I sustained in the hands of Reina. My mind shed back to the torment I had encountered while I was abducted, and how Antonio was busy enjoying Reina¡¯s pussy. The memory of him, cut deep into my soul.

    ¡°Now, he wants to lead me on again,¡± I muttered silently, my voice barely audible over the steady beep of the heart monitor. I thought of how I was going to leave immediately after I recovered. There was no way I was staying with Antonio any longer. Going back to my ex, Charlie, wasn¡¯t an option either. My n was to ask Debbie to let me squat with her while I looked for a job. Maybe I could go back to my stripper business and start a new life. The thought of rebuilding my life from scratch was daunting, but it felt like my only option.

    I was still lost in thought when I looked up and saw someone smiling at me sillily. It was Jacob, leaning casually against the doorframe.

    ¡°Hey Silly,¡± he said out loud, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Jacob had always been sarcastic about everything, and today was no exception. I didn¡¯t have the energy to engage with him, so I just replied with a terse ¡°Hey.¡±

    ¡°For real, I can¡¯t believe you did that to Antonio. You¡¯re really a¡­¡± Jacob began, his tone usatory.

    ¡°Really? Really a what? What? Complete it. Really a what?¡± I snapped, my voice rising in anger. My eyes felt like they were bulging from their sockets as I red at him.

    ¡°Wow, so I¡¯m next,¡± Jacob said sarcastically, but I didn¡¯t respond. My silence seemed to encourage him to continue. ¡°I don¡¯t care what¡¯s going on in your mind, but I think you¡¯re really crazy from the trauma.¡±

    ¡°Call me crazy all you want, but I promise you won¡¯t be able to call me that when I get out of here,¡± I said, my voice steady with determination.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you even be grateful that Antonio saved you? After everything he went through because of you, all you had to do was say hurtful things to him,¡± Jacob retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.

    Unbeknownst to me, Antonio was already at the door, watching silently and listening to our discussion. His face was a mask of conflicting emotions, a mixture of sadness, anger, and something else I couldn¡¯t quite ce.

    ¡°Wow, I see you¡¯ve joined the lying team. All of you are liars! Or do you think I don¡¯t know? While I was gone, Antonio didn¡¯t even bother to look for me. I thought I was a little bit important but I was wrong, I was just an ordinary stripper. All he did was fuck Reina¡¯s wide pussy. I heard everything! Reina fucking showed me. If not for the man who saved me, I wouldn¡¯t be here. You guys probably got me after he saved me and pretended like you were the ones who actually saved me. Quit it. Just quit it! I want to leave! I¡¯ll get myself treated,¡± Ished out, my voice breaking with tears and rage. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of the betrayal I felt.

    ¡°Shut up and listen to me,¡± Jacob said, his voice harsh. His words hit Antonio like a punch to the gut. He immediately wanted to rush in and grab Jacob by the neck for telling me to shut up, but he held back, knowing that it would only cause more problems. I was already angry at him, and any rash action on his part would only make things worse.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Jacob took a step closer to my bed, his expression softening slightly. ¡°Evelyn, I get it. You¡¯re hurt. You¡¯re angry. But you need to understand that Antonio did look for you. He never stopped looking. He even saved you¡±

    I turned my head away, staring at the wall. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± I whispered, my voice barely audible.

    Jacob sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°You don¡¯t have to believe me. Just focus on getting better. When you¡¯re ready, you can decide what you want to do next. But please, don¡¯t make any decisions out of anger.¡±

    Antonio finally stepped into the room, his presencemanding. ¡°Evelyn, I looked for you. I know Reina tried to frame me up. But please, listen to me. Let me prove to you that I care and that I didn¡¯t do anything wrong ¡± he said, his voice filled with genuine remorse.

    The room fell silent, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Antonio took a step back, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Jacob looked between us, his expression conflicted. The tension was palpable, each of us lost in our own thoughts and emotions.

    I knew that my path to recovery was just beginning, and that it would be a long and difficult journey. But one thing was certain: I was determined to take control of my life, to find my own way, and to never let anyone hurt me like that again.

    Go away!¡± Ished out, my voice echoing off the sterile walls of the hospital room.

    Antonio finally whispered something into Jacob¡¯s ear, amand that I couldn¡¯t make out but felt was an order to let him handle this alone. Jacob, with a quick nod, immediately left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

    ¡°Now, will you listen to me?¡± Antonio¡¯s voice had changed, bing hoarse and authoritative, reminiscent of the dangerous mafia boss he was. His eyes were dark and serious this time, a stark contrast to the Antonio I thought I knew.

 Chapter Fifty-Two

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    You¡¯re going nowhere!¡± Antonio¡¯s voice thundered, and the finality in his words sent a wave of dread through me.

    ¡°You know me,¡± he continued, his tone harsh. ¡°You think I¡¯d care this much if I didn¡¯t care about you? Huh? Don¡¯t you know who I am? Or do you think I¡¯d have brought you here if I didn¡¯t care? Or do you think I¡¯d have made you my personal stripper if I didn¡¯t see something in you?¡±

    Each word cut through me, the intensity in his eyes making me shiver. I felt a mix of emotions-fear, confusion, anger-but above all, I was terrified.

    ¡°I actually looked for you for days. I went crazy because of you! I cried because of you! I threatened Reina to get information because of you! Reina is in the cer because of you! The man that worked for her is half-dead! I sent my friend Ricardo to fuck with Reina just to get information on where you were! I was the one that asked him to save you! I was the one that asked Jacob to get you here after Ricardo saved you! It was all me!¡± Antonio¡¯s voice was filled with a bitter anger, each sentence a revtion that struck me to the core.

    ¡± And I never fucked with Reina when you were missing! ¡°He added.

    My head hung low throughout his tirade, too ashamed and scared to meet his gaze. My mind was a whirlwind of guilt and fear. How had I misjudged everything so badly?

    But when I finally looked up, I saw something that I never thought I would see in Antonio¡¯s eyes-tears. He was crying. The powerful, intimidating mafia boss whomanded fear and respect was crying because of me.

    Antonio¡¯s shoulders shook slightly as he struggled to keep hisposure. ¡°You mean more to me than anything, Evelyn,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking. ¡°I did everything I could to bring you back, and it kills me to see you in pain. I know . I know I wasn¡¯t quick to finding you but I promise I tried¡± He said as he cried and he banged the table.

    The sight of his vulnerability shattered something inside me. The anger and fear I felt were reced by a profound sadness. I realized that beneath his tough exterior, Antonio was just a man who had fallen deeply for me. The weight of his emotions, his actions, and his words pressed down on me.

    I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. ¡°Antonio,¡± I said softly, my voice trembling. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you can forgive me .  I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t believe you and Jacob but believed Reina instead. I now understand now that you did try to save me. I¡¯m so sorry¡± I said as tears began falling from my eyes

    Antonio nodded slowly, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand. ¡°You need to rest by tomorrow you¡¯d be fit to be taken to your room but you¡¯d still be under medication and care.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    The room was silent again, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. Iy back on the bed, my body exhausted from the emotional upheaval. Antonio stood there for a moment longer, his eyes filled with a mixture of what I couldn¡¯t exin before turning to leave the room.

    As the door closed behind him, I let out a shaky breath. My mind was a tumult of thoughts and emotions, but one thing was clear: my life had been irrevocably changed, and the path ahead was uncertain. Yet, in that uncertainty, there was a glimmer of something new-a chance to rebuild, to heal, and perhaps, be with the man I love, Antonio.

    The next day I woke up, feeling significantly better. I discovered that I had already been moved to my room, the familiar surroundings offering aforting sense of normalcy. ¡°I miss the smell of this ce,¡± I muttered, taking in the scent of the fresh linens and the faint aroma ofvender from the diffuser on my bedside table.

    As I settled back against the pillows, there was a knock on the door. I smiled, thinking I knew who it was. ¡°Come in,¡± I said, excitedly but calmly. However, it wasn¡¯t who I expected. Instead, a woman dressed in a nurse¡¯s uniform stepped in.

    ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯am. I am Nurse Trina. I work in this mansion as one of the nurses. I am your personal nurse, assigned to take care of you, ensure you take your medication properly, feed you, and bathe you. That¡¯s the order from Boss Antonio,¡± Nurse Trina said with a warm smile.

    I tried to process everything she said. Antonio thinks I need all this? I haven¡¯t fully recovered, but I¡¯m not a baby. Just as I was about to respond, Jacob walked in.

    ¡°Hey Evelyn, close your mouth before a housefly enters. Why do you look so shocked?¡± Jacob teased.

    ¡°Heyyyyy!¡± I whined, throwing a pillow at him. He dodged it skillfully, and Nurse Trina stood there,ughing at our antics.

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve met your personal nurse. The boss asked her to treat you like a baby,¡± Jacob teased again, winking.

    ¡°Where is Antonio? I want to see him. I thought he¡¯de here,¡± I asked curiously, feeling a pang of disappointment.

    ¡°Em¡­ You can¡¯t right now. The boss wants to be alone,¡± Jacob said, his tone gentle but firm.

    This actually got to me. I think Antonio is angry at me because I didn¡¯t believe him at first. I sighed sadly.

    ¡°Well, the reason I came here is to give you this,¡± Jacob said, handing a brand new phone to me.

    ¡°Wow, this is so expensive,¡± I muttered, staring at the sleek device in my palms.

    ¡°It¡¯s from Boss Antonio. Guess what? I saved some numbers there. You should check them out,¡± Jacob said with a grin.

    I immediately went to the contact list and checked the saved numbers: Debbie¡¯s, Jacob¡¯s, and Antonio¡¯s. ¡°Awwn,¡± I muttered, feeling a warm glow in my chest.

    ¡°This was thoughtful. Hmm, I see you¡¯ve grown really close to my friend Debbie. I¡¯m suspecting you both,¡± I teased, noting the way Jacob¡¯s face lit up at the mention of Debbie.

    ¡°Get better quickly. Debbie and I have a surprise for you,¡± he said, shing a broad smile.

    ¡°Hmm, is that what I¡¯m thinking? Tell me now, please,¡± I begged, my curiosity piqued.

    ¡°I have to go now. Get better quickly¡­ Nurse, take care of her,¡± he said before making a swift exit.

    After Jacob left, Nurse Trina helped me brush my teeth. Then, she bathed me herself. It was so embarrassing; I felt like a child. After that, she fed me a nutritious breakfast and gave me my medication. Before she left, she handed me her number in case I needed anything before she returned.

    With a moment to myself, Iy back and stared at the ceiling, my mind swirling with thoughts. Why did Antonio want to be alone? Was he really angry with me? As I pondered this, I couldn¡¯t help but smile at Jacob¡¯s and Debbie¡¯s antics. Whatever surprise they had in store, I was sure it would be interesting.

    I picked up the new phone, admiring its sleek design, and decided to send a quick message to Antonio. ¡°Thank you for the phone. I hope to see you soon,¡± I typed, hesitating for a moment before hitting send.

    I spent the rest of the morning exploring the features of the new phone, listening to music, and trying to distract myself from my swirling thoughts. Despite the awkwardness, Nurse Trina¡¯s care was impable, and I felt a sense of gratitude for the support system I had around me.

    As the day wore on, I couldn¡¯t help but think of Antonio. I had been waiting for his message but nothing came in. It sure looked like he was really angry at me. At this point I was hating myself.

    The day wore on, and I found myself constantly looked after by Nurse Trina. She was attentive and meticulous, ensuring I had everything I needed and even anticipating my requests before I voiced them. Despite her impable care, my thoughts remain  tangled up with Antonio. The guilt gnawed at me; I didn¡¯t want to lose him, and I knew I was the cause of the rift between us.

    In an effort to distract myself, I chatted with Debbie, but our conversation was cut short when Jacob arrived at her house. Alone once more, I found my thoughts drifting back to Antonio. The evening deepened into night, yet I still heard nothing from him. Nurse Trina came in onest time to tend to me, then left me alone with my thoughts and growing restlessness.

    Unable to bear the silence and separation any longer, I decided to go to Antonio¡¯s room. I slipped on my flip-flops, steeling myself for whatever awaited me. As I reached his door, I noticed it was slightly ajar. Pushing it open gently, I walked inside. The room was dimly lit, and Antonio was sitting in a chair, a ss of whiskey in his hand. He didn¡¯t look at me, but his voice broke the silence.

 Chapter Fifty-Three

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    He lifted me up effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist as he supported my back against the wall. His kiss was hungry, desperate, and our mouths shed, fighting for dominance. His hands roamed my body, grabbing my ass and giving it a hard squeeze. I moaned into his mouth, losing all control as our passion ignited.

    ¡°Antonio, please,¡± I whispered, my voice trembling with anticipation.

    ¡°Shh, baby. I¡¯ve got you,¡± he murmured, his eyes dark with intensity. His hands slid under my shirt, fingers grazing my skin as he pushed it up and over my head. He took a moment to admire me, his gaze lingering on my breasts before his hands returned, cupping them and rubbing my nipples through the fabric of my tube. The friction sent shivers down my spine, and I arched into his touch, craving more.

    His mouth left mine, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down my neck, nipping at my skin and making me gasp. When he reached the edge of my tube, he paused, looking up at me with a mischievous glint in his eye before his hands deftly pulled it down. The tube fell away, and his mouth closed over one nipple, sucking hard and flicking his tongue against it.

    ¡°Fuck, Antonio,¡± I moaned, my hands tangling in his hair, urging him on. He switched to the other nipple, giving it the same attention while his free hand slid between my legs, pressing against the damp fabric of my panties.

    ¡°You¡¯re so wet for me,¡± he groaned, pushing the fabric aside and slipping a finger inside me. I gasped, bucking against his hand as he added another finger, stretching me and making me squirm with need. His thumb found my clit, rubbing circles around it and driving me wild.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Please, Antonio, I need you,¡± I begged, my voice breaking with desperation. I reached down, fumbling with his belt and the button of his jeans, needing to feel him, to have him inside me. He helped me, shrugging out of his shirt and kicking off his flip-flops before finally pushing his jeans and boxers down.

    I took him in my hand, stroking him and marveling at the way he hardened even more under my touch. He groaned, his eyes closing briefly before he pinned me against the wall again, his mouth iming mine in a searing kiss.

    ¡°Tell me what you want, Evelyn,¡± he murmured against my lips, his breath hot and ragged.

    ¡°I want you inside me, Antonio. I need you,¡± I pleaded, wrapping my legs tighter around his waist, pulling him closer. He didn¡¯t make me wait. In one smooth motion, he shifted my very soft panties and he entered me, and we both gasped at the sensation. He filled mepletely, stretching me in a way that felt both perfect and overwhelming.

    Our movements were slow at first, each thrust deliberate and filled with meaning. His hands roamed my body, one hand squeezing my breast, the other gripping my ass, pulling me harder against him. I met each thrust with equal fervor, our bodies moving in perfect sync.

    ¡°God, you feel so good,¡± he groaned, his lips finding mine again. The kiss was deep, his tongue exploring my mouth as he increased his pace. My moans grew louder, mingling with his groans as the intensity of our connection built.

    ¡°Harder, Antonio,¡± I begged, my nails digging into his back. Heplied, driving into me with a force that made me cry out in pleasure. The world outside ceased to exist; there was only us, lost in our own universe of desire and need.

    As he thrust into me, his fingers found my clit again, rubbing it in time with his movements. The pleasure was almost too much to bear, and I felt the tension coiling tighter in my belly, ready to snap.

    ¡°I¡¯m so close,¡± I gasped, my voice barely a whisper. He growled in response, his movements bing frantic as he chased his own release.

    ¡°Come for me, Evelyn,¡± he demanded, his voice rough with need. His words pushed me over the edge, and I cried out his name as my orgasm crashed over me, waves of pleasure pulsing through my body. He followed momentster, his grip on me tightening as he found his release, groaning my name as he filled me.

    We stayed like that for a moment, our breaths mingling, hearts racing as we came down from the high. He slowly lowered me to the ground, his arms still around me, holding me close.

    ¡°Babe I ¡­¡± I was about to say when he ced his hand on my lips.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t speak,¡± hemanded, a dark glint in his eyes. ¡°This isn¡¯t over yet.¡±

    Before I could react, he turned me around, bending me over the bed. His hands were rough as he pulled my panties down, exposing my dripping wetness to the cool air. I shivered, both from the chill and the anticipation.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to fuck you hard until you lose your breath. This is your punishment for pushing me away earlier,¡± Antonio growled, his voice low and threatening.

    Without warning, he plunged two fingers deep inside me, brutally stretching my walls. I cried out, the mixture of pain and pleasure overwhelming my senses.

    ¡°Please, Antonio, stop,¡± I begged, my voice quivering. But even as I said the words, I could feel my body betraying me, grinding back against his hand, desperate for more.

    ¡°Oh no, you don¡¯t really want me to stop,¡± he taunted, his fingers thrusting harder, faster. Each movement was calcted, designed to push me to the brink of ecstasy.

    My pleas turned into incoherent moans as he continued, relentless in his assault. The intensity was too much; I was on the edge, teetering between pleasure and pain.

    ¡°More,¡± I gasped, my mind a blur of sensations. ¡°Please, more.¡±

    He didn¡¯t hesitate, adding a third finger, stretching me even further. The burn was exquisite, each thrust sending shockwaves through my body. I was lost,pletely at his mercy.

    ¡°See? You love this,¡± Antonio growled, his breath hot against my ear. ¡°You love it when I take you like this.¡±

    I could only moan in response, my body shaking with need. He knew exactly how to drive me wild, and he took full advantage, his fingers curling inside me, hitting that perfect spot over and over.

    ¡°Antonio,¡± I whimpered, my voice breaking. ¡°I can¡¯t take it. Please, I need you inside me.¡±

    But he wasn¡¯t finished yet. His other hand found my clit, rubbing it with brutal precision. The sensation was too much, and I felt myself unraveling, my orgasm crashing over me with a force that left me breathless.

    Before I could fully recover, he withdrew his fingers, only to rece them with his tongue. He licked me, devouring me with a hunger that left me trembling. His tongue worked wonders, bringing me to the edge again and again, making me cum multiple times until I was a quivering mess.

    ¡°Antonio, please, I need you,¡± I begged, my voice hoarse from screaming.

    Finally, he stood, positioning himself behind me. With one powerful thrust, he entered me, filling mepletely. The sensation was overwhelming, and I cried out, clutching the sheets as he pounded into me with relentless force.

    ¡°Tell me you love this,¡± he demanded, his voice rough with desire.

    ¡°I love it,¡± I gasped, my body moving in rhythm with his. ¡°I love it, Antonio. Please, don¡¯t stop.¡±

    He didn¡¯t. He fucked me hard, each thrust driving me closer to the edge. The pleasure was blinding, and I felt myself slipping, losing all sense of reality.

    ¡°Come for me again,¡± he growled, his hand gripping my hip so tight  with bruising force. ¡°Come for me, Eve.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t hold back. With one final thrust, I shattered, my orgasm ripping through me with a force that left me breathless. Antonio followed, his release flooding me as he groaned my name, his body shuddering against mine.

    We copsed onto the bed, our bodies entwined, hearts racing as we came down from the high again. He pulled me very close, his arms wrapping around me in a possessive embrace.

    ¡°I lo¡­¡± I was about to say when he ce his hands on my lips.

    ¡°I love you so much Eve¡­ A Lot Cara Mia¡­ I¡¯ve always loved you¡± I stare into his eyes as my heart swells with the truth of his words.

    ¡± I love you more Tony¡± I replied immediately.

    ¡± And I love you much more than most¡± He screamed lightly.

    Wey there afterward, wrapped in each other¡¯s arms, the world outside forgotten. Despite everything, I knew we were stronger together. Antonio held me close, his fingers gently stroking my hair as we basked in the afterglow of our passion.

    ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll never doubt me again Cara Mia,¡± he whispered.

    ¡°I promise, my baby¡± I replied, snuggling closer to him. ¡°I trust you, Antonio. With all my heart.¡±

 Chapter Fifty-Four

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    ¡°You¡¯ll be resuming school tomorrow, I already arranged everything, your school already agreed for a makeup test and Jacob a lot mentioned that one of your friends got you notes that you missed. If you don¡¯t understand it, I¡¯ll get you a private tutor to exin everything to you¡± Antonio said.

    ¡°Oh¡­ Okay. I miss school already. Can¡¯t wait! ¡± I replied happily.

    As wey there cuddling, I felt his body warm against mine, our breaths slowly synchronizing. My leg brushed against him, and I discovered he was hard again. I couldn¡¯t help but smile, a surge of desire rekindling in my veins.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Baby, do you want more?¡± I asked, my voice a seductive whisper. The name had an almost magical effect on him; his eyes darkened with renewed intensity, and he spread me on the bed immediately, seemingly forgetting that I was still recovering. He was like a horny werewolf I often read about in books, he was so high when ites to sex and I was ready to be a werewolf as well ¡¯cause I was so horny as well. My middle was hurting but it still wanted more.

