《The Billionaire鈥檚 Bargain Bride》


 Chapter 1

    Business Deal


    CENRIC


    I hate promises. I always would.


    When I made a promise to protect someone, I failed her. That changed my perspective¡ªmaybe it meant to be broken. Right now, it contradicted everything that I believed. I had to fulfill that promise. Even for someone like me, I couldn¡¯t escape from it.


    It happened even before I became who I was, and I should have forgotten about it, but looking back at the dying woman in my arms I failed to protect, I just couldn¡¯t let it go. I had to make it possible, even if it meant signing off my life away from freedom.


    I rifled through the folder on my desk. I wanted to get my mind off the wedding¡ªmy wedding in two days. And here I was, working my ass off even if I should be rxing before the fucking end of my bachelor life.


    But there was something about her that I couldn¡¯t shake off.


    I had not met her. I had decided not to. The marriage was a fucking business deal, and her family was even enthusiastic about that¡ªthe fact that I literally bought her, and she knew that¡ªit sickened me.


    My brother, Cas, met her on my behalf. I always found excuses every time there were gatherings, even our engagement. I wouldn¡¯t call it a party because we were not in love.


    It was a business deal¡ª mutual understanding between her father and me.


    The blue folder caught my eye again, even if I tried to ignore it for the whole month.


    Fuck.


    I grabbed and flipped it open. I squeezed my eyes shut before I stared at the first page. Her picture caught me off guard. She looked young in this photograph, but I knew she was already twenty-one. In fact, she finished college this year.


    ¡°Like her already?¡± I almost fell off my chair. My cheeks burned as if someone had just caught my hand in a cookie jar.


    I closed the folder and turned to face my brother. ¡°What are you doing here? Aren¡¯t you supposed to fit your stupid tux or something?¡±


    He walked in towards my desk and grabbed the folder of the background check report I asked for from my PI. I was curious about my future wife, and at the same, I wanted to know a bit about her life. To be honest, I wanted to know her past rtionships before our wedding.


    Her family, on the other hand, I hated her father, and so as her brother. Who was sane father did that to his own blood?


    Hanslo was a son of bitch who chose to save his business over his daughter.


    Her brother, Jasper, was another fucking son of the bitch. I hated him even more¡ªhe had my future wife on his leash. It had to end, or I would finish it myself.


    ¡°Cenric?¡± He snapped his fingers on my face. ¡°Your teeth would crack if you wouldn¡¯t calm down. And you¡¯re about to create holes into that wall.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. Why are you here again?¡± I straightened up on my chair.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t told you, but I came here to check up on you and make sure you¡¯re not getting cold feet and nning to be a runaway groom.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. I looked down at the stacks of folders, and I wanted to throw them in the trash. I tried to focus on some things, particrly not reading the file of my bride. Shit. It sounded awful.


    I saw her once, but that was years ago. I still wanted her to be ugly, fat, with braces and pimples, but if the picture in that folder is up to date, then she was undeniably gorgeous.


    She had a small round face. Her big crystal blue eyes staring back at me held a multitude of secrets. Her nose was straight and perfect. Those lips should be a sin. Her dark blonde hair just made her more beautiful.


    She was my downfall. I could feel it.


    ¡°I know everyone is gonna be nervous when getting married. It¡¯s normal. You wouldn¡¯t be human if you wouldn¡¯t feel like there¡¯s a knot in your stomach.¡±


    He was right, I had never been this nervous in forever, but knowing that my life would change drastically in a matter of two days, I couldn¡¯t shake this feeling off, so strange I wanted to throw up.


    ¡°Spare the advice, bro. You¡¯re not the one whose life is gonna be tied to a woman you don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s gonna be a good wife. Trust me. If you just took my advice to meet and know her, you wouldn¡¯t feel this way.¡±


    I red at him. ¡°I want to take care of her, not fall in love.¡±


    ¡°So you admit that she¡¯s attractive?¡±


    ¡°Fuck you. I can¡¯t go through do that. Knowing her father and Jasper are power-hungry, I feel like I¡¯m gonna fail her again. I won¡¯t let it happen.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Then you made the right decision.¡±


    ¡°I hope so. I hope she¡¯s not a pain in the ass.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t be just you, brother. It should be one way or another.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you. Get out before I run away and never show up on my wedding fucking day.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine by me. I will be marrying your fiancee.¡±


    An utmost overpowering outrage gripped me. The words marrying and fiancee in one sentence made me see red. An unfamiliar possessiveness shocked me that even my own brother I wanted to wring his neck.


    He shook his head before his lips spread into a wide grin. His eyes glimmered withughter. His lips twitched in amusement before he lifted his hands in a surrendering gesture.


    ¡°Get the fuck out. I have a lot of things I need to settle before I go on my merry wedding way.¡±


    ¡°See you, brother.¡± He saluted before he burst out of my office door.


    Once Cas was gone, I shifted in my seat ufortably. I started to realize that there was no going back. Everything was set and ready for the big day, only me that I couldn¡¯t think of even getting a girlfriend, let alone getting married to the woman I knew nothing about aside from her being Greer.


    I stared at her picture again, hoping it would magically turn her into an ugly duckling. But the more I stared at it, the more she turned into a fucking swan. This is not happening. Something about her that made me want to own her, mark her, take her right here, right now. Jesus.


    I was ustomed to letting my lust lead me when it came to sex. I got what I wanted, and I gave what I could. But by just looking at her image, I wished I was wrong. These unfamiliar feelings of raw lust, rage, and possessiveness started to be out of my control. And the worse part was, I had not even met her yet.


    I almost jumped in my seat when my phone vibrated on my desk. An unknown number blinked on the screen.


    ¡°Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Help me!¡± It was a voice of a terrified woman. My heart stopped dead in my chest.


    I froze for a moment. Why do I feel like I know her?


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Cenric¡ª¡± The line went dead.


    I stared at the screen in shock. ¡°What the fuck?¡± She knew me and called my name, yet her voice was unfamiliar.


    I dialed the number. I was the kind of man who never answered or called back, but I got the feeling it sounded like her life was hanging in the bnce, and my instinct told me to protect her. Whoever she was.


    Then it answered quickly from the other line.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Cenric?¡± It was Jasper fucking Greer, my future brother-ass-inw.


    I shot him a bloody murderous re even if he was not in front of me. ¡°Where is she?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Then why did she call? She sounded terrified, and the line went off after.¡±


    The other line went silent for a few seconds as if he was trading his words carefully. ¡°She tried to escape.¡±


    ¡°Is she held against her will?¡±


    ¡°She wants to run away. You know that she didn¡¯t want to get married from the start of the arrangement.¡± Of course, who would willingly want to marry someone like me? I may be filthy rich, but not all women could be bought by fucking shiny and glittery diamonds.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever hurt her ory a hand on her. If I ever see a small cut or bruise on her skin on my wedding day, call everything quits, even our fucking contract. Do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°And make sure in two days, I have a bride to marry, unscathed.¡±

 Chapter 2

    Caught


    SADIE


    He calls back.


    Terror had filled me. My brother shot me a murderous re as he talked to him over the phone. I just wished this call would be calling off the wedding then we could both live our merry lives. But as I stared back at my brother, his expression even cowered down. So, the wedding was still on the go. Kill me now.


    It was my third attempt to escape, but my fathers¡¯ckeys had done a pretty bang-up job keeping me in this horrible mansion since our engagement was official with a freaking twenty-five million dors.


    My fiance was a private person despite being a self-made billionaire. If Jasper was right, his brother, Cas did all the public appearances since he was the expert in cryptography¡ªhe was the face of the decentralized digital currency called Centhaddeus or known as CENTH by the Crypto marketers.


    He was known to be a whale on Wall Street. I was curious to look for him online, but I might not like what I would find out.


    My heart had been beating a million a mile since Jasper caught me sneaking out through the window. My friend, Zhuri was waiting outside the gate. Jasper just threatened her if she helped me escape again.


    Two days ago, it was my second attempt. My father caught me and struck me. My mouth bled out, and my face was bruised¡ªeven a thick foundation couldn¡¯t conceal. Then Jasper, not a few minutes ago, pped me, causing my already bruised cheek to throb.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time, even when I was a kid. If I made a mistake, either of them would hit me to teach me lessons, which I learned something¡ªto be tough. If I didn¡¯t, I might have gone crazy or ended up like myte mother. Dead.


    Sure, this arrangement or business deal was a massive boost to my father¡¯s business, but as a girl or the only woman in my family, I was a waste of their breaths. My family was known to be patriarchal. When my mother followed her passion, my father kicked her to the curb. Even if they were not divorced, he started having mistresses, even as young as my age.


    This married would be my freedom, at first, because there was no way I could go out from this hell hole, away from the tyranny of my father if not arranged to someone else, even of their choice. My father never believed in women¡¯s independence. He thought women had only two roles¡ªgive them pleasures and bear children.


    He was a ss A douchebag sexist.


    When Cenric asked for my hand, or should I say, bought me for twenty-five million dors, my father did not think twice but seal the deal. Yeah, I was just a thing, a property to them¡ªquickly sold and expendable.


    I was supposed to be happy that I finally got away from my own family, but my fiance didn¡¯t have an interest in me, even as his sex ve, or leash me like his pet dog. He never showed up during our supposed to be engagement party. His brother gave me a massive yellow diamond ring, which, if I may guess, was just a coincidence that yellow was one of my favorite colors¡ªit reminded me of a sunrise, that each time the sun rose, there was always hope.


