Delilah turned sharply, her gaze locking with Marco’s. A sly grin played at his lips as he leaned against the doorframe, clearly amused. She swallowed, caught in the moment, but quickly masked her reaction."I was just… curious," she replied, her voice steady despite her racing heartbeat.Marco chuckled, a glint of something dangerous and thrilling in his eyes. Without another word, Delilah turned and continued to her bedroom, her cheeks warming under his gaze.Once inside, she took a deep breath, steadying herself. She changed into her nightgown, then opened the drawer of her nightstand, intending to check on her black book. To her relief, it was still there, untouched. But beside it, a small velvet-colored jewelry box caught her eye. Frowning, she picked it up, her pulse quickening as she opened it.Inside was a golden wristwatch, gleaming in the dim light. The design was unmistakable—the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, a watch worth over fifty millions. Delilah’s heart skipp
Marco's body pressed against hers, his hardness throbbing against her core, sending shivers down her spine. Delilah's breath caught as Marco positioned himself, his gaze holding hers, filled with desire and adoration. "Will you...fit?" Delilah whispered, her cheeks flushing.Marco's lips curled into a sly smirk. "Perfectly," he whispered back, his eyes glinting with confidence.Marco reached for his nightstand, grabbing protection before turning back to Delilah.With one smooth motion, Marco slid into her, filling her completely. Delilah's gasp was lost in his mouth as he claimed her, his lips devouring hers with a hunger that left her breathless.To her surprise, Marco fit perfectly, stretching her in all the right ways. His presence inside her was like coming home, a sense of belonging she'd never known before."It's like my body was made for him," she thought, amazed.Their bodies moved in perfect sync, Marco's thrusts slow and deliberate, building tension. Delilah's hands gripp
The next morning...Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft, golden glow across the room.Delilah stirred, still nestled against Marco’s chest, his arm resting protectively around her. A soft smile crept across her face as the memories of last night resurfaced, every passionate moment vivid in her mind. She finally felt the edge of those dirty dreams soften, her desires finally realized in Marco’s arms. She stretched slightly, savoring the pleasant soreness that reminded her of how he’d claimed her as his.Turning her head, she saw him watching her with a warm, lazy smile, his eyes gentle but glinting with satisfaction. His hair was tousled, and his morning scruff made him look ruggedly irresistible."Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice deep and husky with sleep.Her cheeks warmed under his gaze. "Morning." She felt her heartbeat quicken, though they’d shared so much just hours before. He had a way of making her feel vulnerable and exhilarated at once,
The steady hum of the car was the only sound between Marco and Delilah. He kept his eyes on the road, his hands relaxed on the wheel, but he could feel Delilah’s impatience beside him. Her gaze was fixed on her phone screen, and she glanced at the time, then sighed softly. Thirty minutes late. She’d meant to hurry more.Marco threw her a quick look, noting her distracted expression. He figured she was in a rush to get to the café—most likely customers already waiting. But he didn't want to bother her with conversation, sensing her mind was miles away.When they finally pulled up to Shh... Café, Marco brought the car to a halt. He shifted the car into park and turned to her, reaching over with a slight smile. As he leaned in, Delilah was already gathering her clutch, pushing open the door with barely a glance back."Hey, slow down!" Marco laughed, catching her off guard."What?" Delilah turned back, her eyes wide with surprise. "I have to get to work!"He gave her a mischievous
Mrs. Doris nodded curtly, her eyes scanning Delilah’s face before shifting to the bag she carried. Delilah’s expression remained calm, unbothered by the faint tremor of unease that Mrs. Doris’s presence often sparked. They’d worked together before, on tasks that ranged from mere intimidation to… eliminations, if necessary.From her own bag, Mrs. Doris withdrew a pristine leather folder and opened it with a flick of her manicured fingers, revealing a stack of photographs and documents. She slid a particular photograph across the table toward Delilah. "I’m sure you’re aware of the... delicate nature of our business," she said, her voice smooth yet firm. "I have a new situation that demands your skills."Delilah glanced down, her eyes falling upon the photograph. Her gaze lingered on the man in the image—a senator, with the distinguished look of someone used to holding power and attention. His name printed beneath the photograph was familiar, but Mrs. Doris’s tone added a more gloom
