Babe.

VALENTINAI ignored the text and shoved the phone into my pocket, but of course Frederick noticed the uneasy feeling inside me.“Are you okay?” His hand fell on my left shoulder as we exited the building.I flinched and my neck snapped in his direction. “What? Yeah, I’m fine.” The words came out breathless, my fingers digging into my pocket.Hannah glanced at us and kept walking towards the car. From the look on her face, I knew she had so many questions for me, and I was already mentally preparing for them.He reached for my arm gently, my body coming to an abrupt stop. Then without warning he swirled me around and pulled me close to himself, our bodies only a few inches apart.“What are you doing?” I said, confused.His left hand found the small of my back, fingers spreading wide over the silk of my dress, warm through the thin fabric. He tugged me forward an inch, maybe less, until our bodies were almost flush. Faces inches apart. I could feel the heat rolling off him, the faint

I like her.

VALENTINA Babe? “Harley, can we not do this right now?” He pinched his nose bridge. “Oh, I see.” She glanced at me, “You’ve got a girl back there.” Our gaze met, but I didn’t react, I simply brought out my phone and open tiktok to watch videos. I refused to be bothered by any of this. It’s not as if we were married for love or anything. And besides I’m not a hypocrite, I do remember clearly when I suggested that the contract shouldn’t get in the way of seeing someone else. “Can we talk later?” He said. She smiled, “8 pm today. No excuse.” she said, “come with enough protection and please…don’t be late.” Despite my will for self-control, I found myself clearing my throat, loud enough to interrupt their conversation. She looked at me, rolled her eyes, and scoffed. “Harley please stop making things sound sexual,” He said, “Nothing is going on between you and me. I will come pick it up by 8.” She glanced at me, her lips curling in a mocking sympathetic smile, “Sorry love, I g

Devil May Care

VALENTINA“Mrs. Langston,” the security guard called as I made an attempt to step into the house. I turned and saw him jogging down to where I was.“Good morning ma’am,” his chest rose and fell rapidly, “someone’s here to see you.”Me? Nobody except Hannah knows I live here.“Male or female?” I asked, following him.“Female.”Hannah. It’s her for sure, but the question is—why was she here again? Did Nate do something stupid again? That’s not possible, he just got into prison this morning.The moment I got to the gate, I saw a familiar figure backing the gate, standing in front of a car, dressed all slutty as usual.Brianna—I didn’t need to see her face to know it was her, she’s the only person who would wear a strapless dress during the wintertime.“Why are you here?” I said, folding my arms. She flinched and turned around the moment she heard my voice.She fumbled with her bag, took off her glasses, her eyes blinking severely, like she didn’t believe it was actually me.She cleared h

Splendid

VALENTINA As I walked into the mall beside Kendrick, I made a mental note to turn him down before this whole thing turned into something else. He claimed he doesn’t remember what transpired between him and his brother yesterday, but I know he’s lying. He’s willing to take his chances despite knowing I’m married to his brother. And without being told, I can easily decipher his motive behind his behavior—this is just a sibling fight for who gets the girl, a game I’m not willing to take part in because I’m not a prize to be won by anyone. “What about this?” he said, dangling a dress before my eyes. “Do you like it?” I exhaled deeply and an unintentional eye roll escaped me. He smiled, undeterred by my gloomy expression. “Oh, you want something else?” I stepped closer to him, took the dress from him, and hung it on the rack. He stepped closer, invading my space with that familiar chaotic energy, causing my breath to hitch and making me swallow hard. “Look, I know what you’re tryin

You and me both.

VALENTINA My eyes darted around as we stopped in front of an apartment door in a hotel. This is where she lives? “Yeah, I live in a hotel.” Harley took the words right out of my mouth as she swiped her key card on the door. “I didn’t mean to—” “Nonsense,” she cut me off. “I’d also be surprised that such a beautiful and charismatic woman is living in a hotel. So no offense taken.” She said as the door slid open. I glanced at Frederick, and he gave me a reassuring smile. “Make yourself at home,” she said as we entered the apartment. I paused, taking in the spacious living area—the plush couch facing a sleek glass table, and the large windows spilling city lights across the polished floor. Frederick plopped down on the black couch in the living room, then patted a space next to him, signaling me to come over. Without hesitation, I walked over and sat beside him. He sighed deeply and loosened his tie. “Why are we here though?” I asked. “I can hear you,” Harley said f

Trained to kill

FREDERICK I blinked at the screen, my brain unable to process the words I was reading, nor could it deny the fact that they were true. My head turned slowly in her direction, a horrified expression plastered on my face. She blinked in confusion and reached for my hand. “Frederick,” she said softly, her tone stained with fear. “You’re scaring me.” I stood up abruptly and grabbed her hands. “You need to live,” I whispered cautiously, “right now.” She glanced around for a moment before her eyes landed on me. “Why?” Without explanation, I pulled her slowly towards the door and muttered a “fuck!” when I realized I needed the key card to unlock it. “Leaving so soon?” Harley’s voice came from behind us. I turned slowly, tucking Valentina behind me. Harley sat on one arm of the couch, a dagger held firmly in her hand and a psychotic smile curled on her lips. “Harley, what are you doing?” I said. She crossed her legs. “What do you think?” My pulse spiked, my fingers form