Emotions and uncertainty clouded my judgment when I decided to call Chad, but the safety of my child was paramount. My heart yearned for someone to confide in, and I hoped Chad's association with my brother might offer some understanding. I hadn't planned to reveal the pregnancy, but the words spilled out uncontrollably. Maybe I needed to share this burden with someone before it overwhelmed me completely. I knew I had to be responsible for my child's well-being and protect them from any harm, especially considering Archer's dangerous lifestyle.In the secluded woods, I waited anxiously, giving Chad time to approach before risking exposure out in the open. The stress and tension were taking a toll on me, and the exhaustion settled in despite not physically exerting myself. Seeking some solace, I reclined the car seat and closed my eyes, hoping to find a moment of rest.When I eventually stirred from my unintended slumber, the sun was setting on the horizon, painting the sky with a mesm
"Ask me whatever you want, and I will tell you my truth," he said, his voice steady but filled with an undertone of vulnerability."Are you a drug lord?" I asked, my heart pounding with hope that he would deny it."I am not a drug lord, Adele, but I am involved with organized crime in the sense of dealing with illegal merchandise," he replied."Organized crime? Like..." I hesitated, trying to comprehend his words."A mafia. Yes," he answered matter-of-factly, causing my heart to skip a beat. I swallowed hard, trying to process the reality of his admission."What kind?" I forced myself to ask, needing to know the extent of his involvement."Arms dealing is the major part of it, then cheap alcohol importation and distribution, money laundering..." he listed, causing my anxiety to heighten."Human trafficking. Organ harvesting and trafficking?" I asked, fearing the worst.“No, I'm sorry, we are not that morally corrupt,” he replied in a cold tone."Did Mark know?" I inquired, my mind rac
I groaned as I slowly regained consciousness, my body aching all over. As I blinked my eyes open, the dim light of the room revealed rough, uneven walls that indicated we were carved out inside a mountain. The air was heavy and damp, making me feel confined and disoriented.Before I could fully grasp my surroundings, the memory of the car explosion flooded my mind like a violent wave. I saw it again—the moment I intercepted Adele's getaway car, her tossing a makeshift explosive against our windscreen, and the ensuing chaos. The explosion had been so sudden, that fire and shards of glass blasted towards me. Instinctively, I raised my arms to shield my face, feeling the searing heat and pain on the back of my forearms.The side of my face and chest were also slightly burnt from the blast, and the pain lingered as I woke up panting. I could still feel the shock of the explosion reverberating through me, and my breaths came in ragged gasps.But my disorientation was short-lived as I notic
As I stood before the grand entrance of the Donovan mansion, my heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and excitement. The imposing mansion loomed before me, exuding elegance and opulence through its architecture. Tall pillars flanked the entrance, and intricate carvings adorned the facade, hinting at the rich history contained within its walls. The mansion itself stood as a testament to the Donovan family's wealth and influence, a world unto itself.As if sensing my unease, Chad spoke up, his voice filled with reassurance. "The boss is inside," he said gently, his words aimed at calming my nerves. I mustered a grateful smile in response to his considerate gesture. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Chad nodded politely, acknowledging my gratitude.Swallowing my nerves, I approached the entrance, climbing the flight of stairs. A tall, masculine man dressed in all-black combat gear nodded at me and pulled the massive door open. "Thank you," I muttered and cleared my th
"F-first aid, please!" I cried out urgently, my heart racing in my chest. Determination filled me as I pushed through the chaos, determined to help the injured maid. With steady hands, I tore off a piece of cloth from the maid's uniform, swiftly applying pressure to the wound to stem the bleeding. The gravity of the situation sank in, my mind reeling with the sudden violence and the alarming circumstances that had unfolded. 'What the hell have I gotten myself into?!' I thought, struggling to process the situation.Archer handed me a white box with red markings drawn on the lid. I quickly opened it, revealing first aid supplies. Amidst the chaos, his voice sliced through the tension like a knife. "Get the hell out of my room, now Jessica, or I swear I will make you!" His tone dripped with anger and authority, leaving no room for negotiation. Jessica scoffed and reluctantly strode out, her echoing heels reverberating on the marble flooring.Ignoring Archer's cold and leveled gaze, I foc
Lowering my eyes to the coffee table, I couldn't help but marvel at the extravagant spread of breakfast delicacies before me. Archer's opulent lifestyle was on full display, and his staff had gone above and beyond to create this sumptuous feast.The coffee table was elegantly draped with a crisp white tablecloth, enhancing the beauty of the fine porcelain plates and delicate silverware that sparkled under the morning light, exuding an air of sophistication.The array of freshly baked pastries immediately caught my attention. Flaky croissants with golden, buttery layers called out to me, accompanied by pillowy muffins bursting with juicy berries. The inviting aroma filled the room, making my taste buds dance with anticipation.Beside the pastries lay an assortment of artisanal jams and spreads. Vibrant jars of strawberry, blueberry, and apricot preserves lined up neatly, their jewel-like hues promising delightful bursts of flavor. I couldn't resist the temptation of the creamy jar of r
At the tender age of ten, I found myself perpetually in the shadows, following my mother's every step. I was exposed to a disturbing incident where I observed my mother engage in reprehensible acts. I saw her drug, sexually assault, and steal from one of the guests staying at the hotel where she was employed. From that point on, I became acutely aware of her manipulative tactics, witnessing how she utilized flirtation, manipulation, and exploitative relationships as a means to escape the perils of hunger and homelessness. My childhood was characterized by a lack of material possessions. I grew up without any knowledge or connection to my father, and the subject of his absence was a topic we intentionally avoided. Throughout my upbringing, it was just my mother and me, navigating life's challenges together. While some people may have labeled my mother as belonging to a socioeconomically disadvantaged group otherwise known as white trash, she had managed to secure a relationship with V
As I stepped into Archer's opulent bathroom, my eyes widened at the sight he posed in his spacious, swanky shower stall. The glass walls of the shower stall reached up to the high ceiling, providing a breathtaking view of the entire bathroom. The pristine tiles lining the walls and floor shimmered under the soft glow of the recessed lighting, creating an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.At the side wall of the shower stall, Archer sat confidently on a sleek tiled seat, wearing nothing but his boxers and a first aid box was to his left. The seat was positioned strategically, evidently to fully enjoy the cascade of water without any inconvenience. Steam filled the enclosure and enveloped him, adding a touch of sensuality to the scene.Archer's sculpted physique glistened under the droplets of sweat that danced across his skin, accentuating his well-defined muscles inked beautifully with tattoos. The steam made his tanned skin appear even more radiant, and I couldn't help but fee