Novels by _najeeb.i

Ever since I got to my offices, I couldn’t stop staring at the digital clock on my desk. I checked it again for the thousandth time, feeling a sliver of nervousness as I saw that it was still 10:42 AM.Nate will be here in eighteen minutes.I folded my hands together to stop them from shaking. I wasn’t afraid of him, but I felt like a rubber band which was stretched to its limit. I'd set up the meeting myself, because I needed to be done with this shit once and for all. I needed to clear my head, and I couldn’t continue like this after what happened yesterday while he got to go scotfree. He had no right to do what he did, and I had to make sure he understood that. But right now, with the silence of my office pressing down on me, I couldn't stop the way my pulse quickened at the thought of facing him again, or the thought of having to bring up the issue. I kept thinking about what I would say, how I would say it, and what to do if he didn’t take this seriously. In my moments of horro

For a moment, I stared at Richard like he'd grown a second head. We sat there in silence, staring at each other as I tried to wrap my head around what he'd just said. Surely it had to be a lie. Because how on earth could he be serious right now?"You're quiet," he said. "I just... I don't know what to say," I whispered, shaking my head. "This is unbelievable.""I know how it sounds," he said quietly. "And I wish it wasn't true, but it is."No matter how hard I tried to wrap my head around what I'd just heard, it just didn't make any sense. How could he be their father? And after all these years? It just didn't seem possible. "So you're telling me you're Ethan and Marcus's father?" I asked.""Biologically, yes," he said. "But in every official sense, Michael Reynard was their father.""How is that even possible?" I asked. Richard sighed as he leaned forward, and he seemed so old and tired as he raked his fingers through hos hair, in much the same way that Ethan used to. "It started

For a long time after I left the office, I still couldn’t believe what happened. Even as I sat down at our new dining table and silently poked at my steak, it did nothing to stop the wave of nausea that was raging in my stomach. Ethan was talking beside me, but I was barely paying him any attention. He was saying something about knocking down the wall between the pantry and the laundry room, but all I could do was smile and nod when he looked up. All I could think about was Nate’s hand and his voice. I kept thinking about the way he looked at me like I was a piece of meat he owned, and that made me want to cry when I remembered it. I had replayed the scene over and over again on the drive home, trying to decide what was the right thing to do. Should I tell Ethan about it, knowing that he was going to lose his mind over it? Or should I talk to Joanna and tell her I couldn’t work with Nate again? A million other thoughts floated around in my head, but I just couldn’t figure out what

I still couldn’t believe that Ethan had bought the mansion just like that. He made it seem like it was a pair of shoes or a painting he liked. It all happened so fast, and I just couldn’t believe it. The first week was entirely chaotic. We spent our evenings shopping for furniture, arguing about the best fabric for the couch and whether a vintage record player was essential or rubbish (I won that round of arguing). I spent most days over at the house, telling the delivery men where to put things, and helping out where I could. Ethan suggested hiring an interior designer to handle everything, but there was something so cozy and comforting about doing it myself that I just wasn’t ready to give up. Besides, it wasn’t difficult at all. But the hardest part came the night Rachel flew back from her trip, and I had to tell her that I was moving out.From the moment she walked into our apartment and dropped her bags at the door, her face fell when she saw the boxes in the living room.There

MARCUSI didn't want to do it initially. He didn't deserve a quick death, after all. But sometimes, when someone pisses you off too much, you just have to take care of things. And when you find out that the bastard who tried to harm the woman you love was only going to a mental institution instead of the jail he deserved, you just have to take care of things yourself. I stood on the balcony and stared down at the city sparkling beneath me while a cold breeze swept past. The sun had already set, but Manhattan was still as loud as ever, with horns blaring down below, people yelling constantly , and the wailing of a siren in the distance. No one would notice me up here, staring down at them and savoring my latest victory. I took a slow sip of my whiskey, letting the warmth roll down the back of my throat as I leaned on the cold steel railing. The evening was perfect, and I couldn’t have been happier after getting the call. Chris was dead, just like I intended. The report said he’d be

