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
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
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