The next morning...Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft, golden glow across the room.Delilah stirred, still nestled against Marcoโs 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 Marcoโs arms. She stretched slightly, savoring the pleasant soreness that reminded her of how heโd 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 theyโd 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 Delilahโs impatience beside him. Her gaze was fixed on her phone screen, and she glanced at the time, then sighed softly. Thirty minutes late. Sheโd 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 cafรฉโmost 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... Cafรฉ, 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 Delilahโs face before shifting to the bag she carried. Delilahโs expression remained calm, unbothered by the faint tremor of unease that Mrs. Dorisโs presence often sparked. Theyโd worked together before, on tasks that ranged from mere intimidation toโฆ 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. "Iโm sure youโre 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 imageโa senator, with the distinguished look of someone used to holding power and attention. His name printed beneath the photograph was familiar, but Mrs. Dorisโs 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 crowdโDelilah 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 manorโs wealthy donors.Delilahโs 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 Delilahโs hair into a neat ponytail. Helenโs lips curved into a small smile as she worked, her face soft with a look of quiet happiness.Delilah caught sight of Helenโs 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. Sheโs been as
Delilahโs 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," Rubyโs smooth voice replied. "Tonight's our night."From her own vantage point, Helenโs voice crackled through the line, calm and precise. "Ladies, letโs keep it tight. Eyes open, ears sharper.""Roger that, Helen," Delilah responded. "We've got this."The evening mist couldnโt dull the manorโs 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 Delilahโs eyes with a small, knowing smile. "Ready?"Delilah returned the look, her smirk subtle. "Letโs make it a night to remember."Helen chimed in from her cafรฉ seat. "Just make sure you remember the cameras are in full surveillance mode, so every move counts. Iโll loop the footage when youโre in the ballroom.""Go
Streetlights cast fleeting glimpses of Rubyโs 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, Helenโs voice came back through the earpiece, just a faint whisper. "Delilah, Iโm no
Marco's eyes locked onto Delilahโs cell, his jaw set and gaze steady. "Release them," he ordered, his voice a quiet command that brooked no argument.The guards exchanged uneasy glances. One of them hesitated, clearing his throat. "Sir, Iโll need to confirmโ""Confirm with Chief Inspector Reynolds," Marco interrupted, his tone cool and firm. "Heโll clear this up."The guardโs face paled as he hurriedly moved to comply. A tense silence filled the corridor until, a moment later, the keys clinked, and the cell doors swung open with a creak.Marco strode toward Delilah, his expression softening as he reached her. His hand lifted, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her cheek. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low, carrying an edge of something tender.Delilah nodded, relief flooding her as she looked up at him. "I am now."Marcoโs gaze drifted down, taking in the wrinkled server uniform she wore, his lips pressing into a firm line. His questions were evident in the slight
Helen slipped her phone back into her pocket after Delilahโs call, exhaling as she finished wiping down the cafรฉโs last table. She glanced around, dimming the lights before locking the door behind her. At least she could head home without worrying too much about her friendsโthey were out of that police station mess, and sheโd catch up with them tomorrow to hear all about it.She was exhausted and, knowing sheโd be too drained to cook, stopped by a takeout place to grab chicken nuggets and a couple of rice bowls. The scent wafted from the bag, making her stomach rumble. It wasnโt the dinner sheโd imagined, but it would do for tonight. Inwardly, a flicker of disappointment remained. Their plan hadnโt gone the way sheโd hoped, but at least Delilah and Ruby were safe.Finally, she made her way to Harperโs apartment. Helen knocked, feeling relief as she waited. She heard footsteps from within before a soft voice called, "Whoโs there?""Itโs me, Helen," she replied, her voice tired ye
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
The knock on the library door was firm yet restrained, interrupting Marco's focused gaze on the documents scattered across his oak desk.Without lifting his head, he adjusted his wristwatch and called out, "Come in."He expected Lucia’s familiar face to peek in, but instead, Delilah stepped through the doorway. Her soft smile and composed demeanor instantly filled the room."Hi," she greeted, her voice light and inviting.Marco leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Hi."Delilah closed the door gently behind her and walked further in. "I came to check up on you. How’s it going?""Great," Marco replied, though his tone lacked conviction. He glanced at his wristwatch again and frowned. "Except that Lucia was supposed to be here by now to assist me, but she’s not here yet."Delilah’s brows
"And what will you do anyway?" Lucia sneered. "Push me out? That won’t work because I’ll boldly return with a recent tape of Marco groaning my name."Lucia leaned closer, her voice lowering mockingly. "Take note of that, you poor orphan."Something in Delilah snapped at the insult.Before she could think, her hand shot out, landing a resounding slap across Lucia’s face.The sound echoed in the small restroom, and Lucia staggered back, her expression a mix of shock and pain."You—" Lucia started, but Delilah grabbed her arm, spinning her back around.The fight began.Lucia, fueled by rage and her wrestling past, swung at Delilah with strikes.Delilah, though reluctant at first to engage fully - because she had never hurt a woman and didn't intend to - defended herse
Delilah poured herself a glass of wine, her hands trembling slightly as the ruby liquid swirled into the glass.She took a deep breath and steadied herself before taking a sip, her lips pressing tightly against the rim as she fought the gnawing sensation in her chest."How could I have been so stupid?" she thought, almost chuckling as her mind replayed the conversation over and over.Marco’s sharp tone, the disappointment in his eyes—it all haunted her.The room felt cold despite the warm atmosphere.Delilah wrapped her free arm around her torso, her hand gripping her side tightly.The glass met her lips again, and this time, she drank deeply, letting the burn distract her from the ache inside.Delilah refilled the wine glass. She raised it to her lips, ready to drink again.Just as