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's eyes locked onto Delilah’s 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, I’ll need to confirm—""Confirm with Chief Inspector Reynolds," Marco interrupted, his tone cool and firm. "He’ll clear this up."The guard’s 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."Marco’s 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 Delilah’s call, exhaling as she finished wiping down the café’s 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 friends—they were out of that police station mess, and she’d catch up with them tomorrow to hear all about it.She was exhausted and, knowing she’d 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 wasn’t the dinner she’d imagined, but it would do for tonight. Inwardly, a flicker of disappointment remained. Their plan hadn’t gone the way she’d hoped, but at least Delilah and Ruby were safe.Finally, she made her way to Harper’s apartment. Helen knocked, feeling relief as she waited. She heard footsteps from within before a soft voice called, "Who’s there?""It’s me, Helen," she replied, her voice tired ye
The morning news blared on Delilah’s screen, a bold headline about Senator Ryder. She watched with a detached expression, hoping to see confirmation that he had finally died. Her only consolation was that, even if the authorities sniffed around her as a suspect, Senator Ryder’s death itself was a victory. But then, a new update caught her attention. When he attended the private charity dinner at Bellvue Manor last night, gave a grand speech as the keynote speaker—and then, finally, collapsed and died.Delilah sighed in relief. At least he's dead. Maybe this would buy her some breathing room from Mrs. Doris’s unpredictable wrath.Delilah stepped into the black sedan waiting in the mansion's driveway, exchanging a brief nod with Marco. He drove her to the café, the drive passing in silence. His fingers drummed the wheel rhythmically, but Delilah’s gaze remained fixed out the window, lost in thought. Soon enough, they arrived, and she stepped out, offering Marco only a slight smile
A warm glow cast over the tables as it was morning. Delilah, Ruby, and Helen worked through the morning rush. The café wasn’t packed, but a steady stream of customers kept them on their toes.Delilah stood behind the counter, her eyes scanning the room. Her auburn curl hair was tied back, giving her a crisp, focused look as she managed the register and checked in on Helen and Ruby. Every so often, she glanced at her phone, mentally counting down the minutes to their next client meeting."Latte for Mr. Hamilton!" Helen called out, setting the cup down with a practiced grace. She flashed a friendly smile at the customer before moving on to the next order.Ruby slipped between tables, her movements fluid as she refilled coffee cups and collected empty plates. As she passed Delilah by the counter, she murmured, "Almost done here. We’ll be clear for the… special guest soon."Delilah smirked, nodding. "Perfect. Let’s wrap this up."A few more customers drifted in, placing their orders. D
Marco obeyed without hesitation, his body moving as though under her spell. He reclined on the desk, the smooth wood cool against his heated skin. His chest rose and fell with ragged breaths, his dark eyes locked onto her every move.Delilah climbed up beside him, her bare knees pressing against the desk as she straddled his waist. The raw vulnerability in his expression sent a thrill through her—he was completely hers, body and soul.She ran her hands along his chest, marveling at the taut muscles beneath her fingertips. "You’re so beautiful, Marco," she murmured, her voice filled with an affection that softened the tension between them.He reached for her, his hands settling on her hips, but she stopped him with a shake of her head. "Not yet," she whispered, leaning down to brush her lips against his in a feather-light kiss.The restraint in his touch, the way his fingers flexed against her thighs as if to keep from pulling her closer, sent a rush of power through her veins.Deli
Delilah’s heart raced as Marco’s words hung in the air, his voice thick with desperation. His gaze bore into hers, hot and unrelenting, daring her to take the next step. She could feel the weight of his request pressing against her resolve, urging her to give in to the temptation that had been building all night. But she wasn’t ready to let go of this control just yet."Tell me again," she demanded softly, her fingers still wrapped tightly around his aching length. "Tell me what you want, Marco."His chest heaved with each breath, his hands gripping the edges of the desk for balance. "I want you, Delilah," he said, his voice low and rough. "I want to see you naked, I want to feel every inch of you. Show me how much you want this."Her lips curved into a slow, secretive smile. "Good boy," she murmured, her tone laced with a teasing edge. She could feel the tension in his body, the way his cock twitched in her hand, desperate for release. But she wasn’t done playing yet.With deliber
The weight of Delilah's body shifted unsteadily, and she instinctively grabbed Marco’s shoulders for balance, her fingers digging into the fabric of his crisp white shirt. His lips were relentless against hers, his tongue pressing insistently into her mouth as if demanding a response. He couldn’t stop himself. The way she fit against him, her warmth, her scent—it drove him past reason.She moaned softly, her head tilting back to grant him better access, but her mind was racing. This wasn’t how it usually went. Typically, Marco took charge, always so confident in bed, while she melted into his touch, following his lead. But tonight… tonight something had ignited within her, a flicker of boldness that refused to be extinguished."Marco…" she murmured against his lips, her voice trembling with both nerves and desire. "I want… I want to try something."He paused, his dark eyes locking onto hers, curiosity mingling with heat. What was she thinking? She looked nervous, but there was som
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’