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 waited for him to leave before I let out a deep breath, feeling utterly deflated. Replaying the scene in the basement in my head, I wrapped my arms around myself as the whiff of his cologne lingered in my nostrils. I inhaled and held it in before releasing a shaky breath. The moment I saw him standing behind the monster that was trying to kill and violate me simultaneously, I thought I was hallucinating, a desperate figment of my imagination. But when he pulled the man away, I knew he was real, and I thought maybe he had followed me, still believing I was working with the people who had attacked him earlier. I tried not to dwell on the brutal way he had killed the man. There was a strange resolve in his eyes, devoid of emotion, almost inhuman. It shattered the illusion I had unconsciously crafted in my mind.And now, knowing that he was friends with Mark, all the nights Mark came home with bruises and wounds replayed in my head. I swallowed hard. And then Mark's warning not to trust
There were other options, like suggesting she go to one of our safe houses, but then I wouldn't have a valid reason to be there myself. Adele Rutherford was making me act and feel unnatural, both intrigued and irritated. I was intrigued because I was inexplicably drawn to her and irritated because of the confusion she caused in my head. She was just a random girl, and I shouldn't care about what happened to her, but for some reason, I did.It wasn't because of Mark, either. The thought of him and me being caught and assassinated didn't affect me the same way the thought of Adele suffering the same fate did. My heart constricted, my pulse raced, and rage consumed me, even just imagining it. I needed to unravel the reasons behind my inexplicable feelings, which led me to desire her proximity. A cynical voice in my mind scoffed at the logical reasoning, but I couldn't deny the truth—I found her breathtakingly beautiful. The image of her bare chest flashed in my mind, heightening my inne
As I walked, each step causing me excruciating pain, the conflicting voices in my head reminded me that Adele was Mark's sister. They urged me to turn back, to stick to the plan. But I couldn't recall ever denying myself anything, and the desire to see Adele before I crashed overwhelmed any rational thinking. Yes, she was going to be my nurse, a terrible plan I had consciously orchestrated, knowing I was throwing her into a dangerous situation. But she was the enforcer's sister, and once she arrived at my house, there was no other role she could play but that of my nurse. I had to play my part and distance myself from her, for both our sakes. But before the mask came on, I had this one chance to speak with her, to connect.Clutching the key card in my hand, I stood in front of her suite's door. Common sense dictated that I didn't need to knock, but I did so anyway, a deliberate act to jolt myself back to reality. Minutes ticked by, and I contemplated turning back, leaving, and getting
Restless and unable to escape the tantalizing dreams of a tall, dark, brooding hunk who embodied Archer, I found solace in the temporary respite they provided from the previous day's ordeals. The blaring sound of the alarm shattered the lingering echoes of those dreams, jolting me awake. It was a relief in its own way, freeing me from the intense yearning they had awakened within me. But the reality of Archer's kiss still lingered, refusing to be dismissed. The memory of his fiery touch ignited tremors in my heart, while his sudden retreat filled me with a sense of embarrassment. "He was the one who kissed me!" I muttered to myself, frustration and defiance mingling in my voice. "There's nothing to be ashamed of!" I repeated, a glimmer of determination shining through. I let out a deflated sigh, my hands gently rubbing away the remnants of slumber from my face. "I shouldn't have hugged him! What possessed me to do that?" The image of him turning his back and striding away, leaving me
As I observed Archer’s guards assembling into a human shield, blocking my path to his residence, I couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance at their disrespectful demeanor, and I made a mental note to have them all fired once I assumed my rightful place by Archer's side."Is Archer home?" I inquired, trying to maintain a composed tone despite my frustration."No, madam," one of the guards replied."Very well. Can I speak with his nurse? It must be quite lonely for her to be confined there all day," I suggested, attempting to feign sympathy. However, they remained unmoved, and instead, more guards gathered, reinforcing the blockade at the entrance. Anger simmered within me, though I concealed it beneath a facade of amusement."Boss said no one is allowed inside when he's not in the building," the first guard retorted."Is that so?" I scoffed. "Not even Victor?" I questioned, hoping to catch them off guard. However, they met my inquiry with blank stares."Very well then, gentlemen. I
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