EvelynAs the cab trailed behind his car, my surprise morphed into apprehension when it bypassed his office without halting. Suspicion intertwined with worry as God, the memory of the past incident loomed large in my mind—I dreaded the notion of enduring such turmoil again, especially with the weight of our current struggles pressing down upon us. Tyler had spared no effort in tarnishing his image, and the mere prospect of history repeating itself threatened to shatter Jacob irreparably.I couldn’t let that happen, at all costs.Amidst the whirlwind of my thoughts, my gaze remained fixed on his car up ahead, witnessing it come to a halt in front of a hotel. He stepped out, prompting me to urge the cab driver to pull over a few feet away, ensuring we remained unnoticed, a request he thankfully obliged.I hastily settled the fare, striving to keep him in sight as he disappeared into the hotel.Why would he be at a hotel?Was he meeting someone? Damn it, this situation was spiraling out
EvelynIt turned out that the address Tyler had given me led to a hotel, though a different one from where I'd stumbled upon my boyfriend locking lips with his ex—a sight as sweet as a lemon wedge in an open wound. Very very sweet indeed. Life seemed to have a knack for fucking with me from every angle, but hey, at least I was getting a firsthand tour of Rome's swanky hotels and a crash course in Italian social dynamics.So far, the three Italians I'd encountered—Jacob Adriano, Tyler Ricci, and Chloe the bitch—had left me less than impressed. Not that I was painting all Italians with the same tainted brush, but were they all cut from the same dysfunctional cloth? Hard to say. And frankly, I wasn't sure I cared to find out. My experiences with Italians thus far had been nothing short of nightmarish and weirdly fucked-up. So, forgive me if I wasn't exactly eager to cozy up to another Italian male, especially not the innocent, put-together types like Jacob, or the ones whose corruption
EvelynMy feet seemed to resist every step toward Jacob's apartment. Every fiber of my being yearned to distance myself from him. Yet, I knew I had to go back. Despite the turmoil that life and Tyler had thrown our way, I understood Jacob's desperation to find a solution.Even though I wanted to blame him entirely for kissing Chloe, I couldn't.Taking a deep breath, I opened the apartment door and stepped inside. Jacob was pacing back and forth, his face damp, likely from splashing water on it—judging by the open tap at the sink. His movements were frantic as he continuously called, presumably for me.Well...My phone died halfway here. I'd received numerous calls from him during the taxi ride, but I couldn't bring myself to answer."God, Evelyn. Please pick up," he pleaded, his restlessness palpable.Just as he turned, perhaps to leave the apartment in search of me—something he likely did multiple times judging by his disheveled appearance—our eyes met.His eyes widened in surprise, b
Jacob"This is our last hope," he whispered, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope and anxiety, "We have a witness who can testify against those women accusing me of harassment in the office. All those fake texts and edited videos spreading through the media, it could all come to an end if this plan suceeds.""Everything's going to be fine," I reassured him, reaching out to gently squeeze his hand. "Let's hope for the best.""If things go as planned, I'll get my company back, and even if I can't prove Tyler's behind it all, just getting back on the field will be a victory for now," he sighed, standing up and slipping on his shirt.I covered my naked body with the duvet, pressing my back against the headboard as I took a deep breath. I was nervous. I desperately hoped everything would return to normal. Seeing Jacob weighed down by this constant gloom—it tore me fucking apart. I was ready to face any struggle with him, but I knew Jacob wasn't prepared for this fight. He didn't deserve
EvelynI slipped into the robe, moving quietly so as not to disturb Jacob as he had finally drifted off to sleep after a long hour of reassurances. Truth be told, I wasn't entirely sure what I was reassuring him about—I was simply trying to shield him from the pain. And if the truth was the source of his suffering, then I'd shield him from it. He didn't need to face it if it meant enduring even more agony.Picking up the packet of Jacob's cigarettes and his lighter from the table, I made my way to the balcony. Leaning against the railing, I retrieved a cigarette, lit it up, and placed it between my lips.Yes, this was basically my first time smoking, but I already knew I could handle it judging by the extreme amount of stress pressing down on me right now.As I took the first drag, the ashy, bitter taste of the smoke stroked my throat, and I exhaled slowly through my mouth and nose.Well...No wonder Clara smoked when she was stressed. This shit definitely felt like an escape.I took
EvelynMy hands trembled as I dialed his number, the early morning light casting a dim glow through the curtains. Jacob lay asleep, unknown of the turmoil raging inside me, cocooned beneath the duvet. I had tucked him in just moments ago, my heart heavy with the weight of what I was about to do.I didn't know what the fuck I was doing. All I knew was that it had to be done, and it had to be done right.The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before he finally answered, his voice thick with sleep. "Hello?"So, the bastard was indeed sleeping. Probably in some other woman's bed, given his notorious reputation. I was sure he had different women depending on the days."Hello, this is Evelyn," I forced out, trying to keep my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside me."Evelyn?" There was a note of surprise in his groggy voice."Yes, it's me. Though it's a wonder you don't recognize my voice, considering your apparent obsession with the idea of sleeping with me.""Wel
EvelynMy throat went dry at his words, breath hitching as it quickened its pace. A peculiar kind of fear clawed at my insides, coiling and threatening to overwhelm me. But retreat wasn't an option; I had to see this through, no matter the toll it exacted.His hand reached for my jaw, fingers spreading wide as he pulled me closer. His breath, warm and heavy, washed over my face, his hungry gaze fixed on my lips as he licked his own. Despite the layers between us, the primal desire in his eyes was unmistakable, a beast lurking beneath the surface—he was a monster. A sickening filthy monster."Why waste time when we both know what you're here for?" His voice was a dangerous murmur, dangerously close to my lips. "Tonight, you belong to me. And I'll have you any way I fucking please. God! This is surely going to be better than any of my dreams.”He leaned in for a kiss, but I turned my head at the last moment, refusing to yield. My breath came in ragged gasps, my chest rising and falling
EvelynI watched as Jacob’s fist collided with Tyler’s face, sending him crashing to the floor. The resounding thud and the sickening crack of the punch reverberated through the room, making me shiver. My eyes widened in shock, a gasp escaping my lips as I struggled to comprehend the unfolding scene. Reality hit me hard; I knew I had messed up, big time.In mere moments, before Tyler could even recover, Jacob seized his collar, hauling him to his feet, and unleashed a barrage of harsh blows. Relentlessly. Surprisingly, Tyler didn’t attempt to evade the onslaught. Amidst the flurry of punches, a chuckle escaped his lips. "You're getting yourself into trouble, Mr. Adriano. You'll have to pay for this, in worse ways." His tone said that he meant it and as far as I had gotten to know Tyler—he sure wasn’t going back away from his words. Not now. Not anytime soon."Do I seem scared to you?" Jacob chuckled darkly, landing yet another blow. Blood gushed from Tyler's nose, staining Jacob's knu