    He hovered over me, his gaze hungry and possessive. ¡°I can never get enough of you,¡± he growled, his voice thick with need. His hands roamed my body, fingers dancing over my skin, igniting sparks wherever they touched. He captured my lips in a fierce kiss, his tongue demanding entry, and I opened for him willingly, our tongues tangling in a passionate dance.

    Antonio¡¯s hands moved lower, cupping my breasts and pinching my nipples, making me gasp and arch into his touch. ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful,¡± he murmured against my lips, his voice reverent yet filled with raw hunger. He trailed kisses down my neck, sucking and nibbling, leaving a trail of fire in his wake.

    He moved lower, his mouth closing over one nipple, sucking and flicking his tongue against it while his hand continued to knead the other breast. I moaned his name sexily, my hands tangling in his hair, holding him to me. ¡°Tony,¡± I breathed, and I felt him shiver at the sound. The nickname seemed to ignite something primal in him.

    His mouth traveled further down, kissing and licking his way across my stomach until he reached the apex of my thighs. He spread my legs wide, his eyes locking onto mine as he lowered his mouth to my aching core. His tongue darted out, teasing my clit, and I cried out, my hands fisting the sheets.

    ¡°Fuck, Antonio,¡± I moaned, my hips bucking as he devoured me, his tongue working me with expert precision. He slid two fingers inside me, curling them just right to hit that sweet spot, and I felt the tension coil tighter in my belly.

    ¡°Come for me, baby,¡± he murmured against me, the vibrations sending me over the edge. I screamed his name, my orgasm crashing over me in waves, my body trembling with the intensity.

    Before I could fully recover, Antonio moved back up, positioning himself at my entrance. He looked into my eyes, his own zing with desire. ¡°I need you now, Evelyn,¡± he said, his voice rough.

    ¡°Take me, Tony,¡± I whispered, and that was all the encouragement he needed. He thrust into me with a force that made me cry out, filling mepletely. His pace was relentless, each thrust deep and hard, driving me wild with pleasure.

    ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re so tight,¡± he groaned, his hands gripping my hips, pulling me harder against him. I wrapped my legs around his waist, meeting his thrusts with equal fervor. The room filled with the sounds of our lovemaking-skin pping against skin, our moans and gasps mingling in the air.

    ¡°Tony, please,¡± I begged, my voice a desperate plea. ¡°Don¡¯t stop.¡±

    He growled in response, his pace quickening even more. ¡°You¡¯re mine, Evelyn,¡± he dered, his voice possessive andmanding. ¡°Say it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m yours, Tony,¡± I moaned, the words tumbling out between gasps. ¡°Only yours.¡±

    The intensity of his thrusts increased, and I felt myself hurtling towards another orgasm. ¡°Come for me again, baby,¡± he demanded, his thumb finding my clit and rubbing it in time with his movements. The pleasure was overwhelming, and I shattered around him, my second orgasm even more powerful than the first.

    Antonio followed momentster, his release triggered by my own. He groaned my name, his body tensing as he emptied himself inside me. We copsed together, like that¡­ We Slept off.

    I woke up the next day and didn¡¯t find Antonio beside me. I tried to stand but immediately felt the soreness between my legs from the intense night we had. Wincing, I sat back on the bed and reached for my phone. There was a message from Debbie, who had already sent our timetable for the day. Her excitement was clear; she even included a cute note anticipating my arrival. Smiling, I quickly sent her a message of appreciation and tossed my phone on the bed. My thoughts drifted to Debbie and Jacob, hoping they¡¯d reveal the surprise today.

    Thank goodness I only had two lectures today, one at 12 and the other at 2. That gave me plenty of time to rest and recover. Slowly, I stood up and limped to the bathroom to freshen up. To my surprise, Antonio had already moved my toothbrush, towel, and other personal items to his bathroom. Feeling a rush of happiness, I hurried back to the room, limping, and noticed that my clothes and other belongings had also been moved in. I couldn¡¯t help but smile, my heart swelling with joy.

    I limped back to the bathroom and started brushing my teeth. I was still rinsing my mouth when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind. It was Antonio.

    ¡°Good morning, girlfriend,¡± he said, his voice sending a warm thrill through me.

    ¡°Good morning, baby,¡± I replied, and he immediately pecked my lips. That nickname had a profound effect on him, and I vowed never to stop calling him that. Despite his tough exterior, he was a baby at heart.

    ¡°How does your pussy feel after I tore it apartst night?¡± he asked with a yful wink.

    ¡°I feel sore,¡± I pouted, trying to look pitiful.

    ¡°Would you skip school today? You can start tomorrow,¡± he said, genuine concern in his eyes.

    ¡°No, I can manage. Besides, I can rest until 12,¡± I quickly replied. I missed school, and was a serious student. I was also eager to see Debbie and Jacob¡¯s surprise.

    Antonio lifted me out of the bathroom, cradling me like a child, and gently ced me back on the bed. We heard a knock, and he rushed to open it. A maid entered, carrying a tray of food, followed by Nurse Trina with a tray of my medication. Antonio instructed them to leave everything on the nightstand, insisting he would take care of it. The nurse gave him detailed instructions on administering the medication before she and the maid left.

    Antonio sat beside me, feeding me while teasing me about the previous night. ¡°You were screaming and begging for me,¡± he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. I blushed deeply, almost choking on a piece of toast. He quickly gave me water and then my medication.

    ¡°I have an important meeting across the city,¡± he said, his tone shifting to seriousness. ¡°I¡¯ll be home around five. I¡¯ve instructed Jacob to drive you, along with Nurse Trina and one of my men. They¡¯ll wait for you until you¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°Is that necessary?¡± I whined, sounding like a petnt child.

    ¡°It is, girlfriend. I need to protect you after what happened. I don¡¯t want you to get abducted again,¡± he said, pecking my lips. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re home by five. I want you to see what I did to Reina. She¡¯s in the cer, paying massively for what she did to you.¡±

    He left to prepare for his meeting, and I smiled, blowing kisses to him as he walked away. The events of the morning filled me with a warmth I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Despite the soreness, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and security.

    After Antonio left, I took my time to rest. His teasing lingered in my mind, making me blush every few minutes. Once I was done, I decided to take a long, hot shower to soothe my sore muscles. The warm water cascaded over me, easing some of the tension and pain. I felt Antonio¡¯s presence everywhere, from the scent of his shampoo to the cement of our toiletries side by side.

    I got out of the shower and dressed slowly, choosingfortable clothes that would be easy on my still-tender body. By the time I was ready, it was nearly 11:30. Jacob arrived promptly, and I was relieved to see Nurse Trina and Antonio¡¯s man, a burly guy named Marco, were with him.

 Chapter Fifty-Five

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    As we drove to the university, I found myself looking forward to the day despite the soreness. The thought of seeing Debbie and Jacob¡¯s surprise kept my spirits high. When we arrived, Marco escorted me to my first lecture, his protective presenceforting.

    After the lectures, I met up with Debbie and Jacob. Debbie was practically bouncing with excitement. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to show you the surprise!¡± she eximed, grabbing my hand and dragging me along.

    We reached a secluded part of the campus but nothing was there. ¡°Surprise!¡± they both shouted.

    ¡°Huh? Surprise what? ¡°I asked, looking confused as I couldn¡¯t find anything there.

    ¡°Calm down Evelyn, the surprise is¡­ I

    Me and Jacob¡­ Are a couple now!¡±She said as she jumped waving her hands up in the air like a child.

    ¡°I knew it! ¡°I said and rushed to hug her.

    ¡°Calm down, Silly head¡± Jacob said to me smiling, he was shy too! Never seen him shy before.

    Happiness was around the background, I also told her about me and Antonio and she was really happy for me. All of us were happy.

    ¡°Wait babes, I wanted to ask you something¡± Debbie said with a teasing look.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What¡¯s that? ¡± I asked curiously.

    ¡°I noticed you¡¯ve been limping all day, did you fuck all through the night? ¡°Debbie said shamelessly and I tried to cover her mouth.

    I nced over at Jacob who cleared his throat and smirked teasing leaving me all shy. ¡°You guys should stop, you¡¯re making me shy¡± I said, covering my face.

    We gisted, got snacks and when it was almost five Jacob and the rest took me home while Debbie left for her house.

    By the time Jacob drove me back home, it was nearing five. True to his word, Antonio was waiting for me. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and he pulled me into a deep kiss.

    ¡°Did you have a good day, girlfriend?¡± he asked, his hands caressing my back.

    ¡°I did, baby,¡± I replied, leaning into him.

    ¡°Good,¡± he said, his voice dropping. ¡°Now, let¡¯s go see Reina.¡±

    He led me down to the cer, where Reina was being held. She looked disheveled and scared, a far cry from the confident woman who had wronged me. Antonio¡¯s grip on my hand tightened.

    ¡°This is what happens to anyone who tries to hurt you,¡± he said, his voice cold and menacing. Reina flinched at his words.

    I squeezed his hand, feeling a mix of satisfaction and unease. While I didn¡¯t relish seeing someone suffer, it was a stark reminder of the lengths Antonio would go to protect me.

    I was surprised when Antonio took a knife from the stand in the cer, dipping it in a burning candle nearby. Once it was hot enough, he ced it on Reina¡¯s cheek, making her scream her lungs out, leaving a scar. I watched, feeling a twinge of pity, but she deserved everythinging from my man. It didn¡¯t end there; Antonio used the knife to tear a part of her face, and she cried out loud.

    ¡°Now let¡¯s see if anyone would want to fuck that pussy of yours,¡± he growled. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you¡¯d entice me with this ugly looking face of yours. I won¡¯t kill you because of your father¡¯s loyalty to me, but I¡¯d be releasing you right now. Make sure you stay away from me, my women, and even my men, or you¡¯d die!¡± Antonio ordered two of his men to throw her out of the house and then walked away.

    As I followed Antonio out, I made sure to blow her kisses, smirking at her. Now she was paying for everything she did to me.

    Once in his room, I hugged him tightly. ¡°Thanks, baby.¡±

    The effect of the nickname was immediate; he pinned me to the wall and bit my neck lovingly, causing a loud, sexy moan to escape my lips. His hands roamed my body, teasingly squeezing my breasts and sliding down to cup my ass. ¡°You¡¯re tempting me, but I love it,¡± he murmured, his breath hot against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. He captured my lips in a brief, searing kiss before pulling away and pecking my forehead. Reluctantly, he picked up a file to start signing documents. I sighed contentedly, picking up my phone and starting to browse, my body still tingling from his touch.

    Meanwhile, outside the gate, Reina was thrown out. An old-looking car was parked nearby, and no one noticed. Inside the car was Charles, watching everything. He saw when they threw Reina out and wondered what had happened and if I was still inside. After Reina struggled for a while, Charles approached and offered her a ride. He suggested taking her home to get treated, hoping to use the opportunity to find out what happened to her and what was going on inside the house. Reina, desperate and in pain, didn¡¯t care that he was a stranger; she just hopped in.

    _-_-_-_-

    Charles drove Reina to his house, a modest suburban home shrouded by tall hedges. He had convinced her with a mix of promises and reassurances, ying on her vulnerabilities. Reina, exhausted and ashamed, felt she had no other choice. The prospect of facing a hospital¡¯s scrutiny was unbearable. Her face, marred by fresh scars and bruises, made her cringe every time she caught her reflection.

    ¡°God! I look so ugly,¡± Reina screamed, her voice echoing in the bathroom as she stared at herself in the mirror.

    ¡°Calm down, miss. At least you didn¡¯t die,¡± Charles responded, his voice tinged with irritation. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her.

    Reina red at him but quickly averted her gaze. Despite her anger, she couldn¡¯t afford to antagonize her benefactor. Herst bit of cash had gone to the thugs she hired to abduct Evelyn, and she had nothing left. The thought of asking her father for money was out of the question; she had already embroiled her family in trouble with Antonio.

    ¡°By the way¡­ What happened to you?¡± Charles asked, his tone deceptively casual. He needed to draw out information about Antonio and Evelyn. He¡¯d been trying to contact Evelyn for days, unaware that her phone had been lost during the abduction.

    Reina hesitated, weighing her options. She didn¡¯t want to reveal too much but knew she needed Charles¡¯ help. ying the victim was her best bet.

    ¡°Em¡­ I was punished¡­ That¡¯s why I look like this,¡± Reina finally said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and shame.

    ¡°For?¡± Charles probed, leaning forward.

    ¡°For trying to fight for what is mine,¡± she replied, her eyes shing with resentment. She recounted how Evelyn had stolen Antonio away from her and how she had tried to reim her ce by abducting Evelyn. She described Antonio¡¯s brutal retaliation, her voice breaking as she relived the ordeal.

    ¡°I hate that witch, I wish I could kill her!¡± Reina eximed, her body shaking with rage.

    ¡°What if I can help?¡± Charles suggested, a sly smile ying on his lips. Reina looked at him, incredulous.

    ¡°You think I¡¯m joking? You don¡¯t know who Antonio is? Antonio could kill because of that Evelyn. I almost died because of her,¡± Reina blurted out, her voice rising in panic.

    ¡°Let me tell you a story,¡± Charles said, moving to sit beside her on the bed. He spoke of his past with Evelyn, revealing that she was his ex-girlfriend. He exined how he had orchestrated her employment with Antonio to gather incriminating information. Reina listened, her mouth agape in astonishment.

    ¡°Oh my God¡­ This is a solid thing to use against her, but¡­ there is no proof!¡± Reina eximed, her mind racing.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t mad when I said I could help¡­ Of course there¡¯s proof,¡± Charles replied with a smug grin. He walked over to a small wooden table and retrieved a stack of papers. Handing them to Reina, he watched as she scanned the documents, her eyes widening with each passing second.

    ¡°These are¡­ incredible. We could destroy them both with this,¡± Reina whispered, a wicked smile spreading across her face.

    ¡°But don¡¯t give it to the police, please,¡± she begged, her voice pleading. Charles nodded, but his mind was already racing with ns of his own.

    ¡°We¡¯ll use it to our advantage first,¡± Charles exined. ¡°We¡¯ll threaten Evelyn with it, force her to continue her n ande back to me. If she doesn¡¯t, you¡¯ll take a picture of it and send it to Antonio. That way, Antonio will want you back and send Evelyn away. She¡¯ll have no choice but toe back to me.¡±

    Reina and Charles smirked, the shared understanding of their mutual benefit bringing them closer. Charles felt a thrill of excitement at the thought of reiming control, while Reina savored the prospect of revenge. They had formed an unholy alliance, driven by their shared hatred and ambition.

 Chapter Fifty-Six

    The next day, Reina woke up to the dull ache that throbbed through her body, a reminder of her recent punishment. The mattress beneath her was lumpy and ufortable, but it was a step up from the cold, hard ground she had expected to sleep on. As she gingerly sat up, she reminded herself that the difort was temporary. Her mind was fixated on the n to separate Evelyn from Antonio. To Reina, it was a wless scheme that didn¡¯t involve any bloodshed.

    Reina slowly made her way to the dining room, each step sending jolts of pain through her bruised body. She found Charles hunched over his phone, engrossed in what appeared to be an intense search. He looked up briefly and nodded as she greeted him.

    ¡°Morning,¡± she mumbled, easing herself into a chair. ¡°Have you started our ns?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on it,¡± Charles replied, his eyes never leaving his screen. ¡°I¡¯m trying to find her Instagram ount since her number isn¡¯t reachable.¡±

    Reina watched him intently, her heart racing with anticipation. Charles¡¯ fingers flew over the screen as he navigated through various profiles. Minutes stretched on, each one feeling like an eternity to Reina.

    Then, suddenly, Charles¡¯ face lit up. ¡°Yes!¡± he eximed, triumphantly holding up his phone. ¡°I found it.¡±

    Reina¡¯s excitement was palpable. She leaned forward, wincing slightly from the pain, her eyes wide with anticipation. She couldn¡¯t wait to see the n set in motion, to reim Antonio and exact her revenge on Evelyn.

    Charles wasted no time. He quicklyposed a message, his fingers tapping out a calcted and threatening note designed to rattle Evelyn. Reina watched, her breath held, as he hit send. Now, all they could do was wait.

    Minutes turned into hours, and Reina¡¯s impatience grew. She paced the room, asionally peering over Charles¡¯ shoulder to check for any response. The tension was almost unbearable.

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    I was in ss, basking in the joy of using the phone Antonio had bought for me. The camera was incredible, capturing every detail with stunning rity. My obsession with taking pictures had only grown since I got the phone. Debbie was always pestering me to let her use it, and she sulked whenever I said no. After taking thest photo with Debbie, I decided to post them. The pictures were clear and bright, capturing our smiles perfectly.

    After posting, I noticed a few new messages. One profile picture caught my eye: it was Charles. A chill ran down my spine. I hadn¡¯t spoken to him in a long time, and his sudden message filled me with dread. I hesitated but eventually opened it. The message was a threat: he demanded that I gather more secret information about Antonio and return to him, or he would show Antonio the note I had written about his secrets.

    ¡°I¡¯m finished,¡± I muttered, panic rising within me. My mind raced, and I felt paralyzed by fear. Just then, my phone rang with an Instagram voice call from Charles. My heart pounded, and a sudden urge to pee hit me. I dashed to the toilet, making sure Nurse Trina and Marco didn¡¯t see me. They had been assigned to protect me ever since the abduction, and I didn¡¯t want them to worry.

    Inside the toilet, I quickly relieved myself, but the phone rang again. With trembling hands, I answered the call.

    ¡°Hello,¡± I managed to say, my voice shaky.

    ¡°Evelyn, Evelyn. Did you miss me?¡± Charles¡¯ voice was dripping with smugness.

    ¡°Um¡­ What do you want?¡± I stammered.

    ¡°I already sent you the message of what I want. You have just two days to do it and thene back to me,¡± Charles said coldly.

    ¡°I can¡¯t, I really can¡¯t. I don¡¯t want to have anything to do with you. I¡¯m in a rtionship with Antonio, and I don¡¯t want to hurt him¡­ I really can¡¯t,¡± I pleaded.

    ¡°I see she¡¯s made up her mind,¡± a female voice interjected. It was Reina. My fear doubled upon recognizing her voice. Panicking, I ended the call and rushed out, tears streaming down my face.

    As I hurried through the hallway, I spotted Jacob talking to Debbie. I tried to turn back to avoid them, but it was toote; they had already seen me and walked over.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± they both asked, concern etched on their faces. I couldn¡¯t tell them the truth, so I lied, saying I had fallen and hurt myself.

    Jacob gave Debbie a quick kiss goodbye and then offered to help me to the car where Nurse Trina and Marco were waiting. I noted the kiss but was too consumed by my own problems to dwell on it.

    We finally arrived home. I was relieved that Antonio wasn¡¯t around; he would have noticed immediately that I had been crying. I quickly ran to our bedroom, locked myself in the bathroom, and let the water pour over me as I sobbed uncontrobly. The water seemed to wash away a fraction of my fear, but the dread of what was toe lingered.

    After what felt like an eternity, I emerged from the bathroom, dried off, and put on my clothes. I copsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. How could I protect Antonio and myself without falling back into Charles¡¯ trap? The thought of betraying Antonio made my stomach churn. I also didn¡¯t want to lose Antonio. I knew I had toe up with a n, but for now, all I could do was lie there, overwhelmed by the weight of the predicament I found myself in.

    It was time for dinner, but Antonio hadn¡¯te back yet. I pushed my food around my te, barely eating. The weight of the problem ahead consumed my thoughts, leaving me with no appetite. Antonio was my world, my life, my everything, and the idea of losing him was unbearable. I racked my brain for solutions, but nothing came to mind. The thought of Reina finally seeding in taking Antonio away after getting rid of me filled me with dread.

    Eventually, I excused myself and retreated to the bedroom. Iy on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing. Exhaustion soon took over, and I drifted into a restless sleep.

    I woke up to theforting warmth of Antonio beside me. My initial relief was quickly overshadowed by the reminder of my predicament. I turned to him and hugged him tightly, seeking sce in his presence. The sudden embrace woke him, and he smiled sleepily at me, nting a gentle kiss on my lips. His touch was soft and reassuring, but I could only manage a weak, dry smile in return. Fear of losing him was all I could think about.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, cara mia?¡± Antonio asked, his voice filled with concern.

    I hesitated, searching for an excuse that wouldn¡¯t reveal the real reason for my distress. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling too well. I think I¡¯m stressed about my final year examination. It¡¯s thest paper,¡± I lied, trying to sound convincing.

    Antonio¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Ah, my baby is leaving uni. That¡¯s a big milestone. When is your final exam?¡±

    ¡°In three days,¡± I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

    ¡°It¡¯s so close. After your exam, we¡¯ll go on a vacation. You need to rest, nerd,¡± he teased, winking at me.

    ¡°Lol. I¡¯m not a nerd. I¡¯m just a hot, sexy, intelligent girl,¡± I replied, managing a genuine smile this time.

    ¡°I know, right,¡± he muttered, pulling me closer to his side and then bringing his mouth close to my ear.

    Antonio¡¯s bite on my earlobe sent shivers down my spine, his teeth grazing my skin with a teasing precision. ¡°Well, I have an idea,¡± he whispered, his breath hot and tantalizing.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked, my voice trembling with anticipation, the sensations he was igniting between my legs making it hard to focus.

