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 feel a pang of nervousness as I realized the task that lay before me.
Nervously, I offered a silent prayer for strength as I mustered the courage to step forward, inching closer to Archer in the shower stall.
"Take off your clothes, Adele," he rasped, his voice halted my steps sending a jolt of electricity through my entire being. The combination of his commanding tone and the suggestive nature of the situation made me feel a flush of heat spread across my body.
"W - why?" I stammered, my words betraying my surprise.
"You're going to get sweaty," he replied matter-of-factly, his gaze fixed on me. His words hung in the air, laden with a mixture of desire and practicality.
I nodded, trying to compose myself. "Yeah... of course," I muttered, my mind racing to comprehend the sudden turn of events. I hadn’t prepared to face anything like this and Chad had my bag. I knew I had to gather my thoughts and act swiftly.
"I'm sure you can find something appropriate to change into in my wardrobe. Hurry up, will you?" he added, his voice carrying a sense of urgency and a tinge of exasperation.
His words snapped me out of my hazy state, making me a little upset and bringing a moment of clarity. Clenching my jaw, I tried to remember he was only playing the part we had orchestrated to keep me safe. I must keep my cool. I swallowed an angry growl.
Hastily, I made my way to his closet, trying to ignore the intoxicating scent of luxury clothing and Archer’s cologne that enveloped me within the enclosed space. Scanning the array of garments, I quickly grabbed a towel robe and discarded my clothes, leaving only my underwear. I fumbled to put on the towel robe, eager to return to the bathroom.
A minute later, I reentered the bathroom, now clad in the towel robe. But as I stepped back into the shower stall, the once spacious area seemed to close in on me, feeling smaller now with both of us inside. The steamy air wrapped around us, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation and uncertainty.
My heart raced as I tried to maintain composure, standing next to Archer, the intensity of the moment seemed palpable, the air was somewhat thick with unspoken desires and untamed emotions. It felt like I had entered a territory where boundaries blurred and control slipped away, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead on this perilous path we had embarked upon.
Gently, I picked up a soft sponge and dipped it into a bowl filled with warm, soapy water he had already prepared. The fragrance of the shower gel filled the air as I squeezed the sponge, creating a lather that promised to cleanse and soothe. With hesitant steps, I approached Archer, feeling a mixture of trepidation and anticipation.
As I knelt in front of him, the sound of low classical music filled my ears, creating a soothing background melody. The steam enveloped us, creating an intimate bubble within the vastness of the shower stall.
With delicate movements, I began to sponge bath Archer, starting from his broad shoulders and trailing down his strong arms. The sponge glided across his skin, leaving a trail of freshness in its wake. I marveled at the firmness of his muscles and the smoothness of his skin, all while trying to maintain a composed and professional demeanor, knowing his eyes were on me.
His tattoo depicted a fierce and menacing wolf, its snarling jaws and piercing eyes etched onto his skin. It came as no surprise to me that Archer had chosen such a primal being to adorn his body. The symbolism behind the tattoo seemed to reflect his untamed nature, a manifestation of his raw and unbridled spirit.
In the depths of his being, Archer seemed to embody a sense of power and ferocity, much like the wolf. The untamed wilderness that resided within him may found solace in the image of the werewolf, a creature of myth and legend. Perhaps it was a testament to his desire to embrace his wild instincts, defy societal norms, and embrace his true self.
The werewolf tattoo could also serve as a reminder of the duality that dwelled within him. Just like the mythical creature that transformed under the light of the full moon, Archer may evidently possess his own inner struggle between light and darkness. The tattoo might have been an emblem of his constant battle with his primal desires, a constant reminder of the untamed side that lurked beneath his composed exterior.
Archer leaned back slightly, his eyes closing in evident enjoyment of the gentle caress of the sponge on his body. His relaxed posture and the trust he placed in me made my heart flutter, mixing with a growing awareness of his presence and the undeniable chemistry between us.
In this intimate moment, time seemed to stand still, enthralled I continued to sponge bath him, moving down his torso and abdomen with a tender touch. Using the towel to clean off the suds, leaving his skin gleaming and refreshed.