    ¡°Looks like he¡¯s interested in you, after all.¡± My brother¡¯s upper lip twitched, making my rage soar high.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t wanna scratch his property, or you¡¯ll pay back his money, which I know it¡¯s gone to the thin air by now,¡± I taunted him. Now that he could not touch me physically, or the deal was off.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up, bitch. In two days, you¡¯d be gone, and my life would be grand without you in it. While you, on the other hand, are tied up in his basement for the rest of your life. Or you¡¯ll be off the grid as if you never exist.¡±


    I swallowed hard. Cenric Wollf¡¯s reputation preceded him. He was known to be cold-blooded cruel, and to him, everything was a business deal. He was known to be a man of a few words, but his words meant authority for his employees.


    ¡°Do you think he cares about you? You¡¯re now his property. He can do whatever he wants. Do you think being here is the worse because you think you¡¯re held against your will? Well, wait until your wedding day. You¡¯ll see what kind of demon he is or what demons he possessed. And if what I heard is right, my father is nothingpared to his barbaric nature, and he also suffered from post-traumatic. Shit, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± That was all I could say because honestly, I was already terrified beyondpare the moment I found out I was to be betrothed to a man I knew nothing about. His name alone sent a shiver into my bones. My asshole of a father still believed in the old-fashion way, especially when it involved power and wealth. And if he thought he could manipte Cenric or me, damn hell, he was wrong. It was either I would be faithful to Cenric or myself. But never would I take their side ever again.


    I was not their property anymore, remember? I was Wollf¡¯s.


    I watched my brother order Devin, one of his men, to double lock the windows before he went out.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Devin. I will make this easy for you. I will just sleep for two days until my wedding. Then your job gets a lot easier.¡±


    I went to bed andid down, hoping no one woulde to disturb me. I had no appetite to eat, and sure as hell, I would die in starvation after the wedding.


    I drew a deep breath when my eyes started to sting. Maybe a homeless was much better than a daughter of a tyrant like my father. At least, they were free to do whatever they wanted.


    I felt Devin had not left the room. When I turned in bed, he was staring outside the window.


    ¡°What are you still doing in my room? I don¡¯t think my future husband would appreciate you being here, invading my privacy.¡±


    He sighed deeply. ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate your father and your brotherying their hands on you.¡±


    I watched him, seemingly in deep thoughts. ¡°Do tell.¡± I wanted to roll my eyes.


    ¡°Just have patience, Sadie.¡±


    My brow arched. ¡°Until my death.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Wollf is a good person.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the only one who said that. Didn¡¯t you hear my brother? Everything is just a business deal, and that¡¯s all to them anyway. I bet no one would buy me for more than twenty-five million, so it¡¯s his loss. My family can¡¯t provide that amount anymore, and I¡¯m sure they would not even spend a dor for me, if in any case.¡±


    ¡°You should not believe in anything you heard from your father or brother, Sadie. They want money from Mr. Wollf, yes, and that¡¯s all, but why would Mr. Wollf spend a penny for someone he didn¡¯t even know, let alone millions?¡±


    ¡°I kept asking myself that.¡±


    ¡°There you go. You have your answer.¡± He turned towards the door and paused. ¡°Do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°Why changed of heart?¡±


    ¡°I did not change. You just did not notice it.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to get into trouble.¡±


    ¡°As you said, you only have two days left here.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Can I borrow your phone? But promise me you won¡¯t tell my brother.¡± I was still skeptical. Honestly, I had never spent a minute talking to Devin, let alone conspire with him with my n. I didn¡¯t know if my brother was testing us, or for once, today was my lucky day.


    He pulled out his phone from his suit jacket and offered it to me.


    I eyed him suspiciously.


    ¡°Hurry up before he gets back.¡±


    I grabbed his phone and quickly scanned the screen for the message icon. I started typing. I memorized his number, just in case my phone got confiscated by my oppressors, and I was right to do it.


    Sorry about earlier. I promise I will be there. Just don¡¯t lock me up in your basement. I promise to be a suitable property. SADIE


    I tapped the send button. Once it was sent sessfully, I deleted my text and returned it to Devin.


    I smiled warily. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Before he could put back his phone into the pocket, that thing vibrated in his grasp.


    ¡°Mr. Cenric?¡±


    I watched him freeze, swallow, and nod with yes, sir. What the hell is going on?


    Devin then faced me, offering his phone. ¡°He wants to talk to you.¡±


    I shook my head violently. ¡°No.¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna be in trouble.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d be in trouble if you keep him waiting.¡±


    I stared at the phone as if it turned into a green slimy alien. I shivered.


    ¡°Sadie, he¡¯s a busy man.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± My hand was shaking as I took the phone from him.


    I pressed it to my ear before I cleared my throat. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± His voice was deep, husky, and calm, which was a good thing, right?


    ¡°Yeah. Why did you ask? I mean, call?¡±


    ¡°I just wanna make sure you¡¯re alright?¡±


    ¡°Why do you care? You¡¯re gonna lock me up in your dungeon in two days.¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a dungeon. Where¡¯s the phone you used earlier?¡±


    ¡°It was a burner my friend bought for me, but it¡¯s gone now. My brother broke it in half.¡± I blew a breath. Finally, I talked freely, and it was a relief that the scary beast Cenric was not yelling at me or throwing words at me to behave as property should be.


    ¡°If you wanna talk to your friend or someone or me, use Reece¡¯s phone. Just make sure you won¡¯t risk his job.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to try escaping again.¡±


    ¡°I mean, why are you talking to me now? After almost three years?¡±Asshole. Because of you, I¡¯ve suffered a lot.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get married.¡±

 Chapter 3

    A Help


    CENRIC


    Something is off. I knew it.


    I could feel it in my bones. But why was I even surprised anymore? She was forced. Why did they also have to treat her terribly? I couldn¡¯t me her if she wanted to run away. If I were in her shoe, I had already done it a thousand times. Poor thing.


    Nowadays, this awful tradition should be banned, but a lot of old-fashioned, those powerful families kept this tradition alive for their transaction purposes¡ªto keep the family business running.


    I shut my eyes close for a moment. Gritting my teeth was as painful as the twist in my stomach. They would pay for this.


    Money could be earned and reced. The pain and the trauma they had inflicted on her couldn¡¯t be undone¡ªit stuck in her brain like goddamn cancer. I knew how it felt¡ªI¡¯d been there, even until now, I was still haunted by it¡ªthe trauma¡ªthe mental trauma was difficult to be cured. I just hoped she hadn¡¯t had gone that far. One broken person was enough in a rtionship, but two? That would be too much.


    I called my brother. As if he was expecting me, he sang my name, irritating me further.


    ¡°Who¡¯s your inside man?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± I knew he was messing with me. I could feel him grinning from the other line.


    ¡°Trust me, if you don¡¯t take this seriously, I¡¯m going to beat the hell out of Jasper¡ª¡± I checked the time on my watch. ¡°In less than thirty minutes, and I will drag her with me, whether it would cause havoc between Hanslo and me, I don¡¯t give a fuck! They¡¯re the one who¡¯s in deep debt, not me.¡± My eyes gleamed against the reflection on the ss wall.


    ¡°Wow! Since when do you care?¡±


    I growled. ¡°Casimir?¡±


    ¡°Fine. Jeez, you¡¯re grouchier. How did you even know I had someone inside. Don¡¯t answer that. I¡¯ll send the contact to you now.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Just d you care.¡±


    ¡°Bye.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want her to get in trouble with her brother again than she already had. As much as I hated this arrangement, I made sure to keep up at the end of the bargain.


    I called the contact as soon as I received it.


    The second I heard her voice again, instead of making me feel angrier and unapologetic, she made me feel relieved.


    Her tone seemed to rx as she talked out of her failed n.


    And then the asshole that I was. ¡°I don¡¯t want to get married.¡± That was honest to the fault answer. At least, I wasn¡¯t yet ready, and I hadn¡¯t found my choice of bride. But maybe we could work this out. So long as she would not be a constant pain in my ass.


    ¡°So did I.¡± Her admission definitely didn¡¯t surprise me. At least there was something I liked about her. And so as her honesty. ¡°So, maybe we can talk about this before we both regret it.¡±


    ¡°No. And you promise to be there.¡±


    ¡°Aye yay, captain.¡± I could even see her saluting at me. ¡°A promise is a promise. Unless my father or my brother would poison me before our wedding.¡±


    I blew out a breath. I knew she was joking, but it just validated my suspicions. They did not treat her right because she was a woman who didn¡¯t have a ce in their business. For Hanslo, the only good of women was for fucking and baring their heir. That was why he abandoned his wife for choosing what she loved to do rather than be his goody-two-shoes spouse.


    ¡°They won¡¯t dare touch ory a hand on you again. Did you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Then you don¡¯t know my family, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°Then they¡¯re about to know me, Sadie.¡± I grabbed my coat before I walked to my assistant. Theo was reliable. He¡¯d been working for me since I started to make my way in cryptocurrency.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you know my name, Wollf.¡±


    ¡°I know your name, your birthday, your favorite color.¡± That was a lie, but I was about to find out.


    ¡°Let me guess. You did a background check on me. Guess how many boyfriends I have? How old I was when I lost my virginity?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go there, Sadie,¡± I growled. My voice raised. My outrage blurred into fury, and I saw a dark tunnel ahead. It was painfully evident that this was thest topic I wanted to discuss. As much as I liked her untouched, I wasn¡¯t a saint either.


    Knowing someone was touching her, giving her pleasure, it already terrified the living shit out of me. If this is how I started our rtionship, then I fucking sucked at it.


