Novels by Hanifah Abubakar

Finn POVI had no clue what had happened over the last two hours. All I knew was that I'd screwed up, big time. I sat on the couch, staring blankly at the wall, consumed by guilt.What was I even thinking? I nearly hurt her. The disgust I felt toward myself was overwhelming. What I did, it wasn't me.I was drunk, and seeing her in that sleeveless silk nightgown, it was impossible to think straight. I couldn't control myself. All I could focus on were her pouty, dark pink lips. And then I messed up, not only by kissing and groping her but by threatening her with a gun.I was angry, though. She wanted me dead. She hated me so much that she tried to kill me in my sleep. I felt betrayed, and the need to hurt her back consumed me. I wanted revenge, and that's what pushed me to point the gun at her, but I knew I could never follow through. How could I hurt her? It was just to scare her. And, well, I succeeded.Now, all that's left is this gnawing pit of anxiety, and self-loathing.I'm an i

Cheryl POV"What a pleasant surprise."My heart pounded against my ribcage, the weight of the gun suddenly feeling unbearable as my hands began to tremble. Sweat slicked my skin, and my lips parted in a desperate attempt to draw more air."What should be your punishment this time? Sneaking out of your room? Breaking into mine and pointing a gun at my head?" He sighed deeply, shaking his head. "I really underestimated you, didn't I?" His gaze remained eerily calm, despite the gun aimed squarely at him. "Why do you always make me hurt you?"I swallowed, my voice betraying me as it cracked at his attitude. "Where were you today?" I tried to sound strong, but the words slipped out like a child's whimper.He smirked, cocking an eyebrow. "Worried about me now? Missed me much?""Finn," I repeated, sniffing, my voice wavering as tears blurred my vision. "Where were you today?"His eyes lit with amusement. "Ah, so you know my name now. Steph's got a loose tongue, huh?""You won't hurt her," I

Cheryl POV"I'm Steph." She smiled innocently, like a child, as she settled into the armchair across from me.I didn't respond. I just stared at her. She had to know he was a killer; she must have realized I'd been kidnapped. Yet, she acted so blithe, as if everything was amusing to her."Look, Cheryl, we could have fun if you just relax," she added, her voice light and carefree.That's when I scoffed. "Fun? Relax? Sorry, but I'm not like you." The words squeezed out of my tight throat."Like me? What am I like?" she asked, her curiosity genuine as she leaned forward, elbows on her knees."Obedient to some criminals." I threw the words at her, barely containing my frustration.She shook her head, exhaling a small laugh. "Finn was right about you. You're stubborn.""That's his name? Finn?" I asked, confused."Yes," she replied, reclining back in the armchair.So, he has a name."What now? You're just going to watch me all day and night?" I arched a brow in question."No. I have school

My hands and ankles were bound in cuffs as I lay helplessly on the bed. All I could do was whimper under my breath, consumed by a seething hatred for that man. If looks could kill, he would be dead right there; the disgusted glare I directed at him conveyed more than words ever could."You see, I get along with all the men in this house because they respect me. Try to do the same, and I might be able to keep you.""Respect?" I scoffed through my whimpers. "You expect me to respect you? You kidnapped me, you monster." I made sure he heard every word.He exhaled slowly, studying me thoughtfully. "Well then, guess what? You're getting another assistant tomorrow." He dismissed my fury with that casual announcement.If only I could free myself from these cuffs, I would make sure to do more than just smash his balls. "I don't need any assistance," I replied, pulling harder on the chains, ignoring the way they bit into my skin."Do you prefer men looking after you?" he asked, amusement danc

Lying under the warm covers, I began to drift into nostalgic daydreams about home and everything that came with it, savoring junk food for dinner because Dad and I were too lazy to cook. We would watch football together, cheering for the Chicago Bears as if we were right there on the field. My dad never missed a night without tucking me into bed. But now, I was all alone in the middle of nowhere, grappling with the torment of my choices.Then Mal came to mind; she was the only person I truly felt safe confiding in. We would talk late into the night, sharing secrets about the jerks at school and swooning over Aiden Lucas, the hottest boy in class who sat behind me. The realization that those carefree days might be lost forever burned in my throat like a searing coal.I sucked on the cut on my finger after wiping my tears away with the back of my hand.***"Wake up, wake up!" The voice echoed in my mind.I lazily squinted my eyes, focusing on the familiar face tapping my shoulder. "Wake

Turning my head from side to side, I blinked against the cruel sunlight that hit my face. Yes, I was back to square one, and worse; I was cuffed by the wrist to a nightstand.Great.With my free hand, I mustered the effort to push myself into a sitting position and found the asshole lounging in an armchair, facing the bed. The ferocity in his gaze intensified the knot in my chest.Unable to tear my eyes away from his clenched jaw and balled fists, I felt a cocktail of anger, hopelessness, and confusion swirled within me, mixing with the stabbing pain in my chest. I struggled to suppress the pool of tears that threatened to spill over."Where do you think you were going?" he asked, his face twisted in anger, but his tone was icy."Where am I? What do you want from me?" I shivered between sobs. My foot throbbed, my head ached, and my stomach churned. Everything hurt.Rising from the armchair, he took slow, deliberate steps until he reached the foot of the bed, leaning over with both pal