"Quantum pensi ache valga la tua ragazza?" (How much do you think your girlfriend is worth?) I am brought back to reality when I overhear one of the goons speaking Italian. They converse exclusively in their mother tongue for two reasons: one, they're speaking about me, and two, they don't want me to know of their agendas because I am guaranteed to detest them with a passion. 'They are certainly in for a little treat..' My inner Goddess cackles. They have no idea that I have been buried in books recently; I may not be fluent in Italiano, just yet. But, I can understand enough to pick up on what they are saying for me to respond. Aces' pupils contract into thin slits, and his fingers twist into the plain white tablecloth in front of him, crinkling the perfectly ironed linen as he inwardly seethes at the comment being made. I watch him discreetly in the corner of my eye, he's been closed off and aloof since he was forced to watch Trent take me against my will last night for the t
I enter the office like a naive little girl. I know I should heed to my inner Goddess, who is howling at me, 'This is a trap; flee before it is too late.' And she is right; it is too late; I brush past him, my sight settling on the chair in front of the enormous mahogany desk, which I slip into. I hear the faint sound of the door closing and the click of the door locking. I keep my gaze straight ahead, attempting to maintain an increased level of awareness while I wait for him to take his seat in front of me. I am too intrigued to hear his proposal for me to get up and walk out. Something deep inside me screams out that his proposition will cost me my soul but could possibly benefit me at the same time. He sinks into his chair, opens the top drawer of his desk and extracts a bottle of Glenfiddich. I stare at him as he fills his tumbler glass three fingers high, and then replaces the bottle in the drawer. His presence alone screams power that steals the air from me. His masculin
"Posso essere il tuo angelo che ti protegge dai tuoi incubi" (I can be your Angel that protects you from your nightmares.) He mutters in my ear and his silky voice causes my eyes to seal themselves shut as I focus solely on the words he is saying, not the heat that emanates off his body. "O il bastardo che trasformerà quegli incubi in realtà." (Or the bastard that will make those nightmares a reality.) I slowly turn around in his embrace. I look up into his ocean baby blue eyes and I feel myself drifting away. The fear. The torture. All of the broken promises sworn to me leaves a tangled web of turmoil
"And if that mocking bird don't sing, Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring... And if that diamond ring is brass, Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass...And if that looking glass gets broke Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat..." I quietly hum to Sandro as he falls asleep wrapped up in my arms for the third time today.Four months ago, I delivered my sleeping prince. I welcomed him three weeks early as a result of me falling down five flights of stairs. I was rushing back to my room before Ace got out of the shower and realised I had snuck out.The labour pains were intense. It was gut-wrenchingly out of this world but I refused to allow the midwife to give me any pain relief. I wanted to remember the birthing experience in raw detail, to remi
I stand outside the enormous structure to which Castello has directed me. I tip my head upwards and follow the building's line all the way to the sky's sapphire ocean. The Burak structure is truly magnificent, the skyscraper pierces the marshmallow clouds and it's definitely something I've never seen before. I knew from Castello's description of the building's interior that what lay beyond the magnificent copper revolving doors was breathtaking. I am greeted upon entering by the ruby-veined marble flooring, pearly white walls, and endless foot traffic. I remove my new ID card from the inside pocket of my handbag and hold it up for the three black-clad guards behind their desk to inspect. The guards quickly clear me through after I answer a few questions and pass a security check. I prayed the entire time to the Gods that Castello has taken care of everything or else my chance here will be blown and I am uncertain of what may happen if I fail t
The second the elevator car doors slide open. I exit, turning left, unsure of my destination. I notice a small sign directing me to the ladies room and I follow it.The want to be free of his presence is intense.The raunchy thoughts racing through my mind have no business being there, given I am here on a Castello-assigned mission. I've been in Aydem's company for the entirety of, what?Five minutes.And already I am hot and flustered.I enter the ladies room, depositing my bag onto the opulent basin and turning on the cold water. I splash it all over my face in an attempt to chill my hot cheeks and restore their natural colour tone.As I turn the tap off, I raise my eyes to the mirror, concentrating on my breathing and recalling the new Identity I've been given.Clara, Clara Cross, is the name I've been given. My new nickname is C.C. I reside three blocks away in the newly constructed and furnished 'Harding and Jet' apartment
My legs are trembling as I approach his office. I'm a nervous wreck, and the moment I feel my foot snag on the rug, I scream as I stumble three steps forward before collapsing on my face.I lay there wishing the ground would rip open and engulf me completely. To say I am overcome with embarrassment is an understatement and for the second time within an hour, Aydem Buraks expensive oxford dress shoes stand before me.He extends his hand, indicating that I should accept it, and I do. I make a conscious effort to ignore the warmth of his hand as it devours mine. And while he assists me in rising to my feet, I am unable to look him in the eyes as I express my gratitude."Thank you," I mumble in a whispering tone.I take my hand away from his, running it down the front of my black pencil skirt, and inspect my shoes to ensure that the heel hasn't snapped. It was merely a little fall, but where I am concerned. Anything is possible."Well
I make a conscious effort not to fidget for the next hour as Aydem and the two gentlemen sitting next to him interrogate everyone that sits around the table. I love how one of the women gets up and talks confidently; I can not help but admire the apricot blouse she is wearing that matches the shade of her lipstick and blush. As she is bombarded with questions, she does not back down when she is confronted with the prospect of proving her thoughts viable. She handles herself well as she is put under duress, duress that is solely being encouraged by Aydem, who effortlessly dominates the room. "Excellent work, Tia," Aydem says and he gives her a small compliment as he begins to wrap things up. "I'm looking forward to reviewing the designs in person. What would entice you, Ms Cross, to purchase the shoe?" I blink, startled to see that everyone in the room is now looking at me. "Uh, excuse me?" I gulp as my cheeks flush. His gaze is piercing in its