SHAWNAI sat at the long metal table in the hospital’s private meeting room, my fingers gripping the edge so tightly that my knuckles turned white. The air was thick with tension, the dim lighting doing nothing to calm the storm inside me. Across from me sat two police officers, a cybercrime specialist, and two professional hackers. They all had the same grim look, the kind that made my stomach twist into painful knots."Time is running out," I said, my voice tight. "You don’t understand, this isn’t just a normal kidnapping. Jasper is in a place where the air is restricted. Do you hear me? He might not have much longer."Detective Harris, the lead officer, nodded, his eyes sharp. "We’re doing everything we can, ma’am. Our teams are already tracking possible locations…""Not possible locations," I snapped, cutting him off. "You need to find the exact place. Because if you don’t, my son is dead."The hacker on the left, a young woman with short black hair and piercing green eyes, adjust
SHAWNAI turned to Eugene, my voice low and sharp. "This is all because of you."Eugene, who had been rubbing her temples as if she were the one suffering, looked up at me with narrowed eyes. "Excuse me?""You keep lying. Twisting things. Escalating everything!" My hands curled into fists at my sides. "And now look where we are! Jasper is missing. My son is running out of time. Damien was shot trying to save him. And your mother…""Don’t," Eugene snapped, stepping forward. "Don’t even dare bring my mother into this."I scoffed, shaking my head. "Why? Because the truth hurts? Because now, suddenly, you want to play the victim?" I gestured wildly. "You had a chance to tell the police the truth, but instead, you lied. Again."Eugene’s nostrils flared. "You think the police would have helped me? Would’ve believed me?" She let out a bitter laugh. "You have no idea what I’ve been through.""I don’t care what you’ve been through!" I snapped. "You put us all in danger. And for what? To cover
SHAWNAEugene’s scream cut through the sterile air of the hospital, a sound so sharp and guttural that it sent a shiver down my spine. I turned the corner and saw her on the floor, her arms wrapped around herself, shoulders shaking as sobs wracked her body. Nurses whispered, exchanging pitiful glances, but no one dared to approach her.I took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Eugene…""Don’t." Her voice came out raw, thick with grief. She lifted her head, her tear-streaked face twisted with rage. "Don’t you dare come near me."I stopped in my tracks. "I just…""You just what?!" she snapped, pushing herself to her feet. Her eyes burned with fury. "You just came to see the damage you caused? You came to gloat?!"I clenched my jaw. "I came to console you. I know you’re hurting…""Oh, now you care?!" She let out a bitter laugh, her hands trembling. "Where was your care when you dragged my mother into this mess? When you kept pushing, kept poking, until it all spiraled out of control?!"
SHAWNAThe beeping of the monitors was the only sound in the sterile hospital room. Damien lay still, his face pale, his body unmoving. I clutched his hand tightly, my voice trembling."Damien, please..." My throat burned with emotion. "I can't do this without you. Jasper needs us. I need you."I clutched his limp hand, squeezing it tightly as if my grip alone could pull him back. His face was pale, his breathing steady but weak. The machines around him beeped rhythmically, a constant reminder of how fragile this moment was."Damien, wake up!" My voice cracked, thick with desperation. "He's running out of time! I can't lose both of you!"Still, nothing. Not even the slightest movement. My chest tightened, a crushing weight pressing down on me. I bit my lip, willing myself not to break down. I had to be strong, for Jasper, for Damien. But how could I be strong when everything was slipping through my fingers?Tears blurred my vision as I rested my forehead against our joined hands. "Ple
LIAM The moment Shawna’s call went to voicemail again, I knew something was wrong. She wouldn’t ignore me. Not now. I gritted my teeth, shoving my phone into my pocket. My gut twisted with unease as I turned the corner into the hospital room. Damien was still unconscious, tubes attached to his body, machines beeping steadily. He looked like a shadow of himself. A soft sniffle caught my attention. I turned and found the kids huddled together in the corner, their small bodies pressed close as if holding onto each other would somehow keep them safe. Their eyes were red and puffy, their faces streaked with silent tears. My chest tightened at the sight. They were just kids—scared, confused, and worried about their mother and brother. Beside them, Shawna’s mother sat with her arms wrapped around them, gently stroking their hair. She whispered soft reassurances, her voice steady, but I could see the cracks beneath the surface. Her lips were pressed into a tight line, and her eyes shimmere
SHAWNAMy hands wouldn’t stop shaking. My breath came out in ragged gasps as I sat on the edge of the hospital bed, gripping Damien’s hand like it was the only thing keeping me from collapsing.“Damien, baby, please wake up,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “You have to wake up. You have to fight. I can’t do this without you.”His face remained still, pale, lifeless. The beeping of the machines was the only sign that he was still with me. The doctors had told me he was stable, but stable wasn’t enough. I needed him awake. I needed my son back.The thought of Jasper sent a fresh wave of panic through me. I covered my face with my hands, trying to control the sobs wracking my body.“You’re falling apart,” Eugene’s voice cut through my grief like a blade.I snapped my head up, my vision blurring with rage. “Shut up.”She smirked, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed. “Still fighting? You’re exhausting to watch.”I tightened my grip on Eugene’s collar, my nails digging into
