Masuk~Allister~I hurry down to Jess's apartment first thing in the morning. I’ve called her several times this morning, but she never picked up.When I finished up at the dungeon last night, it was already late, so I dropped her a couple of messages apologizing for my absence again.But when I woke up this morning, there was no reply to any of my messages, and when I called, she didn’t pick up.So I had to hurry down to her apartment to see her.I knock, and a moment later, Jess pulls the door open. When she sees me, her expression melts instantly as she smiles."Alli," she calls warmly. "Why are you here this early in the morning?"I smile back at her, relief washing through me at the sight of her."I'm sorry again about last night, Bloom,” I tell her. “I've been trying to reach you, but you didn't pick up. You haven't replied to any of my messages. I thought you were mad at me, so I came to see you."Jess is smiling, her earlier frustration gone. I open my arms for a hug, but I notice s
~Jess~The knock on my door pulls me from the depths of sleep.I stir slightly, my body heavy, my mind still wrapped in the haze of unconsciousness.I yawn, stretching lazily beneath the covers, wishing the disturbance at the door to disappear.Instead, another knock comes.And another…Yet another.My eyes instantly snap open.I groan, blinking against the morning light filtering through the curtains.As I push myself up, I glance down and freeze. I'm still in my clothes from last night.Oh, my goddess! I don't remember getting home from Lumino Lounge last night, nor do I remember getting into bed.I do remember taking lots of wine, but that’s... all.Panic surges through me. I throw the covers off and scramble out of bed, my heart hammering against my ribs.My eyes dart around the room, scanning every corner for the presence of a possible intruder.My hands tremble as I check the bathroom, behind the curtains, windows, and the door, searching for any sign that someone has been here
Bella Harnan doubles over, gasping, her bound hands pressing against her abdomen.I step forward to crouch down beside her, bringing my face level to hers. "Let me make something very clear. I kept your face intact because I need information. But if you don't give me what I came for, I will take you apart piece by piece, and I will leave your face for last so you can watch the whole time."She shivers and lets out a ragged sound. "I-I can- I’m willing to tell you all you need to know,” she breathes."You have my attention."She sits up slowly, placing her back against the wall and wincing in pain as she places her bound hands on her lap.The initial amusement has faded completely from her face. "I was told to follow Jefferson Hoard for two weeks, to gather all the information I can about him.That was what I was doing when your men captured me. I was only following orders. They told me that when they are ready, they will reach out to me. I will simply hand over everything I know about
~Allister~ I’m barely two minutes away from Lumino Lounge when my phone buzzes against my thigh. The screen lights up with Angel’s name. Quickly, I pick up the call and push the phone close to my ear."Alpha," his voice is clipped. "We have a situation over here. The remaining survivor from the attack on the night of the engagement party is dead."I groan frustratingly. "What happened to him?""We found him wrapped in his chain around his neck and turned over his chair. By the time my men got to him, he was already gone."I close my eyes for a moment, hating that this whole thing has lingered till this moment. I should have wrapped everything up by now.In fact, if I didn’t get the hint that someone else was after me, I would have ended Jefferson Hoard’s life and have his chapter closed. But I want him to enjoy the little freedom he can for now. I have no plan of attacking him yet, at least until I get to the root of everything."Where are you now?" I ask Angel. "The dungeon. Also
~Dominic~The elevator doors slide open, and I half-carry, half-drag Jess down the hallway. She's leaning heavily against me, her feet shuffling beneath her, her head lolling against my shoulder."Dom'nic," she slurs, the syllables tangled together. "S'not—where's—I wan' Alli—""Almost there, baby." My voice comes out steady.We stop in front of her door, and I shift my weight, supporting her with one arm while I reach into her purse. My fingers brush past lipstick, keys, her phone—then close around the keycard. I pull it out, swipe it against the lock, and push the door open.Her apartment is dark. I guide her inside, kicking the door shut behind us with my heel."Where-" Jess mumbles, her body swaying. "S'not my-Alli, where is-""I brought you home," I tell her. "You're safe."She's not forming complete sentences. Her eyes keep fluttering shut, then snapping open again, like she's fighting to stay awake and failing.The pink flush from the wine still stains her cheeks, and her hair
Lumino Lounge is so serene and exotic as usual.Allister had made a reservation for us, but, surprisingly, he hasn’t shown up yet.A waiter brings forward a bottle of expensive red wine, but before he can open it, I stop him and tell him to come back as I need to urgently use the restroom.Lumino Lounge is so spacious, and they adopted the same spacious pattern for their restrooms.It runs a large span of space.I push inside one of the stalls only to overhear a phone conversation that is on speaker.The person on the other end of the line is dishing out instructions, but the instructions sound very worrisome.“You breathe as she breathes. Always be a step ahead of your game, and don’t mess tonight up. I’m counting on you.”I don’t get the receiver's reply, as she chose that moment to flush the toilet before she heads out of the stall.A few moments later, I push my stall open only to meet Stephanie about to head out.“Steph?” I call, surprised to see her here.“Oh, my goddess, Dr. Whi
~Jess~Opening my eyes and seeing how reverently Allister is looking at me, I’m instantly hot for him.Allister carries me down from the breakfast bar stool, and I crash my body against his.My arms encircle his shoulders, and my hands pull his head down so I can take his mouth in another wet, hung
~Jess~It’s been a very long and stressful day.After carrying out several surgeries at the hospital, I was so exhausted and was getting ready to head home when Allister’s call appeared on my phone screen.“Bloom,” he calls. “Had a great day?”“More like a stress day,” I groan. “I am so exhausted.
~Jess~ I sit across from Sarah at our small dining table, the food she prepared between us. Opening the large serving dish to scoop some for us, a rich aroma wafts out, making my mouth water instantly. “Wow, it smells amazing,” I say, inhaling deeply. “Olga, you really outdid yourself.” Inside t
Rosie affectionately links her arm through mine, and I quietly pull away, leaving her face stiff with awkward rejection.Understandably, my current actions are confusing to her. Back in Westwood, I took her on a vacation and was even passionate and indulgent with her. But now, in Silver Valley, I







