The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on my waking form. As I stretched, I couldn't help but feel the lingering soreness that served as a delightful reminder of my unforgettable night with Archer. It had surpassed all my expectations, shattering the preconceived notions I held about intimacy. The girls at school had warned me about the potential pain, and the textbook descriptions had painted a somewhat daunting picture. Yet, with Archer, it had been different. The desire that had pulsed between us overshadowed any discomfort, and the momentary twinge of pain was swiftly erased from my memory. He had consumed me entirely—mind, body, and soul—and each time he claimed me, it ignited a wild frenzy within me. I knew it wasn't one-sided; I had felt his own fervor reverberate through his quivering body. A sweet smile danced upon my lips as I turned to the side of the bed he had occupied, burying my nose in the pillow and inhaling deeply. A rush of happiness wa

"Why do you say that? He sleeps with anything that has a pulse," I retorted."He used to sleep with anything that has a pulse," Chad corrected me. His words piqued my curiosity, and I narrowed my gaze at him, but he only chuckled and looked away.Chad had been part of the Donovans' inner circle for a longer time than me, earning him the position of one of Archer's most trusted associates. Archer had once revealed that Jessica, known for her ability to extract information by seducing Archer's guards and friends, had never succeeded in winning over Chad. As another one of Archer's guards and friends, I also managed to resist Jessica's charms, though I kept that fact to myself.Just as I thought of her, Jessica walked past Chad and me, heading straight to the front to join Archer. Chad groaned in apprehension."I'm not paid to break up catfights. That's on you," I teased him, chuckling."Come on!" he protested, clearly not thrilled with the situation.Two imposing figures entered the roo

"Where the hell is Mark?" I snapped, consumed by a wave of irrational anger that had plagued me for months. "He was supposed to ensure Barbara's safe return and meet me here!""I will call him now, boss," Chad replied, attempting to calm the tension.Glaring at him, I snapped, "Don't you think I've already tried that? Both his and Barbara's phones are off." As the words escaped my lips, a sudden unease gripped my heart. I witnessed the realization dawning in Chad's eyes before I urgently added, "Find him!"Nodding, Chad hurried towards the door. "Gather as many men as you can and find him!" I roared, fear coursing through my veins. I followed him to the front of the house, where more of my guards were present despite the late hour of 2 a.m."Each and every one of you, go and find Mark now!" I yelled, my voice echoing through the chilly night. "Don't return until you've found him!"The sound of running feet filled the air as my guards swiftly dispersed into the darkness. Retrieving my

I did as my mother asked, containing my emotions and pretending as if nothing had happened. When I was finally allowed out of my room, I discovered that Victor wasn't around, so I decided to wait. I felt depressed and withdrawn, so I chose to stay indoors. The night Victor returned, it was clear that he intended to visit my room again. Everything seemed familiar, but it wasn't the same anymore.As he slipped under the covers with me, attempting to draw me into his arms, I couldn't go along with it. I couldn't keep this from him any longer. "Hey," he whispered, pressing kisses on the back of my shoulders, igniting my body with desire for him. Tears welled up in my eyes, overwhelmed by the intensity of his urgent kisses. It was almost as if he had missed me. Turning in his arms, I cupped his jaw, unable to stop the tears streaming down my face. He looked down at me with a grin. "You miss me this much?" he rasped. I forced a smile, pressing my lips together."I miss you," I said. His gri

"Get the doctor, quickly!" My mother yelled as I cried, wracked with pain. Victor stood off to the side, watching me as tears streamed down my face."Everybody out!" Victor bellowed."What?! She needs a doctor!" My mother protested."I know. Leave," he replied coldly, giving her a piercing stare."Damn it, Victor, she's my daughter!""And that's precisely why she's still alive, in case you haven't grasped that," Victor retorted in a low, chilling tone reminiscent of Archer. The realization hit me—did he suspect my involvement in this?"Victor, I swear I don't know anything!" I sobbed, as the room emptied, leaving only the three of us at the dining table.Victor took a few steps towards me, joining me by my side. I could feel the sting from the broken glass and shattered plates embedded in my back. Trembling with tears, I knew these wounds would leave scars."Get out, Patricia," Victor ordered my mother, his gaze locked with mine. There was a darkness in his eyes that filled me with fe