MasukArielle's POV "What are you doing here, Maven?" I asked the moment I met Maven dropping Violet home. I had just come to visit."And you?" he shot back."I came to see my friend," I snapped.He gave a wry smile. "Well, I offered my sister's friend a ride." Then, he got into the car, grinning."My eyes are on you," I said.He winked at me before driving off.I turned back to Violet immediately. "You didn't tell me you were back with Maven.""No. We're not back together." She bit her lip. "We were never anything, by the way. He just wanted to apologize.""So, did you accept the apology?""It's still in consideration."Her lips curled into a mischievous smile as she grabbed my arm. "Come here. I need the juicy details of last night.""Uh..."She opened the door and dragged me inside. Dropping onto the couch, she looked up at me, her face glowing with excitement. "Start talking.""Well, last night was... sweet, romantic and..." I exhaled. "Hot.""Mm-hmm.""Uh... we kissed. He made me feel
Violet's POV I locked my door and stepped down from the porch, only to notice a car parked in the driveway. I frowned slightly. That was odd. None of my parents had visited in two years now. No one really came here. It was just me. As I got closer, the window rolled down.And just like that, my mood dropped.Damn it.It was Maven."Hop in," he said—more like a command, than a request.I gave him one long stare, shook my head and walked past his car.The engine sputtered to life, and soon the car rolled up beside me. "Get in, Violet," he said again. I swallowed and picked up my pace, refusing to spare him a glance.As I walked, he kept driving slowly beside me. People jogging nearby had already started staring. I didn't even care. I wasn't going to take a ride from him no matter what.He continued following me. I raised a hand and flagged down a taxi right in front of him. I got in and shut the door without looking back. This would annoy him, but I don't care.As the driver pulle
Arielle's POV He drove me home after, gave me one long stare before I finally got out of the car. I turned to give him one last smile."Hold on," he said then reached for the backseat. He retrieved a shawl and stretched it toward me. "Here," he said. "Wrap it around your neck." I looked down at my neck only to see visible purplish red marks all over. They were impossible to miss."Oh." I let out an awkward chuckle and took the shawl from him. "I remember the last time you gave me a hickey. You wanted me to show it off. Now you're giving me something to cover it."He chuckled. "That was one mark. Your neck is in a... state right now. I'm not ready for your brothers' questioning.""That's not going to be a problem," I said, wrapping the shawl around my neck."If you get in there like that... it's a big problem." He swallowed, staring intently at me. "Take care of yourself.""Sure. I will." I smiled. "You're going to work?"He gave a quick nod."Well... I'll reapply for a position as s
Arielle's POV He gently pushed my hair to one side, and then trailed a slow line with his finger from my ear, down to my lips. I couldn't control my erratic breathing as his thumb pressed against my lips, coaxing them open."F**k. I just want to taint you," he said, his eyes burning with nothing but raw desire.With one swift movement, he flipped me over so i was lying flat, stomach facing the bed.Okay... he was rough. He's rough in bed. I need to speak up.He stretched my cuffed hands farther, then landed a sharp spank on my butt."Oh," I let out a moan, my skin tingling from the sudden sting. My core throbbed in response.I began. "I... I honestly don't know anything about your sex life, but I... Luciano, I need you to go easy on me," I said, my voice shaky.Silence.Then: "I'll try to be gentle."But there was nothing gentle about the next thing he did. The way he pulled me up, making my butt press to his crotch while my upper body stayed low. My cuffed hands still remained str
Arielle's POV "Okay. I'm just gonna leave my hair like this," I said, dropping my hands to my sides. "So, what are you doing, Mr Flynn?" I asked in a tone that came out more sensual than I intended."I'm busy with artwork," his voice was rough, almost tense."Mm. I figured you'd be here." I hummed and began strutting toward him with a slight sway of my hips. When I reached him, I leaned my weight against a table. "What kind of artwork, Mister?"He stared at me. "The kind that deals with Arielle as a masterpiece."I looked away, trying to stop myself from blushing. But I couldn't. When I turned back, he was still staring at me."Can I have a look?" I asked.He immediately covered the canvas. "No.""Besides that first painting you showed me, I've not seen any other one. And you claim everything in this room is of me.""Yes, they are." He stood up and pushed the easel aside. "You can't see them yet. Not until they are perfect. They'll all be yours one day.""Fine." My eyes wandered arou
Gabriel's POV Damn it.If I had known what Jennie wanted to talk about, I wouldn't have answered that phonecall.No. That wasn't Jennie.When I got back to the beach house, Arielle was already standing outside with her clutch in hand."I thought you weren't coming back," she said, her gaze fixed on the ground."I made a promise," I said."Well, I'm tired. I'm done for the night." She tightened her grip on her clutch. "I want to go home. I was about to call—""Your brothers?"She scoffed. "No.""I'll take you home." I extended my hand, hating the dullness in her eyes. "Come here."She finally looked up at me. There was hesitation in her gaze. But she stepped forward anyway and placed her hand in mine.We walked back to the car in silence."How's Jennie?" She asked the moment we settled inside.I clenched my jaw before replying. "She's fine."I started the car, pushing my focus to the steering wheel. But Arielle's eyes on me kept distracting me."You know she's very fond of you. Extra
THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SCENES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. Gabriel's POV "No. No. Don't take her," I yelled as the men dragged my mother out of the dark room we'd been locked in since morning. I struggled to go with her, but one of the bulky muscular men shoved me back, sending me crashing face-first on
Gabriel's POV As soon as we arrived at the estate, I ignored everyone and headed straight inside. My men knew better than to try having a talk with me. They were used to this kind of anger. My grandfather was receiving a drip through his cannula, Linnie standing by his side. Linnie had a pertu
Gabriel's POV Sitting back regally against my study cushion, I stared into space, swirling the drink in my glass, maintaining a calm composure despite the rage simmering within me. A feedback from Alessio, whether positive or negative will determine how I would eventually react. I waited calm
Maven's POV Ever since Arielle left the house, we agreed not to go after her. We gave her space because that's what she needed. Eryx didn't like the idea, but I convinced him to let her be. She easily got irritated when she was angry, so it was best to leave her alone.Days had gone by, and we st