    I hoped I didn¡¯t terrify her. ¡°This is why I didn¡¯t want to talk until we got married. Since we both didn¡¯t have a choice at this moment, I¡¯d rather not talk to you from the time being.¡± I entered my private elevator that headed up to my loft.


    ¡°You can¡¯t make me bow to you or bend for you with your empty threats, Mr. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see if that was an empty threat, Sadie,¡± I snarled. ¡°Keep in mind that you¡¯re worth my twenty-five million dors. You can work as my slut a hundred lifetimes. You won¡¯t be able to pay your family¡¯s debt,¡± I grunted, pissed beyond reason that I just used a fucking debt against her. She provoked me, which I didn¡¯t have time for this shit.


    I shouldn¡¯t have called her.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Maybe I just pay it in hell.¡±


    ¡°It was out of line.¡± I swiped my card and punched codes to my penthouse. My patience started wearing thin.


    ¡°Is that your way of apology? I could get used to it, but it needs a little practice, though.¡±


    I sighed in irritation. This woman didn¡¯t back down. Her picture didn¡¯t do justice¡ªshe looked innocent, ssy, and poised, and I was like talking to her evil twin right now. I didn¡¯t know if I was thrilled or pissed off for her being strong.


    ¡°I don¡¯t apologize. Not to anyone, even to my future wife. So, suck up my attitudes. I won¡¯t change a fuck. I just called to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡°I get it. You said a thousand times, and I said a million times that I won¡¯t ditch you at the altar. Since I am now your property, you can just put a leash around my neck, or you might also put a mind control technology on me so that I will just do what you want without my objection.¡±


    ¡°You clearly like to talk, my asset,¡± I snickered. I couldn¡¯t remember someone had retorted to me like this to annoy me. In our case, it amused me as much as I didn¡¯t like to admit.


    ¡°What else do you want, my master, before I kill you in my dream?¡±


    ¡°Naked?¡± I froze a little. Toote to take it back. I didn¡¯t know why I said that, but I was sure I wasn¡¯t flirting with her. No fucking way. Maybe I just feltfortable talking without a filter, just like her to me.


    ¡°Asshole.¡±I know, I am.


    ¡°Watch your tone.¡± I slumped to my ass on the couch and took my shoes off. I massaged my temple. When I woke up, I never had a n or even thought of talking to her this morning. Now, a few hourster, I was bickering with her and her filthy mouth¡ªthe kind that I dislike.


    ¡°You kept shoving into my face the obvious, which, I¡¯m freaking fed up, hearing it from my family every freaking day.¡±


    ¡°If you need anything, call Devin, indiscreet. If either of your father or brothery a hand on you, call Devin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, boss.¡±


    ¡°Stop being a brat.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, sweetheart,¡± she sang. Jesus Christ.


    I snorted. ¡°Bye.¡±


    Before I could toss my phone aside, it vibrated again. Fuck me. Did she call me again?


    ¡°What is it, Sadie?¡±


    ¡°Wow! You two seem to get closer quickly than I ever anticipated.¡± Fuck. Me. It was Cas.


    ¡°I was just messing with you. She doesn¡¯t have a phone, asshole.¡±


    ¡°I bet you wish she¡¯s the one in the other line.¡±Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What do you want? If it¡¯s not important, then I need to rest. I¡¯m exhausted.¡±


    ¡°Sweet dream, brother.¡±


    ¡°I hate you right now.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too.¡±


    My phone dinged, and it appeared I had received a message.


    You¡¯re not what I thought you were. SADIE


    Careful what you wish for. I replied


    SADIE: Oh, I¡¯m so terrified.


    CENRIC: Are you gonna annoy me for the rest of the day?


    SADIE: I was thinking. Maybe we should just elope.


    I chuckled.


    CENRIC: Not gonna happen. You only get married once. At least let me make it memorable for you even you loath your groom.


    SADIE: This is just a business deal. Why do you have to make it memorable since I am just a sacrificialmb?


    CENRIC: I don¡¯t want you and Devin will get in trouble, Sadie. Get some beauty rest.


    SADIE: See you then.

 Chapter 4

    The Big Day


    SADIE


    My heart had been beating so fast like I¡¯d been running for miles. I wasn¡¯t sure if I would pass out or from the difort of knowing that my future husband was waiting for me at the altar.


    I behaved like a royal princess for thest forty-eight hours as I kept telling myself that I wouldn¡¯t want another mistreatment from my father before they handed me to my new owner wrapped in an oversized bow tie.


    My father walked me down the aisle around these two hundred fifty guests that I didn¡¯t even know any of them. The venue went dead silent except for the live band ying the ssic At Last by Etta James. The music alone didn¡¯t feel right. At Last, I was free? Or At Last, I was doomed? Either way, there was no way going back.


    I would give credit to the event nner, though. They did a pretty good job. I felt like I had just walked into a fantasynd filled with flowers I didn¡¯t even recognize. I wore a gown of my choosing, which was a strapless princess bridal gown with a v-shape back. The simple sweetheart bodice uplifted a transparent effect. I also put on the diamond set as part of the bridal trousseau.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I would die in shame if I ever saw a disappointment in his eyes after he raised my veil. We skipped the dinner rehearsal like typical weddings usually did. Even this wedding was just a front because my father and brother already got what they wanted. They didn¡¯t have to waste their money on this ceremony. We could just officiate this arrangement at the city hall, and they wouldn¡¯t even care.


    Myck of knowledge of this business transaction didn¡¯t do me any good. People behind me started murmuring. I didn¡¯t realize I had already arrived in front of my groom. Let me guess, my father was beyond relieved that he had won his prize.


    In a few minutes, I was officially Wollf¡¯s property. My legs started to shake. My hands trembled as I was passed on to my next torturer for the rest of my life. At least, I wouldn¡¯t get a beating from my family anymore, and it would not look horribleing from the person you barely knew. Nheless, nobody would want it if it could be avoided.


    My asshole father just pressed his cheek against mine and didn¡¯t even lift my veil. That was how an asshole he was.


    I tried to calm myself down before I went unconscious. The first thing I saw was the big hand in a three-piece tuxedo offered to me. I lifted my gaze and ced my slender and delicate hand over his solid and calloused fingers.


    The bouquet trembled in my grasp. My maid of honor, Zhuri, took it from me. Cenric gripped my hand as he might have just witnessed how frightened I was over this union, that I had finally sealed my fate to him.


    He slightly ran his thumb through the engagement ring, and I knew he never saw it. His brother, Cas, handed it to officiate my engagement. In all in fairness, he was toovish in choosing this ring.


    Father Bartholomew started with, ¡°Dearly beloved¡­.¡± As much as I wanted to concentrate, I couldn¡¯t. All I could think of was after this ceremony, after the reception. I hadn¡¯t thought about it that much other than kneeling Cenric in his balls, and then I bolted away like in a freaking rom movie. Did I ever get that chance? I didn¡¯t think so.


    I¡¯d already observed and counted on my fingers of the guards before I entered the venue. I had no chance unless I turned invisible and just vanished like I had a superpower.


    ¡°Cenric Thaddeus Gillean¡­¡± His name was so ancient.


    I wondered who suggested it. It suited him, though. I hadn¡¯t thoroughly checked out his face, but judging by his smell and his posture, he could snap my neck just by his two fingers.


    ¡°I do,¡± he answered.


    My nerves calmed down a bit, knowing he epted me.


    ¡°Sadie Charmaine Armelle, do you ept Cenric¡­¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± I bit my trembling lip. I bet he would really snap me in half if I answered no. So, it was safe to say that I would not die at this hour.


    ¡°You may read your vow, Cenric,¡± said Father Bartholomew to my groom.


    I lifted my gaze, meeting his. I stared and studied him.


    I expect nothing but striking because Cas was handsome with a wicked smile. But his picture didn¡¯t do justice. Not even a little. He looked like a modern Greek god. His dark curled hair pulled back in a fashion way. His dark hooded eyes held a lot of untold memories, and hisshes were to envy by women.


    He stood like a warrior. His body was taut and trim, and those biceps. Damn, this man was a perfect masculine. He had a strong jaw, straight nose, and those lips were full and now spread into a full-blown smile.


    ¡°See something you like?¡±


    ¡°H-huh? Yeah.¡± What did he say?


    ¡°Should I repeat my vow?¡± he asked softly and quietly. His lips twitched.


    Bastard. Gorgeous and hot bastard. My pulse quickened. My face med. He just caught me checking him out, and he didn¡¯t seem to care. I bet he used to get attention like this from women. Jesus, help me over here.


    He slipped the ring into my finger. ¡°Mi Cielo.¡±


    I swallowed hard. ¡°I didn¡¯t write my vows, but the very moment Iid eyes on you just a few moments ago, I knew you would be my forever. I promise to be loyal and faithful to you. I promise to honor you and respect you, and I promise to be your best friend, your number one supporter, and cry andugh with you for the rest of my life.¡± I slipped the ring into his finger. ¡°Now you¡¯re mine, Wollf.¡±


    I just heard him chuckle. ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    ¡°By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know if I was to be excited or be terrified. But the unexpected happened. The crowd apuded. Cenric cupped my face, pressed a kiss on my forehead, and then whispered, ¡°You¡¯re beautiful. It hurts to look at you.¡± His voice was like silk, so smooth, unlike the way he talked to me over the phone.


    And then he kissed me on my lips.


    I froze. My heart stopped for a moment before it galloped so hard it could burst out of my chest.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting him to kiss me, let alone say those beautiful words. It might be only his facade in front of these people, but I took it as a win over my father. And yay! I¡¯m now married.