From the moment we pulled up in front of the mansion, my mouth fell open and it stayed like that permanently. The house looked like something out of a movie. It was so huge, and my eyes nearly rolled back into my skull as we walked in. There was a grand staircase which swept upward like it belonged in a castle, and sunlight streamed in through the large windows which made everything look so bright and golden."You've got to be kidding me," I whispered, taking in the beauty of the house. "This is actually insane.""Wait til you see the kitchen," Ethan said as he walked up behind me and took my hand in his. "You could set up a football game in it"When we walked into the kitchen, I knew he wasn't exaggerating. There were two kitchen islands which were so far apart that you probably couldn't even smell what someone was cooking from across the kitchen. There were so many shelves and drawers that it looked more like a convenience store than a home kitchen. Every room we walked into fel

SOFIAI changed dresses three times that day, and my room ended up looking like a garbage pile by the time I finished. I was exhausted, and the thought of my impending date with Adrian was just too overwhelming to process. The first dress was too obvious, and you could practically see my nipples through the fabric. The second one made me feel like I was becoming a prude, covering all the way up to my neck. But the third one was perfect, and I felt like Adrian would like it too. It clung to my body like a second skin, and it was midnight black with a slit that ran so high up my thigh that it wouldn't take much for everything to spill out. The neckline dipped just low enough to show a little bit of cleavage, and the open back made me feel sexy. I adjusted my hair in the mirror, making sure it was loose, soft and touchable. My lips were a deep red this time, and I wanted him to shiver when he looked at me. I knew he found me attractive, and I needed to lean into that heavily. I imagine

SOFIAFrom the moment Adrian’s mouth crashed against mine, I melted completely. He kissed me with a hunger that stole my breath away, and I melted into the kiss with my arms wrapping around his neck instinctively, and my body pressing into him like i t belonged there. His hands held my waist, then they slowly slid up, with his fingertips brushing right underneath my breasts and drawing causing me to gasp.It was so hot, and so consuming that I couldn’t think properly anymore. Every bit of reasoning I have been holding onto began to slip away, and all I could focus on was the heat of his touch, and the way his mouth claimed mine like he was going to pass out if he stopped kissing me. So this was what it felt like to kiss a mafia don. My fingers found their way onto his neck , and I held on as his tongue slipped into my mouth, twisting and teasing in a way that sent shivers of desire right up my spine. My knees started to tremble, and his hands had to move to my waist to hold me up

SOFIAI'd never known fear the way I did in that moment, staring down the barrel of a gun while Rafe smirked at me. "Don't move," he whispered. "Unless you want your brains to decorate the walls."My heart was pounding loudly in my chest, and I could barely breathe. Adrian stepped forward slowly, and the smile on his face from earlier had completely vanished. He looked down at me now with his eyes empty, and I felt like a prey who had just been spotted by the wolf. "Are you sure it's her?" he asked Rafe, keeping his eyes on me. "Absolutely sure," Rafe replied. "I confirmed with Carlos and Hector. She's the one I saw with Ariana."Adrian sighed as he slowly crouched in front of me. My eyes flew to the gun in his hands, and I wanted to turn around to run out of the room at the sight. But I couldn't move even if I wanted to. "You've been trying to get close to me for quite some time now," he said quietly. "Sid you really think I wouldn't notice?"I couldn't say anything, so I just

SOFIAYou could just tell that at least half of the people gathered in that hall were there for Adrian DeLuca. As he stood there on the stage and stared down at us, the only sound you could hear was the photographers behind, taking hundreds of pictures of him while he smiled and waved at the crowd. The shift in the atmosphere was noticeable. Nobody was talking anymore, and we all waited with bated breath to hear what he had to say. Adrian’s gaze swept through the room with an easy confidence, pausing briefly when it landed on me. He didn't smile or give any indication that he recognized me. He just held silent eye contact for a few seconds, like he knew exactly what that would do to me. And then he started to speak.“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, and I was immediately taken aback when his accent switched to a crisp English accent. How on earth did he do that?"Some of you came here today thinking Yale would change your life," he said calmly. "And maybe it will, the