As the task neared completion, I couldn't help but steal glances at Archer, his features softened in the warm glow of the shower. The vulnerability he displayed, allowing me into his personal space, was both captivating and disarming.
With the sponge bath complete, I set the sponge aside and my hands trembled slightly as I took out supplies from the first aid box. "Archer," I began softly, "I should change your bandages now."
“Hmm…” he mumbled. I couldn’t dare meet his gaze.
Carefully, I set the waterproof bandages, scissors, and antiseptic wipes beside him on the bench, ensuring they were within reach. I took a moment to collect myself, reminding myself to be gentle and thorough, ignoring the heat of desire burning within. Thankful for the thick bathroom, knowing my nipples were now as hard as pebbles, aching for his touch.
"Let's start with your rib cage," I said, my voice steady but filled with concern. "Please let me know if anything hurts or if you need me to stop at any point."
“Hmm…” he mumbled again.
I unwrapped the old bandages, mindful of not causing any discomfort. The sight of his injured rib cage made my heart ache, the bandages stained with remnants of blood and dried sweat. I took a deep breath, suppressed my emotions, and focused on the task at hand.
“I can see you’ve gotten professional help,” I said, desperate for the need to get out of my head.
“I have a house doctor,” he rasped.
“Oh, cool…” I said. Our eyes met. My heart skipped a beat. I quickly lowered my gaze. “I hope he is not going to demand proof of my supposed profession.”
“He wouldn’t dare,” he replied, his voice sounding almost like a growl, sending a thrilling vibration to my very core. I released a shaky breath, swallowing hard.
Using gentle movements, I carefully cleaned the area around the wound with antiseptic wipes, ensuring it was free from any debris or bacteria. Archer winced slightly, but he remained stoic, displaying a resilience that both impressed and worried me.
Once the area was clean, I reached for the fresh bandages, ensuring they were properly aligned before securing them around his rib cage. With each careful motion, I couldn't help but notice the toned muscles beneath the bandages, a stark contrast to the vulnerability of the wound. I fought the urge to press my nose to his skin.
As I moved to his left thigh, I couldn't help but feel fear and excitement. He had widened his legs and I could see he was aroused. It was evident he was endowed. I could see the outline of his length and size in his boxers, pulsating and begging to be soothed. It was impossible to ignore.
It excited me that he didn't try to hide it. He sat there in a primal regality that was highly sexual. I couldn't help breathing through parted lips. I wondered if he knew the effect he was having on me.
Gently, I peeled back the bandages covering his thigh, my touch feather-light. The wound was raw and healing, surrounded by bruised and swollen skin. I fought back a surge of emotion, reminding myself to stay focused.
Using the antiseptic wipes once again, I carefully cleaned the area, tenderly removing any traces of dirt or debris. Archer's grip tightened on the seat beneath him, a subtle indication of the discomfort he must have been experiencing. I worked as swiftly as I could without compromising the thoroughness of the process.
With the wound cleaned, I reached for the new bandages and carefully wrapped them around his thigh, ensuring a secure fit while allowing for proper airflow and movement. As I finished, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mingled with a surge of protectiveness.
"There," I said softly, my voice filled with a mix of satisfaction. As I gathered the used supplies and discarded them.
I reached for a fluffy towel, ready to envelop him in its warmth and comfort. But as I met his gaze, an unspoken tension hung in the air, electrifying the space between us. The steam swirled around us, mirroring the intensity of the moment.
"You should leave..." his deep voice resonated, sending a shiver down my spine. The sudden shift in his tone and the enigmatic emotion that clouded his eyes left me bewildered.
"Hmm?" I questioned, my heart pounding in my chest, desperately trying to comprehend the meaning behind his words.
"You should run, Adele," he repeated, his voice now laced with a seductive undertone that sent a cascade of conflicting emotions through me.
"Run?" I echoed, my mind racing to process his cryptic message. It was as if he was warning me of something dangerous, urging me to distance myself from him.