Later that evening, Delilah, Helen, and Ruby gathered in the hidden room, the air thick with focus as they prepared. Delilah and Ruby were dressed to blend seamlessly into Bellvue Manor's elegant crowd—Delilah in black trousers and a white blouse with a high-necked design, while Ruby opted for a tea-length designer gown that would fit in perfectly among the manor’s wealthy donors.Delilah’s auburn curls were proving to be as stubborn as ever. She attempted to tame them herself, but Helen stepped in, her fingers moving skillfully as she helped smooth Delilah’s hair into a neat ponytail. Helen’s lips curved into a small smile as she worked, her face soft with a look of quiet happiness.Delilah caught sight of Helen’s expression in the mirror. "You seem awfully cheerful over there," she remarked, raising a brow.Helen chuckled softly, a trace of affection brightening her eyes. "Thanks to the payment," she replied, "I was able to make a proper dinner for my Zoe yesterday. She’s been as
Delilah’s stomach fluttered as she stepped out of the Uber, her eyes tracing the grand silhouette of Bellvue Manor. "Well, here goes," she murmured into her earbud."Keep it together, Delilah," Ruby’s smooth voice replied. "Tonight's our night."From her own vantage point, Helen’s voice crackled through the line, calm and precise. "Ladies, let’s keep it tight. Eyes open, ears sharper.""Roger that, Helen," Delilah responded. "We've got this."The evening mist couldn’t dull the manor’s grandeur, its stone exterior gleaming beneath the lights. A luxury car pulled up just then, and Ruby stepped out in a dark-red gown that caught the light in all the right ways.Ruby met Delilah’s eyes with a small, knowing smile. "Ready?"Delilah returned the look, her smirk subtle. "Let’s make it a night to remember."Helen chimed in from her café seat. "Just make sure you remember the cameras are in full surveillance mode, so every move counts. I’ll loop the footage when you’re in the ballroom.""Go
Streetlights cast fleeting glimpses of Ruby’s gloomy face as Delilah caught sight of her in the neighboring car, her expression unreadable but clearly tense.After what felt like hours, they arrived at the police station.Delilah's hands were numb from the cuffs as she was led down a stark corridor, then pushed into a cold interrogation room. The walls were bare, and the dim lighting cast sharp shadows that made everything feel harsher. Across the hall, Ruby was escorted into a similar room, the heavy metal door clanging shut behind her.The silence hung thickly as Delilah stared at the empty chair across the table, trying to steady her breathing. It was only a matter of time before an officer would walk in, start asking questions, pressuring her to break. She glanced around the room, seeking anything she could use to keep her composure, anything that might hint at an escape route.Then, suddenly, Helen’s voice came back through the earpiece, just a faint whisper. "Delilah, I’m no
Marco raised an eyebrow, his piercing gaze cutting through Delilah like a sharp blade.Delilah’s mind raced as she replayed her gory remark. A wave of dread washed over her, and she quickly forced a smile, hoping to lighten the moment. "I was just joking," she said, her tone overly bright.Marco’s brow didn’t relax, his expression unreadable yet commanding.Delilah felt the walls closing in on her. Without waiting for a response, she gestured toward the door. "I’ll, uh, leave you two to it," she muttered, her words rushed. Turning on her heel, she quickly exited the library, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.The room now belonged to Marco and Gino.Gino wasted no time, pulling a stack of documents toward him. He sat at a small table on the far side of the library, diligently error-checking the papers. Marco, meanwhile, settled into his chair, unwrapping the food Delilah had brought and eating with calculated leisure.As Gino worked, a stray thought struck him like lightning
Gino’s throat felt like it had closed up, his knees weak as he stammered, "I—I would never hide anything from you, boss. Never! I’ve never hidden anything from you before."Marco tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable but undeniably menacing. "Are you certain?"Gino nodded furiously, his heart pounding.Marco leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "And what if I find out that you’ve been hiding something? Or that you’re hiding something even now?"Gino gulped hard, his hands clammy as he tried to avoid the sheer force of Marco’s gaze."What should I do then, Gino?" Marco asked casually, the words a stark contrast to the danger emanating from him. "Cut off your legs? Or your hands?"Gino froze. His mind raced as he tried to figure out the safest answer—or if there even was one. If he chose neither, Marco might grow suspicious. But what if he chose and Marco actually followed through? Marco was a man of his word, and Gino knew that.His eyes darted across the desk, hoping to
The memory faded as Delilah blinked, her vision adjusting to the light of the bedroom. Her eyelashes were still damp, her cheeks streaked with traces of her earlier tears. She blinked rapidly, forcing herself to push back the emotions threatening to surface. Her hand moved to her cheeks, wiping away any remaining evidence before the door creaked open.Marco stepped inside silently, dressed in a crisp white shirt that hugged his broad shoulders. His short, black hair was stylishly messy, as if he had just run his fingers through it. He carried a lap tray filled with food, his expression a mix of focus and excitement. As he quietly shut the door behind him, his gaze finally landed on her."You’re awake," he said, a slight frown creasing his forehead.Delilah quickly sat up, pulling the oversized shirt closer to her body. "Yeah... What’s with the tray?" she asked, her voice casual despite the blush heating her cheeks.Marco approached her, his lips curving into a soft smile. "Well,