    Thank God he didn¡¯t notice the bruise on my lower right eye. Otherwise, this wedding would be doomed.

 Chapter 5

    The Controlling Husband


    CENRIC


    ¡°Congrattions, bro. You¡¯re officially a married man.¡± My brother pped my back just right after we signed the legalities for the registrar.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I looked over my shoulder. ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to find a woman to marry. Not just for¡ª¡± I whispered thest word.


    My beautiful wife might have just heard what I said as she shot me a look.


    Cas was grinning, genuinely pleased of this ceremony that my wife and I did not get cold feet for the sake of this business deal, even if he was not aware of my entire motive.


    ¡°Mom and Pap would be so thrilled, bro. I wish they were here.¡±


    I felt the same. I hoped my parents were proud.


    I grabbed my wife¡¯s hand and intertwined my fingers with hers. ¡°Enough of this drama. We have guests to meet.¡±


    I still find it difficult to believe that I was married. On the other hand, I made my promise¡ªthat was what mattered most. I was going to make sure Sadie got the best deal she deserved.


    At the reception, I was pleased with the organizers. They did it with ss. Considering Hanslo would not waste money for his own daughter, I wrote a fat cheque for this asion. Sadie didn¡¯t have to know that her father did not even spend a penny on her wedding day.


    I wanted to make this wedding real for her. Heavy chandeliers with dripping crystals that refracted light made the ce sophisticated. The floor had round tables, and each was decorated with overflowing fresh flowers at the center, trailing with ivy, making it look more exquisite.


    Soft and ssic music yed overhead. The rest of the guests were boards of mypany my brother invited, and half of these were from my bride¡¯s side, and I had never seen before. To be honest, I only knew a few people, and I carefully selected them.


    Sadie was quiet and barely touched her meal. She was probably thinking right now what would happen to her after this celebration. I knew how she felt, and her mind was running a mile.


    When the dancing started, I felt the uneasiness run through her. Her voice over the phone didn¡¯t go with the woman in my arms right now.


    I ced my hand on her lower back. And I just couldn¡¯t help but stare at her. She was more beautiful in person than I ever imagined¡ªbeyond in her photo.


    Her features were stunning, with bold and high cheekbones, and it wasn¡¯t the makeup that made them prominent. Her nose was pixie and slim. Her blue eyes were bright and a shade of cyan. I liked her bushy eyebrows¡ªthey reminded me of one of Victoria¡¯s Secret models. She could be one of those faces of luxury cosmetic brands if her father were not an asshole, keeping her on his leash.


    And damn those lips. I already kissed them, but I wanted more. I wanted to taste them again, her mouth, her tongue, and every inch of this woman.


    I was beyond pleased at my precious prize. Now that she was mine, I didn¡¯t know where to start from here.


    Here in my arms, she looked fragile against my tall frame. I wondered if she could take me. Of course, she could. We were like a puzzle¡ª we fit perfectly right.


    ¡°You¡¯re staring.¡± Fuck. For how long?


    ¡°You¡¯re a sight to behold.¡±


    ¡°d you like your property.¡± A small smile appeared on her lips.


    ¡°Damn right, I owned you. You are mine.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t ready to let her go, but her father came to dance with her, and this would be thest time he had his hand on my wife.


    ***


    After we bid goodbye to her family, we were headed straight to the private airport where my private jet was waiting for us.


    I quickly noticed the space between us in the bridal car. She instantly built her walls between us, or I already made her ufortable.


    ¡°Do you really have to do this quickly?¡± I looked at her. Her hands folded on herp, so demurely.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked innocently.


    ¡°I¡¯m a good observant. You are distancing yourself from me. You have every reason not to trust me, but I just want to clear things between us before we travel on our honeymoon. This marriage is real. Whether you like it or not, business deal or arranged, we are married. You are my wife, and I am your husband.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see it that this is fair for me.¡±


    ¡°Just watch and see.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    I sighed deeply. ¡°We¡¯re still in the car, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    She jerked in her seat. Her eyes widened. ¡°Are you gonna force yourself on me?¡±


    I met her gaze, filled with terror. Damn right, she had the right to be scared. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything you want me to do. Just no dungeon or underground.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Never say you¡¯d do anything, Sadie. People always find a way to take advantage of your own words. And I would take it as my bargaining chip.¡±


    ¡°Very well then. I take it back. Let¡¯s act like we¡¯re newlywed.¡± She closed the gap between us, leaning against me. She also ced her hand on my thigh, and I felt the tensing of my muscles right away.


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    We arrived at the tarmac and were greeted by our pilot and attendant.


    We settled in. Sadie remained with her character as an in-love newlywed bride.


    ¡°We¡¯re taking off in twenty-five minutes,¡± my pilot, Capt. Rhys informed us. ¡°Wee aboard, Mrs. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said bashfully.


    Once Capt. Rhys was in the cockpit, and I looked at Sadie. ¡°Drop the act. I want to know the real you. I want to get to know you. You can be talkative and bitchy, as long as I¡¯m in front of the real person I married.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± I admired how she quickly split into the woman I had just said my vows to earlier. ¡°I¡¯m used to acting a goody-two-shoe in front of my father¡¯s asshole business partners, honestly, just over dinners. I was locked up in my room when he didn¡¯t need me. Since I was engaged to you, they became tight. I couldn¡¯t even have male friends. After I finished college, I was not allowed to go out alone.¡±


    ¡°I agree with not having male friends. Male is still male, but not allowing you to go out, that¡¯s a little bit harsh.¡± I stood up and grabbed the bag from the overhead cabin. ¡°This is for you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to shower me with gifts. Twenty-five million is beyond my reach. I don¡¯t know how to pay that amount in my lifetime. So, no, thank you.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Do you have a phone?¡±


    Her reaction was funny. She shrugged, turning her head to me slowly.


    ¡°I get that as a no. What kind of people are your father and your stupid of a brother?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re afraid they¡¯ll lose their payment. I thought it¡¯s obvious?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t actually worth twenty-five million dors, wife,¡± I scoffed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how to be subtle, do you? But I try hard not to be offended, husband.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not royalty. Even if you are, your dowry won¡¯t be worth twenty-five million dors.¡±


    She red at me. ¡°Now, I¡¯m wounded.¡±


    ¡°Just stating the fact. But money isn¡¯t important to me. It¡¯s life.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you give them that kind of amount?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about money right now, Sadie.¡± I pushed back the bag. ¡°Take it. It¡¯s yours.¡±


    Without a shame, she quickly unboxed her new phone and grinned. ¡°This is the best wedding gift ever.¡± She even kissed that thing. Poor thing. She had suffered too much because of our arrangement.


    ¡°No kiss for me or even a hug?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need it.¡±


    ¡°Save my number. I should be in your speed dial #1.¡±


    ¡°Controlling much?¡±


    ¡°Do you think your family will not pay a visit to you after our honeymoon?¡±


    She stared at me, confused. ¡°They threw me to you. What else do they want?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t exactly be a controlling, possessive husband to you all the time. If you want to see them, I won¡¯t say no, but you won¡¯t be going alone. If they every a hand on you again, trust me, I¡¯ve kept locked the beast inside me, and they wouldn¡¯t be thrilled to let it out.¡±


    She looked surprised, at the same time terrified. ¡°H-how did you know?¡±


    ¡°When I looked into your eyes, I didn¡¯t have to know what that called was all about.¡± I caressed the bruise she hid with makeup under her eye.


    ¡°Why do you have to protect me from them?¡±


    ¡°Because you are my wife now. Nobody mistreats or touch my wife, and what¡¯s mine. Ever.¡±

 Chapter 6

    Concealed


    SADIE


    As much as I¡¯d like to n an escape, he, I mean my husband, had not given me any reasons to do it. If he wanted to lock me up in his dungeon, he didn¡¯t have to provide me with anything, did he? In fact, to start my freedom from my family, he gave me a phone. And small gestures should say something beyond this stupid arrangement.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± His dark brow arched.


    ¡°To Mr. and Mrs. Wollf.¡± I raised my champagne. To my surprise, he did the same and sipped it before he went back to reading whatever was so important in that folder.


    ¡°We¡¯re on a business trip, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    He didn¡¯t even raise his gaze from that thing. ¡°Both. Besides, I can¡¯t force you to sleep with me, and I¡¯m not the kind of man who raped women for pleasure.¡±


    My jaw-dropped. I wasn¡¯t sure what to say or how to react. I sipped my bubble drink. ¡°How can you be so sure that you have to force me? I don¡¯t even know if you wanted to sleep with me.¡±


    Now I got his attention. He put down the stack of papers he was so engrossed with. His brow arched quizzically.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it one of the reasons why you bought me?¡±


    ¡°What? To fuck you?¡± He sounded offended. ¡°I can buy girls younger than you, the kind who don¡¯t question my purpose, but I don¡¯t need sex ves or fuck buddy. I can get women into my bed. As easy as snapping my fingers.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± I shut my mouth, feeling my face me.


    ¡°You are still my wife. And I would respect you as my wife. Not as you cost twenty-five million in my bank ount. All I want from you is to respect me as your husband.¡±


    I shifted myself in the chair. I was utterly speechless. I didn¡¯t know how to respond or what to say anymore. Should I say thank you instead?


    I grabbed my new phone instead. I took a selfie and ignored Cenric as he returned to whatever made him so busy. I also took snaps of the entire luxurious jet.