"We are done here," he declared in almost a growl, his eyes darkening with an indescribable emotion. The allure of his primal presence and the unspoken desires between us mingled with the uncertainty of the unknown, leaving me torn between caution and the undeniable pull we shared.
As I waited for Archer to get fully dressed, anticipation and nerves fluttered in my stomach. The events of the past hours had been nothing short of overwhelming, and being in his presence felt both exhilarating and intimidating. My eyes lingered on the closed door leading to the walk-in closet.Finally, the door creaked open, and my breath hitched as I caught sight of him. Archer stepped out, dressed in an impeccably tailored, expensive black suit that accentuated every sculpted inch of his six-foot-four frame. His hair was still wet, giving him an air of both elegance and a hint of casualness. The dark tendrils glistened under the soft glow of the room's lighting, accentuating his chiseled features and adding an irresistible allure. There was an undeniable magnetism about him, and I couldn't help but think that he was one of the most attractive men I had ever seen.He commanded attention with his presence alone. My eyes traced the contours of his perfectly tailored suit, admiring th
MarkThe night was cold, the chill of winter biting at my skin as I stood hidden amidst the dense woods, watching my childhood home engulfed in flames. The orange glow flickered against the pitch-black sky, casting eerie shadows that danced and swayed with the crackling fire. It was a sight both mesmerizing and haunting, a symbol of everything that had gone wrong in my life.This house, once filled with laughter and warmth, now stood as a charred reminder of the shattered pieces of my past. It was here that I grew up, surrounded by the love of a father who fought for his country and a mother who used to smile. But the war had changed my father, his return marked by the loss of his legs and the loss of his will to live. When he took his own life, the flames within our lives were ignited, consuming all that was left.My mother left to grapple with the aftermath and sought solace in the bottom of a bottle. Her once radiant smile faded, replaced by the anguish etched upon her face. Desper
"Hey!" I cried out, my voice echoing through the busy streets as I found myself violently shoved. I stumbled, struggling to regain my balance, and ended up falling hard on my ass on the unforgiving stone-paved sidewalk. "Watch where you're going, asshole!" I yelled, anger coursing through my veins.A cold, chilling voice growled from above me, sending a shiver down my spine. "Are you trying to steal from me, boy?" it questioned, dripping with disdain.I looked up from checking my bruised elbows, meeting the gaze of the coldest hazel eyes I had ever seen. "Steal from you?!" I replied, my voice laced with disbelief. The audacity of this jerk. "You ran into me and shoved me, you jerk!" I enunciated, emphasizing each word for the clueless imbecile."Hey, watch your mouth!" one of the men accompanying the jerk interjected, taking a menacing step toward me. He had an earpiece, the kind worn by security operatives, suggesting he was some sort of bodyguard."I am going to sue your asses!" I b
We sprinted towards the exit in a desperate frenzy, but before we could reach safety, my Bentley erupted in a massive fireball, sending debris flying in all directions. Chaos ensued as Ajax took a hit and fell to the ground. Sandra's scream pierced through the chaos, and Mark cursed in frustration.Realizing that I was the primary target, my heart raced as I scanned the area for an escape route, my mind racing to formulate a plan. And then my eyes met Mark’s, and I watched as he slowly looked at Sandra and then back at me and I knew what needed to be done."Get Sandra to safety," I commanded, my voice filled with urgency.Mark hesitated for a moment, holding my gaze before finally nodding. He reached for Sandra, who clung to me in fear and disbelief."Ken, Andrew, go with Mark. It's best if we separate," I instructed, addressing my remaining men.Ken voiced his concern, questioning my decision, while Andrew silently locked eyes with me, understanding the gravity of the situation."Hun
"I dare you!" She retorted with a wide grin. I clenched my jaw. "Or maybe I should insist that you apologize and see how that feels!""You're very lucky I feel charitable and find you intriguing. Nobody, I repeat nobody, talks to me like...""I can tell you're a big baby and a bully. I'm trying to help save your life! The least you can do is be appreciative!" When I didn't reply, she said, "Stay still and try not to move, alright? This is going to hurt... and can you stop pointing the gun at me?"To provoke her further, I didn't respond for about a second. She glowered at me, and a slow smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I found I enjoyed getting under her skin. She was cute... too cute. I nodded and lowered my hand again, gritting my teeth as she leaned in and began to carefully probe the wound with her fingers. She winced at the sight of the blood that oozed out, and I watched as she forced herself to stay calm and focused."Where did you learn to do this?""I work with animals
