Lorena ensured Makris was deep in sleep before she mustered all her strength to push him off her body. Gently, she rolled off the bed and tiptoed out of the room. Only when she was safe in her room, did she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Now, she was angry."Beg him? Will I beg him to touch me? Who does he think I am? Some pathetic, desperate chic craving his touch? Stupid, stupid bastard!" She thought aloud."He's not even all that. I blame the multiple women that have made him believe he is some catch. My Marcielo is a better man than that asshole!" She landed with a thud on her bed. She crossed her legs and folded her hands tightly. Scrunching her face, she allowed the events of the past twenty-four hours to resurface. Then she got teary-eyed."I hope you're okay, Marci. I do." The suspense was killing her. She unclasped her sweaty palms as a thought struck her mind. She turned around to reach out for her phone on the bed stand, but it wasn't there. She searched
Lorena marched into the living room, where Makris and Lauren had made themselves highly comfortable. The blonde beauty sat too close to him for comfort as they discussed. Lauren would brush her hands against his bare chest at intervals, then giggle like a schoolgirl. Lorena tried to convince herself she didn't care as she watched them, but she couldn't shake the anger swelling inside her."Makris, I need to talk to you alone." She called from the position she was standing. He raised his head and gave her a once-over."Why can't we talk here?" He raised a perfect brow. Lauren laughed but quickly covered it with a fake cough.Lorena's face turned crimson, and her eyes grew with rage. It was apparent he was provoking her now. Hell-bent on embarrassing her. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath. She didn't trust herself not to lose it. "You need to walk away, Lore." The saner voice in her head said."Shut it, goody! She needs to give that arrogant prick a piece of her mind." Th
"Can I get a quick bite before I leave, Tanika?" Lorena said, walking into the kitchen. After tossing and turning all night, wondering what precisely sexy bridal meant and why she was getting involved in this at all, she finally concluded that she was doing it for the kids."Good morning, my lady. I made croissants." Tanika replied, already setting the plate."Oh, Tani, you spoil me so well. How come you know how to cook this good." She asked, already salivating.Tanika giggled, loving the shortened version of her name, especially coming from Lorena. "From my grandma. She had both African and Spanish heritage. She taught me everything I know about cooking."Lorena's face grew sad momentarily. It was too bad she didn't know her mother long enough to learn many things. They were also not very close to the other relatives."Are you okay?" Tanika sounded worried, and that made Lorena smile."Of course I'm fine," She hopped on the kitchen slab. "I just remembered something, but it's not im
"Mr. Makris!" Alonso jumped up and moved over to him. "It's an honor to meet you finally. I am Alonso, Lorena's manager." He stretched his hands for a handshake, like a little boy who just met his idol. Lorena was disgusted. In truth, Alonso was just happy Lorena's husband-to-be was around to keep Tim away. He didn't trust the Frenchman and his saccharine tongue."Nice to meet you too, Alonso." He took his hands and even managed a smile. Lorena's frown deepened. She couldn't even muster a pretend smile to save herself."Makris, this is my director and head photographer, Tim. He'll be handling the shoot today." Tina said, pointing to Tim."Hello, Tim." Makris stretched out his hands.Tim gave him a once-over before slowly stretching his hand to accept the handshake. Makris grinned when the man applied a little pressure on his hands before quickly withdrawing it. Someone was trying to come off as intimidating, and it would be a damn good day for him.Tina cleared her throat, interrupti
"Lorena!" Makris called, following behind her, but she ignored him while searching for Tim. She expected to see at least some staff outside, but the places closest to the office she had been left alone with Makris were all empty. She took a turn and bumped into someone."Lorena?" Alonso held on to her. "I got your message. What's wrong?" He asked, brushing her face."Nothing is wrong. Ignore the message. I'm ready for my shoot." She said, stepping out of Alonso's embrace."You are?" Makris said, making the round."You heard me, my darling." She said with a fake smile while also mimicking Laura's voice. His brow raised, giving her a steady look. She shrugged, and her smile increased. If he thought he had figured her out completely, he was a joker. If he only knew she did, Broadway shows as an actress in disguise. Maybe it was time. Markris learned she was not the one to toy with."Very well then, my dear, let's do it." He said, his eyes never leaving her face. To an onlooker, they were
"My God!" Tim walked to her. "You are breathtaking!""Thank you, Tim," She smiled, despite the rioting storm she was within herself. This was the one place her acting skills helped. She took in a deep breath, ready to perform for a lifetime."Sweetheart, you look gorgeous! Doesn't she Mark?" Tina came in with Alonso squealed."Mark?" Lorena thought, almost rolling her eyes."She does," Markris cleared his throat. "Shall we begin now?" It took a lot of effort to tear his eyes away from her—even more, effort to act nonchalant. Still, no matter where he set his gaze, her scent lingered in his brain. The picture she presented swirled around his head, tormenting him. He had been with enough women, but no one ever had this unexplainable effect on him. He just wanted to get everything over with because he was this close to embarrassing himself."Are you okay, baby?" Alonso asked, a worried expression crossing his face. She nodded and smiled."It's time." Her treacherous voice whispered."Sti
"Where are you coming from dressed like that, Lorena?" Her father asked, stomping his cane hard on the ground. Lorena jerked up and began to tremble. She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out. Instead, she settled for covering her body with her hands."What is the need for that when the world has seen you naked!" His whole body vibrated as he pointed the shaky cane at her."See, I told you not to do it. Now you're in trouble." Her sane voice mocked."Now is not the time, silly!"She shut her eyes tightly to wade them off. She needed to think quickly. Her father was not supposed to find out about her shoot like this. Her plan was falling apart, and she couldn't even get herself to speak. Also, she wondered what was taking Markris so much time to get inside the house."Signor Cicero, Verona is on the phone. She wants to speak with you." A voice interrupted. As soon as the person became visible, Lorena breathed a sigh of relief."End the call. I don't feel like speaking to her
Lorena found herself on her bedroom floor the following day, wrapped in a blanket. It took a few minutes before she could remember how she ended up there in the first place. She remembered leaving the bathroom and just wanting to sleep. The bed had been uncomfortable, so she sat on the floor momentarily. She must have slept off after that. But the duvet? She didn't remember wrapping herself with that. A knock sounded on her door. She stretched and yawned lazily. Her tummy grumbled, but she felt more relaxed than she had been."Well, don't just stand there. Come in." She said, getting up.The door pushed open, and Tanika came in, followed closely by Roselina. Lorena frowned when she saw the duo together. Tanika was way too sweet to be hanging out with Roselina. But then again, maybe Tanika did need a Rose to be more confident in herself."My lady." Roselina did a mocking bow with a smirk on her face. Tanika's eyes bulged, taken aback by her audacity."Good morning, my lady." Tanika bo