    ¡°What¡¯s my limit?¡±


    ¡°None. Just don¡¯t be a pain in the ass. No males. No going to your family without my consent. We have a lot of things to discuss, but let¡¯s not ruin this trip.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot for none, but okay.¡±


    ¡°Hungry?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m good. I don¡¯t want to steal your attention from that. Looks so important that I can¡¯t even steal your attention.¡±


    He let go a deep sigh. ¡°This bothers you?¡± He pointed down at the pieces of papers in the folder. ¡°This will give us 10m a year if things go smoothly. My brother is supposed to be the one who seals the deal, but I suggested to catch birds in one stone since we¡¯re going to the same country.¡±


    ¡°Which?¡±


    ¡°Jamaica. Have you been to GoldenEye?¡±


    ¡°Bond fan?¡±


    ¡°The ssics, but that¡¯s not the reason why I chose GoldenEye of all the resorts. Bali is great, Bora Bora, Maldives, but it was where my parents spent their honeymoon.¡±


    My heart sank. ¡°Wow. Sorry to hear about your parents.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I lost track of time. I wasn¡¯t aware I had already dripped off. I found myself in bed and was also tucked in nicely under the softest duvet, and the first smell that assaulted my nose was the fresh scent of flowers on the nightstand.


    I got off the bed. I realized that I was still in the jet. The light cabin pressure and the humming of the engine proved it. I went ahead to the small door, which was probably the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and washed my face. I also cleaned off my makeup and tore off the falseshes I used during the wedding. My bruise was still visible, still purplish, but a little yellowish on its side.


    I changed tofy high-waist jeans and a dusty pink high neck tie-back blouse. When I got back to the earth tone lounge, Cenric wasn¡¯t there anymore. I pressed the button for the attendant.


    She came right away with a professional smile until it faded in a second.


    As a defense, I touched my bruise and shook my head. ¡°Oh, he didn¡¯t do this.¡±


    ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am.¡± She then smiled again. ¡°He supports the campaign of elimination of VAW.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± My mouth formed an O-shaped. At the same time, a twist formed in my stomach. She seemed to know my husband very well, while I, the wife, knew nothing about. How did they meet?


    ¡°Anyway, do you need anything, Mrs. Wollf?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m starving.¡± My stomach just grumbled. ¡°Do you have snacks?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Wollf hasn¡¯t had dinner. He said to wait for you until you woke up. I¡¯ll prepare the dinner.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    I pulled up the window shield. I saw nothing but dark clouds. I leaned my arms over the table, my palm against my chin.


    Several thoughts came to my head. I may be free from my family, but I needed to n something for my life. I needed to work. Since I got my degree in business management, I could never apply it.


    I nearly jumped in my seat when a strong hand touched my shoulder. But I knew exactly who it belonged to as I felt my skin warmth against his fingers.


    ¡°Sorry. I don¡¯t mean to startle you.¡± He took a seat beside me.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m just jumpy.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± In an instant, his gaze pinned into my eye. That was how he saw my bruise.


    His expression darkened, his nose ring¡ªhis jaw set. I thought I heard him groan. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt anymore.¡± I touched the area to show him that I meant it.


    ¡°Still. No one deserves that kind of mistreatment. Who did that to you?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. They can¡¯t touch me anymore. Unless you will give me back to them.¡±


    ¡°Not in my lifetime.¡± His lips firmed.


    ¡°Do you always save women in distress?¡±


    He stared at me. Suspicions lingered in his dark eyes. ¡°No. What made you say that?¡±


    ¡°Your attendant said something about VAW.¡± I bit my lip. I was actually fishing for information and hoping it wasn¡¯t juicy as I thought.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep with her. If that¡¯s what reeling in your pretty head, Sadie.¡± He snorted.


    I arched my brow, denying it. ¡°I wasn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not a good liar and not good at hiding your emotions, mia.¡±


    ¡°I suck at Spanish, but I know what does it mean. And you also called me something like¡ª ¡± I snapped my fingers.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna tell you.¡± His smile was contagious.


    I smiled back. ¡°I¡¯m gonna figure that out soon unless you won¡¯t call me by that word again.¡±


    Thankfully, the food arrived. My stomach grumbled again, and my mouth watered at the sight of our dinner.


    My brother controlled the food I shoved into my mouth since I was engaged to Cenric. He forbid me from eating what I wanted, afraid that Cenric would call off the engagement if I gained weight, and they had no choice but to return the money.


    I had never tasted chocte or sweets of any kind for almost three years. I also went to the gym at least four times a week. And this was a relief that I didn¡¯t have to starve myself to death anymore.


    I smelled my food first. Before things happened, I loved to cook and eat, but I wasn¡¯t fat either. I loved to cook more.


    ¡°You¡¯re starving, huh?¡±


    ¡°I missed the meat, the fats, and sweet.¡± I sliced my steak. It was medium-rare, just the way I liked it.


    ¡°They also starved you?¡± Cenric growled.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t want me to get fat before our wedding,¡± I told him the truth. ¡°Afraid you might take your money back.¡±


    ¡°Your father is full of¡ª ¡± He pursed his lips. ¡°No more fucking diet, Sadie. I don¡¯t care if you be a size of an elephant. You won¡¯t starve yourself again. Do you understand me?¡± He held my wrist, waiting for my answer.


    ¡°You know I love food. I lost weight, but I also gained muscles and abs.¡± I pursed my lips, making sure not tough.


    ¡°Do I get a chance to see your abs?¡± He smirked. A sexy smirked. Damn, this man. He was striking and stunning.


    ¡°Time will tell, Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Good thing it won¡¯t be too long. I packed your swimsuits. It would be best if you used them. Now, eat up.¡± He checked me out before he went back to our dinner. ¡°I would still like you even if you weigh two hundred pounds.¡±

 Chapter 7

    The Bodyguard


    CENRIC


    ¡°Wow! This looks surreal,¡± her firstment as she looked around the Vi.


    It was primarily made from hardwood, with expansive windows and a high ceiling that enhanced the sea breeze, smell, and sound of nature. It had oversized furniture, a kitchen, king-sized bed, queen daybed, en-suite bathroom, and private outdoor dining. Aside from its ess to the beach, it had a greenery garden as if giving us our own privacy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Wollf. I wouldn¡¯t make it in time if I were the one to pick you up from the airport.¡±


    ¡°Devin?¡± I knew Sadie would be surprised to see him. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Wollf, I resigned as your brother¡¯s bodyguard. Mr. Wollf then offered me a job. So here I am, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s good to see a familiar face around here. And good for you. Congrattions!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She faced me. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you hired¡ª ¡± She chuckled. ¡°Never mind.¡±


    ¡°He helped you, and I know I can trust him to look after you.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She sounded rmed.


    ¡°Devin will be your bodyguard.¡±


    ¡°What? I don¡¯t think I need one.¡± With wide eyes, she bounced her gaze between Devin and me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, ma¡¯am. You won¡¯t even notice me around. I¡¯ll make sure to be more discreet and give you your privacy.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± She wasn¡¯t impressed, but I was not going to give her a choice. She needed a bodyguard whether she liked it or not. ¡°But hard not to. Since Cenric is here, can you go now somewhere else and enjoy the scenery.¡±


    I knew Devin wouldn¡¯t listen to her. He only took orders from her when there would be an emergency or her life was in danger. He knew the drill, and I specifically briefed him regarding his job.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Thank you for reporting on short notice, Devin.¡±


    He finally left us.


    I followed her to the master bedroom and found her leaning against the jamb. Her arms crossed over her chest as she looked at the lush ocean.


    ¡°Do you trust him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the only one who treated me like ady.¡± Her voice dropped. She didn¡¯t face me.


    ¡°Then why are you upset?¡±


    ¡°I am not. I¡¯m grateful for what you¡¯ve done. I just don¡¯t think I need a bodyguard.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone from your family, especially your father¡¯s men will pay you a visit. Trust me, and I can feel it in my bones that they will reach out, if not sooner,ter.¡±


    Finally, she faced me. Her eyesced with confusion and terror. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°What do you know about your family business?¡±


    She shut her eyes briefly before she talked, ¡°Winery, export, and import, and recently, my father had acquired a shipping line. Why did you ask? As if you don¡¯t already know.¡±


    ¡°I know a lot about your family.¡± I stuffed my hands in my jeans pockets, hoping she wouldn¡¯t pry further.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know. You wouldn¡¯t be surprised whatever they¡¯re hiding from me. I bet my father has some nasty business going on.¡±


    Even though her family didn¡¯t fill Sadie with the nature of their business, she somehow had suspicions that something was going on.


    ¡°Do you like the ce?¡±


    She smiled and looked at the king-sized bed. ¡°This is lovely.¡± She turned to face the beach again. ¡°How can Iin? Look at that? I can¡¯t remember thest time I feel the sand against my feet, the taste of the seawater on my tongue, and the sun against my skin.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Now you have the time in the world to do whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°But with your man guarding me everywhere I go.¡±


    ¡°You need protection. It¡¯s part of being married to me. You wouldn¡¯t even notice Devin unless you go out. He will be your driver. I¡¯m not as terrible as your brother or your father. I have every reason to hire him. Just trust me on this.¡±


    ¡°Can Iin? No. Can I argue? Yes. That¡¯s beyond relief. At least, you listened to me without the back of your hand hitting my face.¡±


    I almost cringed with her words. ¡°Now, have a rest. It¡¯s almost sunset. You shouldn¡¯t miss it. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead. I promise I won¡¯t escape,¡± she joked. Even if she tried, she couldn¡¯t manage to get away from this ind.


