SERENA’S POVI peered upwards at the sky, the bright sun no longer visible. "Do you think it will be a bad one?""I'm not sure, but it's moving in quickly. We'd best prepare in case.""What do we need to do to get ready?" I asked, trying to ignore the knot forming in my stomach. Kaden didn't respond right away, his eyes scanning our surroundings intently. After a long moment, he said grimly, "I'm afraid this spot might not withstand a serious storm. We need to find somewhere else for shelter."My concern grew at his words. "Somewhere else? Where else is there?" As if in response, a few fat raindrops splattered onto my shoulder. The breeze swiftly swelled into a howling wind."Come on Serena. We gotta fucking go.Now.Grab your things!" Kaden's tone brooked no argument.I gave a hurried nod and threw my backpack over my shoulders. By the time I had it settled, the rain was falling steadily heavier. Kaden took my arm. "This way, come!" We raced into the cover of the dense forest as the
SERENA’S POVKaden was lost in thought for several breaths before answering. "My writing. I never truly pursued my passion, always putting business first. That's what I'd regret the most, I think." His stare remained fixed on the flames. I smiled. "You absolutely should do it. I'd be first in line to read whatever you put out there."“For real?” He chuckled. “Yes,you really should. Maybe just try publishing one of your works one day. You never know what might happen. Might become one of New York’s best selling authors,”“Not as easy as it seems Serena,”I sighed deeply. “I don’t think you need to prove anything more to your dad. I think he is proud of what you do. I’ve seen how you and Cameron handle all the company’s work and I know he couldn’t be more happier. If you decide to take some time for yourself and pursue what you really want, I think he might be supportive.”“How about being disappointed hmm?”“It’s your life Kaden. It’s about what you want,”His gaze flicked away, lost
SERENA’S POVMy eyelids fluttered a little before my eyes snapped open hearing excited voices in my bedroom.Blinking in the bright light, I was greeted by the smiling faces of my family around my bed. "Happy birthday!" they sang in unison. I gasped in delight at the confetti blowing everywhere and colorful balloons on the floor.Thank goodness last night wasn’t one of those nights I slept roughly and had more than half of my boob peeking out from my night gown. Mom approached with a kiss on my forehead and a tight bear hug. “Happy birthday my sweetheart. Make a wish and blow out your candles, birthday girl!" "I almost forgot it was my birthday," I admitted, still in a bit of a daze. "Oh my goodness,you guys… you all managed to make this the most memorable day. I’m literally short of words right now"Cameron stepped up next, proudly holding a three-tiered cake dripping with frosting roses and sparkling "27" candles.“No need to wish that you want to have me forever because you alre
KADEN’S POVI walked into dad's study, wondering why he had called me and Cameron in. "Take a seat, boys," Dad said as he closed the door behind us. Cameron and I settled into the chairs facing the desk. Dad got straight to business. "As you both know, the company has experienced a few losses lately and we need to get it back on track.We have a huge project coming up and we need some extra help. Just for the time being of course." "Okay,what’s the plan Dad?" I asked."While I finalize the details of a new partnership, I wanted you both to hear it from me first." "A partnership?" Cameron inquired. "With who?"Dad leaned back into his leather chair as he explained, "Rafael Ramirez has offered to invest and work together on a major new deal. His resources could be just what we need.""That sounds promising," Cameron said lightly but I felt uneasy knowing they were Bianca’s parents."Dad, what's the catch?" I asked. "Nothing comes without strings with the Ramirezes." Dad sighed
SERENA’S POVThe door to my office swung open with a force that caught me off guard, and the next thing I saw was Bianca was striding over to my table like a runway model. She was hard to miss in her tight red dress, expertly applied makeup, and heels that added at least 4 inches to her height. I arched an eyebrow, unable to suppress a note of annoyance. "Bianca, couldn't you have knocked? There's a thing called courtesy, you know."Bianca tossed her hair back, a haughty smirk on her lips. "Courtesy? Who needs that when you're the daughter of a Ramirez? I can do as I please."I sighed, rubbing my temples, bracing myself."Bianca, what are you doing here?" I asked, getting straight to the point. "I just thought we should chat some more. Clear the air, you know?" She replied innocently, taking a sip of coffee from the mug she wrapped her fingers over . I tensed, not in the mood for her games. "I just asked,what do you want, Bianca?""Oh, don't play dumb with me, Serena. We both know
SERENA’S POVI could feel my body aching as I finally gained consciousness again. I opened my eyes slowly and winced, taking in my surroundings. All I could see was an empty room made of bare concrete walls and a single bulb overhead. I realized that my wrists were bound tightly behind the cold metal chair. I started to panic instantly. Where the hell was I and how long had I been there ? Twisting against the ropes, I opened my mouth to scream but only gagged noises came out as my mouth was tied. I tried to shake off myself from the chair but it was too tight. The door scraped open suddenly, and three men entered.My heart leapt into my mouth as I stared at them. Two hefty men which I recognized from earlier were standing with an average sized man puffing on a cigar. His hair was cut short and he was wearing glasses and sprouted a long beard.He grinned toothily, stepping forward."Don't even think about screaming, girlie," he warned as he puffed on his cigar. He snapped his finger
SERENA’S POVI barely slept at all last night, Richard Miller's threats replaying in my mind over and over. I also didn’t let anyone at home know that I was kidnapped so that they didn’t need to worry about anything.By the time sunlight started peeking through my curtains, I gave up any pretense of sleep. My head pounded as I dragged myself out of bed, but I ignored it. I couldn’t wait to get to work and confront Bianca, because just maybe she had some way to explain all this. As I hurried out the door, Mom called after me. "Serena, are you all right?" I forced a smile and pecked her cheek. "I'm fine, just running late." But her worried frown told me she didn't believe the lie. Once in my car, I sped towards the office, not even caring that I was breaking more than a few traffic laws.Bianca strolled in like she owned the place just after 7am, looking put together as always. I stormed up to her, unable to wait a moment longer. "We need to talk. Now."She rolled her eyes melodramat
CAMERON’S POVSeconds slowed as I stared at her, swallowing hard. "I —I never stopped loving you, Serena. And I always will." I had definitely been dying to tell her that but if she wasn’t sober right now,she definitely wouldn’t remember by morning. Then slowly, hesitantly, she took a small step closer to me until we were just a breath apart. My heart raced as I searched her eyes, and then finally, very gently, she pressed her lips to my cheek. A shiver went down my spine at the feather light touch. Lifting a hand, my fingers found her silky hair and I whispered, "You need some rest, Serena."She pulled back, eyes flashing defensively. "Don't tell me what to do Cameron. You have no idea what I'm dealing with." "Then help me understand," I pleaded gently. "Let me be here for you." For a long moment she just stared at me, and then she turned away, heading for her room.I followed suit, watching her change into a short black dress that hugged her full curves."Where are you going n