JASPERI blinked my eyes open and sat up, rubbing the sleep from my face. This wasn’t my room. My Spider-Man nightlight wasn’t glowing. My big, fluffy blanket wasn’t here. I looked around. The bed was too big, the walls were gray, and the air smelled weird, like old socks and something burnt. Where was I?I slid off the bed, my bare feet touching the cold floor. My tummy felt funny, like when I got scared watching scary cartoons. I walked to the door and pushed it open. The hallway was long and empty.“Hello?” My voice was small.Nothing.I took slow steps, my heart thumping fast. Then I saw him, the man who took me. He was sitting at a table, eating chips, and watching something on his phone.I walked up to him, my fingers curling into fists. “Where are we?” I asked, trying to sound brave. Mommy always said I was her brave little soldier.The man looked up, surprised. “You’re awake.”I nodded. “I had a bad dream. I want my mommy.”The man sighed, putting his phone down. “Kid, your mo
SHAWNAMy hands shook as I stared at the phone screen. A strange number. My heart pounded.Liam leaned closer. "Answer it."I swallowed hard and pressed the button. "Hello?"There was silence for a second, then…"Mommy?"My breath caught in my throat. "Jasper?! Baby, is that you?""Mommy!" His little voice was filled with excitement. "I found the police! They helped me!"Tears streamed down my face as I clutched the phone. "Oh my God! Where are you, baby? Are you okay?"A deep voice came through the line. "Ma'am, this is Officer Reynolds from the Oakridge Police Department in Washington. Your son was found a few hours ago. He came to us himself and reported that he had been kidnapped."Liam exhaled sharply beside me. "Is he safe? Did you get the kidnapper?""We’re still searching, but he’s unharmed. We need you to come immediately.""We’re on our way!" I said quickly. "Please don’t let him out of your sight!""Understood, ma’am."I hung up and turned to Liam, gripping his arm tightly.
PHOEBEMy whole body was sore. My dress was torn, my wrists burned from the ropes, and my eyes stung from crying. I was huddled in a corner of that cold, dark room, shivering as the last of the men ran out like rats. One second, they were setting up cameras, saying the most disgusting things, and the next, they were gone. Just like that.It made no sense. None of it did. Why would they leave me? What scared them off?I was too weak to stand, too confused to think straight. My head was pounding, and I could still feel whatever they had drugged me with swirling through my system. My heart was racing so fast I could barely catch my breath. My legs were pulled to my chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, as if I could make myself disappear if I just curled up small enough.And then I heard footsteps.Fast. Heavy. Coming closer.My eyes shot to the door.I froze.My heart shot to my throat.Were they back?Did they forget something?Were they going to finish what they started?I couldn’t
RAMONI stood in that hotel lobby staring at the manager as if he'd just announced a death. Maybe he had. Because knowing Phoebe had been taken right from under my nose felt exactly like that, like something had died inside me."She was in your care!" I shouted. "She was supposed to wait for me here!""Mr. Ramon," the manager said nervously, "we thought it was authorized…""By whom? My uncle?" I spat. "You took her because my uncle said so? Did she look like she wanted to leave? Did you even ask her that?"No answer. Just that sick, silent guilt on their faces.I didn't waste another second. I turned on my heel, stormed out of the hotel, jumped into my car, and sped straight to Richard's estate. My hands gripped the wheel so hard they ached. My mind was a storm, rage, fear, regret. I kept seeing her face in my head, her smile, the way she had trusted me. And now...She was gone.When I got to the mansion, the guards at the gate crossed their arms."Sir, Mr. Richard said not to let you
RAMONI was dead tired by the time we finished the meeting at the company. My shirt clung to my back, and my head was pounding from all the numbers and back-to-back discussions. All I wanted was to check my phone and unwind, maybe see if Phoebe had texted.I reached into my pocket. Empty.My heart skipped.I checked the table, the chair, and even under the folder I’d used. Nothing.“Where the hell is my phone?” I muttered.My uncle, sitting across from me, raised an eyebrow. “Lose something?”“My phone. I had it before we came here.”He shrugged. “Maybe you dropped it at the house.”I didn’t like how quick he was to answer.Still, I forced a calm nod and stood up. “I’ll go check.”The ride back to his place felt like it took forever. My mind was racing. Phoebe. Had she called? Texted? What if something was wrong? My gut wouldn’t calm down.When I got to the house, I tore through every room I had been in earlier. The living room. The guest room. Even the damn kitchen. Nothing.My uncle
PHOEBEThe hotel was breathtaking, with marble floors, chandeliers sparkling like stars, a scent of roses, and money hanging in the air. My heels clicked softly as I followed the receptionist, who wore a perfectly polite smile. My coat was still wrapped tightly around me, hiding the dress Winnie helped me pick out. My heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves.“He’ll be with you shortly,” the receptionist said sweetly, opening a suite door for me. “Please, get comfortable. There are refreshments inside. Make yourself at home.”I gave a shy nod. “Thank you.”The door shut behind me.The suite was luxurious, with soft couches, a large table with drinks and fruit, and dim romantic lighting. I let out a small breath. “Wow…”I walked slowly to the table, brushing my fingers along the glass rim of a wine glass. Red wine. A chill ran up my spine, and I shook it off. Maybe he asked them to pour it before he arrived. Maybe this was his way of setting the mood.I pulled out my phone.