    I stalked out of the Vi towards the cottage where Devin, my security detail Beck and Linden settled for a few days.


    ¡°You won¡¯t show up while she¡¯s here. I don¡¯t want to ruin her mood,¡± I ordered Devin.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Beck, I have a meeting early tomorrow. I only need you to apany me to the other ind.¡± Beck Corbin was the first bodyguard I hired when I already needed one. He was one of the few people I trusted most with my life and one of my brothers in that unit in the first ce.


    ¡°Of course, C.¡±


    ¡°You two take something from the town. I¡¯ll give the receipt to you tomorrow.¡± I paused before I reached the door. ¡°And Linden, no banging the staff.¡± I knew he liked to shake his dick whenever there were pussies around. ¡°Keep your junk in your pants the whole time.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± He saluted. ¡°My junk in my pants.¡±


    The two guys shook tough.


    I went back to the Vi. My wife was already on the deck chair in her floral mini kimono dress. Her hands were behind her head while her feet dipped in the sand.


    ¡°How¡¯s the sand?¡±


    ¡°Shush.¡± She pressed her finger against her lips. ¡°Hear that?¡±


    ¡°Hear what?¡± I upied the empty chair beside her.


    ¡°Exactly. My most peaceful hour in a long time, and I don¡¯t have to keep vignt anymore.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t deserve to go through that.¡±


    She turned her head to me. ¡°The sand is so fine,forting, and warm, and it slips through my toes.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Where¡¯s your dream ce to go?¡±


    ¡°Heaven.¡±


    I groaned, ¡°Country or states, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°I always dream of going to Verona, Italy, the beaches. Something like this that I have privacy. Not the public beaches where I can see people making out. I like some serene ces and fresh air. Maybe one day, I would climb a mountain or one of the wonders of the world.¡±


    ¡°d you like this ce.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for bringing me here where your parents spent their honeymoon.¡±


    ¡°It was theirst honeymoon.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Her voiceced in deep sorrow. ¡°I hope this is not ourst because I definitely won¡¯t say no everywhere you want to drag me into.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Not ourst. I¡¯ll make sure of that. And I will definitely take you with me when I have¡ª¡±


    ¡°Even business trips.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She couldn¡¯t let the business trip part go.


    ¡°But do I get a chance to get out of the hotel rooms?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you can go anywhere you want.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± She extended her hand.


    ¡°Deal. With Devin.¡± I squeezed her hand for a handshake. There it went, this electricity right to my balls. I didn¡¯t let her hand go just yet. ¡°Let¡¯s watch our first sunset together.¡±


    ¡°Our first sunset.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The sunset is deep in the ocean, creating gold and the boldest red from the horizon. It wasn¡¯t just beautiful, but a start of the new Chapter of our lives as husband and wife.


    I turned my head to see my wife¡ªher lips bore a smile. She stayed quiet and let go of a deep long sigh.


    For the first time, I saw Sadie¡ªthe real woman who missed a lot of her life. I also saw the hope in her face, in her eyes, in her smile¡ªshe was gratified. And that was all that mattered to me.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± I muttered, even if it was meant for her.

 Chapter 8

    First Night


    SADIE


    I was beyond grateful to him for the way he treated me. I was thinking of not seeing the light again, literally. That was how my brother wanted me to keep in my head, that marrying someone like Cenric was a horror moviee to life.


    I was hoping that this was not just his way to earn my trust, to keep me on his leash so that I would not be a pain in his ass. Or he was just kind without any hidden agenda at all, and he was getting bored with his life as a billionaire bachelor. But he made it clear that he didn¡¯t want to get married. It didn¡¯t make any sense right now, but I would find it out.


    Honestly, though, I had nothing left to offer to him. I had nothing.


    After our dinner, I took the ss of the finest wine with me to the terrace, facing the beach. As much as I wanted to soak my feet in the sand again, I was beyond exhausted, but I still wanted to relish the luxury and fresh air I could have gotten for tonight.


    ¡°I brought the bottle. I thought you might need a refill.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I delightfully epted the bottle from him. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to think that I¡¯m trying to get myself drunk.¡±


    Cenric sat down beside me with his whiskey. He was still perfect with his dirty white shirt and pants. His hair looked messy, but it added to his perfection. Hepletely fascinated me.


    ¡°I have to go to another ind early morning. I won¡¯t take you with me. I don¡¯t want to get you bored to death¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to exin. I might just sleep the whole morning anyway.¡± I sipped my wine. My neck started to warm up to my face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sleep the whole morning. I arranged a spa for you.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say no that.¡± I smiled at him. ¡°I wish Zhuri is here that I can chat with while we¡¯re on a spa together.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you call her? I¡¯ll take care of her ticket.¡±


    ¡°Nah. She won¡¯t ept it anyway. You know, she thinks I¡¯m banging a hot crypto ma right now.¡± My face flushed.


    ¡°Is that what she calls me?¡± His eyes narrowed in amusement.


    ¡°Kinda.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean kinda?¡±


    I waved my hand off to ignore him from prying. I rose from my seat and emptied my ss. ¡°I think I¡¯m getting drunk, and I might say something that I would regret in the morning.¡± I walked away from him while he was asking what that would be.


    ¡°Not saying anymore, hotshot.¡±


    After I cleaned up in the bathroom, my nerves started to warm up, and so as my body, even if I drank a lot of water and washed my face.


    I was a light drinker. He was hot, and I really wanted him¡ªeven if this wasn¡¯t the effect of the alcohol I consumed.


    After wearing something nice but not too revealing and slutty, I went right to the bed and made sure I gave a distance between us. If my husband initiated sex, I couldn¡¯t say no. I wouldn¡¯t decline it.


    Iid down on my side, hoping my nerves would calm down before he joined me, but it never happened.


    ***


    I woke in the middle of the night with a heavy log¡ªa warm log draped around my waist. As much as I wanted to enjoy his warmth against my back, I had to empty my dder, not so thankful for the water I drank before I went to bed after all.


    I slowly raised his arm around my waist and slipped out of bed. Thankfully, he didn¡¯t even stir.


    After peeing, I checked my phone for a message. So far, I have only used this number to send messages to Zhuri.


    I received a text from her.


    ZHURI: Go, girl. Enjoy your honeymoon, and stop texting me already.


    You can fill me in once you¡¯re back.


    I typed my reply.


    SADIE: I wish you were here for my spa tomorrow.


    She replied.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ZHURI: Spoiled already by a hot husband.


    SADIE: Don¡¯t call him that. Gtg. See you soon.


    I put my phone back on top of the dresser.


    Slowly, I slipped back to bed. This time, he stirred.


    ¡°Where did you go?¡± His voice was groggy, yet it sounded sexy,ing from him.


    ¡°Bathroom. Sorry to wake you up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a light sleeper. Part of being in a military.¡± He turned to my side, his hair messy on his forehead, making me itch to run my fingers through and push it back.


    ¡°You¡¯re honorably discharged.¡±


    He smiledzily. ¡°Yeah, after myst tour. I was supposed to go back, but my parents got into a car ident.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Every time he mentioned his parents, there were pain and sorrow deep in his dark orbs. I wished I could help them ease away. I held and squeezed his arm. ¡°When I lost my mother, I thought my world turned ck. It was painful, and I had no one to open up to with the pain inside me. It was a tough time. My father didn¡¯t care, and he hated my mother for leaving him. I, for one, couldn¡¯t stomach how my father treated my mother. I just wished I had spent more time with her before she died, but my father didn¡¯t allow me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she loved you more than she had shown.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Go back to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Sadie.¡±


    Iy on my back. I felt like I turned into stone for the first time as I stared up the ceiling with a beautiful sculptured wood chandelier.


    ¡°Rx. I can feel you¡¯re ufortable.¡±


    ¡°I never spent a night with a man.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not just a man. You can trust me with your life. And body.¡±


    I turned my head to look at him. He was in the same position as before, with his arm under the pillow. ¡°I know. I just wondered¡ª¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Even a teeny-tiny bit, did you ever expect more from me than how you saw me the first time?¡±


    ¡°Much more than what I ever imagined. I would be in hell and die unhappy if I didn¡¯t show up yesterday.¡±


    A small smile curved up my lips. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you evere to see me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna make mistakes. I didn¡¯t want to get attracted to you and fall in love. I still have a lot of things to figure out for myself. I didn¡¯t know what to do with my life after losing my parents and my brothers. So I spent my time building up mypany. Somehow, it paid off. Then I saw you from afar. If you¡¯ll ask me if I made a mistake not seeing you, maybe. Did I have regrets about staying away from you? No. I would still choose the same way I met you.¡±


    ¡°You surprised me. I only saw your pictures from the inte, Zhuri showed me, and they didn¡¯t do justice.¡±


    He smirked. ¡°So, you¡¯re contented, or you like better what you saw on the inte?¡±


    I hit him yfully. ¡°Are you kidding me?¡±


    He caught my hand, his eyes dancing with humor. ¡°I¡¯m d I made the right decision of throwing away twenty-five million dors, Mi Cielo.¡±


    ***


    The sun shone right into my eyes, forcing me to wake up to an empty bed. After what we sharedst night, I started to rx around him. I felt a little bitfortable even if I still had a lot of things to learn who Cenric Wollf really was. He was still aplicated puzzle to solve¡ªlike puzzle pieces of the same color.


    I found a note tucked under my phone in a very masculine scribble.


    I read and replied to your friend¡¯s text. Check it out. I can¡¯t afford to bete, and I can¡¯t afford to wake you up so beautiful and peaceful. Enjoy your breakfast.


