Streetlights cast fleeting glimpses of Rubyâs 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, Helenâs voice came back through the earpiece, just a faint whisper. "Delilah, Iâm no
Marco's eyes locked onto Delilahâs 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, Iâll need to confirmâ""Confirm with Chief Inspector Reynolds," Marco interrupted, his tone cool and firm. "Heâll clear this up."The guardâs 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."Marcoâs 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 Delilahâs call, exhaling as she finished wiping down the cafĂ©âs 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 friendsâthey were out of that police station mess, and sheâd catch up with them tomorrow to hear all about it.She was exhausted and, knowing sheâd 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 wasnât the dinner sheâd imagined, but it would do for tonight. Inwardly, a flicker of disappointment remained. Their plan hadnât gone the way sheâd hoped, but at least Delilah and Ruby were safe.Finally, she made her way to Harperâs apartment. Helen knocked, feeling relief as she waited. She heard footsteps from within before a soft voice called, "Whoâs there?""Itâs me, Helen," she replied, her voice tired ye
The morning news blared on Delilahâs 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 Ryderâs 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 speakerâand then, finally, collapsed and died.Delilah sighed in relief. At least he's dead. Maybe this would buy her some breathing room from Mrs. Dorisâs 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 cafĂ©, the drive passing in silence. His fingers drummed the wheel rhythmically, but Delilahâs 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 cafĂ© wasnât 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. Weâll be clear for the⊠special guest soon."Delilah smirked, nodding. "Perfect. Letâs wrap this up."A few more customers drifted in, placing their orders. D
Delilahâs eyes narrowed as she jabbed at the training dummy in the hidden room, her gloves a sharp contrast to the smooth skin of her wrists. Each punch landed with force, her body tense and focused. Helen and Ruby watched nearby, exchanging glances as they waited for her to finish her set."Sheâs right," Helen said, breaking the silence. "Elijah Wolfe is well guarded. Mrs. Layla wasnât exaggerating."Delilah straightened, brushing a stray strand of hair back as she met Helenâs gaze. "Thatâs why weâre going in prepared. Ruby, youâll handle the drink."Ruby grinned, rolling her shoulders as if she were already in character for her role. "Iâve got it covered. By the time heâs home, heâll feel like heâs carrying lead in his veins."Delilah smirked, giving a nod of approval. "Letâs go through the plan one more time."As the night wore on, Ruby took her position in a dimly lit restaurant, blending seamlessly with the quiet setting. Elijah sat at a table nearby, scrolling through his pho
Gino turned back to leave, but he froze, his face paling. There, only a few feet away, stood Delilah, watching him with an unreadable expression. His pulse quickened, the blood draining from his face."Mrs. Delilah?" he stammered, barely able to force the words out. This couldnât be. Just a moment ago, he had seen her walking away, disappearing down the street. Yet here she was, standing before him, looking at him like she had caught him doing something he shouldnât have.He glanced over his shoulder, back to the spot where heâd just seen her walk away. His mind reeled. "How did she get here so fast?"When he turned back to Delilah, his confusion only deepened. She wore a floral gown, a delicate clutch hanging from her handâthe complete opposite of the dark, fitted outfit he had just seen her wearing when she left Elijahâs house."H-howâŠ" He could barely keep the fear out of his voice.Delilah crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she took him in. "What do you mean by âhow,â G
Ginoâs head felt heavier with each passing second."Something wrong?" Delilah asked, her tone deceptively sweet, her gaze narrowing as she observed him.He forced a nod, struggling to stay alert, but his voice came out in a whisper, "Just⊠tired⊠so tiredâŠ"His hand slipped from the wheel, and Delilahâs lips curved into a smirk, watching him intently as his eyelids drooped, his head tilting slightly."Maybe you should take a nap," she said, her voice barely above a murmur.Ginoâs eyelids fluttered as he struggled to stay conscious, a losing battle against the dizziness overtaking him. Within moments, his head slumped against the seat, his breathing deepening as he drifted into unconsciousness.Delilah waited a beat, watching his still form, then slid out of the car through the rear passenger door. She circled around to the driverâs side and gently opened the door. Leaning in, she examined Gino, her hand brushing over his neck to feel his pulseâa steady, unconscious rhythm."Good,"