As I trudged through the pouring rain, my soaked clothes clinging heavily to my body, I couldn't help but shiver uncontrollably. The storm had caught me off guard, and I cursed myself for being so careless as to venture out without an umbrella or raincoat. The sight of our childhood home, a burnt wreck we had been trying to salvage, made my heart leap with joy in the midst of the downpour. The dim glow of a flickering lantern in one of the windows indicated Mark must be home already.Pushing open the front door, its loud creak echoing through the empty house, I entered the cold and damp interior. The scent of mold and burnt wood permeated the air, a testament to the state of disrepair. With no electricity, the feeble light from the small lantern on a makeshift table in the living room offered the only illumination."Mark?" I called out, my teeth chattering. "Are you here?"No answer came, and I let out a weary sigh. It seemed Mark had left the lantern on for me, indicating that he had
I heard Mark's order, but I couldn't move. Whether it was from fear or shock, I couldn't tell. I felt exhausted. It had been a long day, and I couldn't understand why anyone would want to break into our home, especially when it looked so derelict from the outside. The thought of Archer Donovan's assailant crossed my mind. Could they have seen me helping him and followed me home? Had they found and killed him and now wanted to eliminate any witnesses?"Adele?!" Mark's voice penetrated my mind and jolted me back to reality. My eyes darted in their sockets, and my heart pounded unnaturally. "Can you hear me?!""Y-yes," I whispered."Get to the basement, and if they find you, give them hell!" Mark growled. I swallowed and nodded."Okay," I said."I'm coming, Adele... hold on for me," Mark said, his voice filled with desperation. It pulled at my heart. I clenched my jaw as I heard the door rattling."Hurry," I said."Don't cut the line," he warned.I rose and hurried to the wide hallway on
When fear gripped me, my natural response was to unleash my rage. Anger had always been my shield against vulnerability. Adele was the only family I had left, and I would set the world ablaze to keep her safe. I had gone to great lengths to ensure she remained untangled in my dangerous affairs. The fact that I now stood in the basement, witnessing her blood-stained form, left me searching my mind for where I had gone wrong. How had these people infiltrated my home, intent on harming my sister?"We need to bring the boss to the house. He's badly wounded," Chad's voice broke through my thoughts, concern evident in his tone. I nodded, locking eyes with Adele."Are you hurt?" I asked, my voice trembling. She shook her head. Closing the distance between us, I gathered her in my arms. She trembled, and I clenched my teeth, lifting her up as she wrapped her arms around my neck."Chad, look around and see if you can find any more of them. I'll check on Archer. We can't take him back to the ho
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
"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
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
Watching Adele from my hidden position was torture. So many times, I considered abandoning my spot and revealing myself to her. She might unleash her anger and give me the silent treatment for a while, but I knew she'd eventually forgive me. No matter how grown-up Adele had become, she would always be my little sister.Eliza tried to distract me by engaging in conversation. I pretended I was meeting a new client who needed a bodyguard to deal with a stalker problem. She asked if I'd consider a less volatile career, and I assured her I would, but only after I finished this current job."Mark?" Eliza's voice called out through the phone."Yes, beautiful?" I replied."Are you still interested in marrying me? I know this started as a fake relationship, but now... it's been close to two years..." she said."I am sorry, Eliza. Can we discuss this when I get back?" I said, deflecting the conversation."Is something wrong?" she asked with concern."I will call you back," I said, ending the ca