Delilah forced a smile, her lips quivering under the weight of the façade.Her heart pounded in her chest, but she managed to keep her steps steady."Perfect," Josh said, his grin smug as he watched her obey.Her lips trembled as her smile faltered, her eyes misting with tears.She blinked rapidly, willing herself to hold it together. Not here. Not now.As they stepped outside, Josh scanned the surroundings.A few neighbors were visible in the distance, chatting casually, unaware of the silent terror unraveling just a few feet away.Delilah's gaze flicked to the white truck parked ahead. Her instincts screamed at her to run, but her heart hammered louder at the thought of Josh pulling the trigger. She had to think, and fast.And then she ran.Josh’s eyes widened in d
The night had ended blissfully, leaving a comforting warmth in the bedroom that lingered well into the morning.The soft glow of sunlight filtered through the curtains, brushing against Delilah’s peaceful face as she slept.She lay on her side, facing Marco, her chest rising and falling rhythmically. Her hair was a cascade of curls, slightly messy but effortlessly enchanting.Marco was awake, his dark eyes tracing her features with an intensity only he could possess.His bare chest rose with a deep breath as he admired her, the curve of her lips, the delicate lashes that framed her hazel eyes. She looked so serene, so unlike the guarded woman he had first encountered.But then, a faint furrow appeared on her brow.Marco’s gaze sharpened, and his thoughts grew troubled. Was she dreaming? A night
Marco arched a brow as he watched her rise from her seat. She stepped around the table, her movements deliberate. His gaze followed her every step."Where are you going?" he asked, his voice dropping an octave.She extended her hand toward him, her expression playful yet commanding. "Stand up."Marco hesitated only briefly before placing his hand in hers and rising to his full height. She led him a few feet away from the table, the dim lighting casting a warm glow on their faces."This," Delilah began, placing his right hand at the small of her waist, "is called a Closed Position dance. I’m sure you’ve heard of it."Marco tilted his head, feigning ignorance, though his smirk betrayed him. "No," he said smoothly. "I’ve never heard of it."Her brow furrowed, and she muttered under her breath, "You don’t?... Eh, it’s fine. It’
Delilah blinked, her stomach knotting. Did she just call me poor? And those dresses cheap?Jonah glanced at Delilah, his expression softening with something akin to pity. "Let it be," he said quietly to the woman. "Don’t trouble her."Delilah’s cheeks flushed. She glanced down at her simple gown, suddenly questioning its appearance. But when her gaze shifted back to the woman’s attire, she couldn’t help noticing how extravagantly luxurious it was. The kind of outfit meant to scream wealth."But baby—" the woman started.Delilah cut her off with a scoff, her composure icy. "Please hand me the clothes," she said to the associate, her voice firm but calm. "I’ll take them to the checkout counter myself."The associate obeyed, passing the clothes to Delilah with an apologetic look.Without sparing the couple another glance
Delilah stared at her phone screen as Marco’s name glowed brightly. Her heart gave an unexpected jolt."Why is he calling at this time?" she wondered.Her heart raced, the usually cold and calculating parts of her mind momentarily disrupted.She glanced around the hospital ward, ensuring no prying eyes or ears were nearby. The ward was still, only the faint hum of machinery and distant footsteps breaking the quiet.She pressed the answer button."Excuse me," she said coolly to Gino, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing.Delilah walked out of the ward, her heels clicking softly on the floor. Only once she was in the empty corridor, her back against the wall, did she lift the phone to her ear."Hello?" she said, her voice steady."Hi," Marco’s familiar, deep voice came through
The soft click of the door behind Delilah as she stepped into Gino’s room seemed to echo louder than it should.Her eyes swept over the large VIP ward, noting the unnecessary luxury for someone supposedly recovering from digestive issues.Gino lay on the bed, his hand connected to an IV, his face a picture of forced innocence. Beside him stood a young nurse, her nervous smile betraying her discomfort.The nurse greeted Delilah hesitantly. "He’s still under treatment, ma’am, and—"Delilah cut her off, her voice smooth yet firm. "Please, could you excuse us for a moment?"The nurse glanced at Gino for approval. Gino, with a barely noticeable flick of his eyes, gave her the signal to leave. She nodded awkwardly and hurried out, leaving Delilah and Gino alone.Delilah set the bag she’d brought onto the small table by the