    ¡°You need something to take your mind off your exams,¡± he murmured, his voice low and seductive.

    Before I could respond, his fingers thrust deeply into my naked pussy. ¡°You¡¯re not wearing panties, Cara mia,¡± he noted, a sly grin spreading across his face as he pushed deeper, his fingers curling just right. My breath hitched, my throat dry as I struggled to form words.

    ¡°I¡­ Uhmm. Fuck! Slowly, baby¡­ I forgot¡­ UhUhmm.. to  put on panties,¡± I stammered, my body moving up and down, trying to catch up with his relentless rhythm.

    ¡°This exam is really messing with your brains, for real,¡± he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He added his tongue to the mix, his mouth finding my clit as he sucked brutally while his fingers continued their relentless assault.

    ¡°Tony, please, go easy on me,¡± I begged, my voice barely a whisper, but my plea only spurred him on. He increased his pace, his fingers and tongue working in tandem to drive me wild. The intensity of his touch was overwhelming, every nerve ending in my body on fire.

 Chapter Fifty-Seven

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    ¡°Hang on, sweetie, I got you,¡± he promised, his voice rough with desire. His hands moved to my breasts, squeezing and pressing them violently. He pinched my nipples hard, sending jolts of pleasure through me. My back arched, my body a ve to his touch.

    ¡°Oh God, Tony,¡± I moaned, my hands gripping the sheets as I writhed beneath him. His fingers were merciless, plunging in and out of me with a relentless rhythm, while his mouth worked magic on my clit, sucking and flicking it with his tongue.

    ¡°Cum for me, baby,¡± hemanded, his voice a deep growl. I felt the pressure building, my orgasm teetering on the edge.

    ¡°Please, Tony¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ it¡¯s too much,¡± I gasped, my body trembling. But he didn¡¯t relent. He sucked and fingered me harder, his mouth and hands driving me to the brink.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back, Cara mia,¡± he urged, his breath hot against my skin. ¡°Let go for me.¡±

    With a final, shuddering gasp, I came undone. My orgasm crashed over me like a tidal wave, every muscle in my body tightening as I cried out his name. He didn¡¯t stop, his fingers still thrusting, his mouth still working me, milking every drop of pleasure from my body.

    As I convulsed beneath him, he locked all my cum away, capturing every drop. He moved up my body, his lips finding mine in a hungry, desperate kiss. I could taste myself on his tongue, the tangy sweetness mingling with his own vor.

    ¡°You¡¯re incredible,¡± he murmured against my lips, his hands still roaming my body, squeezing my breasts, his fingers tracing the lines of my curves.

    ¡°Tony¡­ that was¡­ amazing,¡± I panted, my body still trembling with the aftershocks of my orgasm.

    ¡°Anything to help you rx,¡± he said with a wink, his fingers trailing down to my pussy once more, making me gasp as he brushed against my still-sensitive clit.

    ¡°You¡¯re insatiable,¡± I whispered, my body already responding to his touch again.

    ¡°For you, always,¡± he replied, his voice filled with promise as he kissed me deeply, his fingers starting their dance anew. After what felt like eternity, we both fell asleep but I woke up immediately as my problem rushed back at me

    _-_-_-_-_-

    The next morning, I woke up early, still wrapped in Antonio¡¯s arms. I carefully disentangled myself, not wanting to wake him, and headed to the kitchen. I needed a n, something to protect Antonio and keep Charles and Reina at bay. I made a cup of coffee and sat at the kitchen table, staring into the dark liquid as if it held the answers I desperately needed.

    Nurse Trina walked in, giving me a knowing look. ¡°You look like you didn¡¯t sleep well,¡± she said, concern evident in her voice.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± I admitted. ¡°I have a lot on my mind.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡± she asked, sitting across from me.

    I shook my head. ¡°I can¡¯t. It¡¯s something I need to figure out on my own.¡±

    Trina nodded, respecting my need for privacy. ¡°Just know we¡¯re here for you, Evelyn. Whatever it is, you¡¯re not alone.¡±

    Her words provided a smallfort, but they didn¡¯t solve my problem. I thanked her and took my coffee back to the bedroom. Antonio was still asleep, his face rxed and peaceful. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of losing him.

    I spent the rest of the day in a haze, trying to act normal while my mind raced with fear and uncertainty. I attended lessons for the final exams but I barely registered what was being taught. My friends noticed my distraction, but I brushed off their concerns, using the final exams as an excuse.

    As the day turned into evening, I found myself in our room again, staring at my phone. Charles¡¯ threat loomed over me like a dark cloud. The minutes ticked by, and I knew I had to make a decision soon.

    Antonio returned home, his presence bringing a temporary sense of calm. He found me sitting on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. He sat beside me, gently rubbing my back.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet all day, cara mia. Are you sure it¡¯s just the exams?¡± he asked, his eyes searching mine for answers.

    I nodded, forcing a smile. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s just the exams. I¡¯m fine, really.¡±

    He pulled me into his arms, holding me close. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend with me, Evelyn. Whatever it is, we¡¯ll face it together.¡±

    His words broke through my defenses, and I felt tears welling up. I buried my face in his chest, trying to hide my tears. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to lose you,¡± I whispered.

    Antonio tightened his embrace. ¡°You won¡¯t lose me. We¡¯ll get through this, whatever it is.¡±

    His reassurance gave me a glimmer of hope. Maybe there was a way out of this mess. I just had to find it. For now, I allowed myself to takefort in his presence, drawing strength from his love. Weter started talking about random things.

    _-_-_-_-

    I¡¯m impatient already,¡± Reina fumed, pacing the sitting room like a caged animal. ¡°Let me just send the picture to Antonio. We need to be fast. I need to get Evelyn out of my way. Look at me, so ugly. At least when I finally get on Antonio¡¯s good side, he¡¯ll pay for my face surgery, and I¡¯ll be beautiful again.¡±

    Charles nced up from his phone, his expression calm and calcting. ¡°We gave her two days, remember? We won¡¯t do anything until the day after tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I just want to get back to Tony,¡± Reina said, her voice filled with a manic intensity.

    Charles returned his attention to his phone, scrolling through his messages with a smirk. Reina, frustrated by hisck of response, started moving closer to him. Her fingers trailed seductively over his arm, but he pushed her hands away with a dismissive gesture. Undeterred, she leaned in and kissed him forcefully, but he shoved her away.

    ¡°Why are you doing this to me?¡± Reina¡¯s voice wavered with a mix of desperation and anger. ¡°It¡¯s been so long since I¡¯ve had sex, and I really need this right now.¡±

    Charles chuckled, a cold, condescending sound, and looked at her with disdain. ¡°I don¡¯t fuck frogs.¡±

    Reina¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Look at your face,¡± Charles sneered. ¡°You look so ugly. You have a hot body, sure, but I¡¯m very big on looks. You cane to me after you¡¯ve done your face surgery.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You¡¯re so mean!¡± Reina barked, her face flushing with anger and humiliation. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even look at you anymore if I had my Antonio back and if I got my face done.¡±

    She stormed off to her room, mming the door behind her. Charles didn¡¯t even flinch. Instead, he picked up his phone and stared at Evelyn¡¯s picture, his thoughts dark and twisted. He had never loved Evelyn; his attraction was purely physical, drawn to her beauty, her body, and her prowess in bed. But now, it was also about revenge. He wanted to get back at Antonio and reim Evelyn, even if just for the satisfaction of winning.

    Charles spent the next few hours lost in thought, asionally ncing at the clock. Time was ticking, and every second brought him closer to the culmination of his n. He relished the anticipation, the thrill of knowing that he held Evelyn¡¯s fate in his hands.

    Finally, fatigue overcame him, and he decided to head to bed. As he climbed the stairs to his room, he passed Reina¡¯s door. He could hear her sobbing softly, her anger and despair palpable even through the thick wooden barrier. Charles felt no sympathy for her. She was merely a pawn in his game, useful only as long as she served his purpose.

    Charles discovered Reina¡¯s door slightly ajar and, driven by curiosity, decided to peek inside. He was stunned to see her standing in front of the mirror, naked and crying. Her face was a mess, but her body was nothing short of perfection. ¡°Fuck!¡± Charles muttered softly, feeling an immediate rush of arousal.

    He couldn¡¯t resist and walked quickly into her room. Reina turned around and red at him, tears still streaming down her cheeks. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

    ¡°Fuck! Your body is so¡­ I don¡¯t know, it¡¯s too sexy for me,¡± he said, his eyes glued to her breasts.

    Reina smirked through her tears, a mix of defiance and allure. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t fuck frogs?¡± she taunted, already walking towards him with a newfound boldness.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, please ¡± Charles muttered, his arousal evident. His breath was ragged, and his eyes never left her body. ¡°I want you, please. I¡¯m sorry about what I said earlier,¡± he begged, his voice thick with lust.

    ¡°Fuck me,¡± she whispered, wrapping her hands around his neck, pulling him closer until their breaths mingled.

 Chapter Fifty-Eight

    With that permission, Charles didn¡¯t waste any time. He scooped her up, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he carried her into the bathroom. The cool tiles and the soft hum of the shower filled the room as he switched on the water, the steam quickly enveloping them.

    Charles pressed Reina against the cool tiles, their bodies a stark contrast to the rising heat around them. ¡°God, you¡¯re so beautiful,¡± he groaned, his lips finding hers in a desperate kiss. His hands roamed her body, fingers digging into her soft flesh as she moaned into his mouth.

    ¡°Fuck, Charles,¡± she gasped, her nails raking down his back, urging him on. ¡°Fuck me like the slut I am.¡±

    He pulled back, his eyes dark with desire as he looked at her. ¡°Tell me you want this,¡± he demanded, his voice rough.

    ¡°I want you, Charles. Now,¡± she panted, her hips grinding against him, seeking friction. ¡°Make me your slut.¡±

    With a growl, he entered her in one swift motion, her cry of pleasure echoing off the bathroom walls. ¡°God, you feel so good,¡± he groaned, setting a relentless pace.

    ¡°Yes, Charles! Fuck, yes!¡± Reina moaned, her voice rising with each thrust. She bit her lip hard, a wicked gleam in her eyes as she looked at him. ¡°Fuck me harder! Oh, God, yes! I¡¯m such a slut for you.¡±

    Her moans grew louder, more desperate, mixing with the sound of the shower and the p of their wet skin. ¡°Fuck, Charles, don¡¯t stop,¡± she begged, her body arching towards him. ¡°I¡¯m your dirty little slut.¡±

    He held her tighter, his hands gripping her waist as he drove deeper. ¡°Never,¡± he promised, his breath hot against her neck. ¡°You feel amazing.¡±

    Their rhythm quickened, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through them both. She was merely a pawn in his game, useful only as long as she served his purpose. Oh, fuck, yes,¡± Reina cried out, her head thrown back, the water cascading down her body, adding to the intensity. ¡°I¡¯m gonnae, Charles! Fuck, I¡¯m gonnae!¡±

    Charles watched her, mesmerized by the sight of her losing control. ¡°Your pussy is mine,¡± he whispered fiercely, his movements bing even more urgent.

    ¡°Yes, Charles, I¡¯m¡­ It¡¯s all yours, Hold me tight, don¡¯t fucking let go¡­ Please. she responded breathlessly, her climax building rapidly. ¡°Fuck, yes! Yes!¡±

    With a final thrust, they both found their release, crying out each other¡¯s names as the world seemed to dissolve around them. They stayed like that for a moment, panting and holding each other under the warm spray of the shower, the intensity of their connection undeniable.

    As their breathing slowed, Charles gently set her down, their foreheads resting against each other. ¡°I didn¡¯t know a frog would be so good as this,¡± he said with a satisfied and wicked smile on his face.

    Reina frowned and pushed him to the wall. ¡°Such a jerk! ¡°She said and walked out of the bathroom.

    Charles chuckled, staring at her back as she left. . ¡°You¡¯re incredible, slut.¡±

    _-_-_-_-

    Evelyn¡¯s P. O. V

    I woke up to the scent of freshly made dishes wafting through the air. Opening my eyes, I saw Antonio beside me, a tray of breakfast on the bed. He smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with love.

    ¡°Good morning, cara mia. The maids and I prepared this for you,¡± he said, leaning in for a kiss.

    I smiled, feeling a flutter in my heart. ¡°Good morning. This looks amazing.¡±

    Antonio picked up a piece of fruit and fed it to me. I giggled and returned the favor, feeding him a bite of pancake. We ate together, enjoying the closeness and the momentary escape from my worries.

    After breakfast, we talked for a while, savoring the rare leisurely morning. ¡°You don¡¯t have any exam lessons today, right?¡± Antonio asked.

    I nodded. ¡°Yeah, I have a free day.¡±

    ¡°Perfect. Let¡¯s study together. I¡¯ll help you prepare for your final paper,¡± he suggested.

    We moved to the study area, and I began reading my notes while Antonio sat beside me. He quizzed me on the material, and I answered each question with confidence. His encouragement and the way he looked at me filled me with determination.

    ¡°You¡¯re so smart, Evelyn. I¡¯m proud of you,¡± Antonio praised, his voice full of admiration.

    Blushing, I smiled. ¡°Thank you, Antonio. Your support means everything to me.¡±

    We continued studying, the room filled with the warmth of ourpanionship. Every correct answer brought more praise from Antonio, and eachpliment boosted my spirits. Despite the looming threat from Charles and Reina, moments like these gave me strength. Antonio¡¯s love and faith in me were my anchor, and I was determined not to let anything tear us apart.

    The deadline for Evelyn had reached, and Charles and Reina were holed up in their dimly lit apartment, discussing their next move. Evelyn had meticulouslypiled a damning list of Antonio¡¯s illegal dealings, and it was now in their hands. Reina¡¯s phone was missing, but even if she had it, Antonio wasn¡¯t the social media type, making it futile to reach out to him online. They needed a n.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to do this the old-fashioned way,¡± Charles said, his voice heavy with resolve. ¡°You need to confront him in person.¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Reina¡¯s eyes lit up with a mix of excitement and apprehension. ¡°That might actually work in my favor. If I go see him, it might get me back on his good side. I can¡¯t wait to see him furious at Evelyn.¡±

    Charles handed her some money. ¡°Get some clothes and shoes and a small phone that will knock his socks off,¡± he instructed, a hint of a smirk on his face.

    Reina nodded eagerly, her mind racing with possibilities. She went shopping and returned with two striking outfits designed to captivate Antonio¡¯s attention. Laying them out, she turned to Charles with a mischievous grin. ¡°Uhmm, today is gonna be a good day¡­ Charles, which outfit should I wear? I really need to look hot for Antonio,¡± she giggled, holding up the revealing clothes.

    Charles nced up from his phone, barely hiding his irritation. ¡°Do I look like your boyfriend?¡± he asked sarcastically, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe. ¡°Besides, you have a sexy body but a frog face. I wonder if Antonio would even look at you.¡±

    Reina¡¯s smile wavered, but she quickly regained herposure. ¡°You¡¯re so mean¡­ But once Antonio hates Evelyn, he¡¯ll need me. I know he¡¯ll pay for my surgery after I give him a hot night¡­ We used to fuck a lot together before Evelyn stole him. Soon, I won¡¯t look like a frog anymore,¡± she retorted, determinationcing her voice.

    With her outfit finalized, Reina prepared to leave. Charles reiterated the n, ensuring she knew exactly what to do. They both left the house, each heading in different directions but united in their malicious intent. They couldn¡¯t wait to see their nse to fruition.

    Reina arrived at Antonio¡¯s mansion, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and excitement. She approached the imposing gate, where a stern-looking guard eyed her suspiciously.

    ¡°State your business,¡± he demanded.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see Antonio,¡± Reina replied, trying to sound confident.

    The guard checked his list and, finding her name, reluctantly allowed her to enter. As she walked up the long driveway, the sprawling mansion loomedrger with each step. She reached the main door, but before she could knock, two of Antonio¡¯s men blocked her path.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± one of them barked, his eyes cold and unweing.

    Reina hesitated, her mind racing back to thest time she was here. Antonio had warned her to stay away from him and Evelyn after that night he punished her, leaving a scar that she still carried both physically and emotionally.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see Antonio,¡± she said, trying to keep her voice steady. ¡°I have something important to show him.¡±

    The men exchanged nces, their expressions hardening. ¡°Antonio doesn¡¯t want to see you. He made that very clear.¡±

    ¡°Please,¡± Reina pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice. ¡°This is about Evelyn. It¡¯s urgent.¡±

    One of the men raised an eyebrow. ¡°Evelyn? What about her?¡±

    Reina took a deep breath, steeling herself. ¡°I have proof that she¡¯s been documenting all of Antonio¡¯s illegal activities. She¡¯s nning to use it against him. I need to show him.¡±

    The men hesitated, then one of them turned and disappeared inside. Momentster, he returned, nodding slightly. ¡°Alright, you cane in. But don¡¯t try anything funny.¡±

    Reina followed them into the mansion, her heart pounding. She was led through a series ofvishly decorated rooms until they reached Antonio¡¯s study. The door opened, and there he was, seated behind a massive mahogany desk, his expression a mix of surprise and irritation.

    ¡°Reina,¡± Antonio said coolly. ¡°I thought I made it clear that I never wanted to see you again.¡±

 Chapter Fifty-Nine

    ¡°I know,¡± Reina replied, stepping forward. ¡°But this is important. It¡¯s about Evelyn.¡±This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What about her?¡±

    Reina pulled out the picture of the list Evelyn had written, handing it to him with trembling hands. ¡°She¡¯s been documenting everything, Antonio. All your dealings. She¡¯s nning to use it against you.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s expression darkened as he scanned the list. ¡°And why should I believe you?¡±

    ¡°Because I care about you,¡± Reina said softly, stepping closer. ¡°We were good together once. Let me help you. We can make sure Evelyn never gets the chance to betray you.¡±

    Antonio looked at her, his anger palpable but also mixed with consideration. ¡°And what do you want in return?¡± Antonio always returns favors especially when people save him.

    Reina swallowed hard, knowing this was her moment. ¡°I want us to be like we used to . I want to always give you the best sex that you deserve . Let me help you, and I promise you¡¯ll never have to worry about that traitor again.¡±

    Antonio leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s deal with this. But don¡¯t think this means anything more than that. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve been fooled. I fucking loved her.¡± Antonio said as his face turned from a sad face to a very angry face. He knew that they might be nning to give the list to the police, he had been running his business for years without getting caught and know a girl wants to spoil it?

    Seizing the opportunity, Reina decided to betray Charles on the spot. ¡°There¡¯s something else you should know,¡± she added quickly. ¡°Evelyn and Charles, Evelyn¡¯s so called ex nned this together. They want to take you down. Evelyn doesn¡¯t love you, Antonio. It¡¯s all part of their n.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s eyes widened, the rage in his gaze growing more intense. ¡°Charles too? Why should I believe anything you say? You hate Evelyn.

    ¡°I swear it¡¯s the truth,¡± Reina insisted, her voice desperate. ¡°They¡¯ve been plotting this behind your back. I couldn¡¯t stand the thought of them betraying you like this. Please, Antonio, you have to believe me.¡±

    Antonio immediately took one of Evelyn¡¯s book on the nightstand and he was shocked to see that the hand writing matched. He didn¡¯t have no other choice than to believe, plus the involvement of Charles made it clear that they were trying to get back at him for making Charles lose his job.

    Antonio stared at her for a long moment, weighing her words. Finally, he stood up, his decision made. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll deal with Evelyn and Charles. They are all gonna pay for messing with me and my feelings¡±

    Reina nodded, a satisfied smile ying on her lips. She had him where she wanted him, and soon, everything would fall into ce. She used that opportunity to stay in his room while she waits for Evelyn and Charles to be dealt with. Today was indeed a good day.

    _-_-_-_-

    Evelyn¡¯s P. O. V

    I returned home exhausted after my final exams, excitement bubbling within me. With only graduation left, I could finally rx and focus on my future with Antonio. However, as I stepped into our bedroom, my joy evaporated. There, sitting smugly on our bed, was Reina.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡± I demanded, my voice shaking with anger.

    Before she could respond, Antonio appeared from behind me. I spun around, ready to scold him for allowing Reina back into our lives. ¡°Antonio, why is she-¡± My words were cut off by the sharp sting of a p across my face. The force of the blow sent me staggering.

    ¡°You dare betray me, Evelyn?¡± Antonio¡¯s voice was cold, a chilling reminder of the hard mafia boss he once was. My heart pounded with fear and confusion.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t betray you!¡± I protested, my cheek throbbing.

    Antonio ignored me and turned to Reina. ¡°Show her.¡±

    With a triumphant smirk, Reina pulled out her phone and disyed a list on the screen. My blood ran cold as I recognized the incriminating evidence-Antonio¡¯s illegal dealings that I had documented.

    ¡°How did you-¡± I gasped, my mind reeling.

