Mariana's PovIt’s silent, too silent. And it’s been like this for days. Two, perhaps three days.Alejandro has refused to look in my direction, and when he does look, I no longer see that burning desire there once held.He hates me now. I know he does. And I don’t blame him. My father is after all responsible for the death of his—there’s no coming back from that heartache.We’re seated in uncomfortable silence in the private jet; my husband, myself, my brother-in-law, and some of their soldiers.The air is thick with tension, Alejandro and I exchanging quick glances, my heart raging in my throat, making me dizzy.Why does Radimr have to be here?Why do I feel this way for my brother-in-law?Why are the forbidden things the most tempting?My mind is reeling with questions and thoughts as I sit through the torture of this flight, counting down the remaining hours until touchdown, wondering what my life would become with someone like my crazy husband and now a spiteful brother-in-law.M
Alejandro's PovSomething squeezes at my chest as I watch the chaos I orchestrated unfold before my eyes.Mariana is being tossed around the ground, her hair pulled, her face bruised, my brother hauling insults at her.Whore, desperate, stupid—that’s all I’ve heard him yell in her face over and over and over again.“E. . .Enough,” I say, my voice barely audible.I’m hesitant, perhaps afraid to interfere, fearful that my interference might ruin everything, make things worse for Mariana.My brother doesn’t hear me. He’s too focused on hurting his wife that he’s blocked out external sounds. “That’s enough, Radimr. . .she’s had enough. . .” I repeat, this time with a higher tone.He shoots me a glare, and yet, proceeds with his torture. It’s when he raises his hand again, intending to smack her face that I find myself jumping between them.Radimr’s palm collides with my face and my head veers to the side, blood pooling out of my mouth.Slowly, I bring my head up and hold his intense glare
Alejandro's PovIt’s been days, series of stupid days. She doesn’t speak to me, she doesn’t look at me, she barely breathes when I’m near her.Another day passes and it’s still the same.She makes breakfast for her father-in-law, my father, takes it up to him, chats with the old man for a while, comes down, walks past me and into my car. And then I drive her to the golf club where she runs a few errands for the growth of the family.Then she sits back into my car, and I drive her home.The cycle repeats. It’s been days, more than a few days, yet there’s been no change.Today is another day.I pace across my room, frustration simmering beneath my skin. Mariana's silence is suffocating me. It’s the seventh day, and just like before, we’ve just returned from the gold club, yet she's barely spoken a word.Seven days without speaking to me, without allowing me the opportunity to at least speak to her.Why won't she talk to me? What did I do wrong?I stop in front of the window, staring o
Mariana's PovI’m not as good, angelic, naive as I make myself out to be.For whatever I do, there’s always a hidden goal behind it all. To kill, to observe, to know, to win—Whatever facade I put on, whenever I wear a different mask, there’s always a reason.Why am I saying this?It goes to say that I am not a weak girl, or a girl who falls in love with a man simply because he has pretty eyes, a dark aura, and can bring her to a climax. I am not that type of woman. I do not love Alejandro Raes Vastlav.Yes, my pussy pounds erratically whenever he’s near, but that’s all there is to this. Physical.Perhaps the case is different for him. I don’t care.He’s my key, the light at the end of the tunnel, the one who I plan to use as my human shield when things eventually blow out of proportion. Therefore, no woman is allowed to sway his mind.I need him to focus on me, only me. He’ll look only at me, breathe for me, think of me. And to achieve that, I need to make sure no woman gets too close
Mariana's PovI slide a spoonful of greek yogurt into my mouth, a smile etched at the corners of my lips as I watch my husband yap away about his stressful day.It’s another morning, a new day, and the rendezvous of the previous night is still fresh in my memory.“You’re smiling a lot this morning, Maria, did something happen last night while I was away?” My husband asks, his tone suspicious.Of course, dearest husband, a lot happened and you’ll be exceedingly thrilled when you discover the dirty things your brother did to your wife.“Why?” I ask, biting my bottom lip, “does it pain you to see me happy, Alex?”“Don’t get mouthy with me, Mariana.”Just as he seethes the words, the sound of the underside of boots knocking against the floor gains our attention. And we all know there’s only one man in this entire estate who prefers to
Mariana's PovA gulp forces down my throat, my eyes closing and opening with rapid movements.I'm entranced by the symmetry of his features, the harmony of his face. He's a sunrise breaking through darkness.I'm lost in the contours of his face, tracing the map of his soul. Every line, every curve whispers stories of strength and vulnerability.His features are like a masterpiece unveiled. His skin is porcelain-smooth, illuminated by the soft light.I see how his eyes compliments that beautiful face. How the darkness of those orbs compliments the softness of his features.And then his nose, a gentle slope. My eyes slowly lead me to his lips. They’re plush, curved into the perfect shape of heart, inviting. I gulp again and lead my gaze to his jawline. Sharp and chiseled, perfectly sculpted. Alejandro’s face is a face that defies mortality. Peculiar. My breath catches. I've never seen anyone like him.He's a work of art.A masterpiece.A revelation.My heart beats anew, pounding out a
Mariana's Pov“I’m so fucking hard, Maria,” he whispers, “aren’t you going to get on your knees and do something about it?”My brows furrow in protest. And as my lips part for a response, he beats me to it. “Maria?”“Yes?” I answer.“Kneel.”I stand tall, defiance burning within me. Alejandro's command hangs in the air, heavy with expectation. My instincts scream rebellion.Refuse.Resist.Run.But his eyes—His eyes freeze my resolve, fury and seriousness swirling in their depths, like a storm of dark clouds brewing.He pins me with his eyes, his stare unyielding, uncompromising.My legs tremble, my heart faltering. I try to summon courage, but his gaze strips me bare, exposing my doubts, my fears, my vulnerabilities."You're going to pay for this, whatever game you’re playing. I’m not a fool, and I’m not oblivious to what you are. I’m letting you use me because as much as I hate to admit it, we share the same goals.”—his words are continuously ringing in my ears.He’s letting me use
Mariana's PovI climb the stairs, tray balanced in my hand. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts up into my nostrils, sweet and inviting.I've added a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, his favorite. Reaching the door to my father in-law’s private office, I knock once, gentle."Are you in there, father?" I call out.“Come,” his commanding, gruff voice echo.I twist the door knob and the door creaks open. I peek my head through the small space, smiling. My father in-law looks up from the documents scattered across his lap, his fingers quickly adjusting the reading glasses perched on his nose."Ah, Mariana. Come in, child," he says, his voice warm.I enter, tray held high, and approach the couch."Thought you might need a break," I explain, setting the tray down.His eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles. "Your timing is impeccable." He waves a hand, inviting me to sit.I settle beside him, feeling the soft cushions envelop me. The couch creaks comfortably beneath me. "I e