MasukAdrielle Hale Pedro is silent. He's probably thinking about what Sofia said. She knows. Sofia knew all along that her husband was cheating on her, and yet, her way of trying to smooth things over is still there. She's still trying to contain her son's looming anger toward his father. "How long have you known?" Pedro's voice comes out softly. Sofia sighs sadly, as if she wants to keep this secret a secret for longer. "When you were born, I suspected he was having an affair with someone at the company. Max was away a lot. More than necessary," she replies calmly, as if the pain of finding out hadn't affected her. "Twenty-two years later, you disappeared, Pedro. Leaving behind someone you loved, and Leonard tried to take your place. He became close to Max. I even overheard a phone conversation between them, where his father said Leonard was his son and that he should get treatment if he wanted to remain so." I knew something was wrong with him the moment Max hired him as a lawyer for
Adrielle Hale Bruno didn't need surgery. But I administered an anticoagulant into his vein. There are marks on his head, as if something had hit him hard. His vital signs are good, returning to normal. He's clean, wearing clean clothes, and has just been taken to a room. Andrew, the emergency room doctor, is escorting him to the room right now. Only one thing caught my attention about Bruno: there's writing in permanent ink on his arm. The phrase sent a terrifying shiver through my body. "Keep searching, and your daughter will end up like Miss Reyes." I remember seeing her name. She's Fernando's daughter. The girl Leonard killed. It's a threat to Pedro. But it also affects me. He's threatening my daughter. I know it's Leonard, but I don't know how he found Bruno. If I remember correctly, he was also looking for Bruno this morning. I head toward the waiting room, where I asked Pedro to wait. He's sitting with his hands on his head. I enter the room and close the door. It's just
Pedro Hernandez The sound of the ambulance echoes in my mind. Even after it sped off the street. Abby is with Minnie, inside the house. She took her the moment she realized what was happening. I feel Adie's touch on my shoulder, bringing me back to reality. My chest tightens, the shortness of breath overtakes me, and I can't breathe properly. "Baby," I hear her voice in the background. "Pedro, we have to go to the hospital." I lean forward and place my hand on my side. I gasp for air, breathing in the fresh air of the trees on our sidewalk. I can't have a seizure now. Not with everything going on. I blink a few times, trying to reorganize my thoughts as I turn to Adie. "I think you'll have to drive…" I say, massaging my chest, feeling my heart clench so hard the pain is now physical. "Come on, Pedro," Adie says, touching my face as she guides me toward the car. I take a deep breath, but my chest still feels tight. I stagger toward the passenger side. Adie gets into the driver's
Pedro Hernandez I put the phone back on the table and sigh heavily. This is strange. Bruno never disappears like this or loses signal. I pick up my phone again and dial my mother's number. I imagine she knows where he's gone, or maybe he's actually at home, busy with something. On the third ring, she answers, and I can hear her laughter and that of my aunts on the other end. "He's really a gentleman, Sofia," I hear Aunt Margarita's voice. "Yes, he is," my mother says, before focusing on our call. "Honey. I'm sorry, your aunts and I were talking. Is everything okay?" "I need you to answer this, Mom," I reply, massaging my face. "I'm trying to reach Bruno, can you tell me where he is?" She's silent for a few moments. "I don't know where he is, honey. Bruno went out yesterday afternoon and hasn't come back yet. He told me he was coming home but he hasn't arrived yet." My mother replies. I feel uneasy, a sense of foreboding. With what's been happening these past few days, I'm alway
Pedro Hernandez I watch the woman lying beside me, her head on my chest. Things outside don't seem to affect us at the moment. It's just the two of us, snuggled up against each other, a thin blanket covering us. Our house does seem quiet, but in a good way. I gently stroke her back. I've been wondering if I should tell her about my plans involving her. Adie knows I plan to marry her, but I should tell her about the foundation in Abby's honor. I didn't just say that to say I have an ace up my sleeve, an idea for a project that will never be implemented. This project will be implemented. And I'll be very happy if it can help people who come from troubled homes, from violent families. "Your heart is racing faster than usual, my love," she comments softly. "What are you thinking about?" Adie lifts her head so she can meet my eyes. For a moment, I forgot she can hear my heartbeat. But I don't want you to think there's anything wrong, I just want you to adjust my idea if you prefer. I ta
Pedro HernandezMy entire body is on fire, wanting her as soon as possible, just as I know Adie wants me too. I leave light kisses on her neck, making sure I don't leave any marks. That's not what she wants. Her fingers find their way into the hair on the back of my neck and pull it vigorously. Her body is forcing closer contact with mine. I smile a little, seeing how desperate she is, just as I am.I undo my boxer briefs and slide myself back between her legs. They're open, giving me plenty of room to penetrate her. Her eyes stare at me with as much desire as I expected her to feel. I slide my hand down her body until I reach her intimate area and caress her, making sure she's lubricated enough not to hurt her.I'm going to fuck her. Gently.My fingers feel the liquid soaking her intimate area, and I return to caressing her clit with light movements. I don't insert a finger into her entrance. My cock will do it. And it's throbbing, wanting to be inside her as soon as possible. It's u
Adrielle Hale I notice Abby in the living room; she's watching a cartoon about whales on TV. Pedro is right, our daughter is madly in love with sea animals, just like me. The apple never falls far from the tree, does it? Minnie made Abby's favorite food today: Mexican burritos. Without the chili,
Pedro Hernandez I hear the door close and make my way to my desk, where Victor is now sitting back in his chair. His eyes scan me curiously. “I heard you were caught off guard by a barrage of journalists downstairs.” he says, his tone stifling a laugh as I remove my blazer and prop it on the chai
Adrielle Hale “I don't want to talk right now.” he growls, before setting his shoes down beside the bed and standing up. “Leo, just let me explain this.” I ask, trying to ensure the atmosphere between us doesn't become too tense to breathe. “I already told you I don't want you near him. And you
Pedro HernandezThe valet takes my car as soon as I get out. I make my way to the reception desk, where I see two dark-haired women with bright smiles. I barely have time to step into the lobby before I'm attacked by a wave of journalists. Their microphones are pointed in my face, and I can't proce







