Gino’s 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 tired…"His hand slipped from the wheel, and Delilah’s 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.Gino’s 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 driver’s side and gently opened the door. Leaning in, she examined Gino, her hand brushing over his neck to feel his pulse—a steady, unconscious rhythm."Good,"
Delilah placed the empty bowl into the sink, turning on the faucet to rinse it clean. As the warm water washed away the last traces of her midnight snack, she felt a lingering warmth—not just from the soup, but from the thought that Marco had saved it for her. He hadn't asked where she was, or if she was okay. Instead, he'd just known she'd be hungry, known she’d need comfort. With a soft smile lingering on her lips, she turned off the faucet and dried her hands.The mansion was steeped in silence, each room cloaked in shadows. She tiptoed down the hall to the bedroom, careful to keep her steps light and avoid the creaks on the wooden floor. Marco lay on his side, the slow rise and fall of his breathing hinting at sleep. Delilah glanced at him, feeling a pang of affection that softened her earlier frustrations. She slipped quietly into the bathroom, the thought of washing away the evening's events almost as enticing as sleep itself.Under the warmth of the shower, the hot water
The next day, Delilah returned to the mansion as the evening sky turned a deep shade of blue. Excitement still lingered from her day at the café, where Mrs. Layla had been generous, paid in full and offered praise that made Delilah’s heart soar. It felt like a small victory, a boost of confidence she hadn’t expected but gladly welcomed.After freshening up, she looked around for Marco, hoping he might be in the kitchen making one of his simple, comforting dishes like chicken noodle soup. But the kitchen was empty, leaving her with a pang of mild disappointment. She wandered back upstairs, passing by the closed doors until she stopped at the library. Curious, she pushed the door open slightly, and there he was.Marco was seated at the large oak desk, surrounded by piles of documents. He looked utterly focused, a small furrow in his brow as he flipped through the pages. He wore a crisp white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up and the top buttons undone, exposing a hint of his collarb
At dawn, the room was bathed in a soft, silver glow, and Delilah moved quietly through it, careful not to disturb Marco, who lay sprawled across his side of the bed, still fast asleep. She had watched him come to bed late the night before, exhaustion written across his face. His steady breathing now filled the quiet space, a gentle rhythm that made her pause by the edge of the bed, just looking at him for a moment.After a beat, she turned and opened the drawer of her nightstand, reaching for the velvet-colored jewelry box tucked in the corner. Inside, her golden wristwatch gleamed in the morning light. She slid it on, admiring the familiar weight of it around her wrist.Turning back to Marco’s side of the bed, she couldn’t resist bending over to brush her lips against his forehead in a gentle kiss, her hand lightly trailing down his arm. The last thing she wanted was to wake him — yet, to her surprise, Marco’s arms rose as if on instinct, wrapping around her waist in one swift mo
Delilah nodded, letting Mrs. Madison share what she needed. She knew this was part of the process — allowing her clients to feel understood, safe in a way they likely hadn’t felt in years."He controls everything," Mrs. Madison continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "My finances, my social life. I can’t even call my family without him monitoring the conversation." She paused, swallowing hard. "And when he’s angry… well, you can see the result."Delilah’s gaze didn’t waver, though her fingers tightened subtly around the edge of the table. She had seen women like Mrs. Madison before — trapped in gilded cages, their freedom stripped away layer by layer until all that remained was a husk of the person they used to be."Alright," Delilah finally said, her tone steady. "When do you want him… gone?"Mrs. Madison looked at her with a sudden intensity, her desperation shining through the bruises and swelling. "Anytime you’re able to," she said, almost pleading. "I’m fine with any day,
Delilah’s heart raced, but she forced herself to appear calm. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides, her nails pressing into her palms as she tried to steady her breathing."Oh," she said with an even tone, "so you’re his ex-assistant."Lucia's eyes roamed over Delilah, her gaze lingering on the crisp blouse and tailored trousers. A flicker of disdain danced across her face, her lips curling into a subtle sneer.Lucia chuckled lightly, the sound low and syrupy. "Yeah, you could say ex-assistant," she said, the word dripping with sarcasm.Her gaze swept over Delilah once more, as if assessing her worth. "It's nice meeting you," Lucia added, her tone laced with insincerity.Delilah’s lips pressed into a thin line before she replied, her voice carefully neutral. "Likewise."Lucia's gaze shifted to the wristwatch on Delilah's wrist, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Her smile deepened, but it didn't reach her eyes. For the first time since entering the room, Delilah felt the full fo
Delilah’s eyes fluttered open, and she found herself staring directly into Marco’s eyes.His gaze was steady, a hint of amusement softening his otherwise serious expression."I wasn’t pretending," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I was just trying to get your attention.""Well," he said, his lips curving into a faint smile, "you have all of it now."She swallowed, suddenly nervous. "Where do I even start?""Anywhere you want to." His tone was warm, inviting, as if he had all the time in the world for her.Delilah hesitated, searching his face for any sign of defensiveness. She found none. "I met Lucia."Marco raised a brow. "Alright.""You never told me there was a Lucia," she continued, her words careful. "I walk into the room, and there she is, introducing herself as your assistant. That’s fine—you need o
The morning light crept into the room as Delilah stirred awake, her lashes fluttering open to an empty bed.She stretched lazily before sitting up, her hand reaching for her phone on the nightstand. The events of the previous night flashed in her mind.Delilah had been a bit restless after her brief confrontation with Marco over Lucia.Her possessiveness gnawed at her peace.And so, with a determined smirk, she’d rummaged through her luggage and retrieved a small camera she’d hidden for emergencies like this.Slipping into Marco's library undetected, she had carefully placed the camera where it could capture the room.Satisfied with her work, she’d returned to bed, where Marco lay on his back, chest rising and falling in steady rhythm.Delilah had nestled her head gently against his chest, feeling his heartbeat und
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’