    Another p from Antonio cut off my words. Tears stung my eyes, both from the pain and the betrayal. ¡°Antonio, please, it¡¯s not what you think-¡±

    ¡°Silence!¡± he roared. ¡°You¡¯ve crossed the line, Evelyn. I trusted you.¡±

    Reina¡¯s smirk widened, clearly enjoying my downfall. ¡°She nned this with Charles,¡± she added. ¡°They were going to take you down together.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s eyes zed with fury. ¡°Get out, both of you!¡± he barked at his men, who had appeared at the doorway. ¡°Tie her up in the room. I¡¯ll deal with herter.¡±

    The men grabbed me roughly, dragging me out of the room. ¡°Antonio, please! You have to believe me!¡± I pleaded, but he turned away, his face hard and unforgiving.

    For Antonio, a traitor would never go free especially when ites to his business. The fact that it was Evelyn made him angrier.

    As they tied me up in a dark, musty room, despair settled over me. How had everything gone so wrong?

    Back in the bedroom, Reina handed Antonio a piece of paper. ¡°Here¡¯s Charles¡¯ address.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s expression was murderous. ¡°Get me Charles. Don¡¯t waste time,¡± he ordered his men. ¡°I need to deal with these two before they get to the police.¡±

    I knew my life was about to change forever. Antonio was back to being the ruthless man I had feared, and there was no telling what he would do next. If only he¡¯d believe that I truly loved him and backed out from Charles¡¯ n.

    Back where Charles was, a sense of unease gnawed at him. He had noticed a group of dangerous-looking men following him for the past few blocks. Trying to shake off his paranoia, he took a sudden turn down an alley, only to find that the men altered their path to match his. His heart pounded faster as realization dawned on him-he was in trouble, and Reina had ratted him out.

    Desperation fueled his steps as he quickened his pace, making erratic turns in a futile attempt to lose his pursuers. Each turn brought him closer to the edge of panic, knowing he had precious little time. Soon, he found himself on a lonely road, with no one in sight. His breath came in ragged gasps as he pulled out his phone and began typing frantically.

    Heposed a message detailing Antonio¡¯s illegal activities and included Antonio¡¯s address, sending it to the police¡¯s verified ount. Just as he hit send, a ck van screeched to a halt in front of him, blocking his path. His heart leaped into his throat as men spilled out of the vehicle, their faces hard and unforgiving. Before he could react, they grabbed him, dragging him into the van. The two men who had been following him from behind joined them, closing the van doors with a thud.

    One of the men, a burly figure with a scar running down his cheek, had seen Charles typing on his phone. ¡°Give me the phone,¡± he demanded, his voice a low growl. Charles¡¯s hands shook as he handed it over. The man shoved the phone into Charles¡¯s face. ¡°Unlock it.¡±

    Charles¡¯s fingers trembled as he did as told, his mind racing. Once unlocked, the man¡¯s eyes narrowed as he read the screen. ¡°He ratted us out to the police,¡± he hissed, his eyes zing with anger. Immediately, he pulled out his own phone and made a call.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a problem, boss,¡± he said into the phone. ¡°Charles sent a message to the police. What do you want us to do?¡±

    Back at the mansion, Antonio listened intently, his jaw clenched. ¡°Bring him to the house across the city. We¡¯re leaving now. Make sure he can¡¯t cause any more trouble.¡±

    Antonio turned to Reina and she followed Antonio who rushed to the room where Evelyn was kept, who was still tied up and bruised. ¡°We¡¯re moving. Get ready. We leave immediately.¡±

    The men hastened to obey, dragging a struggling Evelyn and a triumphant-looking Reina to the waiting cars. They drove in a convoy, speeding through the city to avoid detection. Antonio¡¯s mind raced, fury bubbling just beneath the surface. He couldn¡¯t believe the betrayal, and he was determined to make them all pay.

    After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the new mansion across the city. The property was secluded, surrounded by tall walls and thick trees, making it the perfect ce to hide out. Antonio¡¯s men pulled Charles out of the van roughly, dragging him inside.

    Charles struggled, trying to break free, but the men¡¯s grip was irond. They hauled him through the mansion¡¯s grand entrance and down a long hallway, his feet barely touching the ground. Finally, they reached a room at the end of the corridor and threw open the door.

 Chapter Sixty

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    Inside, I was tied to a chair, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. I looked up as Charles was pushed into the room, my heart sinking at the sight of him. The men shoved him to the floor and tied him up next to her, ensuring he couldn¡¯t escape.

    I faced Charles with gritted teeth, feeling the rage coursing through my veins. ¡°See what you have gotten us into,¡± I spat out, my voice dripping with contempt. ¡°Can you see? You wanted me to be in trouble with Antonio, but now you are tied up with me. If only you had listened to me, you fool. I hate you, and I promise you if anything happens to me, my spirit will haunt you. In fact, what am I saying? You¡¯re dying with me.¡± The fury in my blood surged with every word, my body trembling with the intensity of my emotions.

    Charles stared back at me, his expression unyielding, and said with no remorse, ¡°I wanted us to get our revenge.¡±

    ¡°Us? Did you just say us?¡± I could hardly believe his audacity. ¡°Didn¡¯t you remember when I broke up with you? Didn¡¯t you remember when I said I didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with you? Huh? Did you suddenly get amnesia?¡± My anger boiled over, and I took it out on the rope tied around my hands, yanking and twisting in a desperate bid for freedom.

    ¡°I wanted us to get our revenge and for you to get back to me,¡± Charles repeated, his voice devoid of any emotion.

    ¡°Did you hear what you just said? Get back to you?¡± I couldn¡¯t suppress my incredulity. ¡°Did you ever love me? All you loved was my body and sex, or am I wrong? You know what? I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m talking to you. Go rot in hell!¡± The realization hit me hard as I felt the rope around my hands loosening. My breath caught in my throat, and I muttered under my breath, ¡°Oh my God,¡± as I started working frantically to free myselfpletely.

    I scanned the room, my eyes darting around for any means of escape. The window caught my attention-it was just about low enough to jump from, thank goodness we were on the first floor. My fingers worked faster, adrenaline fueling my determination. As I tugged at the final knot, I nced at Charles, who wore a look of shock mixed with confusion.

    ¡°How did you¡­¡± he began, but I wasn¡¯t about to stick around for exnations. I bolted to the window, flinging it open with a swift motion. My eyes scanned the outside, searching for any signs of danger. The coast seemed clear, and without a second thought, Iunched myself through the opening, my heart pounding in my chest.

    I hit the ground with a thud, my body rolling to absorb the impact. Ignoring the pain that shot through me, I scrambled to my feet and took off running, not daring to look back. Charles¡¯ voice echoed faintly in my ears, his words lost to the wind as I put as much distance as possible between us.

    Every step I took, every breath I drew, fueled my resolve. I had to survive, to escape the nightmare that Charles had dragged me into. The thought of him still tied up, struggling to free himself, gave me a twisted sense of satisfaction. He deserved to be left behind, to face the consequences of his actions alone.

    My mind raced as I navigated through the unfamiliar terrain, my senses on high alert for any signs of pursuit. I knew I couldn¡¯t stop, couldn¡¯t rest until I was far away from this ce, from Charles, from the chaos that had be my life. The memory of his betrayal, his callous disregard for my feelings, fueled my determination.

    As I ran, my thoughts shifted to the future, to whaty ahead. I couldn¡¯t let my guard down, not even for a moment. I had to be strong, had to stay focused. Charles had wanted revenge, but all he had done was to put us in trouble with Antonio. And I intended to make the most of my freedom, to ensure that I never found myself in such a situation again. I just prayed Antonio wouldn¡¯t find me.

    My muscles burned with the effort, my lungs screamed for air, but I pushed on, driven by the unrelenting need to escape. Thendscape blurred around me, the world a hazy backdrop to my singr focus. I had to keep moving, had to stay one step ahead. The night air was cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the heat of my anger and determination.

    I didn¡¯t know how long I had been running, but eventually, I slowed, my body demanding rest. I found a small clearing, hidden from view, and copsed to the ground, my breathing in ragged gasps. For the first time since our capture, I allowed myself a moment of respite, my mind racing with thoughts of what had just transpired.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Charles had wanted revenge, but he had put both of us in trouble . He had thought he could control me, manipte me, but I was happy about where I was right now. . I had escaped, and now it was up to me to ensure that I stayed free. The road ahead was uncertain, but I was ready to face whatever challenges came my way. I had survived this ordeal, and I would continue to survive, no matter what.

    I had run so far that my legs felt like lead, and my stomach gnawed at me with a relentless and wicked hunger. As I stumbled through the dark streets, I saw the distant glow of neon lights. An eatery. The thought of food spurred me on, and I pushed myself forward, determined to reach it. I had some amount of money in my pocket, so, I could pay for the food.

    The small diner was a beacon of warmth and light in the otherwise deste night. I pushed open the door, the bell above it chiming softly. The few patrons inside barely nced up as I entered. I made my way to the counter, every step feeling like a monumental effort.

    A young man sat at the far end of the counter, nursing a cup of coffee. He looked up as I approached, his eyes curious but not unkind. I ordered a sandwich and a cup of tea, my hands trembling as I reached for the mug when it arrived. The warmth seeped into my fingers, calming my nerves slightly.

    As I ate, I couldn¡¯t help but notice the man watching me. His gaze wasn¡¯t intrusive, just mildly interested. When our eyes met, he offered a small, friendly smile.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯ve been through a lot,¡± he said softly, his voice carrying a note of concern. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    I hesitated for a moment, the urge to trust someone battling with my instinct for self-preservation. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied, forcing a smile. ¡°Just a rough night.¡±

    He nodded, epting my answer without pressing for details. ¡°My name¡¯s Alex,¡± he introduced himself. ¡°I live nearby. If you need a ce to stay, you¡¯re wee to crash at my ce.¡±

    His offer was tempting, but I knew I couldn¡¯t trust anyone with my real identity. ¡°Thank you, Alex. That¡¯s really kind of you,¡± I said, carefully crafting my story. ¡°I¡¯m Emily. I¡¯m just passing through and ran into some trouble.¡±

    He nodded again, seemingly satisfied with my exnation. ¡°Well, Emily, the offer stands. It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s safe.¡±

    I weighed my options, knowing I needed rest and a ce to regroup. ¡°I appreciate it,¡± I said, my voice sincere. ¡°I could use a safe ce for the night.¡±

    Alex finished his coffee and stood up, gesturing for me to follow. ¡°Come on, it¡¯s not far.¡±

    We walked through the quiet streets, the only sound the asional rustle of leaves in the wind. Alex¡¯s apartment was a small, modest ce, but it felt safe and weing. He showed me to the spare room, where a simple bed awaited.

    ¡°Make yourself at home,¡± he said, giving me a reassuring smile. ¡°If you need anything, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Alex,¡± I said, my voice filled with genuine gratitude. ¡°You¡¯ve been a lifesaver.¡±

    He nodded and left me to settle in. I closed the door behind me, my mind racing with the events of the night. I had escaped, but I knew I couldn¡¯t let my guard down. I would have to be careful, to ensure that my lie held up, and that I stayed one step ahead of anyone looking for me.

    As Iy down on the bed, exhaustion finally overtook me. I closed my eyes, my body rxing into the mattress. For the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to rest, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and that I would need all my strength to face them.

 Chapter Sixty-One

    Charles struggled futilely against the rope binding his wrists, the coarse fibers digging into his skin with every movement. He could feel the sting of sweat in the abrasions forming on his wrists, but he didn¡¯t let up. His muscles ached from the continuous strain, but the knot was too tight, expertly tied. He took a deep breath, trying to gather his strength for another attempt when the door creaked open.

    A stocky man, one of Antonio¡¯s henchmen, stepped in, a scowl on his face as he scanned the room. His eyes widened when he realized Evelyn was no longer there. ¡°What the fuck?¡± he muttered under his breath, disbelief and panic seeping into his voice. His pulse quickened, and he turned on his heel, dashing out of the room with a sense of urgency that bordered on desperation.

    His footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridor, each step resonating with the fear of what Antonio might do. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he reached Antonio¡¯s office, bursting through the door without knocking. ¡°Boss, we have a problem,¡± he gasped, his breathing in fast, shallow pants.

    Antonio, seated behind a grand mahogany desk, looked up from a stack of papers, his dark eyes narrowing. ¡°What do you mean, what problem?¡± he demanded, rising to his feet. His presence was imposing, the aura of authority he carried like a second skin.

    ¡°We lost the girl¡­ We lost Evelyn, she is no longer tied,¡± the henchman stammered, his face paling.

    Antonio¡¯s expression shifted from confusion to sheer rage in an instant. ¡°What? How did that fucking happen?¡± he roared, his face contorting with fury. Without warning, he picked up a heavy pistol from his desk and struck the henchman across the head with it. The man crumpled to the floor, clutching his head in pain, fear etched into every line of his face.

    Antonio loomed over him, his voice a deadly whisper. ¡°Find Evelyn. Take some men with you and find her. If you don¡¯t, your head will be delivered to your family. Do you get that?¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Y-yes, boss,¡± the henchman stuttered, scrambling to his feet and clutching his bleeding scalp.

    Antonio stormed out of the room, his mind racing with violent thoughts. As he strode down the hallway, he encountered Reina. She was dressed provocatively, her outfit leaving little to the imagination. A tight, ck leather skirt clung to her hips, barely covering her thighs, and a low-cut, red satin top entuated her ample cleavage. Her high heels clicked against the floor as she approached him, her eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and desire.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Antonio? Why do you look so mad?¡± Reina asked, trying to keep up with his furious pace.

    ¡°Shut up, Reina,¡± Antonio snapped, not even sparing her a nce as he continued towards the room where Charles was held.

    Reina¡¯s seductive smile faltered, reced by a look of annoyance. She followed him, her pace quickening to match his. They reached the room, and Antonio threw the door open with such force it mmed against the wall.

    ¡°Holy fuck,¡± Reina muttered, her eyes widening as she took in the empty space where Evelyn had been tied. The room seemed colder, the absence of Evelyn¡¯s presence palpable. Charles looked up, his eyes locking with Antonio¡¯s, a defiant glint in his gaze despite his predicament.

    Antonio¡¯s fury was barely contained, his knuckles white as he gripped the door frame. ¡°Where is she?¡± he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

    Charles remained silent, a smirk ying on his lips. He knew that every second Evelyn was free was a victory, no matter how small. Antonio¡¯s patience snapped, and he lunged forward, grabbing Charles by the cor and yanking him up. ¡°I said, where is she?¡± he snarled.

    Charles met his gaze without flinching. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said simply, his tone infuriatingly calm.

    Antonio released him with a shove, sending Charles sprawling back onto the floor. He turned to his henchman, who was now standing hesitantly in the doorway, and barked, ¡°Get everyone on this. I want every corner of this city searched. Now!¡±

    The henchman nodded vigorously, hurrying away to carry out the orders. Antonio¡¯s eyes flicked back to Charles, his mind working furiously. He couldn¡¯t afford to let Evelyn escape, not with everything at stake. He turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, Reina trailing behind him.

    Reina tried to speak again, her tone softer, more coaxing. ¡°Antonio, let me help. I can find her.¡±

    Antonio stopped abruptly, turning to face her. His expression softened slightly, a dangerous glint still in his eyes. ¡°Fine. You can join in the search. But if you screw this up, Reina, you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    Reina nodded, a determined look crossing her face. She knew better than to underestimate Antonio¡¯s threats.

    And if I find her, what would I have in return?¡± Reina asked, her voice a low, seductive purr. She stepped closer to Antonio, looking deep into his eyes, her own filled with a mix of desire and ambition. She knew Antonio would do anything to find Evelyn, and she intended to use that to her advantage.

    Antonio¡¯s mind raced with thoughts of revenge. Evelyn, whom he once loved, had betrayed him. She had tried to bring him down, aligning herself with Charles in a scheme to ruin him. The pain of her betrayal was a constant, gnawing ache in his chest, but he was determined to let that love die and rece it with a burning desire for vengeance. He would make her suffer, make her regret ever crossing him.

    ¡°What do you want, Reina?¡± Antonio asked, his gaze dropping to her exposed cleavage before moving back to her face. He knew exactly what she wanted. Reina¡¯s mind was a one-track train, always speeding towards the same destination.

    ¡°I want you to fuck me anywhere and anytime I want,¡± she said boldly, pulling her top further down to expose her breasts even more. Her nipples were barely hidden, and the sight of her flesh made Antonio¡¯s pulse quicken despite himself.

    Antonio scoffed, a smirk curling his lips. ¡°I knew you were going to say that, you empty skull. Deal,¡± he said, his voice dripping with disdain. Reina¡¯s face lit up with a twisted sort of happiness. For her, Antonio¡¯s deals were sacred; he never broke a promise once made.

    ¡°Deal,¡± Reina echoed, her excitement palpable. She could already feel her arousal growing, the prospect of Antonio¡¯s rough touch making her body respond eagerly. She was determined to find Evelyn, not just for the reward, but for the thrill of the hunt and the promise of carnal pleasure.

    Reina stepped closer, reaching out as if to shake Antonio¡¯s hand, but he pulled back, a look of disgust crossing his face. ¡°Seriously, I don¡¯t do the handshake deal thing,¡± he said, his voice cold. He turned and walked away, leaving Reina standing there, her resolve hardening. She watched him go, her eyes narrowing with determination.

    As they parted ways, the search for Evelyn intensified, the tension within thepound reaching a fever pitch.

    ¡°I will be the one to find Evelyn,¡± she whispered to herself, her fingers trailing over her own skin as she imagined the rewards waiting for her. Thepound buzzed with activity, Antonio¡¯s men scouring every inch for any sign of the missing woman.

    Reina¡¯s thoughts turned to strategy. She needed to think like Evelyn, anticipate where she might go, how she might try to escape. She decided to start with the storage rooms in the basement, a ce often overlooked. She made her way there, her heels clicking sharply on the concrete floor, her mind sharp and focused despite the haze of arousal clouding her senses.

    As she descended the stairs, she heard the muffled sounds of Antonio barking orders at his men, his voice a constant reminder of what was at stake. She reached the bottom and began her search, her eyes scanning every shadow, every corner. The air was cool and damp, and the dim lighting cast eerie shadows on the walls.

    Reina¡¯s heart pounded with anticipation. She checked each room methodically, her frustration growing with every empty space. She gave up searching the house ¡¯cause she already knew Evelyn wasn¡¯t in the building and she might have ran far Away.

 Chapter Sixty-Two

    Reina¡¯s POV

    I immediately got down the street, making sure my eyes nced at every corner. Every shadow, every movement, was scrutinized with a razor-sharp focus. If finding Evelyn would bring Antonio and me back to the way we were before she came into the picture, I was ready to do whatever it took. The prospect of being Antonio¡¯s fuck mate again, his lover¡­ Maybe it was more than enticing-it was essential. His support for my facial surgery was a tantalizing bonus, and the idea of him fucking me whenever and wherever he wanted only fueled my determination.

    As I navigated the bustling streets, my eyes caught sight of a small, quaint shop tucked betweenrger, more modern establishments. The storefront was old-fashioned, with a hand-painted sign that read ¡°Maggie¡¯s Crafts and Curios.¡± Through the ss windows, I saw an older woman arranging a disy of handmade jewelry. She had short, curly gray hair, wire-rimmed sses perched on her nose, and was wearing a colorful, flowery apron over a simple dress. Her whole demeanor screamed ¡°sweet olddy,¡± but I wasn¡¯t fooled.

    I rushed inside, the bell above the door jingling violently at my entrance. My heart pounded with adrenaline. I whipped out my phone, quickly scrolling through Instagram until I found Evelyn¡¯s picture. Thedy behind the counter looked up, startled by my abrupt entrance.

    ¡°Do you know thisdy?¡± I demanded, thrusting the phone in her face.

    The woman¡¯s expression shifted from surprise to irritation. ¡°Can¡¯t you at least greet?¡± she retorted, her voice filled with a mix of annoyance and disdain.

    ¡°Greet? Just answer me, or you¡¯ll regret it,¡± I said, stepping closer, my voice low and menacing.

    Thedy stood her ground, her eyes narrowing. ¡°If you can¡¯t be at least polite, then you should leave my shop. You can¡¯t just walk in here and talk to me anyhow,¡± she said, crossing her arms defiantly.

    My patience snapped. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small, sleek gun, pointing it directly at her head. Her eyes widened in shock and fear. ¡°You stubborn fool, now would you look at the picture and tell me if you¡¯ve seen thedy in it,¡± I hissed, a smirk curling my lips.

    The woman¡¯s resolve crumbled instantly. She started to tremble, her voice quivering as she spoke. ¡°I¡­ I haven¡¯t¡­ seen her. Pl¡­ Please let me go,¡± she stammered, tears welling up in her eyes.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t even useful. I should have known,¡± I spat. I felt the urge to shoot her right there, but a voice in my head-Antonio¡¯s voice-held me back. He wouldn¡¯t want me causing trouble here, not when he left the previous city because of his case with the police . If I messed up now, he would kill me himself.

    Instead, I grabbed the woman by the hair and mmed her head onto the counter, just hard enough to daze her but not draw blood. She crumpled to the floor, whimpering in pain. Without another word, I turned on my heel and left the shop, the bell jingling softly behind me as I exited.