PHOEBEI slammed the front door a little harder than I meant to when I got home.Winnie looked up from the couch, raising an eyebrow. "Whoa. Somebody’s in a mood. What's wrong, sunshine?"I dropped my bag by the door and flopped onto the armchair with a loud sigh. "It’s Ramon," I said, pouting like a child.Winnie immediately perked up. "Ramon? Spill. What happened?!"I buried my face in my hands for a second before looking up at her. "We kissed. Like... really kissed. It was amazing. He kissed me like he needed me to breathe or something."Winnie squealed, hugging a throw pillow. "Oh my God! Finally!""Yeah, it was incredible," I mumbled, my cheeks heating up. "But right after that, he got a call. Emergency at home. He had to leave. Just like that."Winnie’s face softened. "Oh, babe...""I know he had no choice," I said quickly, fiddling with a loose thread on the armrest. "But... it sucks. I’m losing my mind over him, Winnie. I’m slowly going crazy. I want him so bad it hurts."Winn
PHOEBERamon’s eyes burned into me like I was the only thing he could see. I felt my cheeks heat up under his stare, and I shifted awkwardly on my feet.“Phoebe,” he said, his voice low and rough, “I want all of you…every part of you. I’m not afraid of being with you. I’m just... trying to restrain myself.”My heart pounded so hard it hurt. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out at first. Then I swallowed hard and said, "I want all of you, too, Ramon. I’m not scared."Something snapped between us.Ramon closed the space in a single, hungry heartbeat, grabbing me again and crashing his mouth onto mine. This kiss wasn’t soft. It wasn’t sweet. It was rough, fierce, almost desperate, like he had been starving, and I was the only thing that could satisfy him.His lips crushed against mine, demanding and urgent. I could feel the heat pouring off his body as he kissed me like he needed me more than air. His hand slid up, fingers threading into the hair at the nape of my neck, then wrapping
RAMONI tossed and turned all night. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t sleep. My mind kept racing, full of everything Uncle Richard had said... and Phoebe. Always Phoebe.I was falling for her. Hard. It scared the hell out of me, but it also felt so right. I didn’t just like her, I needed her. Every smile, every look, every word she said stuck in my head like glue.When morning came, I dragged myself out of bed, showered, and dressed like a man on a mission. I didn’t even think twice. I was going to see her. I had to.No more running. No more hiding.When I got to the worksite, she was there already, sorting through some papers, looking so focused and beautiful that it made my heart twist. She looked up and blinked like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing."Ramon?" she said, her voice small but full of surprise. "I thought... I thought you weren’t going to be available anymore."I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling awkward and stupid all at once. "Yeah, about that. I’m
WINNIEWinnie stared at me like I had just grown two heads. "What do you mean you don't know if Ramon likes you enough to be intimate?" she asked, her eyes wide.I hugged my knees to my chest, feeling small and stupid. "I don’t know, Win. Maybe... maybe he’s just not that into me. Maybe he sees me like a kid or something."Winnie shook her head fast. "No way. Anyone with eyes can see Ramon is crazy about you, Phoebe. Seriously. He looks at you like you hung the moon!"I smiled a little, but it didn’t reach my heart. "Then why is he so hesitant? Why does he always back away when things get... close?"Winnie opened her mouth to say something, then paused. Her face changed slowly, like she was putting puzzle pieces together."Wait a second..." she said carefully. "Have you guys ever... you know... done it?"I looked down at my lap, my face burning. "No," I whispered.Winnie’s mouth fell open. "Wait. You mean... never?"I nodded, feeling like I was about to sink into the floor."And he kn
RAMONI stood in the garden, massaging my temples and trying to figure out what just happened. I hated seeing Phoebe hurt. I hated that I was the reason for that look in her eyes, the one that made my chest ache. I wanted to run after her, fix it, explain everything better.I had just taken a step toward the house when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see Billy and Jasper coming out. Great. Just what I needed right now.They stood there awkwardly for a second before Billy cleared his throat."Hey, man," he said, not meeting my eyes. "We, uh... we just wanted to say sorry."I blinked, surprised. "Sorry?"Jasper shoved his hands into his pockets. "Yeah. For looking down on you. We didn't know... well, we didn't know you were who you are."I sighed, not really wanting to have this conversation. "It's fine," I muttered, even though it really wasn't."But," Billy added quickly, "we still think you're hiding something. And honestly... we don’t think you're worthy of our sister."Tha