    S

 Chapter 9

    Suits and Wings


    CENRIC


    She was like an angel and curled like a ball as she slept. She looked like she couldn¡¯t even hurt a fly, but I knew she had a fire deep inside her, and I couldn¡¯t wait to see thate out.


    I knew she was a strong woman, just like her mother.


    As much as I¡¯d love to ogle her, and it was creepy watching someone sleep, I had a business meeting to attend to.


    In less than thirty minutes, I arrived at Rios Resort with Beck. I knew where to find my soon-to-be business partner if things went smoothly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Go and find some bar and get a drink.¡±


    Beck grunted, ¡°You know I¡¯m on the clock, C.¡±


    ¡°This is different, brother. And I can take care of myself.¡±


    He red at me before he nodded. ¡°Call me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get the hell out of my sight, and for God¡¯s sake, Beck, loosen up. We¡¯re at the resort.¡±


    I found Jett Grayson drinking Pina Cda with his wife for thirty-five years. I met them at a charity I attended.


    Belle saw me first, lifting her sunsses on top of her head. ¡°What the hell a newlywed doing here?¡±


    I kissed Belle on the cheek, and she giggled. ¡°Happy anniversary. I wish you both another thirty-five years together.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t just kiss my wife and wish for us, and that¡¯s it. I¡¯ll let you buy thirty percent of my life¡¯s work.¡±


    He shook the hand I offered. ¡°I don¡¯t promise, Jett. And I won¡¯t be here with you on my honeymoon and left my wife in bed if I don¡¯t see huge potential on your Brewery and Distillery.¡±


    ¡°Damn right, you¡¯re fool enough. When your brother called me, you¡¯d be here to see me, I thought, you don¡¯t give a crap of the woman you just shared your vows to.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°Lovely ceremony, honey. I¡¯m happy for you,¡± said Belle, patting my back. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two alone.¡± She rose from her seat. ¡°And Sweetheart, don¡¯t give this man a hard time. A beautiful wife is waiting for him on that ind.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Belle.¡± I straightened my seat and ced my bag on the table. I also ordered the same drinks they were drinking. ¡°Sorry to ruin your anniversary, but I wouldn¡¯t be here if this deal doesn¡¯t mean anything to me.¡±


    He studied me from head to toe. ¡°You¡¯ve got billions. Why in the hell are you interested in my business?¡±


    I got that a lot. ¡°I won¡¯t talk shit anymore, Jett. And I won¡¯t sell shit either. This is something personal to me. My parents loved your products. It¡¯s what we had every weekend during barbecues and family gatherings. When I was on tours, my brothers always thought of having breweries and bars on our own. I just lost two of them. I and the other two are still having nightmares from ourst tour.¡± I paused. It was still fresh, and reopening an old wound was not my best suit. That was why I didn¡¯t even see a shrink. I felt like I couldn¡¯t trust any of them. ¡°Well, it didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    ¡°Why the daughter of Hanslo Greer? I heard some shit about that man.¡±


    My jaw clenched. Of course, Hanslo had a rep, and every day passed by, their secrets started to leak out from their chase. That was why I had to push through the wedding before my n would fall apart.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± I yed safe. I should, for the sake of my wife.


    ¡°I can¡¯t work with someone I don¡¯t trust. As I said earlier, this is my life¡¯s work. I can¡¯t let you taint the clean reputation of mypany with your blood money.¡±


    I was on my feet before I even realized it. I knew this would happen sooner orter, but my n was still in action. I took a deep breath, even if my blood was boiling inside.


    ¡°Look, my money is clean. You can check my assets. And as my respect for you, I came to you. I also would do anything to protect and respect my wife. They may have the same blood in their veins, but my wife has nothing to do with whatever shits going on behind their business. But if you will trust me, even if a little about yourpany, you will know soon enough that the truth shall prevail. And my wife, why I marry her, it¡¯s because she¡¯s the one for me.¡±


    ¡°Sit down.¡± He gestured to the chair.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you won¡¯t regret it.¡± I offered the contract on the table and ced a pen on top.


    ¡°I hope so, son. You know I admire you, and so as my wife. So, don¡¯t make me regret this.¡± He didn¡¯t even read the contract. He just scribbled his signature then we were official business partners.


    ¡°As I said before, I won¡¯t change a thing. Unless you wanted my ideas, but I think what you¡¯ve started are already great.¡± I held my hand out, and he shook it. ¡°It means a lot to me, Jett.¡±


    ¡°To our future endeavor together.¡± I sipped my Pina Cda, even if this was the least of my favorite.


    ***


    I couldn¡¯t wait to share the good news with my wife, but she was not in the Vi. I found Devin on the terrace in his pink cocktail.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡±


    He signaled to the beach. ¡°She let me drink this shit. Can you believe that? I¡¯m a neat whiskey kind of guy.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s always the first time, Devin. Is she done with the spa?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She seemed to have fun. Just like they said, she¡¯s flying high since she¡¯s out of that shithole. It¡¯s not my right to say this, but I hope you won¡¯t clip her wings. She has a life ahead of her, and she has a lot of dreams. I don¡¯t have to ask. I can see it in her eyes.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My eyes narrowed into hostile slits as I watched him saying those things to me as if I didn¡¯t already know. ¡°And you just noticed it right now? If I¡¯m a jealous man, I might think you have a thing for my wife?¡±


    He looked taken aback. His skin nched. ¡°No, no, no. You got it wrong, Mr. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Really? Tell me, Devin. Did her brother ask you to spy on her?¡±


    ¡°Jasper Greer is an asshole. That son of bitch deserves to be locked up for hitting his sister. I know I should have minded my own business, but I watched how he treated Sadie¡ªMrs. Wollf every day, and it was hard to stomach. I would have resigned a long time ago if I didn¡¯t care about your wife. But you know, I didn¡¯t finish college. There¡¯s no more job left for someone like me.¡± The tone of his voice changed. He must have genuinely cared about Sadie. ¡°My father was just like her¡¯s. That guy was a total jackass. He also used to beat my sister and me. Then Jasper found me in an underground fight club. I¡¯m thankful for taking me in, but he disgusted me for how badly he treated that poor woman.¡± He pursed his lips into a thin line.


    Realization and guilt cut through me like a knife.


    I should have done something. Sadie must be so terrified alone.


    As he mentioned what Sadie had been through in the hands of her own family, I had to look away. Regret swept through me like a strong gust of winter wind, freezing my entire body until I shivered.


    Silent stretched between us, and I didn¡¯t know what to say. I didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°Sir, I should check on her. She¡¯s been in the water for long.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± I grabbed the robe draped on the armchair. ¡°Take a break. Go with them. I got it from here.


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    Once he was gone, I didn¡¯t realize I was shaking. My hands trembled as I looked down at the fabric in my hand. I was beyond pissed off, and I would make sure they would pay for what they did to Sadie.


    I walked down to the beach, and she was just emerging from the water in her yellow two-piece suit, disying her long and shapely legs. She just took my breath away. I could now see the abs she was proud of. And damn, she was fucking hot. Drop-dead gorgeous. Those words wouldn¡¯t even serve.


    ¡°Hey, handsome in a suit.¡± Her smile alone was breathtaking. Everything about her. Fuck.


    I mped my mouth shut and offered her the robe. As much as I wanted to gawk at my wife, I was already busted and looked like an idiot for having a hard-on in front of her.


    ¡°Damn those abs.¡±


    Sheughed as she slipped her hands into the sleeves. Before I could grasp, I had already wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her into a hug. What had just happened? Damn it, Sadie.


    ¡°You okay?¡± she even asked.


    ¡°Never been better.¡±

 Chapter 10

    Leash


    SADIE


    ¡°So, you¡¯re looking into my things now, too?¡± I studied him across the table as we shared this lunch. I couldn¡¯t call it lunch date, but we were kind of on a honeymoon, so maybe, it was. And the seafood was delicious. Thank God I didn¡¯t have allergies.


    ¡°I can¡¯t call it looking into your things. The screen just lit up while I was looking for a piece of paper.¡± He was unapologetic¡ª that was his strong suit, the only thing my brother was right about Cenric. ¡°I can¡¯t call it snooping either. I mean, if you don¡¯t have something to hide, right?¡± His eyes glinted. There was something he knew that I didn¡¯t.


    ¡°You¡¯re fishing for info, Mr. Wollf with double L?¡±


    ¡°Is there info that¡¯s worth to fish?¡±


    I dabbed my lips with the napkin. ¡°I¡¯m sure I have nothing to hide that you haven¡¯t already known. How¡¯s your trip to Rios?¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Sessful. To many, many more sess.¡± He took his drinks.


    ¡°To many, many more sess.¡± I sipped my white wine. The butter-poached lobster was to die for, and so as the Quenelles in crayfish sauce.


    Once we returned to the States, I should get ready for the reality ahead of me. I felt like I was being pulled into La La Land. I knew this had an expiry date. He couldn¡¯t be this nice. I knew there was something dark inside him. I just hoped he¡¯d show me right here, right now. At the back of my head, I didn¡¯t want it to be true. I liked the person right in front of me, without shielding me with his walls. He was decent, kind, and thoughtful. At the same time, I wanted to see him switch back to his dark and ruthless businessman persona.


    ¡°Where did you go for a minute?¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You went somewhere. I hope you took me with you. Wine?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I¡¯m a light drinker.¡± Butst night was a little bit off. I fell asleep right away. Maybe exhaustion from the wedding, the flight, and wine wasn¡¯t the bestbo.