    Back on the street, I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. I had to stay focused. Antonio would kill me if I don¡¯t find Evelyn after volunteering to her, and failure was not an option. I moved swiftly, my mind racing with thoughts of where to look next, determined to find Evelyn and reim my ce by Antonio¡¯s side.

    As I walked down the street, I noticed a group of men drinking by the roadside. Their eyes followed my every move, undressing me with their gaze, clearly ready to eat me alive. I couldn¡¯t me them. I knew I looked hot, and I was always ready to fuck anytime and any day, but right now, all I wanted was to find that foolish Evelyn.

    I kept walking, my eyes scanning every corner, even passing through small, overgrown patches of bushes, but there were no signs of her. How smart she was, always one step ahead. Frustration and exhaustion began to set in. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and darkness was quickly enveloping the streets. My feet ached, and my mind was clouded with fatigue. I turned around, realizing I had a long way to go back home, and I was broke, with no money for a cab.

    As I retraced my steps, I found myself back at the spot where the men were still drinking andughing raucously by the roadside. Their eyes locked onto me again, filled with lust. They started making gestures, ushering me toe over. An idea sparked in my mind. Maybe I could seduce them, let them fuck me, and get some money out of it. With that, I could take a cab home and even keep some change. I didn¡¯t want to ask Antonio for money for this mission so he¡¯d see how dedicated I am and this wasn¡¯t a bad idea after all.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do this,¡± I whispered to myself, determination hardening my resolve. I adjusted my clothes , hiking it up slightly to reveal more of my legs. My hips swayed seductively as I walked over to them, my lips curving into a sultry smile.

    ¡°Hey, boys,¡± I purred, my voice dripping with seduction. ¡°Mind if I join you?¡±

    The men exchanged eager nces, their eyes devouring me. ¡°Sure, sweetheart,¡± one of them said, patting a spot on the bench beside him. ¡°Have a drink with us.¡±

    I sat down, crossing my legs slowly, letting my dress ride up even further. Their eyes were glued to my thighs. I leaned forward, giving them a tantalizing view of my cleavage. ¡°You boys look like you know how to have a good time,¡± I said, running a finger down the chest of the man next to me. ¡°And I¡¯m always up for a good time.¡±

    They chuckled, their breaths quickening. One of them handed me a drink, and I took a sip, making a show of licking my lips. ¡°So,¡± I said, tracing circles on the thigh of the man closest to me, ¡°what do you boys want to do?¡±

    ¡°We were just talking about how lonely it gets around here,¡± one of them said, his voice thick with desire. ¡°Maybe you could keep uspany?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d love to,¡± I replied, letting my hand wander up his leg. ¡°But you know, goodpanyes at a price.¡±

    ¡°Name it,¡± another man said, his eyes dark with hunger.

    ¡°How about¡­ fifty bucks each?¡± I suggested, my voice a sultry whisper. ¡°And I¡¯ll make sure you all have the night of your lives.¡±

    They didn¡¯t hesitate. Hands reached into pockets, and soon enough, crisp bills were pressed into my hand. I tucked the money into my bra, a satisfied smile ying on my lips. ¡°Alright, boys,¡± I said, standing up and taking a step back. ¡°Who¡¯s first?¡±

    The men were on their feet in an instant. I led them to a darker, more secluded area behind some bushes, where we wouldn¡¯t be disturbed. Turning to face them, I let my dress fall to the ground, revealing mycy ck lingerie. Their eyes widened, their breathsing in ragged gasps.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    One of them stepped forward, and I pulled him close, our bodies pressed together. I could feel his hardness through his jeans, and I ground my hips against him, eliciting a groan from his lips. ¡°You like that?¡± I whispered in his ear, nibbling on his earlobe.

    ¡°Fuck, yes,¡± he breathed, his hands roaming over my body.

    I pushed him down onto the ground, straddling hisp, and began to grind against him harder. His hands gripped my hips, guiding my movements. The other men watched, their eyes zed with lust. I beckoned them closer, letting them touch and caress me as I rode the first man. Their hands were everywhere, exploring every inch of my body.

    One of them pulled down my bra, freeing my breasts, I made sure to grab the money tight in my hands and he leaned in to suck on my nipples. I moaned, the sensation sending jolts of pleasure through me. Another man knelt behind me, pulling my panties aside and plunging his fingers into my wetness. I gasped, rocking my hips back to meet his thrusts.

    ¡°Oh, fuck, yes,¡± I moaned, my body trembling with need. ¡°Fuck me. All of you, fuck me now.¡±

    They didn¡¯t need any more encouragement. The man beneath me unzipped his pants, freeing his hard cock, and I positioned myself over him, lowering myself onto his length with a moan of pure bliss. Another man moved in front of me, and I took his cock into my mouth, sucking eagerly as the one behind me reced his fingers with his cock, filling mepletely.

    The men took turns, each one fucking me hard and fast, their moans and grunts mingling with my own cries of pleasure. I reveled in the raw, animalistic intensity of it, losing myself in the sensations. They used me, took their pleasure from my body, and I gave it willingly, enjoying every second of it.

    When they were finally spent, theyy on the ground, panting and satisfied. I gathered my clothes, dressing quickly. ¡°Thanks for the fun, boys,¡± I said with a wink, pocketing the money they had given me. ¡°Maybe we¡¯ll do this again sometime.¡±

    With that, I walked away, my steps light and my heart racing. I had the money I needed, and the thrill of the encounter still pulsed through my veins. Now, I could get home and n my next move in finding Evelyn. Tonight had been a wild detour, but I was more determined than ever to get what I wanted.

 Chapter Sixty-Three

    I walked until I reached a bus station. I waited for a few minutes before the bus arrived, feeling the cool breeze and the night air on my face. It was exactly what I needed. I had walked all day searching for Evelyn but hadn¡¯t found her. I had even had sex with four men just to get the money for this mission, a testament to how far I was willing to go. I would do whatever it took to get Evelyn to Antonio. I wanted to see him torture her with his own hands. I craved to hear her screams and cries when he did that. I could wait for that moment. It was all I could imagine in my head. After Evelyn was dealt with by Antonio, I¡¯d have him all to myself again.

    The thought of Antonio¡¯s touch sent shivers down my spine. I love dicks naturally, but there was something unique about Antonio¡¯s that I couldn¡¯t even describe. It had an ingredient that made me think about him every day and want him every day. I could let him fuck me all the day. On top of that, Antonio would finally give me the money for my face surgery, and I¡¯d look beautiful again. I wouldn¡¯t have to hide behindyers of thick makeup.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    I didn¡¯t realize how lost in my thoughts I had been until I suddenly found myself staring at people alighting from the bus. This was my stop, the junction to Antonio¡¯s mansion. I quickly got out and started walking towards the gate. The guards recognized me and let me in without a word. I headed straight to Antonio¡¯s room, my heart pounding with anticipation.

    I tried to open his room¡¯s door, but it was locked.

    ¡°Who is there?¡± he asked through the door.

    ¡°It¡¯s me, Reina. Why did you lock your door? Can¡¯t I get in?¡±

    He ignored my questions and said, ¡°Did you get her?¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t, but I will make sure I find her. I will do anything,¡± I said with determination. ¡°Can I get in now?¡± I asked again, my voice almost pleading.

    ¡°I want to be alone. I don¡¯t need you here,¡± he said coldly.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll be here if you need me,¡± I said, trying to mask my disappointment. I walked to my room, my steps heavy with fatigue.

    When I got to my room, I copsed onto the bed immediately, feeling the exhaustion from the day¡¯s events. After a moment, I forced myself up, took off my clothes, grabbed a towel, and rushed into the bathroom.

    The bathroom was spacious, with marble tiles that gleamed under the soft light. I turned on the shower, letting the hot water cascade over my body. The steam enveloped me, and I closed my eyes, allowing the warmth to soothe my aching muscles. Ithered my body with a luxurious soap that smelled ofvender and chamomile, the rich foam covering my skin. I massaged it in slowly, taking my time to wash away the grime and tension of the day. I ran my fingers through my hair, working the shampoo into a thickther before rinsing it out. The hot water felt like a balm, rxing every part of me.

    After what felt like an eternity, I turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping myself in a soft, fluffy towel. I dried myself off and applied my creams, each stroke of the lotion a ritual that made me feel pampered and renewed. I slipped into a silk nightgown, the fabric cool and smooth against my skin.

    Iy down on the bed, my mind wandering back to thoughts of Antonio torturing Evelyn and then fucking me every day once she was out of the way. The thought of his dominance and power made me wet instantly. I couldn¡¯t help but touch myself, my fingers tracing the outline of my desire. I kept thinking about Antonio, his hands on me, his body dominating mine, and drifted into a restless sleep, filled with dreams of what was toe.

    _-_-_-_-

    Back in Antonio¡¯s room, he was drowning in alcohol, the sharp scent of whiskey mingling with the stale air. He poured another ss, his hands shaking slightly, and downed it in one gulp. The burn of the liquor did nothing to dull the ache in his chest. He couldn¡¯t shake the image of Evelyn and her ex out of his mind. The betrayal stung deeper than he had anticipated. Evelyn had been different. She had managed to bring out the soft part of him, the part he had long buried underyers of ruthlessness and power.

    He had taken care of her, showered her with love, care and even gifts, and would have done any other thing for her. Yet, she had chosen to betray him. The thought gnawed at him, each memory of their time together now tainted with bitterness. In a fit of rage, he grabbed the bottle and hurled it against the wall. It shattered with a loud crash, shards of ss flying everywhere as the amber liquid sshed and dripped down the wall.

    ¡°Why, Evelyn?!!!¡± he screamed, his voice raw and filled with anguish. He gritted his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he tried to control his emotions. But the anger was too much to contain.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make you suffer. You, of all people, betray me?¡± he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with venom. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the wooden floor. His fists clenched, knuckles white from the pressure, and he walked over to the wall where the bottle had shattered. Without thinking, he punched the wall, the impact sending a jolt of pain through his hand. But the physical pain was nothingpared to the emotional torment he was feeling.

    ¡°Fuck you, Evelyn!¡± he screamed again, his voice echoing in the empty room. He punched the wall repeatedly, each blow a futile attempt to release the anger and hurt. His knuckles started to bleed, but he didn¡¯t care. The physical pain was a distraction, a brief respite from the agony in his heart.

    He finally sank to the floor, leaning against the wall, his breathing heavy andbored. His hand throbbed, the skin raw and bloody, but he barely noticed. All he could think about was Evelyn. How she had smiled at him, touched him, made him believe in something more. And then she had shattered it all.

    He remembered the nights they had spent together, the way she had looked at him with those eyes that seemed to see right through his facade. He had let his guard down, let her into his heart , and she had torn him apart. The realization was a bitter pill to swallow.

    Antonio¡¯s thoughts were a chaotic jumble of memories and rage. He couldn¡¯t understand why someone like Evelyn had done it. Hadn¡¯t he been enough? The questions swirled in his mind, each one more painful than thest.

    He closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the wall, and let out a long, ragged breath. He knew one thing for sure: he would make her pay. He would find her and make her regret ever betraying him. The thought gave him a twisted sense of satisfaction, a dark promise that he clung to amidst the chaos in his mind.

    As he sat there, the room around him a wreckage of broken ss and spilled whiskey, he made a vow to himself. Evelyn would suffer for what she had done. He would see to it personally. And once he had his revenge, maybe, just maybe, the pain would lessen. But until then, he would be consumed by the fire of his rage, a fire that Evelyn had ignited with her betrayal.

    Antonio quickly looked at himself and noticed the mess he had be. His clothes were disheveled, and there were bloodstains on his knuckles from where he had punched the wall. His reflection in the mirror showed a man undone by rage and betrayal. He needed to regain control.

    He stood up and walked to the bathroom, his steps unsteady. The bathroom was a sanctuary of sorts, pristine and orderly, a stark contrast to the chaos in his mind. He turned on the shower, the sound of the water cascading down almost soothing. Steam began to fill the room as he undressed, peeling off his clothes and leaving them in a heap on the floor.

    Antonio stepped under the hot spray, the water hitting his skin like a balm. He closed his eyes and let the heat seep into his muscles, easing the tension that had built up over the past few hours. He reached for the soap, a rich, fragrant bar that smelled of sandalwood and citrus, and began tother it over his body. He scrubbed himself vigorously, as if he could wash away the all of the anger and frustration along with the grime.

 Chapter Sixty-Four

    As thether built up, Antonio massaged it into his skin, taking care to clean the cuts on his knuckles. The soap stung slightly, but he weed the sensation. It was a reminder of his physical reality, a grounding contrast to the tumult of his thoughts. He ran his hands over his chest, his abs, feeling the tension slowly ebb away with each stroke. He then turned his attention to his hair, working the shampoo into a thickther. The scent was refreshing, a mix of mint and eucalyptus that cleared his mind a little. He massaged his scalp, letting the shampoo cleanse away the sweat and dirt. As he rinsed it out, he felt a small sense of renewal. Antonio stood under the spray a while longer, letting the water cascade over him, washing away the soap and the remnants of his breakdown. He tilted his head back, letting the water run down his face, his eyes closed. For a few moments, he allowed himself to simply exist, the water a soothing, constant presence. Finally, he turned off the shower and stepped out, reaching for a soft, white towel. He dried himself off methodically, each movement deliberate and controlled. He wrapped the towel around his waist and wiped the steam from the mirror, staring at his reflection. He looked calmer, moreposed. But the fire in his eyes hadn¡¯t dimmed. Antonio walked back into the bedroom, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The bath had given him a momentary reprieve, but the thoughts of Evelyn¡¯s betrayal and his need for revenge were still fresh. He would deal with her. But for now, he needed to rest, to gather his strength for what was toe. Evelyn¡¯s POV¡±Wakey wakey, princess,¡± Alex said as I woke up, seeing him with a bright smile. I had slept well the previous night, momentarily forgetting I had escaped from Antonio¡¯s mansion and that they¡¯d be looking for me. I woke up feeling good, but the thoughts rushed back at me. I let out a dry smile to Alex as I collected the cup from him.¡±Good morning, Alex. I really appreciate you for letting me into your house even though you don¡¯t know me,¡± I said sincerely.¡±Good morning, Emily.¡± I looked down, feeling guilty that I had to lie about my name for my protection.¡±Can you tell me why you looked the way I met you yesterday? It seemed like you were being chased by someone,¡± Alex asked curiously. I didn¡¯t know what to say to him. I didn¡¯t know how to start exining, and the need to hide my identity weighed heavily on my mind.¡±It¡¯s nothing. My uncle¡­ just sent me out of his house,¡± I struggled to say, rushing my words. An observant person would immediately know I was lying, but it seemed like Alex didn¡¯t notice.¡±Why did¡­¡± He was about to ask when I interrupted.¡±Please, I don¡¯t want to talk about it. I just need to take it off my mind for a while,¡± I said with a pleading look.¡±Oh¡­ It¡¯s fine. I understand how you feel. I¡¯ll make you forget all your problems. I¡¯m a vibe,¡± Alex said.¡±Thanks, Alex. I really appreciate it,¡± I said, finally breathing out, happy that I wasn¡¯t going to exin anymore. Alex grinned and pped his hands together. ¡°Alright, Emily, let¡¯s get your mind off things. How do you feel about kayaking? There¡¯s a beautifulke nearby, and it¡¯s so peaceful out there.¡±I smiled, appreciating his efforts. ¡°I¡¯ve never tried kayaking before, but it sounds fun.¡±¡±Great! And after that, we can grab some lunch at this fantastic little cafe I know. They have the best sandwiches in town. Then, if you¡¯re up for it, there¡¯s a local fair happening today. We could check out the games and rides,¡± Alex suggested enthusiastically.¡±That sounds amazing, Alex. I could really use a day of fun,¡± I replied, feeling a bit lighter.¡±Perfect. We¡¯ll leave in an hour. Make yourself at home, and don¡¯t hesitate to ask if you need anything,¡± he said, giving me a reassuring smile. As Alex left to get ready, I couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful for his kindness. Even though he didn¡¯t know the truth about me, his willingness to help a stranger was heartwarming. I decided to embrace the day and allow myself to enjoy the moment, hoping that I could momentarily escape the worries that haunted me. I was very far from Antonio¡¯s house and I guessed they wouldn¡¯t find me. Alex went to a closet and pulled out a duffel bag. He rummaged through it for a moment before turning to me with a smile. ¡°Hey, I found some clothes that belonged to my ex-girlfriend. I think they might fit you,¡± he said, handing me a neatly folded outfit. The clothes consisted of light-wash denim shorts, a white off-the-shoulder blouse with delicatece trim, and a soft pink cardigan. ¡°These should befortable for the day,¡± Alex said. I took the clothes from him, feeling a mix of gratitude and awkwardness. ¡°Thanks, Alex. These are really nice.¡±¡±No problem. The bathroom is just down the hall to the left if you want to freshen up,¡± he pointed out. I rushed to the bathroom, eager to get ready. The shower was quick but refreshing. I washed away the grime of yesterday, feeling a bit of my anxiety slip away with the water. After drying off, I dressed in the clothes Alex had given me. The outfit fit surprisingly well and was bothfortable and stylish. I took a moment to appreciate how good it felt to be clean and in fresh clothes. Meanwhile, Alex was preparing too. I could hear him moving around in the next room. When I stepped out of the bathroom, I found him dressed casually yet put-together in dark jeans, a navy blue polo shirt, and white sneakers.¡±Wow, you look great,¡± I said, genuinely impressed. Alex gave me a once-over and grinned. ¡°You look amazing, Emily. Ready to go?¡±¡±Absolutely. Let¡¯s make this a day to remember,¡± I said, feeling a bit of excitement bubbling up despite everything. As we headed out, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little hopeful. Maybe today would be the distraction I needed, a chance to experience a bit of normalcy in the midst of chaos. Alex and I left the house with a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. He locked the door behind us, and we walked to his car, a sleek ck sedan parked in the driveway. He opened the passenger door for me with a gant gesture.¡±After you, mdy,¡± he said with a yful bow. I chuckled and slid into the seat, feeling a rush of gratitude for his kindness. As he started the car, the engine purred to life, and we backed out of the driveway onto the quiet suburban street.¡±First stop, theke,¡± Alex announced, navigating through the morning traffic with ease. The drive took us through scenic routes lined with trees and fields. The sun was shining brightly, and the sky was a clear blue, promising a perfect day for outdoor activities. We chatted casually about various topics-music, favorite movies, funny anecdotes from our childhoods. Alex had a way of making me feel at ease, and for a while, I almost forgot the chaos I had left behind. After about thirty minutes, we arrived at theke. It was a picturesque spot with calm, clear water reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding forest. A few kayaks were lined up on the shore, and people were already out paddling, enjoying the beautiful day.¡±Here we are,¡± Alex said, parking the car. ¡°Ready to try kayaking?¡±¡±I am,¡± I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. ¡°I¡¯ve never done this before, so you¡¯ll have to guide me.¡±¡±Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s easy. You¡¯ll get the hang of it in no time,¡± Alex assured me. We walked to the rental stand, where he paid for a double kayak and handed me a life jacket.¡±Safety first,¡± he said with a wink. I put on the life jacket, feeling a bit clumsy, but Alex helped adjust the straps, making sure it was snug butfortable. Once we were ready, Alex led the way to the shore, where he helped me into the front seat of the kayak. He then climbed in behind me, and with a few strong pushes, we were gliding out onto the water.¡±Just follow my lead,¡± he instructed as he began paddling. I mimicked his movements, dipping the paddle into the water and pulling it back in smooth, steady strokes. It took a few tries to get the rhythm right, but soon we were moving in sync.¡±This is amazing,¡± I said, looking around at the serenendscape. The water was so clear that I could see fish swimming below the surface, and the gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of pine.¡±Yeah, it¡¯s one of my favorite ces to rx,¡± Alex agreed. ¡°Ie here whenever I need to clear my head.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter Sixty-Five

    Evelyn¡¯s POV.

    We paddled around theke for a while, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of nature. Alex pointed out different spots along the shore, sharing little stories and facts about the area. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the experience.

    After about an hour, we returned to the shore and returned the kayak. I felt a pleasant fatigue in my muscles, the kind thates from physical activity and fresh air.

    ¡°How about we grab some lunch now?¡± Alex suggested as we walked back to the car. ¡°There¡¯s a little cafe nearby that I think you¡¯ll love.¡±

    ¡°Sounds perfect,¡± I replied, my stomach growling in agreement.

    We drove to a quaint cafe nestled in the heart of a small town not far from theke. The ce had a charming, rustic vibe with outdoor seating under a perg draped in flowering vines. We chose a table outside, and a friendly waitress soon brought us menus.

    ¡°Their sandwiches are the best,¡± Alex said. ¡°I rmend the turkey and avocado.¡±

    ¡°That sounds good to me,¡± I said, trusting his judgment.

    We ced our orders, and while we waited for our food, Alex continued to regale me with stories and jokes. I found myselfughing more than I had in a long time. When our sandwiches arrived, they were indeed delicious-fresh, vorful, and satisfying.

