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027. Trapped Souls
Last Updated:
2025-03-19 10:44:41
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His Hired Lover 28. Signed and Sealed
SOFIA’s POVI felt the slow drag of Rios’s fingers tracing lazy patterns along the small of my back. My head rested on his chest, the steady thrum of his heartbeat filling the quiet between us. My private part still ached, though a deep, pleasant exhaustion settled into my muscles after being bound for what felt like forever. Two hours. I never imagined sex could last that long. My ex barely made it past fifteen minutes.Heat crept up my neck as flashes of the night surfaced; his mouth, his hands, the way his tongue worshipped every inch of me. The way he lingered between my thighs until I was a trembling mess. The way my wrists still tingled from the silk restraints, my body still sensitive from the relentless, intoxicating rhythm of him thrusting into me. Even now, with my legs entwined in his and my thighs pressed against his warm, solid muscles, the cold air in the room was nothing compared to the heat still simmering between us.“What are you thinking?” Rios’s voice sounded thick
Last Updated : 2025-03-25His Hired Lover 29. Last Day As A Waitress
SOFIA’s POVI stepped into Lorenzo’s, my sneakers scuffing against the familiar tiled floor. I focused on feeling the fabric of this body-hugging black uniform against my skin. Today was the last time I’d wear this dress and white apron. After my shift, I’d be trading my waitress outfit for studio lights and call sheets.I could smell the scent of garlic and simmering tomato sauce from the kitchen, indicating that Mike had already started cooking. Danilo also greeted me with his usual “Looking so pretty today, Sofia!” which earned a warm chuckle from me.I pulled out my camera, flicked it on, and let my practiced smile settle into place. “Get ready with me as I film my last day as a waitress at Lorenzo’s.”The red light blinked to life. Danilo stood near the bar, polishing a glass with the same half-distracted focus he always had. But when he saw me with the camera, he grinned and waggled his fingers at the lens. “Gonna miss you, Sofia,” he said, voice thick with that easy charm he nev
Last Updated : 2025-03-25His Hired Lover 30. Veleria, the New Bodyguard
Being dishonorably discharged from the Philippine Marines had left Valeria with deep scars and a resentment that festered as the years rolled by.She was 24 when they took everything from her. Now, at 36, she had spent her years in isolation sharpening her body and mind and preparing for the day she would walk free. It seemed that killing her superior hadn’t been enough. There were still names on her list. All were of people who had stolen her best years.She had spent a decade locked away in Camp Crame Maximum Security Prison, sentenced to Reclusión Perpetua, where she had to spend 30 years without the possibility of parole for murder. If Rios Alcaraz hadn’t pulled strings for her early release, she’d still be rotting in that cell.But freedom came with a price. She would be facing a different kind of imprisonment. But this time, it would be under the shackles of a Mafia Boss. And Valeria was sure the job would demand every ounce of her training and combat skills.“What do you need in
Last Updated : 2025-03-26His Hired Lover 31. A Twisted Tournament
Rios squinted as the harsh arena lights flooded his vision, their glare bouncing off the golden cages that lined the pit below. This huge place had become cramped because of the large number of spectators. The air had gone thick with heat, and the scent of sweat, blood, and spilled liquor merged into something pungent and suffocating.Around him, the crowd roared with a chaotic mix of cheers, jeers, and feverish anticipation. Men in silk suits and women draped in jewels leaned forward, their eyes gleaming with the same hunger as the predators they had paid to watch. Those who paid bigger secured the nearest chairs. But he and his father sat in the isolated part where they could clearly see everyone.He shifted in his seat, his hands pressing into the smooth leather as his gaze flickered to his father. Don Demitre Alcaraz was a serious and heavyset man whose presence screamed danger. The dim glow of the chandeliers caught the sharp angles of his face. Those cold eyes locked at the pit b
