Semua Bab OWNED BY THE MADDOX BROTHERS : Bab 31 - Bab 39

ZAYLAZiven went to get the door, my gaze followed him until he was standing right in front of it. As if he already knew who it was, he unlocked the door. And just as I expected, Zane and Zarek stormed in.Zane’s lips widened into a grin the moment his eyes found me.“Angel,” he drawled, already heading my way like a heat-seeking missile.Behind him, the man who wore a scowl like a tattoo barely glanced at me. One look, it was sharp, almost irritated — then he turned away like I wasn’t worth the energy. But when was Zarek not annoyed? He moved straight to the breakfast bar dividing the kitchen from the lounge and sat, cold as always.“Matilda?” Ziven muttered, his voice snapping my attention back to him. Then, I realized they didn't arrive alone. A blonde woman covered in dark ink stood confidently in the middle of the room, her arms crossed, wearing a grin like she owned the place.“What’s good, Ziven?” she smirked."I'm good,” he said, stepping aside, “you're late, you know.”"Bla

ZAYLAThe rows of luxury stared back at me, silk, satin, bright and dark. They all whispered money, power and elegance.Although I was born into wealth, and grew up in a circle where riches, dressing, appearance and power meant a lot. My parents made me dependent on them. They made sure every bit of privilege I had came from them — never mine. I barely had anything for myself. Not even my freedom, not even the simplest choice of deciding my outfit to an event. I owned nothing. Then there was Lugard, who made everything even worse.And now... I was standing in front of a wardrobe that was filled with clothes most people could only dream about — not bought by my family, not forced on me... But given. By them. I still have no idea what their motive was, but whatever it was... They haven't done anything to hurt me, and as hard as I hate to admit it, I'd never felt more safe than with them. An ache bloomed in my chest — warmth tangled with something sharper. A need. A hunger. Determinat

ZAYLA "Sweetheart," Archer smiled sharply, taking my hand in a soft kiss. His gaze drank me all over, then paused on my neck. My damn neck. His lips curved with a cruel, knowing smirk, "I see you've been well taken care of, hmm?" It was more of a statement than a question. My cheeks flamed, warm under his scrutinizing beautiful eyes. Then I smiled, and slowly pulled my hand back. "You've been good too," I said, taking his full form all over. Dressed in an onyx-blue jacket over a white polo which he paired with dark fitted denim pants. His dark hair messy, just like the first time, which adds to his charm. He looked capable, hot and mesmerising. All in one. "Absolutely," he drawled, raking a hand through his hair. A subtle, smug little display, not to fix it, but to show off, like he was proving he'd been doing just fine. I was about to say a reply when Zane suddenly interrupted, "We're not going stand here forever, are we?" He bit out, his tone edged with impatience.

ZAYLA It wasn't long before the waitress returned to the table with the drinks. Gianna stood up, a sweet, wicked smile tugging at her lips, as she walked around the table. With elegance and practiced ease she grabbed two glasses of drink from the table and moved to where the brothers were seated. "Here," she said, her smile widening just a little as she handed the drinks to Ziven and Zarek. "You don't usually bring ladies to our table. And when you did, I judged your preference. I judged her. Well, she proved my judgement absolutely wrong, and I'm really sorry about that." My gaze swept her all over again, looking for a trace of lie or insincerity, but there was none. "That was a hell of a speech, G," Archer cut in, his voice teasing. "Shut up, Archer," Gianna scolded dramatically, trying so hard not to laugh.Both siblings were holding back their laugh, which only meant one thing. "Hey, come on. I'm being remorseful here." Gianna drawled, shooting them a glare. "Ok, whatever,"

ZAYLA"Angel," his voice came again, cracking right down the middle, sharp and deadly. He sank to his knees with me clutched against him, like he couldn't stand either. My throat was on fire, scorching hot. My heart was pounding, trying to claw its way out of my ribcage. Everything was too much."Zane..." I choked between sobs, barely able to breathe. His arms closed around me immediately, pressing me into his chest. Then he pulled away a bit, to cup my cheeks with both hands, his gun forgotten on the floor. "Look at me, Angel. Breathe with me. In... out... Again. I've got you. I've got you."I tried, God I tried. But I failed. Still trembling as panic held me captive. His thumb gently wiped the blood—Matteo's blood, my tears—smearing it across my face. "Shhh... I'm here. Nobody will ever touch you again." My fingers twisted in his shirt, my knuckles white. I wanted to speak, to tell him it wasn’t just this life, it was the last one too, that I’d already died like this once and