    ¡°This is amazing,¡± I said between bites. ¡°Thank you for bringing me here.¡±

    ¡°Anytime,¡± Alex replied with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re enjoying yourself.¡±

    After lunch, we strolled around the town, browsing through quaint shops and enjoying the rxed atmosphere. We visited a local bookstore, where Alex bought a novel he had been wanting to read, and I picked up a cute journal with a floral cover.

    ¡°To remember today,¡± Alex said, handing it to me at the checkout. I blushed slightly but epted the gift with gratitude.

    As the afternoon wore on, we headed to the local fair, which was in full swing. The fairground was buzzing with activity-brightly colored stalls, games, rides, and the mouthwatering aroma of fair food.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start with some games,¡± Alex suggested, leading me to a booth with a ring toss game. He paid for a set of rings and handed them to me. ¡°Give it a try.¡±

    I threw the rings, missing the targets entirely, but Alex was encouraging. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it takes practice,¡± he said, taking his turn and expertlynding a ring on a bottle. He won a small stuffed bear and handed it to me. ¡°A souvenir,¡± he said with a grin.

    We moved from game to game,ughing and cheering each other on. Alex won a few more prizes, including a giant teddy bear that I could barely carry. We also went on a few rides-the Ferris wheel, the bumper cars, and the merry-go-round. Each ride brought moreughter and fun.

    As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we decided to take onest ride on the Ferris wheel. From the top, the view was breathtaking-the fairground below lit up with twinkling lights, the town beyond, and theke in the distance.

    ¡°This has been an incredible day,¡± I said, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me.

    ¡°It really has,¡± Alex agreed, his eyes meeting mine. ¡°I¡¯m d you enjoyed it, Emily.¡±

    I smiled, feeling a warmth in my heart. Despite the uncertainty of my situation, today had been a beautiful escape, a reminder that there was still joy to be found in the world. And for that, I was deeply grateful to Alex.

    _-_-_-_

    Antonio paced the office in his mansion , his face a mask of frustration. His men and Reina had returned without Evelyn, and he was blinded by anger, feeling utterly betrayed. His mind raced with thoughts of where she could be, and why she would run from him instead of facing her punishment. To Antonio, she was guilty and that was the reason she ran away.

    ¡°Jacob!¡± Antonio¡¯s voice thundered through the mansion.

    Jacob appeared quickly, knowing better than to keep Antonio waiting when he was in this state. ¡°Yes, boss?¡±

    ¡°Get your girlfriend here immediately. What¡¯s her name again?¡± Debbie¡± I want to know if she¡¯s hiding Evelyn,¡± Antonio ordered, his eyes zing with fury.

    Jacob nodded and left to carry out his orders. Debbie was Evelyn¡¯s friend, and if anyone knew where Evelyn was, it might be her. It didn¡¯t take long for Jacob to beg Debbie to follow him and then bring her to Antonio¡¯s office.

    Debbie stood there, her arms crossed defiantly, trying to mask her fear. Antonio¡¯s intense gaze bore into her. ¡°Where is Evelyn?¡± he demanded.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Debbie replied firmly.

    Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you if my men find her there. Go and Search her house,¡± hemanded his men. They collected her keys, moved swiftly out of the mansion to check her house. They arrived there and started searching, leaving no corner unchecked. But after a thorough search, they found nothing.

    Debbie¡¯s frustration grew, but she kept her silence. Antonio dismissed her with a wave, his anger still simmering. ¡°Get her out of my sight,¡± he growled after getting a call from his men that Evelyn wasn¡¯t in Debbie¡¯s house.

    Jacob escorted Debbie to his car, sensing her anger radiating off her. The drive back to her house was tense, the silence between them heavy.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Jacob said finally, his voice sincere. ¡°I didn¡¯t stop my boss¡¯s men. I know they were wrong for searching your house and calling you for silly questions. I couldn¡¯t say no to my boss.¡±

    Debbie remained silent, her gaze fixed out the window. When they arrived at her house, Jacob followed her inside, determined to make amends.

    ¡°Debbie, please,¡± he said softly, reaching out to touch her arm. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±

    Debbie turned to face him, her expression still hard, but there was a flicker of something softer in her eyes. Jacob stepped closer, his hand trailing up her arm gently. ¡°I never wanted any of this to happen,¡± he murmured, his voice low.

    He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, then another on her temple. Debbie¡¯s resolve began to waver as he continued to kiss her softly, moving down to her cheek, and then her neck. She could feel his sincerity in each kiss, his apologies palpable.

    As his lips moved to her corbone, Debbie¡¯s breath hitched. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, a mix of apology and longing. She pushed him towards the bed, her hands already working to undress him.

    Jacob let out a soft groan as Debbie¡¯s hands roamed over his body, her touch urgent and demanding. She undressed him quickly, her eyes zing with desire and a hint of anger. She knelt in front of him, taking his hard length into her mouth without hesitation.

    Jacob¡¯s hands instinctively tangled in her hair, his grip tightening as she sucked him aggressively. ¡°Fuck, Debbie,¡± he groaned, his head falling back. She took him deep, her tongue swirling around his tip before she took him in again, her pace relentless.

    The sensation was overwhelming. Jacob¡¯s muscles tensed as she worked him over, his breathing in ragged gasps. ¡°Shit¡­ you¡¯re so good,¡± he muttered, his fingers gripping the bed sheet.

    Debbie¡¯s eyes flicked up to meet his, a fierce determination in her gaze. She sucked harder, her movements bing more intense. Jacob¡¯s body responded, his hips thrusting up to meet her mouth.

    ¡°God, Debbie¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± he managed to gasp out between curses, the pleasure building to an unbearable peak. Her aggressive pace didn¡¯t let up, pushing him closer to the edge.

    With a final, deep thrust, Jacob came with a shout, his release hitting hard and fast. Debbie didn¡¯t stop until he was spent, her lips and tongue milking everyst drop from him.

    As the intensity ebbed, Jacob pulled Debbie up to him, their breaths mingling as theyy together on the bed. He kissed her again, softer this time, his hands running gently over her back. ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude and lingering regret. ¡°I really am sorry.¡±

    Debbie nodded, her own anger dissipating in the wake of their shared passion. ¡°I know,¡± she said quietly. ¡°Just¡­ don¡¯t let it happen again.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Jacob promised, holding her close, hoping he could make things right from here on out.

    ¡°Should we go crazy?¡± Jacob asked, grabbing her ass cheek, his voice thick with desire.

    ¡°Or even crazier?¡± Debbie countered, biting her lip as she stripped off her clothes. She spread her legs, giving him an unrestrained view of her pussy, glistening and inviting.

    ¡°Gosh¡­ you are too much for me,¡± he said, his gaze locked on her shaved pussy, his dick hardening instantly at the sight.

    ¡°What do you want, babe?¡± Debbie asked, her voice sultry as she bit her lip slightly.

    ¡°Sit on my face, please. Sit on my face. I¡¯m impatient already,¡± Jacob demanded, his voice hoarse with need.

 Chapter Sixty-Six

    Debbie climbed onto the bed, positioning herself over his face. The anticipation was electric as she slowly lowered herself, her thighs brushing against his cheeks. Jacob¡¯s hands gripped her hips, guiding her down onto his mouth. He wasted no time, his tongue immediately finding her clit, licking and sucking with fervor.

    ¡°Oh, fuck, Jacob,¡± Debbie moaned, her hands tangling in his hair as she rocked her hips against his face. ¡°That feels so good.¡±

    Jacob¡¯s tongue darted in and out of her, savoring her taste. He moved his mouth hungrily, his lips and tongue exploring every inch of her. ¡°You taste so fucking good,¡± he mumbled against her, his voice muffled but filled with raw desire.

    Debbie gasped, her body trembling as waves of pleasure coursed through her. ¡°Don¡¯t stop, don¡¯t fucking stop,¡± she urged, grinding harder against his mouth.

    Jacob¡¯s grip on her hips tightened as he doubled his efforts, his tongue flicking rapidly over her clit. He moved a hand up, slipping a finger inside her, curling it just right to hit her sweet spot. ¡°You like that, don¡¯t you?¡± he growled between licks. ¡°You like how I make you feel?¡±

    ¡°Yes, oh God, yes!¡± Debbie cried out, her movements bing more frantic. She was lost in the sensation, her body responding to his every touch. ¡°Make mee, Jacob. I need it.¡±

    Jacob¡¯s finger pumped in and out of her, his tongue relentless on her clit. He could feel her getting closer, her body tensing, her breathsing in short, sharp gasps. ¡°Come for me, babe. I want to taste you,¡± he demanded, his voice rough with urgency.

    Debbie¡¯s climax hit her hard, her cries of pleasure filling the room. She rode his face through her orgasm, her body shuddering as she came. Jacob didn¡¯t let up, his mouth and finger working her through every wave of ecstasy.

    As she finally came down, her breaths heavy and ragged, Debbie copsed beside him on the bed. Jacob wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, a satisfied grin on his face. ¡°You¡¯re incredible,¡± he said, his voice still thick with desire.

    Debbie looked at him, her eyes dark with lust. ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn,¡± she said, pushing him back onto the bed. She straddled him, her hands moving to undress him fully, her fingers grazing his skin as she removed his clothes.

    She wrapped her hand around his hard length, giving it a few slow, teasing strokes. ¡°You ready for this?¡± she asked, her voice a mix of seduction and challenge.

    ¡°Fuck yes,¡± Jacob groaned, his body aching for her touch.

    Debbie positioned herself over him, slowly lowering herself onto his cock, taking him in inch by inch. Both of them gasped as he filled her, the sensation intense and overwhelming. She started to move, setting a steady rhythm, her hands braced on his chest.

    ¡°God, you feel amazing,¡± Jacob said, his hands gripping her waist, guiding her movements. ¡°You¡¯re so fucking tight.¡±

    Debbie increased her pace, her hips rolling fluidly, taking him deeper with each thrust. ¡°You like that?¡± she asked breathlessly. ¡°You like how I ride you?¡±

    ¡°Fuck yes, Debbie. Don¡¯t stop,¡± he moaned, his head falling back in sheer pleasure.

    Debbie leaned forward, her hands moving to his shoulders for leverage, her breasts brushing against his chest. She rode him harder, her movements bing more frantic as she chased her own release again. ¡°Come with me, Jacob,¡± she urged, her voice a breathymand. ¡°I want to feel youe inside me.¡±

    Jacob¡¯s grip on her tightened, his own release building rapidly. ¡°I¡¯m close, babe. So fucking close,¡± he said, his voice strained.

    Debbie¡¯s movements became almost desperate, her own pleasure peaking once more. ¡°Come for me, Jacob. Fill me up,¡± she cried out, her own orgasm hitting her hard.

    Jacob¡¯s release followed, his body tensing as he came hard, filling her with his warmth. They moved together, riding out their climaxes, their bodies in perfect sync.

    As they finally stilled, their breaths heavy and their bodies spent, Debbie copsed onto Jacob¡¯s chest, both of them basking in the afterglow of their intense coupling.

    ¡°That was fucking incredible,¡± Jacob said, his voice filled with awe and satisfaction.

    Debbie smiled, her fingers tracingzy patterns on his skin. ¡°Yeah, it was,¡± she agreed, feeling a deep sense of connection and satisfaction.Original from N?velDrama.Org.

    _-_-_-_-

    Reina¡¯s POV

    I woke up as early as possible, determined to find Evelyn. Antonio¡¯s men and I had been searching for days, but there was one ce we hadn¡¯t looked into-the outskirts of the city. The thought of that ce came to mind as soon as I woke up, and I was ready to search there today.

    ¡°That silly thing might be hiding there,¡± I muttered, stretching as I stood up from the bed.

    I walked into the bathroom, grabbing my toothbrush and smearing a generous amount of minty toothpaste on it. I brushed my teeth thoroughly, feeling the fresh burst of mint awaken my senses. After rinsing my mouth, I stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me. Ithered up a floral-scented body wash, scrubbing away the tension of the previous days. The steam enveloped me, and for a moment, I allowed myself to rx.

    Once I was done, I wrapped myself in a soft towel and headed to my closet. There were lots of girly outfits there and I wondered why Antonio had it in his house, ¡¯cause I was sure it wasn¡¯t for me. ¡°Maybe, it¡¯s here because of Evelyn, too bad and too good i¡¯m taking back what was rightfully mine¡± I picked out a pair of tight, ck leather pants that clung to my curves, entuating my legs. I paired them with a cropped, red satin top that exposed a sliver of my midriff. The deep neckline of the top showed off just enough cleavage to be provocative. I slipped into a pair of ck ankle boots with stiletto heels, adding an extra edge to my look.

    Satisfied with my outfit, I applied a bit of makeup-smokey eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, and a bold red lipstick. I ran a brush through my hair, leaving it to fall in loose waves around my shoulders. Ready to face the day, I grabbed my phone and headed out, determined to find Evelyn and bring her back.

    I walked straight to Antonio¡¯s room, hoping he¡¯d be there. Luckily for me, the door was ajar. Before entering, I took a moment to adjust my clothes, ensuring the right parts were exposed. The tight, ck leather pants hugged my hips perfectly, and I tugged my cropped, red satin top down a bit, making sure the neckline showed just enough cleavage to tantalize.

    I pushed the door open further and sauntered in, swaying my hips seductively. Antonioy sprawled on the bed, looking exhausted. An idea struck me immediately. I kicked off my boots and slid onto the bed beside him, my body close enough to feel the heat radiating from his.

    ¡°Did I call for you, and why are you dressed up this early in the morning?¡± Antonio¡¯s voice was thick with fatigue.

    ¡°I¡¯m on a mission to find Evelyn, remember?¡± I replied, giving him an innocent, submissive look.

    He eyed me skeptically. ¡°Find her, and you¡¯ll get whatever you want. I want her to beg me when I torture her. I want her to beg me for ying with my heart.¡±

    A smirk yed on my lips as I heard this. It cooked my head in a way that fueled my determination to find Evelyn. I straddled Antonio, sitting on him and beginning to move my hips against him, our clothes still on. He closed his eyes, and for a moment, I thought he was enjoying it. But then he pushed me away.

    I was stubborn. I climbed back on top of him, grinding my hips harder this time. He grabbed my waist, his fingers digging into my skin, and let out a deep, guttural moan. His moans were low and rough, vibrating through me and making my arousal even more intense.

    ¡°Get away from me, frog,¡± Antonio growled, pushing me off again.

    ¡°I know my face isn¡¯t cool, but did you have to call me a frog like Charles?¡± I blurted out without thinking.

    ¡°Charles? Yeah, how did you even meet Charles? How did you know about him and Evelyn?¡± Antonio¡¯s curiosity was piqued.

    ¡°Uh¡­ I don¡¯t know him¡­ Well, it¡¯s a long story¡­ It¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter. We should just focus on finding Evelyn. I¡¯m d I saved you from her,¡± I stammered, scrambling to cover my tracks. ¡°I should get going.¡±

    I quickly stood up, pulled on my boots, and hurried out of the room. As I left the mansion, my mind was a whirl of thoughts, and my body was still buzzing with unfulfilled desire. I was determined to find Evelyn today, not just for getting my damaged face done but also because I craved his touch. The thought of him fucking me was enough motivation to keep me going.

 Chapter Sixty-Seven

    Reina¡¯s POV

    I left the mansion and walked briskly to the bus stop, my mind set on finding Evelyn. The morning air was crisp, and the streets were just starting to fill with people beginning their day. As I waited for the bus, I couldn¡¯t shake the lingering arousal from my encounter with Antonio. I needed to focus.

    The bus finally arrived, and I climbed aboard, finding a seat near the window. The city was a blur as we moved, each stop bringing me closer to the outskirts. I checked my phone, scanning for any missed calls or messages that might give me a clue about Evelyn¡¯s whereabouts. Nothing.

    At the first bus stop, a small market caught my eye. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn¡¯t eaten since yesterday. I stepped off the bus and wandered through the market, the scents of fresh produce and street food filling the air. I bought a warm croissant from a vendor and devoured it quickly, washing it down with a bottle of water.

    Back on the bus, I watched the cityscape change. High-rise buildings gave way to smaller shops and residential areas. The bus stopped again, this time near a park. I got off, stretching my legs and looking around. The park was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos in my mind. I bought an ice cream cone from a nearby stand and sat on a bench, savoring the cold treat as I contemted my next move.

    As the bus continued its journey, I noted the changing scenery. The neighborhoods grew sparser, and soon, we were on the outskirts. The industrialndscape was bleak, with abandoned warehouses and empty lots. I got off the bus again, my eyes scanning the area for any signs of life.

    I walked through the deste streets, the silence only broken by the asional sound of a distant car. The air was thick with the smell of oil and decay. My stomach rumbled again, and I realized it had been hours since myst meal. I found a small convenience store and bought a sandwich and a soda, eating quickly as I walked.

    The bus stops became fewer and farther between as I ventured deeper into the outskirts. At one stop, I noticed a group of people gathered around a food truck. I got off and joined the line, the savory aroma of grilled meat making my mouth water. I ordered a taco and chatted briefly with the vendor.

    ¡°Busy day?¡± he asked, handing me my food.

    ¡°You could say that,¡± I replied, taking a bite of the taco. ¡°Have you seen a woman around here? Dark hair, about my height?¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°Sorry, can¡¯t say I have. This area isn¡¯t exactly bustling with people.¡±

    I thanked him and returned to the bus, feeling a mix of frustration and determination. The search for Evelyn was proving more difficult than I had anticipated, but I couldn¡¯t give up now.

    Finally, as the sun began to set, the bus reached thest stop on the outskirts of the city. I stepped off, the air cooler and the streets even more deste. This was it-the end of the line. I looked around, taking in the rundown buildings and overgrown lots. If Evelyn was hiding anywhere, it would be here.

    I took a deep breath, the reality of my mission settling in. This ce was a far cry from the bustling city center, and the eerie quiet sent a shiver down my spine. But I was resolute. I would find Evelyn, and I would bring her back. This was my final destination, and I was ready for whatever came next.

    I spotted a small, beautiful house, its charm standing out amidst the bleak surroundings. As I got closer, I heard the faint sound of voices-a man and a womaning from inside. Intrigued, I moved stealthily closer and peered through a gap in the window. My heart skipped a beat. There she was-Evelynughing with an unknown guy.

    Quickly, I took out my phone, snapped a few pictures of them, and sent them to Antonio with the caption, ¡°Found her, I need help here. Send men.¡±

    I hid in a nearby alley, waiting anxiously. Time seemed to drag as I strained to hear their voices. Eventually, theughter died down, and everything went quiet. It seemed they had gone inside the house.

    After what felt like an eternity, I finally saw Antonio¡¯s men arriving. They met me at my hiding spot, their expressions serious and ready for action.

    ¡°Are you sure she¡¯s in there?¡± one of the men asked.

    I nodded. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s with some guy. Let¡¯s move quickly before they notice.¡±

    We approached the house quietly, the men nking me as we moved. One of them signaled for silence before he kicked the door open. We stormed inside, catching Evelyn and the guy off guard. The guy, who was standing protectively in front of Evelyn, looked shocked and scared.

    ¡°Emily, what¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, his voice trembling.

    Evelyn looked at him, a mix of fear and resignation on her face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Alex. It¡¯s a long story.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Emily? Really, Evelyn? Lying about your name now?¡±

    Alex turned to Evelyn, his face a mask of confusion and betrayal. ¡°Evelyn? You told me your name was Emily. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ignoring his questions, the men grabbed Evelyn, dragging her towards the door. She didn¡¯t resist, knowing it was futile. Alex stood there, frozen, as everything unfolded around him.

    ¡°Poor guy,¡± I said sarcastically, watching his confused expression.

    As we left the house, dragging Evelyn along, Alex called out onest time, ¡°Evelyn, wait!¡±

    But it was toote. The men hustled Evelyn into a waiting car. I gave Alex one final, disdainful look before following them.

    ¡°He¡¯ll get over it,¡± I muttered to myself as we drove away, leaving Alex standing helplessly in the doorway of the small house.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    _-_-_-_-

    Inside, Evelyn was tied to a chair, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. She looked up to see Charles also tied on his hands, his face and body all weak and bruised, her heart sinking at the sight of him. Some men came in, shoved him to the floor and tied him up next to her, ensuring he couldn¡¯t escape like Evelyn did. .

    Antonio stood in the doorway, his eyes cold and unforgiving. ¡°Wee back home Evelyn ,¡± he said, his voice dripping with contempt. ¡°You both have a lot to answer for.¡±

    Charles looked up at Antonio, his face pale and sweaty. ¡°Antonio, please-¡±

    ¡°Save it,¡± Antonio snapped, cutting him off. ¡°You¡¯ve made your bed, and now you¡¯re going to lie in it, I need to end it here now that Evelyn is back.¡±

    Reina stood beside Antonio, her expression smug. She had yed her part perfectly, and now she would reap the rewards. As the door mmed shut, Charles and Evelyn were left alone in the room, bound and helpless, with no idea what horrors awaited them next.