Delilah scoffed, her grip tightening on her fork.Ruby noticed, tilting her head. "What? Whatâs wrong?""Thatâs the woman who called me poor," Delilah muttered, nodding toward the couple. "And thatâs her fiancĂ©."Ruby followed Delilahâs gaze, her eyes narrowing. "They do look wealthy."Helen, who had been eating quietly, looked up and froze. Her face paled as her gaze locked onto the man."Thatâs Jonah," Helen said, her voice strained. "My husband. And thatâs probably his new mistress."Delilahâs jaw dropped. "Youâre joking. That woman wears designer clothes and talks about engagements."Helenâs bitter laugh escaped her. "Iâm not. Heâs the one I wanted to deal with when I pretended to be a client."Rubyâs lips curled into a smirk. "He looks like someone who deserves a beating. But he doesnât seem poor."Delilah noticed the flicker of pain in Helenâs expression, the subtle tightening of her jaw and the way her grip on the wine glass trembled slightly. She nudged Rubyâs leg under the ta
Delilah gripped the steering wheel, her fingers tapping against it as Marco's car glided through the morning traffic. The soft hum of the engine and the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the vehicle reminded her of the previous nightâa memory that sent a quiet thrill through her.The buzz of her phone broke through her thoughts. She glanced down at the screen, a quick peek before returning her eyes to the road. Ruby. A smile tugged at her lips as she picked up the call, pressing the speaker button."Good morning," Rubyâs voice came, light but carrying a playful undertone.Delilah chuckled softly, adjusting her grip on the steering wheel. "Good morning to you too, Ruby. Iâm already on my way to the cafĂ©. Iâll be there in a few minutes."A pause followed, and then Ruby asked, "CafĂ©? Have you forgotten what day it is?""What day?" Delilah frowned, confusion clouding her tone as she signaled to stop at a red light.Checking her phone, she saw the date glaring back at her. July 7.
Delilah tied the sash of her robe and glanced at the early morning sunlight spilling through the curtains. The soft rustle of sheets behind her told her Marco was still sound asleep. She cast a quick look at the bed, his bare chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. A small smile tugged at her lips as she slipped out of the bedroom.She had freshened up quickly and was now padding down the hall toward the library. The faint scent of him clung to her skin, mingling with the memories of last night. A flush crept up her neck as she opened the library door.Stepping inside, she was immediately struck by the disarray. Marco's white shirt was draped over the back of a chair, her nightgown tangled on the floor, along with his trousers and belt. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she began gathering the scattered clothing. Her lingerie was caught under the edge of the desk, and she crouched down to grab it."What else am I missing?" she muttered to herself, her eyes scanning the room.As
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 herâhe was completely hers, body and soul. She ran her hands along his chest, marveling at the taut muscles beneath her fingertips. "Youâre 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
Delilahâs heart raced as Marcoâs 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 wasnât 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 wasnât done playing yet. With d
The weight of Delilah's body shifted unsteadily, and she instinctively grabbed Marcoâs 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 couldnât stop himself. The way she fit against him, her warmth, her scentâit drove him past reason. She moaned softly, her head tilting back to grant him better access, but her mind was racing. This wasnât 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. "MarcoâŠ" 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 w
Marco raised an eyebrow, his piercing gaze cutting through Delilah like a sharp blade. Delilahâs 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. Marcoâs brow didnât relax, his expression unreadable yet commanding. Delilah felt the walls closing in on her. Without waiting for a response, she gestured toward the door. "Iâll, 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
Ginoâs throat felt like it had closed up, his knees weak as he stammered, "IâI would never hide anything from you, boss. Never! Iâve 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 youâve been hiding something? Or that youâre hiding something even now?" Gino gulped hard, his hands clammy as he tried to avoid the sheer force of Marcoâs 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 answerâor 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, ho
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. "Youâre awake," he said, a slight frown creasing his forehead. Delilah quickly sat up, pulling the oversized shirt closer to her body. "Yeah... Whatâs with the tray?" she asked, her voice casual despite the blush heating her cheeks. Marco approached her, his lips curving into a soft smile.