MICHAEL"Hey, what's with the fucking text?" I almost spat at Aaron, my frustration evident."Uncle Martin wants to see you, like right now," Aaron replied, leaning against his car with crossed arms. "It's about your 'fiancée', Elena." He gestured quotes in the air."What does he want now? I already attended that damn dinner. Does he expect me to take her out on a date or rush to the altar?" I scoffed."That's the point," Aaron confirmed. "Why are you so angry, Michael?" he asked.I paused, questioning my own anger. After all, the inheritance I've been waiting for is within reach. So why am I struggling to embrace the life I've been chasing?"Remember, it's about the money, not the girls. You agreed to marry Natasha instantly because it's the easiest way to secure the inheritance," Aaron reminded me. "So, what's holding you back now?"Not falling for his question, I let out a bitter chuckle and shook my head. "Who says I'm not on board with the deal? I signed the contract at the dinne
NATASHA"Hey, sorry about ending the call earlier," Laura said apologetically as we resumed our conversation over the phone."That's okay, you know I understand. And this whole situation is because of me," I replied, nodding my head as if she could see me.Lying in bed, I tried to feel the warmth of the spot where Mike had been earlier in the afternoon.Mike's face had been lingering in my mind since he claimed me. And the short and sensual threat he left for me: "eat up or I'll eat you - Mike."I couldn't help but bite my lower lip to stifle a wide grin, causing my cheeks to ache.He's a fascinating person. So mysterious and alluring."Okay, so, my husband left with dad to Paris for business, and I'm alone in the house. No one's going to disturb us," Laura giggled."You do realize it's way past your bedtime, right?" I glanced at the clock; it was almost midnight."Who cares? So, tell me about this guy you were talking about. What's his name?"Humming, I rolled over to face the ceilin
MICHAELGroaning a curse as the sun hit my face, I rolled over to the other side of the bed, only to be hit by a pounding headache. "Fuck..." I moaned."Need a cup of coffee?" a feminine voice asked.My body refused to move, and my eyes were reluctant to open, but when I heard her voice, it was as if my body came alive."Hi," she greeted with a wide smile as I looked at her.She held a white cup in her hand, and the aroma of the coffee filled the air as I saw the steam rising."Come on, get up and drink this. You were so drunk last night," she told me, setting the cup and an Advil on the bedside table."Sorry," I murmured huskily.I still didn't want to get up, but her inviting face compelled me to sit up and drink what she offered.Then I realized, I wasn't wearing anything underneath the blanket.Did she undress me?"Uh--" I heard her say. "You uh-- puked on your clothes last night. I had them washed, they're outside," she stuttered.When I lifted my head, I saw her looking at my pe
NATASHA"You're grinning as if you didn't commit any crime this morning," Doris welcomed me with her deadpan face, hand on her hip, in the kitchen.Garry, the cook, laughed heartily, his protruding belly jiggling. "Leave the poor girl alone, Doris. You enjoyed your alone time with me," he teased."You wish! You're the only one who enjoyed it, not me. I've got a headache, and I look like a wreck," Doris retorted, trying to hide her smile."Hey, Tasha, did you know she's the one who almost committed a crime?" Garry laughed like a crow before pointing at his lips. "She kissed me."Gasping, I looked at Doris with wide eyes."That's a lie! Do you want to get fired?" Doris threatened."Bring it on," Garry challenged, blowing a kiss at her, causing Doris' cheeks to flush."I can handle it. There are plenty of men who would take your place," Doris shot back.Garry put down the flipper and pulled Doris close. "But who will hug you like this?""Oh my gosh," I muttered, covering my eyes.Doris e
MICHAELThe day concluded with my satisfaction and Tasha's exhaustion. She drifted off to sleep after I had drained her of her strength.Although the day had its blessings, there was circulating news about Martin Montero's only son entering into another upcoming marriage."You know bringing her here wasn't a smart move," Aaron warned me as we sat at the bar stools. "What kind of job did you tell her again?""A chauffeur," I replied, hearing him scoff."Only people with millions in their pockets can rent a night in this place let alone own a luxury place here. When did you become so stupid?""I wasn't thinking straight," I honestly admitted, taking a shot. "But I don't think she needs to know. I'll avoid the bullets as long as I can.""That's a recipe for suicide," he clicked his tongue. "Once she figures you out, especially that you're getting married, your ass is going to be deep fried."Getting married. Fuck, I am in trouble."Since you agreed to marry Elena, I suggest you stop play
NATASHAUpon awakening, I discovered that Mike had left our bed. He had, however, left a note indicating that he was at the bar. I decided to freshen up and explore this luxurious place.I marveled at how Mike managed to afford such an extravagant location. Everything seemed so expensive.The beach was sparsely populated, likely due to the season."Beautiful," I murmured, my gaze captivated by the horizon.The sun was gently sinking into the ocean, its orange light casting a warm glow on my skin. I could feel the gentle touch of the heat on my skin.After spending several hours inhaling the salty air, I closed my eyes.This was freedom.My parents were not around to dictate my actions or my future. They weren't here to scrutinize my every move and warn me against every decision I made.I was here with someone I trusted.Mike. Although he remained a mystery to me, he made me feel perfect. Was I wrong to think this way? Was I wrong to feel this way?Regardless of where this journey migh
MICHAEL"What?!" I yelled, my frustration reaching its peak as shocking news hit me like a tidal wave."You heard me," Aaron calmly replied. "The woman you slept with wasn't Tasha. She was with me. Should I say that you made her cry," he casually added.I froze, feeling as if my heart was about to give out. "What are you saying?""She stayed at my inn," he answered."She stayed at your place," I repeated through gritted teeth."What, did you expect her to sleep with you when you literally had a woman in that same bed? Man, you're messed up." Point taken, and I was defeated.My headache weighed me down even more. "Damn it, who was that woman? How did she get in here? I thought she was Tasha.""Don't know," Aaron mumbled, his voice tinged with uncertainty.I groaned and pushed the blanket off me, not bothering to cover myself.Aaron cursed under his breath and looked away. "Have some decency, man. There's a woman outside," he scolded."A woman?" I raised an eyebrow as I wore the robe."
NATASHAI still felt the heaviness in my heart when I woke up the next day. Luckily, Aaron was there to comfort me.But what would be even better is if I could get a ride back to my flat."Is he sober now?" I asked Aaron over the phone."Well, I put a pillow on his face. I think he's sober now," he chuckled."Did he...?" Should I ask? No, I shouldn't. I'm just one of Mike's many women. "Can you just tell him that I want to go home?""You know, I'm starting to feel like a messenger or a mailman. Do I look like one to you?" He sounded hurt, but I could tell he was joking."Alright, I'll just ask him myself. But thank you for being here for me," I sincerely said. "You're such a hero.""Don't mention it," he waved it off. "Who am I to leave a pretty young lady alone? Besides, I'd hate to hear that you slept on the beach and got taken by Aquaman.""You're silly," I giggled as I started to walk outside the inn.I clutched the cardigan Aaron gave me this morning. He bought me a new sundress