    The room was dark and suffocating. The only sounds were the asional drip of water from a distant pipe and thebored breathing of Charles and Evelyn. They were bound and helpless, awaiting the inevitable wrath of Antonio. He stood in front of them, his eyes cold and unforgiving, as if he were a predator savoring the moment before the kill. Beside him, Reina watched with a twisted smile, enjoying every second.

    Antonio began with Charles. ¡°You thought you could destroy me?¡± His voice was a deadly whisper. He raised his hand, and one of his men handed him a thick, leather whip. Without warning, Antonio brought the whip down on Charles¡¯s back, the sound echoing through the room. Charles screamed, the pain excruciating.

    ¡°Please, Antonio! I¡¯m sorry!¡± Charles begged, but Antonio was relentless. The whip came down again and again, each strike harder than thest. Blood began to seep through Charles¡¯s shirt, and his screams grew weaker as he was pushed to the edge of consciousness.

    Reina watched with glee, her eyes gleaming. ¡°Antonio, punish him more, how could they fool a boss like you? . They wanted to destroy you!¡± she said, adding fuel to the fire. Antonio¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he struck Charles even harder, eliciting a fresh scream of agony.

    ¡°She¡¯s lying!¡± Evelyn cried out, tears streaming down her face. ¡°I didn¡¯t n anything!¡±

    ¡°Silence! You have no right to talk, you ran away because you were guilty, it would be your turn next, you idiot¡± Antonio roared, turning his fury on Evelyn. ¡°And You will speak when I allow you to.¡±

    Reina continued, weaving a web of lies. ¡°Evelyn never loved you, Antonio. She was just using you to get information. She and Charles were going to run away together.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s grip tightened on the whip, his knuckles turning white. He turned back to Charles, his face a mask of rage. ¡°Is this true?¡± he demanded, striking Charles again.

 Chapter Sixty-Eight

    Charles was barely conscious, his voice a weak whisper. ¡°No¡­ Evelyn didn¡¯t¡­ it was me¡­¡± He tried to exin, but his words were cut off by anothersh of the whip.

    Antonio leaned in close, his voice a low growl. ¡°You will pay for every lie, every betrayal.¡± He signaled to his men, who brought in a table filled with various instruments of torture-knives, pliers, and branding irons. Antonio picked up a knife, the de glinting in the dim light.

    He ran the de lightly across Charles¡¯s cheek, drawing a thin line of blood. ¡°I¡¯m going to deal with you first,¡± he said, his voice cold. He plunged the knife into Charles¡¯s thigh, twisting it slowly. Charles¡¯s scream was raw and primal, filled with pain and fear.

    Evelyn sobbed, pleading with Antonio. ¡± He¡¯s telling the truth! I didn¡¯t betray you!¡±

    Reina¡¯s smile widened, enjoying the scene. ¡°Look at her, Antonio. She¡¯s just trying to save herself. She¡¯s always been a liar.¡±

    Antonio ignored Evelyn¡¯s pleas, focusing on Charles. ¡°You will suffer for what you¡¯ve done,¡± he said, pulling the knife out and making a deeper cut. Charles¡¯s blood pooled on the floor, his cries growing weaker.

    Evelyn¡¯s heart was heavy as she watched Charles endure the brutal torture, she could already imagine what hers would look like . ¡°Please Antonio, I¡¯ll do anything¡±

    Reina stepped closer, her voice dripping with malice. ¡°Oh, Evelyn, you should have thought about that before betraying Antonio. Now you both will pay the price.¡±

    Antonio finally stepped back, panting from the exertion. He wiped the blood from his hands and turned to Evelyn. ¡°Your turn,¡± he said coldly, his eyes dark with intent.

    Reina¡¯s smirk widened, anticipating the horror toe. But just as Antonio was about to move towards Evelyn, Charles found ast reserve of strength. ¡°Wait!¡± he gasped, his voice barely audible. ¡°Evelyn¡­ wasn¡¯t part of the n. She didn¡¯t want to do it from the very beginning. I forced her¡­ She¡­ she did it for me¡­¡±

    Antonio paused, his eyes narrowing. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Charles coughed, blood staining his lips. ¡°I forced her¡­ I threatened her¡­ She sent the note once¡­ but stopped¡­ She said it was over.¡±

    Antonio¡¯s eyes flickered with doubt, but Reina quickly interjected. ¡°He¡¯s lying, Antonio! He¡¯s just trying to save her!¡±

    ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s true,¡± Charles continued, his voice a broken whisper. ¡°Reina and I¡­ we threatened her¡­ tried to get more information¡­ but she refused. She¡­ never wanted to betray you. It was all our n¡­ to make you hate her¡­ so she¡¯de back to me.¡±

    Evelyn¡¯s tears flowed freely as she listened to Charles¡¯s confession. ¡°It¡¯s true, Antonio¡­ I never wanted to hurt you. i ran away because I was scared. You felt betrayed and I knew you weren¡¯t going to believe me because of the evidence. I didn¡¯t want to die yet¡±

    Charles¡¯s head lolled to the side, his energy spent. ¡°I never loved her¡­ I just¡­ wanted to use her. She was¡­ beautiful¡­ good in bed¡­ nothing more. I¡¯m so sorry Evelyn, I¡¯m sorry for everything I¡¯ve done to you, I hope you forgive me¡±

    Evelyn¡¯s sobs grew louder, the realization of Charles¡¯s betrayal hitting her like a physical blow even though she had found out that he didn¡¯t love her before now. Antonio¡¯s eyes turned dark with fury. He turned to Reina, who was now pale with fear.

    ¡°You let me hurt my girlfriend!¡± he screamed, his voice echoing off the walls. He pulled out a gun and, without hesitation, shot Reina in both legs. She screamed, copsing to the floor.

    Antonio¡¯s men rushed to restrain Reina as she writhed in pain. ¡°You¡¯re going to pay for your lies,¡± Antonio growled, standing over her. ¡°You both will.¡±

    As Reina screamed in agony, Antonio turned back to Evelyn, his expression softening slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Evelyn,¡± he said, his voice filled with regret. ¡°I¡¯ll make this right.¡±

    Evelyn could only nod, her body shaking with sobs. The room was filled with the sounds of pain and sorrow, a twisted symphony of betrayal and retribution.

    ¡°I¡¯m the one who should be saying sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have agreed to his n from the beginning, he wasn¡¯t even worth it. Evelyn sobbed more and like that, Antonio turned to Charles, shot him all over his body and then turned to Reina and shot her the same way. The room was a bloody mess.

    Antonio ordered his men to untie Evelyn, he wasn¡¯t patient that he had to push them away and untie her himself. After that, he carried her in a bridal style, into one of the rooms to take care of her.

    Evelyn¡¯s P. O. V.

    As Antonio ced me on the bed and left the room without saying a word, my mind wandered back to what had happened earlier. I could have just died. The adrenaline was still coursing through my veins, making my heart pound in my chest. The room felt both familiar and foreign, a sanctuary tainted by recent horrors. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts, but they spiraled out of control.

    My reverie was interrupted when Antonio returned, this time with the maids in tow. They brought in trays of food, the aroma wafting through the air and momentarily distracting me from my anxiety. Though I couldn¡¯t yet confirm if it tasted as good as it smelled, the dishes were covered and neatly arranged, each one a testament to the effort put into them. Antonio¡¯s eyes never left me as he instructed the maids to leave, assuring them that he would take care of me himself. They bowed respectfully and exited, leaving us alone once more.

    ¡°I could have died, Tony,¡± I said, looking up at him with a dry smile.

    ¡°Forgive me, Cara mia, please forgive me,¡± Antonio said with a pleading look.

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault, don¡¯t say sorry. I will forget soon,¡± I said, looking at him.

    ¡°Eat your food, darling, I know you are tired,¡± Antonio said, looking surprised.

    ¡°No, I want to punish you first for almost killing me,¡± I said as I bit my lip. Antonio immediately understood what I meant.

    ¡°And I¡¯d punish youter, for agreeing to your silly ex-boyfriend in the first ce,¡± Antonio said with a smirk.

    I stood up and took my clothes off, pushing Antonio onto the bed and taking off his clothes myself.

    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this,¡± I whispered, straddling him. I could feel his growing arousal beneath me as I took control. My hands roamed his body, tracing the muscles that tensed under my touch.

    ¡°Evelyn,¡± he groaned, his voice thick with desire.

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Imanded, my fingers curling around his length. I stroked him slowly, teasingly, until he was gasping for breath. Then I lowered my mouth, taking him in deep. His hips bucked involuntarily, but I held him down, sucking him hard and fast.

    ¡°Please, Evelyn, stop,¡± he begged, his hands fisting in the sheets.

    ¡°Not until you learn your lesson,¡± I replied, my voice muffled as I continued to work him over. He was close, I could feel it, but I wasn¡¯t ready to let him finish. I pulled back, leaving him on the edge.

    ¡°You¡¯re cruel,¡± he panted, his eyes dark with lust.

    ¡°And you love it,¡± I retorted, positioning myself over him. I sank down onto him, taking him inpletely. His hands gripped my waist, guiding my movements as I rode him mercilessly.

    ¡°God, Evelyn,¡± he groaned, his control slipping. I moved faster, harder, until he was begging me to stop, his voice hoarse with need.

    ¡°Not yet,¡± I whispered, leaning down to kiss him. ¡°Not until I¡¯m done.¡±

    I continued to ride him, my pace unyielding. Each thrust brought me closer to the edge, and I could feel his desperate need beneath me. I dug my nails into his chest, savoring the way his muscles tensed under my touch.

    ¡°Evelyn, please,¡± he gasped, his hands gripping my hips so tightly it almost hurt.

    ¡°Beg me,¡± I demanded, slowing my movements to an agonizing pace.

    ¡°Please, Evelyn, let mee,¡± he pleaded, his voice strained.

    ¡°Not yet,¡± I replied, grinding my hips against him. The sensation was almost too much, and I could feel my own control slipping.

    ¡°God, you¡¯re going to kill me,¡± he groaned, his head thrown back in ecstasy.

    ¡°Good,¡± I whispered, riding him harder. ¡°Maybe then you¡¯ll learn.¡±

    When I finally allowed him to release, he shuddered beneath me, his pleasure echoing my own. Wey there, catching our breath, but I knew it wasn¡¯t over.

    My turn,¡± Antonio said, flipping us over. His lips found mine in a bruising kiss, his hands rough as they roamed my body. He trailed kisses down my neck, over my breasts, until he reached my core.

    ¡°Antonio, please,¡± I whimpered, but he didn¡¯t stop. His tongue teased me mercilessly, driving me to the brink of madness. I writhed beneath him, my body desperate for release.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter Sixty-Nine

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Antonio mimicked, his voice a dark promise. His fingers joined his mouth, thrusting inside me until I was crying out, begging him to stop.

    ¡°Please, Tony, I can¡¯t take it,¡± I pleaded, tears streaming down my face.

    ¡°You will,¡± he growled, his hands gripping my hips as he drove into me. His pace was relentless, his touch almost painful as he took what he wanted.

    ¡°God, Antonio,¡± I sobbed, my body shaking with the force of my climax. He didn¡¯t stop, didn¡¯t relent, until I was a trembling mess beneath him.

    ¡°You think you¡¯re done?¡± he asked, a dark gleam in his eyes. ¡°Not even close.¡±

    His hands gripped my breasts harshly, pinching my nipples until I cried out. His mouth followed, sucking and biting until I was writhing beneath him.

    ¡°Antonio, please,¡± I begged, but he onlyughed.

    ¡°You wanted this,¡± he said, his voice a low growl. ¡°Now take it.¡±

    He flipped me over, pressing my face into the pillows as he entered me from behind. His thrusts were brutal, each one sending shockwaves of pleasure and pain through my body.

    ¡°Do you like this?¡± he demanded, his voice rough in my ear.

    ¡°Yes,¡± I gasped, my body trembling.

    ¡°Say it,¡± hemanded, his hand tangling in my hair and pulling my head back.

    ¡°I like it,¡± I cried out, my voice breaking.

    ¡°Louder,¡± he growled, thrusting harder.

    ¡°I love it,¡± I screamed, the intensity too much to bear.

    He drove into me relentlessly, his pace never faltering. My body was on fire, every nerve ending tingling with a mixture of pleasure and pain. I felt another climax building, but he didn¡¯t slow down.

    ¡°Antonio, I can¡¯t,¡± I sobbed, but he only pushed harder.

    ¡°Yes, you can,¡± he insisted, his hand reaching around to rub my clit. The added stimtion was too much, and I shattered around him, my orgasm tearing through me with a force that left me breathless.

    When he finally finished, he copsed beside me, pulling me into his arms. Wey there, our bodies tangled together, our breathing ragged.

    ¡°You drive me crazy,¡± he whispered, his lips brushing my ear.

    ¡°I know,¡± I replied, a smile tugging at my lips. ¡°But you love it.¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± he admitted, his arms tightening around me. ¡°And I¡¯ll never let you go.¡±

    Wey there in a blissful, exhausted silence, the intensity of our passion still lingering in the air. Despite everything, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be  in Antonio¡¯s arms, forever his.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat now! ¡°I said dragging Antonio up with all my strength.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the sex enough food for you? ¡°Antonio saidughing out hard.

    ¡°No!!! Come on babe ¡°I said and Antonio finally stood up.

    Antonio picked up a spoon and tried to feed me, but I gently held his hand back.

    ¡°Tony, I have been feeling very tired for a while now. I thought it was just the final exams preparation, but I think it¡¯s getting worse,¡± I said, touching my forehead, feeling the warmth of a possible fever.

    ¡°It must be the exams, cara mia,¡± he said softly, caressing my cheek. ¡°Plus the stress I put you through¡­ I even pped you¡­ and tied you up¡­ and almost killed you. You don¡¯t know how guilty I feel right now.¡± His voice cracked, and tears slipped from his eyes. He covered his face with his palms, his shoulders shaking with the weight of his remorse. This once imposing mafia boss had been reduced to a man tormented by guilt, all because of me.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t cry, babe. It¡¯s all my fault. If I hadn¡¯t agreed to Charles¡¯ idea, we wouldn¡¯t have gotten into this mess. You were so in love with me, and I know how much it hurt you when you found out I wrote your secrets to expose you, and when you thought I didn¡¯t love you. The police almost caught you because of me. It¡¯s my fault for letting Charles use me,¡± I confessed, my own tears flowing freely as I reached out to him, our fingers intertwining.

    ¡°Stop crying, girlfriend,¡± Antonio said, his voice barely above a whisper as he hugged me tightly, letting out a soft chuckle. He lifted his face to look at me, his eyes still glistening with unshed tears.

    ¡°Some things are actually pointing at me, and I¡¯m trying to hold back right now,¡± he said, his lips curving into a yful smirk. I followed his gaze to my chest, feeling a rush of heat spread through me.

    He lowered his head and bit one of my nipples softly, sending a jolt of pleasure through my body. I let out a loud moan, unable to contain myself, feeling a wave of arousal that made me tremble.

    ¡°What the fuck¡­ She wants me again. The tired baby wants me now. That was loud, you know,¡± Antonio teased, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and desire.

    ¡°Stop it,¡± I replied shyly, trying to hide my embarrassment.

    ¡°But babe, we don¡¯t smell too good. We need to use the bathroom. Let¡¯s shower together,¡± Antonio said as he scooped me up in a bridal style, carrying me effortlessly towards the bathroom.

    ¡°Wait¡­ What about the food? I¡¯m fucking hungry,¡± I protested, waving my legs in the air.

    ¡°We need to bathe first, girlfriend,¡± he insisted, his voice firm yet affectionate as we finally entered the bathroom.

    Inside the bathroom, the warm water cascaded over our bodies, washing away the remnants of the day. Antonio¡¯s hands moved over me gently, his touch both soothing and electrifying. Hethered the soap, his fingers working it into my shoulders and down my back in slow, deliberate motions. The steam enveloped us, creating a cocoon of intimacy and warmth.

    Antonio¡¯s touch was intoxicating. He pulled me closer, his hands finding their way to my waist, and pressed his lips to my neck, leaving a trail of soft, lingering kisses. I leaned into him, my body melting under his touch. His fingers traced patterns on my skin, each stroke sending shivers that had nothing to do with the temperature of the water.

    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful,¡± he whispered against my ear, his voice a low, seductive rumble.

    I turned to face him, our bodies pressed together under the spray of the shower. Our lips met in a slow, deep kiss, the taste of water mingling with our growing desire. The kiss deepened, a dance of tongues and soft sighs, the world outside forgotten. His hands roamed over my body, exploring every curve, every contour, as if memorizing me anew.

    The water cascaded down, mixing with the tears that neither of us could hold back, tears of relief, of forgiveness, and of a love that had been tested and tempered by fire. Antonio¡¯s hands slid down to my hips, lifting me slightly as he pressed me against the cool tiles. I wrapped my legs around him, feeling the hard evidence of his desire against me.

    Our movements became a rhythm, a silent conversation of need and want, punctuated by gasps and murmurs of affection. Antonio¡¯s lips found mine again, hungry and demanding, as his hands guided me, holding me steady as we moved together under the falling water. The steam swirled around us, creating a haze that blurred the edges of reality, leaving only the raw, unfiltered connection between us.

    Time seemed to stand still as we gave in to the moment, the heat between us rising to a fever pitch. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word was a testament to the bond we shared, a bond forged in the crucible of our shared trials and tribtions.

    As the intensity built, we held each other tighter, our bodies moving in perfect sync. The climax, when it came, was a release of all the tension, all the fear, and all the love we had held inside. We clung to each other, riding the waves of pleasure, our breaths mingling in the steamy air.

    In the aftermath, we stood there, our foreheads resting together, the water still pouring down around us. Antonio¡¯s hands caressed my back, his touch gentle and reassuring.

    ¡°I love you, Evelyn, You actually changed my life ¡± he murmured, his voice filled with emotion.

    ¡°I love you too, Antonio,¡± I replied, my heart swelling with the depth of my feelings for him.

    For that moment, in the warmth of the shower, we were just two souls finding sce in each other, the outside world fading away as we held on to the love that had brought us back from the brink.

    We were about to walk out of the bathroom when I felt a sudden queasiness growing in my throat. My hand flew to my mouth as I rushed back to the toilet and threw up. I lifted my head, wiping my mouth, to see Antonio grinning. His reaction confused me.

    ¡°Wait, babe, you said you¡¯ve been getting tired constantly?¡± Antonio asked, his eyes sparkling with an unspoken thought.

    ¡°Yeah, why?¡± I replied, my voice shaky.

 Chapter Seventy

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    ¡°What if you¡¯re carrying my baby? What if you got pregnant after that day we made love?¡± he said, a hopeful smile spreading across his face.

    ¡°But¡­¡± I began to protest, still processing his words, but Antonio didn¡¯t let me finish. He scooped me up in a bridal style again, his strength and determination palpable.

    He quickly dressed both of us, his hands moving with a practiced efficiency. He picked out a soft,fortable dress for me, carefully slipping it over my head, while he threw on a casual shirt and jeans. His eyes never left mine, a mixture of excitement and concern swirling in his gaze.

    As he was about to carry me out of the room, I remembered the food we had left untouched earlier.

    ¡°What about the food? I¡¯m still hungry,¡± I said, my stomach rumbling in agreement.

    ¡°Not now, babe. We need to get you checked at the hospital. I¡¯m about to be a father!¡± he said, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and excitement. Then, he paused, considering something. ¡°Or, we can quickly pack the food and you can eat it in the car on the way to the hospital.¡±

    Antonio hurriedly packed some of the food into a small bag, his movements almost frantic. He made sure to include a little bit of everything, knowing how much I needed the nourishment. With the bag in one hand and me securely in the other, he headed out to the car.

    The drive to the hospital was a blur of lights and hurried conversations. Antonio kept ncing over at me, his face a mix of worry and excitement. He handed me the food, urging me to eat something, but my mind was too preupied to focus on eating.

    ¡°Are you really okay with this, Tony? A baby?¡± I asked, my voice small and uncertain.

    Antonio reached over, taking my hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly. ¡°I am more than okay with it, Evelyn. I love you, and if we are having a baby, I promise I will be there every step of the way. I want this. I want us to be a family,¡± he said, his voice firm and filled with conviction.

    His words settled over me like a warm nket, easing my fears. I took a bite of the food, the taste somehow moreforting now. Antonio drove with a renewed sense of purpose, his grip on the steering wheel tight but steady.

    When we finally arrived at the hospital, Antonio parked the car and practically ran inside with me in his arms, demanding immediate attention. The medical staff responded quickly, ushering us into an examination room. Antonio never let go of my hand, his presence a constant source of strength.

    The doctor arrived and began the examination, asking a series of questions while conducting various tests. Antonio watched anxiously, his eyes never leaving my face.

    After what felt like an eternity, the doctor finally smiled. ¡°Congrattions, it looks like you might indeed be pregnant. We¡¯ll need to run a few more tests to confirm, but the initial signs are positive,¡± she said warmly.

    Antonio let out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he was holding, his face breaking into a broad smile. He looked at me, his eyes shining with joy. ¡°We¡¯re having a baby, Evelyn,¡± he whispered, his voice filled with wonder and love.