Last Updated : 2025-03-27His Hired Lover 32. Meeting the Acting Coach
SOFIA’s POVHugo was already waiting for me outside Star Channel Studios, his cheerful persona reflected in the colorful suit he was wearing, which was paired with red stiletto heels.“Nice outfit, darling,” he said, scanning my white tank top tucked into high-waisted black jeans. The fabric felt snug against my frame. I had decided to throw over it an oversized beige cardigan, and on my feet were these ridiculously expensive white sneakers.“And you look gorgeous as ever,” I replied smilingly.He pulled me in for a cheek-to-cheek kiss before we entered the glass doors of the building. Even stepping inside felt like trespassing. But I was able to shake off the uncomfortable feeling because nowadays, I have been going in and out of buildings with polished floors, minimalist furniture, and walls lined with framed posters and paintings. In this building, movie posters of people who had already made it were displayed.Hugo moved quickly, his phone buzzing every few seconds, the sharp notes
Last Updated : 2025-03-27His Hired Lover 33. A Fight and A Wedding Schedule
SOFIA’s POVIt was already past 7 PM when I stepped out of SCS. After that grueling, nerve-wracking first lesson with Helena, Hugo had introduced me to some people at Star Channel. And since he was, without a doubt, a chatterbox, we ended up in his office, sharing a glass of wine while he rambled about his long experience as a manager.Walking out of the building, I spotted Valeria waiting, sharp and on time as always. She gave me a quick nod before leading me to the waiting car. Even in the dim streetlights, she carried herself with authority. Her short, tousled hair and intimidating posture gave her a boyish edge, but there was something undeniably attractive about her. Maybe it was the way her sharp brows framed her deep-set eyes or how her full lips curved into that rare smirk. Sometimes, I caught myself staring. Not that it meant anything—my DNA just wasn’t wired that way, no matter how much Valeria looked more than a gender bender than a bodyguard.“You’d be surprised, Miss Sofia
Last Updated : 2025-03-28His Hired Lover 34. Wedding Gowns And A Call
Beatrice strode through the elegant hallways of Maison Éminence, her heels clicking against the marble floors of Manila’s premier luxury boutique in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over gold-accented interiors, while ivory-draped fitting rooms lined the walls like private sanctuaries. Glass cases displayed rare Hermès Birkins and diamond-encrusted stilettos, each piece carefully curated for the country’s most powerful women. The air carried a faint trace of agarwood and fresh peonies, a fragrance as rich as the clientele it welcomed.With a flick of her wrist, she approached the front desk, looking down at the petite receptionist over her Gucci glasses. “I have a reservation with Mrs. Rita Alcaraz.”“One moment, please,” the receptionist replied, her fingers twitching slightly over the keyboard as she stole a nervous glance at Beatrice’s poised stance.“She’s waiting for you at the private lounge, Miss Beatrice.”Without a word, Beatrice turned on he
Last Updated : 2025-03-29His Hired Lover 35. A Shotgun Wedding
SOFIA’S POVWhen Rios told me we were going to a special place, I didn’t expect to step into a private venue at Okada Manila, where a judge was already waiting for us. The room radiated modern elegance with its ambient lighting and glass windows overlooking the bay. The delicate fragrance of white roses, baby's breath, and white snapdragons mingled with the faint scent of fresh linen and luxury. Also, a soft piano melody played in the background, creating an intimate ambiance.I barely had time to process the setting before Valeria and Kyle took their seats across from my manager, Hugo. The shock on my face was evident as I saw him here. Beside my fabulous manager stood a striking brunette in a red silk midi dress with a plunging neckline, the kind of effortlessly expensive outfit that only someone with generational wealth could pull off.She was tall, stunning, and polished to perfection. Her flawless blowout and those subtle diamond earrings hinted the kind of confidence that came fr
