Arthur walked into the house and a quick trip to his bedroom made him realize Bella wasn’t home. His demeanor changed and he took a glance at his wristwatch. The time was fifteen minutes after eight and he could clearly recall that he had told her to come back before 8 pm. He knew that it sounded awkward to be giving her a curfew, but he needed to be in control. He needed to be aware of her going out and coming in. It was the only way he could remain in control and keep her safe. He didn’t want a repeat of what had happened to his sister. “Arthur, calm down. She came back yesterday she would definitely be back today. You just have to calm down.” He said to himself, hoping that he could keep himself calm until she came, but his anger only seemed to be stoked. He hated being angry and he only felt angry whenever he felt out of control. And somehow, he was certain that he was going to get back the control that he had lost to Bella. She had come to him with the proposition and had ac
“How did you know?” Bella asked when the initial shock from his words had worn out.She had refused to spill her secret to this man and now, he probably knew her worst secrets and was going to take advantage of her for her. He took a step away from her and let out a breath. “I know you are going to be mad, but then, I just couldn’t help. I was curious about where you had gone and I decided to track you down and I just ended up digging things about you.”“Fine, so you called a private investigator to follow me around and get information about me? I thought we agreed I was going to have some sort of privacy?” She yelled, swatting hard at him on the chest. Arthur let out a breath and told himself to focus. She was a woman and was simply angry and he wasn’t going to lash out on her. He had done what he did because a part of him cared about her and because he needed to know what was going on to feel in control.“I didn’t get anyone to follow you about. I am a man of my word, but my curi
Bella stood by the door, her heart in her mouth. From the small one-way window, she could see her brother eating quietly on his own on the hospital bed. He was at peace and she was happy that her brother looked peaceful, but she wasn’t at peace now. She doubted if this was a good idea, but there was no way she was going to tell the man no. “Do you think this is a good idea?” She turned around and asked Arthur who stood behind her at the door.“If I didn’t think it was a good idea to see your brother, I wouldn’t have suggested it to you Bella,” Arthur said, staring down at the woman. "Don't you have to go to work?" She queried him.Arthur chuckled. "You really are trying too hard to get me off your back.""Not that, it's a contract with no string attached. You don't have to have worry about James and leave your work undone.""Getting a day off work isn't going to make me poor."Since he uncovered the truth about her, he developed a soft spot for her and as much as he was hardly tend
“Where did you learn how to talk to people so nicely?” Bella asked in a light-hearted tone as they entered the front door of the mansion. “Hey, I speak nicely to people, so what’s up with that question?” Arthur asked as he undid his cuffs. Bella stared at the man as he removed his cuffs and rolled his sleeves up. Next up, he undid the first three buttons of his chest. These actions were simple, but they made Bella swallow with anticipation. “Hey?” Arthur waved a hand in front of her face. “You look lost.” “No, I don’t.” She denied.“Alright, if you say so,” Arthur said and smiled at her. He had a lovely day today and he wanted a repeat of it. James had been a great conversationalist and it was just so great to talk to someone so carefree and light-hearted like him. James had not been afraid to speak to him like a normal person. This level of carefreeness was what Arthur lacked in his life and he was so happy that he had finally found someone willing to treat him like a man witho
Bella stared nervously at the space on the bed. There was no crease and it was evident that no one had slept here. She let out a sigh as she took a glance at the digital clock beside the table. 8:37 am.“Shit!” she cursed as she jumped down from the bed. She had been holed up here thinking about Arthur and his foul mood that she didn’t think of her brother. Yesterday, after Arthur had left her naked in the sitting room, she had been so worried and hated herself for being worried. She knew she shouldn’t be bothered about the man’s personal life as it didn’t concern her, but she was confused about what she must have said to have warranted him getting mad at her. She walked into the bathroom and allowed her mind to roam freely to avoid thoughts of Arthur. “Bella, you need to learn to stop thinking about him. This isn’t why you are here.” She warned herself aloud. “I know you are falling for him, but keep your emotions in check,” She said and turned on the shower, allowing the warm w
Bella lay on the bed spread like an eagle. She didn’t want to get into any altercations with Arthur, so she had come back early and got herself ready to be used by him. At least, this time around, she hadn’t had to wait until James slept off before she rushed back. Thankfully, the vehicle Arthur had prepared for her waited at the hospital until she was ready to come back. She let out a breath the moment she felt the door handle turn. “Prepare yourself.” She breathed as she focused her eyes on the ceiling. Arthur walked into the room and found the woman bare on his bed, her warm and exciting body calling out to him. He gulped from just staring at her and he was washed with regret at how he had treated her earlier. He had had some time to think things over at the office and knew that he wasn’t fair. She hadn’t known and it wasn’t her fault. He shouldn’t have punished her for something she had no control over besides he was the first person to cross the line of of getting to know ab
The ringing tone was loud and sharp, piercing into her ear. Her phone had never rung this long and this early and she was forced to answer the phone. “Yes?” She growled through gritted teeth without glancing at the caller ID. “Good morning. Please, am I on to Miss Bella Stone?” A rather familiar voice asked. “Yes,” Bella answered, this time around, taking a look at the caller ID on her phone. Her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets on noticing where the call was from.“This is Nurse Ann from…” The voice was saying when Bella quickly interrupted. “Is everything okay with my brother?” She asked, sitting upright on the bed. “Unfortunately, Bella, your brother developed some complications during the wee hours of the morning and we need you to sign some paperwork so we can begin an emergency procedure on him right away ma’am.” The nurse said in a professionally calm voice. “Of course, I would be there right away,” Bella said as she jumped down from the bed, her heart pounding so h
Arthur let out a breath and gently pushed Bella’s head off his shoulder. His heart ached knowing that he would be leaving her all alone to deal with this, but he had something important to take care of as well. His life’s work was at stake here and he had to make sure everything was put under control. “Yes?” Bella asked startled. “Is he out yet?” She opened her eyes to meet his worried face. Arthur shook his head, wishing that none of these was happening. “Okay.” She continued to stare at him hoping he would say something.“Bella, I have to leave now. There is an emergency and I need to take care of things.” He said to her and stood on his feet. Bella replicated his actions with her forehead squeezed in worry. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing to bother yourself about, okay? I will be back as soon as possible. If you need anything, you can call Ms Jenkins, she will be at your beck and call.” He said, kissed her on the forehead, and quickly walked away.The kiss was short and brief, but Be