AbelThe stewards filed into the dinning room in a single file, all impeccably dressed in smart-fitting uniforms, and began to pour wine as the conversation flowed. I was distracted, observing the leacherous eyes of my Father and brother Andrew consume her. She stayed put between them, eyes down on her plate, her face tense as she shrunk even more in fright, looking smaller and smaller as the moments tickled past. I'd come to know of those little things she did when she was nervous — the intricate way she wrapped her arms around herself, her eyes wide and fully concentrated on the most trivial thing. She may not be aware of herself. She may not be aware of those little details, but I noticed them. I knew she wanted to hide away. Knew she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole. At least to save her from this intense scrutiny.I felt my control over the situation slip away more and more as course after course was served. I forced myself to eat a few bites from each plate, tr

SolanaI stared at the window, my forehead throbbing. The sun made it way up into the sky over an hour ago, but I still lay down. Unmoving. Unwilling to get up and start the day. Sunlight flickered in through the slants between the beige curtains. I should've been confused. I should've been terrified momentarily, and wondered where exactly I was, but I wasn't. The soreness between my legs, on my ass and my forehead was more than enough for me to remember. I could still feel Abel's touch on my skin, even though, currently, his presence eluded the room entirely.I winced as I turned my head to glance at the clock hanging on the wall opposite. It read 8:05 a.m.Groaning, I dragged the cotton sheet up over my naked, hurting body as I sat up. Pain rushed up my butt and waist, making me flinch. I plopped back down immediately. Beside me, the empty pillow lay sideways, the other half suspended in air. My fingers shot out to grasp it, and I leaned over to bury my nose in it. Take in as much

Solana“Alright. Fine, Abel. She's your property. Your whore. But remember that I gave her to you. And I can easily take her back if I please. I warned you not to involve business with pleasure, but you keep showing me how recklessly you'll handle the Stravkos name when I'm gone. Take care of Wyatt Williams before there are any more substantial supporters. Two fucking weeks, or I'll pass up the task to Andrew. I'm done playing hide-and-seek.”I slapped a hand over my mouth in shock. What? What did he mean, take care of Wyatt? What did Wyatt do?But most importantly, how was Abel going to take care of my cousin?I wanted to hear more. To press my ear more firmly against the door and hear Abel's response, but the sound of footsteps, heavy and moving fast chilled my feet and made it impossible for me to move. Sweat trickled down my temples, raced down my back as I struggled to unglue my feet from the tiled floor. At last they came off, and I charged toward the stairs. I bolted up, gown f

Abel/Solana“Why does it feel like you're pushing me away? What have I — ”She sat down on the edge of the couch, delicately, so the upper part of her butt rested on the tip. Guilt assaulted me, made me unable to look her way. Was she innocent? Or did she know more than she chose to reveal? And if Wyatt wasn't Frank's father, then who was?Who else was Helen Williams having an affair with? Or better yet, before Wyatt, who had been spending his nights on her bed?“You did nothing to me, Lana. Stop stressing yourself.”“Then why this sudden change of behavior? I thought...”I tilted my head to the side. “Thought what?”“You said some things last night.”She shook her head then brought her hands to her face, rubbing it before looking at me again. “I don't understand anything. I don't understand you. I mean, I thought I did before, but now... I don't know where I stand. All my life, I've always been in the middle of things I know nothing about. It's not fair.”Watching her, witnessing her

Solana“Abel has a sister?”She nodded. “Abigail. She was your age when she passed away. Poisoned in the hospital. She has a son, Abel's nephew whom Erin is taking care of.”“Oh.” Shit, I had no idea about this at all. “But how is that possible? How can he be having an affair with his nephew's caretaker?”“Why are you jumping into that conclusion? Have they done anything to make you believe they're having an affair? It could be anything. We might know soon enough.”“Are you... defending him?”“Of course not.” She sat back and folded her arms over her chest, levelling a steady gaze on me. “I'm only curious. Why do you care so much about them shagging? It's not in your nature. You hate him, so why are you so agitated now? Is there something you're not telling me, Lana?”I couldn't look up and meet her eyes, but I could feel their scrutiny — the harshness in the gaze she leveled me with. I sighed as I rested my elbows on the table, and dropped my forehead into my hand, feeling a migraine