SOFIAThe hall was massive and elegant, and it echoed with the buzz of nervous laughter and hurried footsteps. There were several tall pillars which stretched to a a vaulted ceiling that sparkled from dozens of chandeliers, and crimson banners with Yale's insignia that hung from every corner. It looked like the hall had been decorated for the Met Gala or another prestigious occasion, and I felt so small standing there and watching all the smiling faces around meIt should've felt like a celebration. But all I could think about was my plan. All I could think about was the fact that today was the day that would make or break my future. I tugged slightly at the hem of my dress while I scanned the room casually, looking for any sign of the handsome devil. He wasn't here yet, but I had timed my arrival carefully. I knew how these ceremonies usually played out, and knowing how important Adrian DeLuca was, he would want to make an entrance. I couldn’t picture him sitting her nonchalant

On the morning of the induction ceremony, I woke up feeling nauseous for some reason. It took a while before my brain booted up, so I just sat there and stared out the window. The reality of what I was about to do still hadn’t hit me yet, so I slowly crawled out of bed and headed for the shower. The ceremony would start at 11am, which gave me about three hours to get ready, have some breakfast and make it there in time to scope out the scene. I needed to be prepared for any surprises, and I wasn’t going to leave anything up to chance. I got showered and changed into my dress quickly. The dress looked even more beautiful now that I was actually wearing it, and I was glad that it didn’t look too revealing, otherwise I would have felt like a slut. I just wanted to look normal, but attractive enough that I would instantly catch Adrian DeLuca’s attention. I did my hair and makeup quickly, then paused to admire my handiwork. My curls framed my face exactly the way I liked, and I added a

Nate strolled into the office casually, and I watched his reflection through the glass as he paused to look at me for a second. It made my skin crawl when I noticed his gaze sweep down to my butt, and that anger fueled me enough to turn and face him properly. I glared directly at him, while he smirk

Ever since I got to my offices, I couldn’t stop staring at the digital clock on my desk. I checked it again for the thousandth time, feeling a sliver of nervousness as I saw that it was still 10:42 AM.Nate will be here in eighteen minutes.I folded my hands together to stop them from shaking. I was

For a moment, I stared at Richard like he'd grown a second head. We sat there in silence, staring at each other as I tried to wrap my head around what he'd just said. Surely it had to be a lie. Because how on earth could he be serious right now?"You're quiet," he said. "I just... I don't know what

I stood up slowly, brushing my hands against my leggings and heading down the long corridor. I needed to go back and apologize. I needed to look him in the eye and tell him the truth about Nate. I needed to let him hold me and remind me that I was still safe.But just as I turned to head back toward

For a long time after I left the office, I still couldn’t believe what happened. Even as I sat down at our new dining table and silently poked at my steak, it did nothing to stop the wave of nausea that was raging in my stomach. Ethan was talking beside me, but I was barely paying him any attention

I still couldn’t believe that Ethan had bought the mansion just like that. He made it seem like it was a pair of shoes or a painting he liked. It all happened so fast, and I just couldn’t believe it. The first week was entirely chaotic. We spent our evenings shopping for furniture, arguing about th

*The drive to the beach took longer than any of them had anticipated. The weather was dry, with the heat rising to a dangerous level. Twice, they had to stop to fix a punctured tyre. "Are we there yet?" "Just a little further," he replied, wading through the traffic. "It won't be long now."They had left his uncle's house early that morning, with a picnic basket which they filled along the way. They had hoped to beat the traffic by leaving early, but even so they only managed to cover eighteen miles in an hour. By the time they finally reached the beach, it was a few minutes past noon. The sun was high up in the sky, and their shadows had disappeared underneath them. There was a small crowd gathered on the sand, which surprised him as it was a weekday. "Come," he said to her, offering his right hand while he took the basket in the other. "I know the perfect spot for us."He led her away from the crowd, keeping his hold on her tightly. He recognized the group as students from the

