The call ended and Boma kept staring at her phone. Then she checked her location and turned it off. Her phone began to ring again. Donovan was calling once more. She picked up the phone, her hands shaking. Maybe she should answer, go to him and face the consequences, she thought.But she could not bring herself to answer. ---Donovan's gaze was fixed on his phone as he waited for Boma to take her call. This was the second time he was calling. He wondered why she wasn't taking her call. He was seated in the back seat of his car with Phillip, his right-hand man, driving them back to the frat house. They were approaching a fancy eatery, but Donovan's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Boma, who was currently locked in his bedroom as punishment for her transgression. Despite her restricted freedom, she should have been picking up his calls, as she had her phone with her.He was calling because he wanted to get her anything she wanted from the restaurant. He was still unhappy with h
Donovan continued to read the note, his eyes scanning every word.'...I call you Papa because you have always been my provider as well as my protector. I also call you D because it feels intimate and close, a name just between us. And when I fall out of line, I call you Sir because that's your rule, and this is the part that I am most afraid of.Hence, by the time you read this, I will not be here, because of what I've done. This is not a decision I made lightly but one borne out of necessity and desperation and most of all, fear. I hope you understand that I did not leave out of malice or rebellion, but because I am sorely afraid of the consequences of my actions.You have always been a complex man—one who cares deeply, yet often shows it in ways that are hard for me to understand or accept. The punishment, the control, the confinement... it's been too much for me to bear. I have felt like a prisoner in our relationship, our marriage and I need to be free. I loved you deeply, Donova
The night had settled into a tense quiet. Boma lay on the bed in Harry's apartment, unable to fall asleep. Surely, by this time, Donovan should have discovered her escape. Her mind was still racing with thoughts of him and the consequences of her actions. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows on the walls, with only the faint sound of waves in the distance breaking the silence.Why hadn't Donovan contacted her? Maybe he had yet to discover her escape. Maybe he had, but was yet to react. She recalled her last escape. He had not contacted her immediately. And back then she didn't leave a note. This time she had poured out her heart in a note. He was so unpredictable. She didn't know what he would really do.She feared having to hide so much. How would she get to class? Exams were beginning in five days. She and Teni still needed to do some revision. Her books were in her apartment. She left a few in Donovan's house. How would she study? How would Teni go about freely? It suddenl
As Boma hesitated, her mind raced with possibilities. She couldn't outright lie, but revealing she was at Harry's place might provoke Donovan. She took a deep breath, hoping to find a middle ground."I'm not with my parents," she finally said, her voice steady. "But I am safe, Donovan. I'm staying with a friend who offered me a place to stay for a while. It's... it's a safe place."Donovan was silent for a moment, and Boma could feel the weight of his contemplation through the phone. She held her breath, waiting for his reaction"I'm afraid that's not good enough for me, Boma." He responded. "Picture this for a moment. Let's say I'm not around. You can't reach me for days, or even for a day. And you're called about my whereabouts, are you really going to be comfortable not knowing?"Even though he made sense, Boma didn't want to risk it."No, but this is different.""I disagree. Setting our differences aside, the fact remains that I don't know where you are. And I'm your husband. So I
Boma began pacing, her anxiety mounting with each passing moment. Harry tried to soothe her."You need to relax, Boma. Worrying won't help."She slowly sank onto the bed, her hands trembling. Harry excused himself. "I need to get ready."Boma waited, her thoughts a whirlpool of dread. Soon, she heard a car pull up outside. Peering through the window, she saw six rough-looking men emerge from a Sienna, greeted by Harry. They spread out, taking strategic positions around the compound, while a few entered the house. She retreated from the window, alarmed. She had tried so hard to avoid a war, but it seemed inevitable.Confused and desperate, she wondered if she should call Donovan and warn him. She didn't want either man to get hurt.Finally, she dialed Harry’s number. He came to her without taking the call, sensing her need."Harry, please," she implored. "Promise me you won't harm Donovan."Harry laughed, his voice bitter. "Why are you laughing?" she asked, bewildered."You should b
Donovan relieved her of her belongings, and Phillip stepped forward to receive them. Boma, overwhelmed and relieved by Donovan's understanding, hugged him tightly. He held her close, his warmth enveloping her."I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gone to Harry. I was just...""I understand your reasons," he gently said, relieving her of the need for explanations. "I'm just glad you found the courage to reveal your whereabouts. I'm glad you trusted me enough."They stayed close like that for a moment before disengaging."Now, where do you want to spend the night?""Um..." She began hesitantly."Feel free, Boma," he encouraged. "I've read and reread your words. I want to honor them because I love you. Okay?" She nodded in understanding."So just tell me where you want to spend the night, and we'll drop you off. After that, all I expect from you is to know where you're staying for this period of reflection between us. I won't call you. It's one month apart. I'm willing to try and fulfill your re
Phillip and Standfast returned to the couple. Standfast stayed in the car while Phillip proceeded to show them their room.Before they left the car, Donovan retrieved a fresh handkerchief from the glove compartment.Later, Donovan and Boma stood silently in the luxurious hotel suite, their emotions a turbulent mix of love, longing, and uncertainty. The room, with its elegant decor, felt both intimate and imposing, reflecting the intensity of their relationship. Donovan closed the door behind them, his eyes locked onto hers, a silent promise of what was to come.“Boma,” he said softly, stepping closer to her, his voice a deep, calming presence. “I want this night to be special, a memory to hold onto during our time apart.”Boma’s heart raced, her breath quickening. She nodded, unable to find her voice. Donovan’s hand reached out, gently cupping her face, his thumb tracing the contour of her cheek. His touch sent shivers down her spine, igniting a fire within her.“Do you trust me?” he a
ONE DAY LATERBoma was back in her apartment on the Island, trying to focus on her literature class with Teni. The apartment was filled with the soft hum of the air conditioner, the scent of fresh coffee drifting from the kitchen. Teni sat across from her, textbooks spread out between them, but Boma’s mind was miles away.No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the memories of the passionate night she had shared with Donovan. The intensity of their connection, the way his touch had sent shivers down her spine, the whispered promises—it all replayed in her mind like a never-ending loop. She could still feel the warmth of his body, the roughness of his hands, the tender yet commanding way he had held her."Boma, are you even listening?" Teni's voice cut through her thoughts, bringing her back to the present.Boma blinked, trying to focus on her friend."I'm sorry, Teni. What was the question again?"Teni sighed, a hint of frustration in her eyes, but also a soft understandi