Planting a tender kiss on my forehead, he allowed his lips to linger for a moment. "Good. I need to take a quick shower. My father is awake and looking for me." A surge of happiness washed over me. "I'm so glad! Do you want me to come with you?" He shook his head. "I have trusted people coming to ensure your safety. After everything you've been through, you deserve some rest. Besides, I won't be long. Just going to freshen up. Okay?" I nodded, feeling a thick knot of fear constricting my chest. Victor winked playfully and made his way towards the bathroom. He returned moments later, throwing a robe in my direction. "Room service. No other man is going to catch a glimpse of that gorgeous body of yours. Got it?" "Yes, sir!" I responded, giving him a playful military-style salute. I clutched his pillow to my chest, inhaling deeply. Its soft cotton already carried his scent, a potent mix of masculinity and exotic spices. I could bask in his essence all night long. The sound of the sh

"I encountered Franco in a coffee shop by chance," Madeline began, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and pain. "He literally bumped into me, spilling coffee all over my new dress. We laughed it off, and he was incredibly apologetic. He insisted on making it right. At that time, I had a small apartment separate from my father's residence. I wasn't hiding, which made it easier for him to find my address. The next day, four exquisite and expensive dresses arrived. I was taken aback and called him to thank him. He then asked me out to dinner." "He was seeing your sister?" I inquired, trying to piece together the timeline. "Yes, but I had no knowledge of it. She had kept his identity a secret from me, although I sensed that something was terribly wrong," Madeline explained, her grip on my hand tightening. She leaned her face against the glass, seeking solace. "It's ironic, he treated me wonderfully for about three months. Then he became possessive. I had been raised well by my fath

I waited until he left the room before accessing the file. I had suspicions about the identity of the mole, but I needed confirmation, which I now had. The drive didn't take long, and when I arrived at the quiet street lined with trees, it was late afternoon. I retrieved the silenced Glock from the glove compartment and concealed it in my jacket. I wanted to handle this situation cleanly. The car was in the driveway, and there were no visitors. Moving around to the back of the house, the tall shrubs provided cover from prying neighbors. The small, run-down rancher had seen better days, with three rotten windows at the back. I found the back door unlocked and entered without being seen. A television was playing in the distance, but my instincts were on high alert. As I stepped into the living room, our eyes met, and it felt like a standoff. "You were expecting me." "I figured there was no way you couldn't know," Shane said, sitting on the couch with his revolver on his lap. I took t

"Hmm... How do you think people will react when they see me whip your reddened behind?" I suppressed a whimper, my eyes fixated on the bustling street below, stealing glances to ensure our intimate act remained concealed from prying eyes on neighboring balconies. I felt both mortified and ashamed, yet an undeniable thrill coursed through me. "No. No, sir." "Do you desire me to punish you, my dear Madeline, to absolve you of your transgressions?" I hesitated, taking several deep breaths. The sharp impact against my bare buttocks served as a reminder not to displease him. "Yes. Please, sir." Victor entwined his hand in my hair, gently tugging until my neck was exposed. "So be it, then." Aware that he had retreated into the shadows, observing and analyzing me, I shifted uneasily, buffeted by the wind against my naked body. I felt so alive, every muscle tingling with anticipation. I had never experienced such a potent mixture of excitement and humiliation. The combination left my aro

He remained silent, and in a matter of seconds, she grabbed his arm, causing him to nearly stumble. As I approached, he raised his hand, gesturing for me to stop, shaking his head. "My daughter deserves an explanation. I assume that's why you're here." She laughed, her hand poised as if she were about to strike him. "Don't," I interjected softly. Madeline recoiled, exhaling sharply. "You're right. He's not worth it." I knew there was more to her father's anguish and the decision he had made. "You were aware that my father had fallen in love with Sophia Massimo." Antonio appeared taken aback, almost pleasantly surprised, as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. "Yes. I introduced them. You see, there was a time when I had feelings for Sophia, but we were distant cousins. When she went to America to pursue an acting career, I followed her progress, occasionally visiting her when I was there on business. I had already begun taking over from my father, so my presence was req