* Azra was a bright-eyed, polite, little eleven year old who couldn't meet anyone's eyes when she was brought to the house by Adnan. Afrah, who had been discharged three days prior, watched from her window as he drove into the house with the little girl sitting beside him. Looking at him, she still didn't know what exactly she felt. Of course she still despised what he'd done, but she didn't necessarily hate Adnan himself. Forgiving him was hard. It was probably the hardest thing she would ever learn to do. But it would be worth it if they would learn to live happily for the rest of their lives. Azra's mother had been much too happy to let her go. They had been struggling to provide for the little girl with her new husband, who was significantly less-wealthy than Adnan. Layla knew the girl would have a better future with her biological father. When she got the call from Adnan, a part of her wanted to hang up on him. But since it concerned his daughter, she'd listened to his plea a

*Carpets and curtains. She dreamt of them both, not as separate entities, but as one. Throughout her existence, Afrah had been surrounded by carpets and curtains, each lending its own unique addition to the story of her life. They were always silent, never considered but ever present. She recalled the carpets in her bedroom, how soft and flat it was. Twice a year, the carpets would be taken out so they could be washed and returned. The curtains were washed every month, and Afrah remembered sitting in the middle of her room one time when both carpets and curtains were removed, and she simply stared at the barrenness of her room. Strange how something as insignificant as carpets and curtains could change the entire appearance of her bedroom. She recalled the carpets in her father's room, the plush cream color stretching from wall to wall. His curtains were white, which she remembered complaining to her mother about once. "Why can't I have white curtains as well?" she'd asked. "Bec

*Afrah didn't know she was capable of doing it until she'd done it. Spontaneous action was never her area of expertise, knowing fully well that she was more of a reactive person than a proactive one. But the sight of Fahad falling to the floor jolted her to action. It was like a spark had awakened in her, grinding the gears in her brain. She began by lunging for the gun. Yusuf wasn't expecting her to move. Neither did he hear her move, since the carpet muffled her footsteps. He was still pointing the gun at Fahad's twitching corpse when Afrah's hands suddenly wrapped around the gun and yanked it out of his hands. He staggered back, bewildered by her action. And then she brought the gun to his chest, looking him dead in the eye. Time seemed to freeze in that moment. Neither he nor she dared to move. Between them was their hateful glare, separated by the barrel of the gun. His breathing was calm, while hers was irregular, coming in short bursts. In that moment, their roles were rev

*Every movement caused Afrah to jump; every second his eyes spent watching her made her skin crawl. She didn't sit. Instead she remained where she was standing, her arms folded in front of her. Yusuf meanwhile had leaned back into the seat, sighing comfortably. "What would you like to have?" he asked nonchalantly. "Some water, perhaps? I have some orange juice which still happens to be fresh. Or would you prefer a coke? I have some wine as well, but then knowing how close you and Adnan are, I'm sure he's taught you to stray away from fine wine. So, which would you prefer to have?""I would like to have my daughter back," Afrah replied. Yusuf studied her for a few seconds before he chuckled. "Of course," he said. "It's why you're here, is it not? As for me, I'd like a Bloody Mary."He stood up then, stretched with a slight groan before he left the room. Afrah remained where she was, awkwardly staring at the stained walls with nothing but a single wall clock hanging on them. She tho

*"I remember it like it was yesterday," Halima said. "And I know how cliché that sounds, but it really does feel like yesterday even though it was almost thirty years ago."Adnan tilted his head to the side, trying to detect a hint of deception in her words. "I was a little girl, so foolish and ignorant. I guess I've always been like that. But we can say that my ignorance and foolishness were somewhat exaggerated at that point in my life. Before I tell you how it happened however, I think you should understand the beginning of it all. I believe I was on my way to my uncle's house that day. I'm sure your father told you all about the village we grew up in.""Bakura," he replied indifferently. "Yes," Halima replied, twisting her hands. "It's a small settlement, and we grew up so close that everyone knew the name of everyone else. It was so small that it was impossible to leave home without everyone being able to give a detailed account of where you went. Your paternal grandfather and