Last Updated : 2025-03-31
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His Hired Lover 63. Escape
SOFIA’s POVI didn’t wait for Rios after the flight. I went straight to my bedroom and hurled some clothes into the suitcase.I felt so mad inside, but I wasn’t going to say that in front of his face. I already told him I called Mina and the two of us were going somewhere. My clothes looked wrinkled and uneven, but I didn’t care. My passport sat open on the desk beside my phone. One word blinked at me from the itinerary email: Spain. I had to breathe. I had to remind myself to continue existing outside of him.The door swung open hard. Then Rios's voice cracked through the silence like glass. "You're going where?"I didn’t turn. "Spain."He stepped in, closing the door with a thud. "Now? After everything that just happened? We just came back from the Tribunal."I zipped the suitcase halfway. "Exactly because of everything that just happened.""Sofia, you can’t do this. You're still legally bound to me. And the contract—""Yes, I know," I snapped. "And I am not running away, okay? But
His Hired Lover 62. Of Grief and Revenge
The funeral passed quietly. The Sandoval estate, tucked behind high iron gates and hedges too well-groomed for grief, saw only a handful of visitors. Men in charcoal suits exchanged brief nods as women in their black dresses stood side by side. Many of those who attended Beatrice Sandoval’s last farewell were old associates, syndicate men, and loyalists who owed their lives or fortunes to Rodulf. There were no sobs and no flowery speeches. The grieving father only saw grim faces and a sky too blue for a coffin where his daughter lay. Rodulf stood still, his hand resting on the coffin's edge. He didn’t blink as it was lowered into the earth. The priest mumbled something about peace and eternal light, but Rodulf heard only a voice from years ago. He could hear the younger and brighter version of his daughter. She was a brat indeed, but at least she was alive.“Daddy, please! There's nothing I want to marry with, only Rios. You have to find a way for him and me to get married.”She was
His Hired Lover 61. Clarity
Rios walked beside his wife and felt like he was leading a queen into the throng of people beneath the stairs. Her delicate hand rested lightly on his arm, and the mask simmering under the ballroom lights hid the bruises on her pretty face. He had managed to convince her to come with him to this last event of the annual tribunal, and he was prouder than ever to call her his. The silk of her gown clung beautifully to her curves, and—God, her eyes—were the only thing in the room that kept him grounded. He had seen many beautiful women. He had watched them crawl through diamonds and power, but Sofia had that gaze that automatically pulled every eye in the room. Just like what was happening now. As they stepped into the masquerade, everyone turned. Even the big Mafia bosses nodded at every step they took. They were looking at her. He felt proud of his wife, but his fingers still tensed against her arm. Every fucking one of them seemed to be undressing her—and not even pretending they we
His Hired Lover 60. Fire and Pain
SOFIA’S POVThe sheets felt like velvet against my raw skin, but every movement sent sparks of pain shooting up my ribs.Violet bruises were still decorating my arms, and deep purple and sickly yellow could be seen in some areas of my thighs and face. These were souvenirs from Beatrice's goons before the duel. And when I fought with Beatrice, my lower lip was split and felt tender to the touch. One eye still refused to open fully. It still looked puffed and angry that I refused to look at the mirror. Other bruises had also started to bloom darkly over my ribs and arms, purpling my thighs, and feathering my jawline. I barely recognized myself.And I remembered.I remembered the girl who used to flinch from her own reflection. The girl with the crooked, ugly nose, and the girl whose cheek had been carved by a childhood accident. I left my hometown and found a guy who financed my whims, then I had surgeries later. Back then, before the surgical operation, I hated every inch of my face.