Nestled in the driver's seat, concealed within the woods, I wrapped blankets tightly around my body, and beside me sat the gifts Mark had given me. The brand-new gun, fully loaded and primed for action, lay within reach, while the cash he provided, along with a carving knife, was securely strapped under the seat. The trunk of my car held a carefully packed collection of weapons, including grenades, rifles, shotguns, and tasers, items I had acquired and added over the course of several months.Knowing my attackers would anticipate my escape, fleeing as far away as possible, I recalled Mark's advice to be daring and unpredictable. Hunger gnawed at me, an aspect I hadn't prepared for. In the past, Mark had always taken charge in situations like this, knowing exactly what to do. Tears blurred my vision, and I wiped them away in frustration.'This too shall pass,' I repeated silently, trying to find strength amidst the turmoil. My thoughts drifted to my brother, and an ache of longing for
The truth about the Donovans and their dangerous connections had finally dawned on me. Mark had always known, but I had been blind to it, following his teaching to only focus on what concerned us directly.My emotions were in turmoil. Deceived? No, I couldn't say that. Archer had been upfront about being a bad man, but the extent of his dealings remained a mystery.Henry's knowledge of my place didn't surprise me; we had spent the day before searching for the perfect building for my pharmaceutical company. After settling on one, we bought office furniture and lab supplies. I was supposed to be preparing for a celebratory dinner with Archer, not caught up in this chaotic situation.Feeling cold and shaken, I hugged myself as Henry parked his car in front of my house and opened the door for me. With a whispered "Thanks," I headed to the back of the house, Amidst the chaos, I had left my bag, phone, and house key in Archer's car. However, I had already changed the locks after losing my k
"What the hell is wrong with you? Calling the cops to intercept the DEA?!" Victor Donovan growled at me as soon as he laid eyes on me."They are not real DEA, Mr. Donovan," the head of the precinct spoke up, and my father gave him a single glance, which silenced the older man. Paul Anderson was not a stranger to my father; he had been on his payroll since the day he joined the force. Many law enforcement officers were in his pocket, but my father preferred not to get caught, maintaining a squeaky-clean record for years."They are not real DEA, you say?" Victor Donovan repeated, seemingly unconvinced."They are, Dad. What Paul meant was that they weren't working for the government in this case. They came after Adele, and planted coke in the car, but it is my car. I am responsible," I explained, trying to clarify the situation."Who are they? Who are they working for?" He asked, his expression intense."They go by the name 'Agent X.' I will handle it, Dad," I said, holding his gaze."I'
As we made our way back to my place, I quickly sent Archer a text, updating him on my whereabouts."Go home to my place, Adele. Must I have that little house of yours bulldozed before you move in permanently, Honey?" Archer's playful response made me giggle."I will go there only if you are coming home," I teased in my text."I am, love, okay?" His reply warmed my heart."Okay. I miss you," I typed, expressing my longing for him."I miss you more," he sweetly responded. Leaning back in the comfortable back seat of the car, I let out a sigh, contemplating the idea of moving in with him.The thought of it made me want to discuss it with Jade and Tiffany. It had been quite some time since we had all gotten together for lunch; lately, our interactions were limited to chat messages.Excitement bubbled inside me as I hastily typed and sent the message to our group chat with Jade and Tiffany. "He asked me again to move in with him!!""Again?!" Tiffany's response was quick, followed by a shoc
The insistent ringing of my phone roused me from my sleep, and I tried not to disturb Adele as I reached over her to grab it from the nightstand. Slipping out of bed, naked, I walked into the hallway leading to the living room. "Dad?" I answered the call. "Patricia has been found. She is dead," Victor Donovan's voice came through. "Damn it!" I cursed, running my hand over my face and through my hair. "Jessica?" "She's on the run. I had hoped she wasn't that far gone. She's completely unstable. Where's your girl?" he inquired. "She's with me," I replied. "Good. Keep her close," he advised. "She wouldn't dare!" I growled. "That's what I thought until I saw her mother's body. She killed her and a taxi driver. Watch your back, son. Let your men know to shoot her on sight," he warned. "I'm sorry about Patricia, Dad," I said, knowing that my father may not have genuinely cared for his late wife, but she was still his companion, albeit a short-lived one. "Thanks, son. I'm having her