    I felt a rush of emotions, from fear to joy to an overwhelming sense of love for the man standing beside me. I squeezed his hand, my heart swelling with the knowledge that we were about to embark on this new journey together.

    In that moment, everything felt right. Despite the chaos and danger that had gued our lives, we had found a glimmer of hope, a promise of a future filled with love and family. Antonio leaned down and kissed me gently, a silent vow that we would face whatever came our way together.

    As we walked out of the doctor¡¯s office, Antonio¡¯s excitement seemed to grow with each step. He stopped abruptly, turning to me with a determined expression. ¡°Let¡¯s get you what you need,¡± he said with a grin.

    ¡°What?¡± I asked, surprised.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to be a mommy soon. You need to take care of yourself more now. I¡¯m changing everything in our room, including our bed. You need a softer bed and a lot of other things,¡± he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

    We got into the car, and Antonio wasted no time. He drove us straight to a high-end furniture store, his excitement palpable. We spent hours there, Antonio insisting on testing every bed to find the perfect one for me. He finally settled on an ultra-plush mattress with a matching headboard,plete with adjustable settings to ensure maximumfort.

    From there, we moved on to a baby store. Antonio seemed to have forgotten that we were only just beginning this journey; he wanted everything ready right away. We picked out a crib, a changing table, and a glider for the nursery. Antonio insisted on the best of everything, his face lighting up with each new item we added to our list.

    Next, we went to a maternity store. Antonio was like a kid in a candy store, picking out soft,fortable clothes for me, from pajamas to dresses to supportive bras. He even found a pair of slippers he thought would be perfect for me to wear around the house.

    As we moved from ce to ce, Antonio¡¯s joy was infectious. He bought organic skincare products to ensure I stayed healthy and beautiful, a collection of prenatal vitamins, and a range of herbal teas designed to support pregnancy wellness. We even stopped at a gourmet food store, where Antonio filled a basket with healthy snacks and ingredients for nutritious meals he nned to cook for me.

    Throughout our shopping spree, Antonio kept an eye on me, making sure I wasfortable and not too tired. He carried all the bags, refusing to let me lift a finger. His happiness was a balm to my soul, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile at his enthusiasm.

    Finally, we returned home, our car packed with our purchases. Antonio was determined to set everything up immediately. He carried the new mattress into our bedroom, arranging it just so, and then started on the nursery. I watched him with a mix of amusement and love, my heart swelling with gratitude for this man who wanted nothing more than to make our lives as perfect as possible.

    We spent the rest of the day organizing and arranging, Antonio¡¯s energy never waning. He set up the crib, assembled the changing table, and even found time to cook us a delicious dinner with the mafe, all the while chattering excitedly about our future.

    As the sun set, we finally copsed onto our new bed, exhausted but happy. Antonio wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. ¡°We¡¯re going to be great parents, Evelyn,¡± he whispered, his voice filled with conviction.

    I nodded, my heart full. ¡°Yes, we are,¡± I agreed, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

    In that moment, I knew that no matter what challengesy ahead, we would face them together, with love and determination. And with Antonio by my side, I felt ready for anything.

    Wait, you need to bathe. Your body needs to be rxed,¡± Antonio said, his eyes filled with concern.

    Iughed softly, shaking my head. ¡°But, I don¡¯t need it. I¡¯m just a few weeks pregnant, and you¡¯re already acting like this.¡±

    ¡°No, babe, get up. You need to bathe,¡± he insisted, his tone gentle but firm. Before I could protest further, he scooped me up into his arms and carried me to the bathroom.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Antonio set me down gently, his hands moving to the hem of my shirt. He lifted it carefully over my head, his eyes never leaving mine. ¡°Are youfortable?¡± he asked softly.

    I nodded, a smile ying on my lips. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    He continued, slowly unbuttoning my jeans and sliding them down my legs. Every movement was tender and deliberate, as if he was handling the most delicate treasure. Once I was undressed, he guided me into the warm, fragrant water of the bathtub.

    Antonio knelt beside the tub, his hands gliding over my skin with the gentleness of a feather. He kissed my forehead, then my cheeks, whispering, ¡°I want you to feelpletely rxed. Tell me if anything is ufortable.¡±

    I leaned back, letting the warmth of the water and his touch soothe me. ¡°You¡¯re being so sweet, Antonio. It¡¯s almost too much.¡±

    He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. ¡°I just want to make sure you¡¯re taken care of, Evelyn. Nothing is too much for you.¡±

    Antonio carefully washed my body, his hands moving in slow, soothing circles. Thebination of his touch and the warm water made me feel as if I was floating on a cloud. He paused frequently to ask, ¡°Are youfortable? Is the water too hot?¡±

    Each time, I reassured him with a smile and a nod, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m perfect.¡±

 Chapter Seventy-One

    Evelyn¡¯s POV

    After the bath, Antonio lifted me from the tub, wrapping me in a plush towel. He dried me off with meticulous care, his hands gentle and loving. ¡°I can¡¯t believe how attentive you¡¯re being,¡± I said,ughing lightly. ¡°You¡¯re treating me like I¡¯m made of ss.¡±

    He grinned, wrapping the towel more securely around me. ¡°You are my precious ss, Evelyn.¡±

    Once I was dry, he led me to the bedroom, where he hadid out a set of soft,fortable clothes. He helped me into a pair of loose, cotton pajamas, his hands lingering on my skin as he dressed me. ¡°These will befortable for you,¡± he said, smiling as he slipped the shirt over my head.

    Iughed again, shaking my head. ¡°You¡¯re really something, Antonio.¡±

    He simply smiled, his eyes filled with love and pride. ¡°I just want you to befortable and happy.¡±

    Antonio then guided me to the bed, helping me lie down. He pulled the covers over me, tucking me in with the same care he¡¯d shown all evening. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. ¡°Is there anything else you need?¡±

    I shook my head, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. ¡°No, Antonio. You¡¯ve done more than enough. Thank you.¡±

    He smiled, lying down beside me and wrapping his arms around me. ¡°Anything for you, Evelyn. Always.¡±

    I snuggled into his embrace, feeling a deep sense of contentment. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn¡¯t help but think that with Antonio by my side, I was ready to face whatever the future held. His love and care were all I needed to feel truly at peace.

    _-_-_-_-

    Debbie was the first to run out after our pendingst paper , her joy contagious as she screamed, ¡°We did it, we did it!¡± Her exuberance drew the attention of other students, and soon most of them joined in her celebratory shouts. I felt a rush of excitement and was about to join them when Nurse Trina rushed over to me. Antonio had given her strict instructions not to let me do anything stressful. He wanted the mother of his unborn baby, and his baby, to be free from any danger. He had even asked her to follow me around.

    With a sigh and a smile, I epted my new reality. ¡°The boss loves you a lot,¡± Nurse Trina finally said, her tone both professional and warm.

    ¡°I know,¡± I replied, my smile widening as I looked at her.

    Just then, Jacob arrived, earlier than I had expected. ¡°Why are you so early?¡± I asked, yfully punching him on the arm.

    ¡°The boss wants me to get you home quickly,¡± he replied with a wink, his tone light but his message clear. Antonio was really obsessed with making sure I took no risks during my pregnancy.

    As I turned, I noticed Debbie holding hands with Jacob, the two of them engrossed in a quiet conversation. They made a cute couple, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight. A momentter, Jacob returned to me with Debbie in tow.

    ¡°We need to leave now, Evelyn. I still want to spend time with my babe today, now that exams are finally over,¡± Jacob said, wrapping his arm around Debbie¡¯s waist.

    ¡°Alright, love birds, let¡¯s go. Bye, Debbie,¡± I said, pecking her cheek. As I leaned in, I whispered, ¡°I¡¯m pregnant,¡± in her ear before running off to the car happily.

    From inside the car, I watched Debbie¡¯s face transform from confusion to pure joy. She began jumping up and down, her excitement palpable.

    ¡°Babe, why didn¡¯t you tell me my friend was pregnant?¡± Debbie asked, hitting Jacob yfully on the chest.

    ¡°Sorry, babe. She wanted it to be a surprise,¡± Jacob said, pecking her forehead affectionately. ¡°I have to go now, but I¡¯lle to your house right after I drop Evelyn at home.¡±

    Nurse Trina was already beside the car, ensuring everything was ready. I climbed in, feeling a mix of exhaustion and happiness. Jacob started the car and we drove off, leaving the jubnt chaos of the school behind.

    The drive home was peaceful, the city lights flickering past as we made our way through the evening traffic. Nurse Trina chatted with me about the importance of prenatal care, her voice calm and reassuring. Jacob nced back asionally, making sure I wasfortable.

    As we pulled up to the house, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude. Antonio¡¯s concern, Jacob¡¯s diligence, and even Debbie¡¯s joy at my news all made me realize how blessed I was. Jacob parked the car and helped me out, his movements careful and deliberate.

    ¡°Take it easy, Evelyn,¡± he said, offering his arm for support as we walked to the door.

    Immediately we entered the house, Antonio was already waiting, he didn¡¯t even hear when Nurse Trina greeted him, he just carried me in bridal style to the dining table.

    ¡± Come on, babe¡±I chuckled, swinging my legs in the air.

    Jacob and Debbie¡¯s P. O. V.

    Jacob rushed to Debbie¡¯s house, his heart pounding with anticipation. As soon as she opened the door, he pushed her inside with a rush, his lips crashing against hers in a hungry kiss. Debbie reciprocated immediately, her arms wrapping around his neck as their tongues danced together passionately.

    Breaking the kiss for a moment, Jacob looked deep into her eyes. ¡°Debbie, I love you more than anything. I promise to always be here for you, to cherish and protect you,¡± he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

    Tears welled up in Debbie¡¯s eyes, spilling over as she smiled. ¡°I love you too, Jacob,¡± she replied, her voice trembling with joy.

    Their lips met again, this time with no hesitation. Jacob¡¯s hands roamed over her body, exploring with a deep urgency. He lifted her shirt and kissed his way down, eliciting moans of pleasure. His hand slipped between her legs, teasing her before causing her to gasp in surprise and delight.

    ¡°Jacob¡­ oh, Jacob,¡± she moaned senselessly, her head thrown back in ecstasy.

    Soon, his mouth reced his fingers, driving Debbie¡¯s moans louder. Her hands gripped his hair, overwhelmed by the sensations. Jacob¡¯s own desire was evident as he finally stood, their eyes locking intensely.

    Without another word, he moved closer, their bodies joining in a rhythm that brought them both to new heights. Their synchronized movements carried them higher and higher, lost in the intensity of the moment.

    ¡°Jacob¡­ this is¡­ oh my God¡­¡± Debbie cried out, her body trembling with the best sex she had ever experienced. She felt a profound connection, knowing it was with someone she truly loved.

    ¡°I love you, Debbie,¡± Jacob groaned, his voice raw with emotion and pleasure.

    ¡°I love you, Jacob,¡± she replied, their eyes meeting as they reached the peak together.

    Afterwards, they copsed into each other¡¯s arms, their bodies still tingling with the aftershocks of their passion. Theyy there, wrapped in each other, their breathing slowly returning to normal.

    ¡°I love you,¡± they said in unison, their voices soft but filled with meaning.

    Jacob pulled Debbie close, their bodies entwined as they drifted into a contented sleep, knowing they had finally found true love in each other¡¯s arms.

    ¡°I want to do something for you, Babe, ¡± Debbie said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her fingers traced soft patterns across his chest, causing a shiver of delight to course through him.

    ¡°What, babe?¡± Jacob asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re horny again,¡± he teased, leaning in to kiss her forehead.

    Debbie giggled and yfully smacked his chest. ¡°No, babe. I want to cook for you,¡± she said, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s great!¡± Jacob eximed, his eyes lighting up. He loved Debbie¡¯s cooking and the idea of spending time together in the kitchen made him even happier.

    ¡°And I want you to cook with me,¡± she added, pulling him up from the bed.

    Jacob grinned and nodded. He got up, grabbing his boxers from the floor and slipping them on. Debbie slid out of bed, wearing just a crop singlet and panties, looking both adorable and sexy. Hand in hand, they made their way to the kitchen.

    Once in the kitchen, Debbie took charge, directing Jacob to grab various ingredients from the pantry and refrigerator. They decided on making a ssic Nigerian dish: jollof rice with fried ntains and grilled chicken.

    Debbie gathered the ingredients: rice, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, ginger, chicken, ntains, and an assortment of spices. She turned to Jacob with a smile. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s get started.¡±

    Jacob set to work washing the rice while Debbie chopped the tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. The kitchen filled with the sounds of chopping, sizzling, and their light-hearted banter.

    Debbie poured some oil into arge pot and added the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, stirring until they were fragrant and golden. Jacob watched her, mesmerized by her skill and grace in the kitchen.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Alright, your turn,¡± Debbie said, handing Jacob the spoon. ¡°Stir this while I blend the tomatoes and peppers.¡±

 Chapter Seventy-Two

    Jacob nodded, carefully stirring the mixture as Debbie blended the tomatoes and bell peppers into a smooth paste. She poured the paste into the pot and added spices  thyme, curry powder, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt.

    As the mixture simmered, Debbie marinated the chicken with a blend of spices and set it aside. ¡°How¡¯s it looking?¡± she asked Jacob, peeking into the pot.

    ¡°Smells amazing,¡± he replied, his mouth watering.

    Debbie added the washed rice to the pot, stirring it to coat each grain with the rich, spicy tomato sauce. She added some water, lowered the heat, and covered the pot, letting the rice cook slowly.

    ¡°Time to prepare the ntains,¡± Debbie said, handing Jacob a knife. ¡°Slice them into thin rounds.¡±

    Jacob carefully sliced the ntains, trying to match Debbie¡¯s precision. She heated some oil in a frying pan and began frying the ntain slices until they were golden brown and crispy.

    While the ntains fried, Jacob helped Debbie grill the marinated chicken. They chatted andughed, enjoying each other¡¯spany as they worked together.

    Soon, the aroma of jollof rice, fried ntains, and grilled chicken filled the kitchen. Debbie checked the rice, fluffing it with a fork. ¡°Perfect,¡± she said, beaming.

    They ted the food, arranging the jollof rice, ntains, and chicken artfully. Jacob¡¯s stomach growled in anticipation. They carried their tes to the dining table, sitting down to enjoy the meal they had prepared together.

    ¡°Wow, this looks amazing,¡± Jacob said, taking a bite of the jollof rice. The vors exploded in his mouth, and he couldn¡¯t help but moan in delight. ¡°This is incredible, Debbie.¡±

    Debbie smiled, pleased with his reaction. ¡°I¡¯m d you like it.¡±

    They ate slowly, savoring each bite and relishing the time spent together. The kitchen was filled with warmth,ughter, and the delicious smells of their meal. After they finished eating, Jacob leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face.

    ¡°Thank you, Debbie. That was one of the best meals I¡¯ve ever had.¡±

    Debbie blushed and leaned over to kiss him. ¡°I¡¯m happy you enjoyed it. I loved cooking with you.¡±

    Jacob pulled her into hisp, wrapping his arms around her. ¡°We should do this more often,¡± he said softly.

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Debbie agreed, resting her head on his shoulder. ¡°Cooking together is fun, and the result is always delicious.¡±

    They sat there for a while, enjoying the moment and each other¡¯spany, grateful for the simple pleasures of life.

    _-_-_-_-

    The day of graduation arrived, and Evelyn wanted to make asting impression. She chose an exquisite dress that she and Antonio had picked out together during a luxurious shopping spree. Her dress was a floor-length, off-the-shoulder gown in a deep sapphire blue that entuated her figure perfectly. The fabric shimmered under the light, adding an ethereal glow to her appearance. She paired it with silver stiletto heels, the straps adorned with tiny crystals that sparkled with every step she took.

    Her essories were equally impressive. She carried a sleek, silver clutch that matched her shoes and wore elegant drop earrings encrusted with diamonds. Around her neck was a delicate diamond ne that Antonio had surprised her with, its simplicity highlighting her natural beauty. Her makeup was wlessly applied, with a bold red lip and a smoky eye that made her blue eyes pop. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down her back and giving her a timeless, morous look.

    Debbie looked stunning as well, albeit in a more understated way. She wore a chic, knee-length red dress that hugged her curves in all the right ces. The dress had a sweetheart neckline and a red skirt that gave it a flirty, fun vibe. She and Jacob had gone shopping together for her outfit, and he had helped her pick out a pair of ck heels and a matching clutch. Her jewelry was minimal but tasteful, with a pair of gold hoop earrings and a simple bracelet. Her makeup was fresh and youthful, with a soft pink lip and a hint of shimmer on her eyelids. Her hair was styled in a sleek ponytail, giving her a polished yet yful appearance.

    The graduation ceremony was a grand affair, held in arge auditorium filled with proud families and friends. As the names were called and students walked across the stage, Evelyn¡¯s heart raced with excitement. She won three awards, her hard work and dedication recognized in front of everyone. When her name was called, the crowd erupted in apuse, and Antonio couldn¡¯t have been prouder. He insisted on taking pictures with her on stage, his arm wrapped around her waist. They looked like a power couple, their wealth and presence turning heads and eliciting whispers of admiration.

    Debbie, too, had her moment of glory, winning an award that showcased her talents. Jacob was by her side in an instant, capturing the moment with photos and showering her with praise. Their bond was evident to everyone, their smiles genuine and filled with love.

    Jacob, being Antonio¡¯s most trusted man, shared a close bond with him. They had nned something special for Evelyn, and the excitement was palpable. After the ceremony, as the party continued, Antonio took the stage once more, a microphone in hand. The room fell silent, all eyes on him.

    ¡°Evelyn,¡± he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, ¡°From the moment I met you, my life changed for the better. You¡¯ve brought me joy, love, and a sense of purpose I never knew I needed. Today, in front of everyone we care about, I want to ask you something very important.¡±

    He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, dropping to one knee. Gasps filled the room as he opened it, revealing an exquisite diamond ring that sparkled brilliantly under the lights. ¡°Will you marry me?¡± he asked, his eyes never leaving hers.

    Evelyn¡¯s eyes filled with tears, overwhelmed by the moment. Debbie, unable to contain her excitement, screamed, ¡°Say yes, girl!¡±

    With tears streaming down her cheeks, Evelyn nodded vigorously. ¡°Yes, Antonio, yes!¡± she cried, her voice choked with emotion.

    The room erupted in cheers and apuse as Antonio slipped the ring onto her finger. He stood and pulled her into a tight embrace, both of themughing and crying with happiness, followed by a deep kiss. Jacob, watching the scene unfold, leaned over to Debbie and whispered, ¡°We¡¯re next.¡±

    Debbie squeezed his hand tightly. ¡°I can¡¯t wait, babe. You¡¯re the best thing that has ever happened to me,¡± she replied, her eyes shining with love. They shared a tender kiss, sealing their promise to each other.

    Antonio, always thinking ahead, invited Debbie to join them for an after-party at their home to celebrate Evelyn¡¯s achievements . He also invited Ricardo, a close friend who had helped save Evelyn when she was abducted by Reina. Evelyn invited Alex to the party. Immediately she sighted him, she got to him and thanked him so well. He was someone who took her in his house when she needed him regardless of not knowing who she was. She thanked him again and exined everything to him, she apologized for lying about her identity and begged for his forgiveness.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Emi¡­ No No, Evelyn¡­ I forgot. I¡¯m sorry. ¡°He said as he scratched his head with his fingers sillily.

    ¡°Lol, it¡¯s fine, Ipletely understand,¡± Evelyn saidughing out loud.¡± Thanks again for everything, enjoy the party¡­ Oh wait¡­ I should call my babe to thank you¡± She said with a broad smile. Antonio got to them and Evelyn introduced Alex to Antonio, he thanked him for everything and told him to meet him if he needed help with anything.

    As more guests arrived at the party, Evelyn recognized Ricardo and rushed over to thank him properly.

    ¡°Ricardo, I can¡¯t thank you enough for what you did. You saved my life,¡± she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

    Ricardo smiled warmly. ¡°I¡¯m just d I could help, Evelyn. You¡¯re a family now.¡±

    The party continued well into the night, filled withughter, love, and the promise of a bright future.

    Evelyn and Antonio¡¯s engagement marked a new chapter in their lives, one filled with hope and endless possibilities..

    Antonio raised his ss for a toast, his voice carrying over the gathered friends and family.

    ¡°To us,¡± he began, his eyes locking with Evelyn¡¯s. ¡°To my pregnant wife,¡± he continued, causing Evelyn to blush and cover her face shyly.

    ¡°To Ricardo, who helped save her life,¡± he added, nodding to his friend.

    ¡°To Jacob, my right-hand man,¡± he said, raising his ss towards Jacob.

    ¡°And to Debbie, a loyal friend to my fiancee.¡± Debbie, overwhelmed with emotion, screamed, ¡°Aww!¡±

    ¡°To those who have passed and to those who have helped us along the way,¡± he concluded, his voice solemn and heartfelt.

    Everyone raised their sses, clinking them together in a moment of unity and celebration.

    As they celebrated with their closest friends and family, they knew that whatever challengesy ahead, they would face them together, stronger than ever.

    The end.

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