The dimly lit nightclub pulsed with energy as I sat alone in the VIP section, surrounded by scantily dressed females coming and going. The air was thick with the beats of the music and the scent of perfume, but my attention was elsewhere. I stared into my glass, swirling the vibrant red liquid that was my signature cocktail—a fruity concoction with a strong kick of alcohol. It was a combination of tropical juices, a splash of rum, and a hint of lime. The glass glistened as condensation formed on its surface, the ice cubes clinking softly with each swirl.Usually, I would have called upon a few of my favorite strippers to entertain me, but tonight my thoughts were consumed by Adele. Her face lingered in my mind, her eyes, her laughter, the taste of her coating my tongue, her intoxicating fragrance—it all twisted my heart. I drank more and more, hoping to drown my thoughts in the intoxicating elixir.Unbeknownst to me, the girls who served me noticed my distress. Concerned gazes were ex
I got up and left the room. Disregarding Mark's instructions, I defied his request and ventured in the opposite direction—I turned left down the hallway. Adele's room awaited me at the end of the corridor. Without hesitation, I turned the doorknob, and the door silently swung open. I stepped into the darkness-shrouded room, my eyes gradually adjusting to the dimness. The mild chill in the air didn't bother me as I shut the door gently behind me. I leaned against it, fixing my gaze upon the alluring silhouette of Adele, her graceful curves accentuated by the sheets that covered her.Approaching the bed with cautious steps, I noticed that she lay beneath the covers, completely naked, just as she had been a few hours earlier when I had stumbled upon her pleasuring herself in my spare room, consumed by thoughts of me. My breath hitched in my throat as she stirred in her sleep, the contours of her full breasts becoming visible. A surge of desire coursed through my veins, overwhelming my se
Ignoring his question, I sat up, cradling my head and pretending to be hungover. "Have you seen my phone?" I asked."It must be with Chad," he replied."What time is it?" I inquired."It's 2 p.m.," he responded."2 p.m.? Dude, why didn't you guys wake me?!" I exclaimed, surprised."I just said... Damn it," he exclaimed in exasperation, pausing briefly before adding, almost muttering to himself, "You probably don't remember a thing.""Jesus, did I throw up in your bath?" I asked, concerned."You were in the bath?" he questioned, surprised."Ah, man, how much did I drink?" I wondered aloud."Too much, I suppose. I'm wondering why you did, though. It's unlike you, especially knowing you're not out of the woods yet," he remarked, his tone concerned."Any information about Vemon and Adolf?" I asked, groaning and running my fingers through my hair."The town is awfully quiet..." he replied. I met his gaze, understanding the underlying message that we needed to be on guard."I'm sorry I brok
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
Living alone in the house felt weird, and since Adele had transferred to a college in Duport, I couldn't help but realize how empty my life had become without her. Ever since we were thrust into this situation, with me, an eighteen-year-old, suddenly responsible for my ten-year-old sister, my daily existence revolved around keeping her safe and ensuring she had everything she needed. Thoughts of my own future or going to university never crossed my mind, even though Adele often brought up the subject. I couldn't help but smile at the memory of her offer: she was determined to finish college, secure a job, and then insisted I could go to university too. She continuously pestered me about it, and to appease her, I agreed, although I had no real intention of pursuing higher education. What would be the point? We had enough money to lead a comfortable life, thanks to my cautious financial planning. However, I never let Adele know the extent of my efforts to ensure our comfort and her s
"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
"This isn't over, not by a long shot. You will pay," Adolf replied."Get out!" Archer growled, his voice low and threatening. The two men stepped back, their gazes locked on us for a moment, before finally leaving. However, before their departure, they made the payment for the artifact, which was immediately carried out of the room."Archer, are you alright, darling?" Barbara's voice broke the chilling silence that had settled. Jessica rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed."I'm fine. Let me get you that gift I promised," Archer replied."No, I really don't think—" Barbara started, clearly uncertain about being the center of attention again."I insist," Archer said firmly, reaching out to grab her forearm, urging her toward the auction corner. Barbara threw me a helpless look, but I knew better than to get involved in their dynamic."Good evening, Enforcer," Jessica said, stepping in front of me and using her hand to trace the hem of my collar."Don't call me that," I muttered."But isn't
"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