His Hired Lover 59. A Choice to Consider
A voice thundered from the head of the tribunal table. "You are given a choice. Become officially part of the Mafia or—"But before the threat could settle, Sofia’s voice cut through the thick, suffocating air. "No," she said sharply as her fists clenched at her sides. "I just did what I needed to do."Sasha looked over her shoulder, locking eyes with Aunt Rita as they listened to Sofia's voice filling the place. Sasha felt a knot forming in her stomach. Why would Sofia turn down an offer that would surely shield her against the Sandovals’ wrath? Just earlier, Sofia had survived the duel against that spoiled Mafia heiress, Beatrice. The bitch was finally dead—not by their hands, but it didn’t matter. Rios’s contract wife had done it for them. Relief flickered in Sasha’s chest, but it tangled with a gnawing worry. Surely, Beatrice’s death was bound to blow up the tension between the Sandovals and their family. Across the field, Rios was already leading Sofia out, cradling her like she
His Hired Lover 58. The Duel
SOFIA’s POVI woke up in a cell. Concrete walls, gray and sweating with cold, welcomed my vision. When I looked around, I only saw a single steel bed bolted to the floor. There was also one toilet in the corner. It was clean, but rust was forming around its edges. My wrists were chained to the wall, heavy and short enough that I couldn’t sit up straight. Also, my face throbbed. Each pulse sent a sharp and steady ache in my jaw and my cheekbones. I then remembered the two men in masks. Their knuckles cracked before they landed their blows. They made sure to knock the breath out of me, again and again, until all I could do was gasp and fade. Then I remembered the wooden box after that. I felt I was floating before fading out again.And now, I was in a cell.“Help!” I shouted. “Somebody… help me!” But only the echoes of my voice answered my call.Suddenly, the metal door creaked. I flinched and felt a slight relief upon seeing my husband.“Oh, babe,” he whispered as he stepped inside, c
His Hired Lover 57. In Session
Once everyone was seated, the room fell into silence as Rios stepped into the circle. Torchlight flickered off the walls, and only the rustle of papers and the waves outside could be heard. At the center of the round table, the thick and almost ancient Secret Ledger lay unopened. Rios placed his palm on the book, and one by one, the bosses rose from their high-backed chairs, their footsteps echoing as they moved to perform the ritual before formally going into session.Kenji Takahashi bowed stiffly before placing his hand on the cover. Rika followed quickly. Next to her was Vittorino Mancini, who muttered something in Italian under his breath and kissed two fingers before pressing them to the spine of the book. Luca Bellanti grunted and followed suit. Then Gabriel Fonseca approached slowly, crossed himself, and whispered a blessing that sounded more like a curse because of his language. Meanwhile, Catalina Cabrerra didn't speak.Beatrice Sandoval placed her hand on the Ledger next, s
His Hired Lover 56. The Coming of the Gods
Each major international Mafia Boss was required by the Ledger to bring one allied or subordinate family into the Tribunal. Each ally would serve as a witness and backup power. Rios recalled that there would be ten power seats from the active circle, which were the five global syndicate leaders and their invited family bosses.Not long after, the esteemed bosses were arriving one by one.“Firipin e okaerinasai,” greeted Rios as he and Kenji Takahashi bowed formally toward each other. The serious man, whose voice was soft but always made Rios nervous, had come all the way from Osaka, Japan. Takahashi was a former enforcer in the Yamaguchi-gumi syndicate, but had risen as the leader of his own splinter group. He didn’t talk much, but when it came to business, he was always eager to share how he grew his empire, which was through tech, crypto laundering, and, of course, his brutal efficiency. He was known as the kind of man who eliminated rivals before they even spoke. The Japanese man w
His Hired Lover 55. Cardinal Rules
Rios stood in front of the grand hall where his private meetings with the Mafia were often held. The sound of the waves outside the building called loudly, but the silence only drowned out the impending excitement.In about three hours, the Mafia Tribunal would be held on this private island in Batangas. His family called the venue Taal Island Fortress—a private ancestral estate on a volcanic island in the country. For years, the Alcaraz family had owned such an esteemed, secluded place that could only be reached by chopper or private boat. No wonder it had been one of the places the Sandoval family had been eyeing.Rios heaved a nervous sigh. The annual Tribunal required each Mafia Boss to bring at least one prominent Mafia family from their turf. In the Philippines, only the Alcarazes and the Sandovals controlled most of the regions. It automatically meant Rios had to bring the Sandovals with him. The invitations had been sent. Somewhere deep in his mind, he hoped and prayed none of