    ¡°So did I noticest night. I hope the massage helped.¡±


    I gave him a dreamy look. ¡°God, that was so good. I feel like tons had lifted off my body. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°d you enjoyed it.¡±


    ¡°So, what¡¯s next? Do you have ns?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± He rose from his seat. ¡°Boat ride. I hope you don¡¯t get seasick easily.¡±


    ¡°I still won¡¯t say no.¡± I grabbed the hand he offered. God, if hope we will be like this forever. I could live with this business deal way better than with my family. I wrapped my hand around his strong arm as we walked out of the restaurant. ¡°Where to, cowboy?¡±


    ¡°Your friend calls me hot. You don¡¯t mind it?¡±


    I looked up to meet his gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± That was full of crap. ¡°Legally, you are my husband, so they can call you anything they like, as long as you¡¯re on my leash.¡±


    ¡°Now we¡¯re talking. I¡¯m on your leash, huh?¡±


    ¡°Technically and legally. Whether you agree with me or not.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your kink?¡±


    ¡°In bed? Do you really wanna know, or should I just show you instead?¡±


    That made meugh. He didn¡¯t even initiatest night, and I didn¡¯t think it would happen sooner, even if Iid naked in his bed. I didn¡¯t know exactly what his reasons were, and it frustrated me to think that I wasn¡¯t attractive enough or I couldn¡¯t give him a hard-on.


    I recalled that he said I was attractive, yet, he didn¡¯t even kiss me. Maybe I looked too innocent and naive for him. Maybe only models and women with big boobs he¡¯d ever be interested in.


    ¡°Sadie, you¡¯re silent again. You¡¯re absolutely overthinking something.¡± He stopped and cupped my face. ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡±


    I let go of a shuddering breath and looked at him in the eye. ¡°Is this even real? Are you even real right now? Is this even the man my brother told me that I should fear about?¡±


    His brows met together in confusion. ¡°Is that what he fed you? To fear me? Maybe you should or maybe not. I¡¯m a powerful person. I own a billion-dor empire. I can ruin your family without touching them if I want to. I can hide you from them or the face of the earth without a trace.¡±


    I stared at him as those dark eyes met mine, piercing me with his intense gaze. As he kept talking, it urred to me that he could be that two people at the same time¡ª the good husband and the monster boogeyman I feared when I was a kid.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you if you will believe him or not. But what you see here right now is your husband. But make no mistake, I don¡¯t y games fairly if I¡¯m interested in something. I make sure I will win and always get what I want. So, I¡¯m warning you now, to never lie to me or betray me or y games with me because you know you won¡¯t win.¡±


    My mouth dried. My throat clogged. I bit my bottom lip as hard as I could to stop from trembling as I nodded in understanding.


    I felt his lips press against my forehead before he pulled me into his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared of me. I won¡¯t hurt you. Ever. I¡¯m not them.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± My voice barely came out.


    ¡°Are you still up for a boat ride?¡± This time his voice was as soft as butter.


    ¡°Hell yeah.¡±


    ¡°Atta girl.¡±


    When he mentioned a boat, I thought it was like dinghies, skiffs, or intable boats, not a freaking yacht.


    I burst intoughter as I stared at the yacht on the dock.


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re backing out?¡± He was amused. His grin amped up.


    ¡°Well, I thought when you told me a boat ride, I was expecting¡ª¡± I waved off my hand. ¡°Never mind. I should keep reminding myself that I married a freaking billionaire.¡±


    We settled at the foremast. His gang apanied us at the back. I didn¡¯t care to ask where we headed. I was sure they knew what they were doing. I just enjoyed the ride, or rather, the sail while itsted.


    ¡°You pack a bag for me, right?¡± I looked at my husband beside me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You won¡¯t be butt naked in front of those hungry assholes.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°I always dreamed of lying butt naked in the sun, you know?¡±


    ¡°Really? In front of those assholes?¡±


    ¡°You mean friends? I think they would catch bullets for you, if ever, especially Beck and Gabe. How long have they been working for you?¡±


    ¡°They were in my team.¡±


    ¡°Wow! So they¡¯re your brothers. You would die for them as well.¡±


    ¡°You sound so surprised.¡± He came behind me and wrapped his arms around me. ¡°I would protect you with my life, too, Sadie. That¡¯s unquestionable.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. I can protect myself.¡±


    He chuckled and thought it was funny. ¡°That¡¯s one of my vows. So suck it up, woman.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the first time you called me woman.¡±


    ¡°You are my wo¡ª wait a second.¡± He suddenly realized something, and I felt the burning sensation on my cheeks. Crap. Please don¡¯t ask.¡±Oh, boy.¡± He pped his forehead.


    ¡°Disappointed much?¡± My heart sank. I held his arms as I tried to loosen them around me. Instead, he squeezed me into a sweet embrace.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡± He seemed to lose his words. ¡°Remind me to thank your asshole brother. I can¡¯t even imagine someone touching what¡¯s mine.¡±


    ¡°Just so you know, I touched myself and used something. I¡¯m twenty-one, and I have needs, as well.¡±


    ¡°Just wish I won¡¯t see those things again, or I swear I will hang them on the Christmas tree.¡±


    Iughed out loud. ¡°Good luck with that.¡±


    ¡°How many exes I should kill?¡±


    I turned around to face him. ¡°Seriously, dude? They didn¡¯t even get to the second base. And we were in high school.¡±


    ¡°Still, they kissed these lips.¡± He ran his thumb on my lips, his eyes darkening. His voice deepened.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°For someone who didn¡¯t want to meet me and didn¡¯t even want to touch me, you¡¯re damn so possessive.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fucking true.¡± Those were thest words I heard before he mmed his mouth against mine in a possessive first raw kiss.

 Chapter 11

    Untouched


    CENRIC


    What the actual fuck? My wife is still a virgin?


    I didn¡¯t know if I should celebrate or be terrified. I had never fucked a virgin before, and I didn¡¯t have a n to, but this time was different. This was my wife we were talking about. I felt my chest expand a little, and I thought it was me being proud of her.


    She felt my body freeze, and she thought I was disappointed. I was shocked, yes, but I would never, ever reject her because she wanted to keep her hymen intact until she offered it to the right man. But was I the right man? When she thought I bought her out for twenty-five million dors.


    Then those full lips tempted me, taunted me, even the way she ate, and nothing she ever did wasn¡¯t sexy. I was much attracted to her that I never knew I would feel this so much beyond my will. She was the epitome of a living goddess.


    And I was damn shocked to find myself kissing her hungrily as though I starved for days, and I finally found a meal to gobble down. A part of me was shocked at my possessive action, but the surge of lust and male-dominant inside consumed me, and Sadie¡¯s lips were like an aphrodisiac.


    And fuck, she responded to my kiss, her fingers found my hair. My hand was at the back of her head and the other at her naked back. This time, I kissed her slow and deep, drinking her in, and she weed me, my tongue dueling with hers.


    My cock had been hard since I spent a night with her, unable to touch what was mine, and now throbbing so hard and heavy in my pants, it hurt like hell.


    She just tasted like how I imagined she was, so pure and sweet.


    I couldn¡¯t get enough of her. I tugged her lower lip before I gave her one long kiss. We were breathing hard, and I dropped a kiss on her forehead.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever think even for a second you disappointed me. You¡¯re beautiful, and I don¡¯t even know if I deserve you.¡±


    ¡°So do you,¡± she whispered, slightly shivering.


    ¡°Cold?¡±


    She shook her head and turned when she realized it was our second day to watch the sunset. ¡°Beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Like you.¡±


    ¡°You should do something with that.¡±I chuckled, ¡°It will pass if you stop grinding your ass to me.¡±


    ¡°Now it¡¯s my fault?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your property. You can always take me.¡±


    I pressed my lips against her jugr vein, pulsing so fast. ¡°Damn right, you¡¯re mine to take. But you are also my wife, but not now when we have an audience.¡±


    ¡°Last night, we didn¡¯t have, but you just let me fall asleep. So don¡¯t me me.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She still had no idea why I drugged her wine. I wanted to keep what belonged to me safe and tracked, so I imnted a tracking chip without her consent.


    ¡°Did your family ask you to sleep with me and send them the evidence?¡±


    She eyed me suspiciously. ¡°What kind of people do that?¡±


    ¡°There are some people who believe in it, and it¡¯s their tradition or something.¡± I heard about it, of showing the bloodstain to their parents that they finally consummate.


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a crap, Cenric, even if they asked me. My loyalty to them was far gone when they threw me to the wild dog.¡±


    ¡°And that wild dog I assumed is me.¡±


    She elbowed me. ¡°A wild wolf, I mean.¡±


    ¡°I can be wild if you want,¡± I whispered to her ear, nibbling her earlobe. She made a cute sound as she breathed restlessly. ¡°Tickles?¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡± She elbowed me again.


    ¡°So, do you like to y rough, huh?¡±


    ¡°If you keep doing what you¡¯re doing, I swear¡ª¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I liked to keep her restless and hear her sounds.


    ¡°I swear I will touch myself,¡± she said without remorse.


    ¡°You can try.¡± I cupped her breast, just fit perfectly in my palm, and squeezed a little.


    She did that sound again, throwing her head back. Her lip tagged between her teeth. Her nipple quickly hardened into a tiny bud as I rolled it between my fingers.


    ¡°You¡¯re so responsive, babe.¡±


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me what¡¯s the meaning of that word you called me.¡±


    ¡°Are you wet?¡± I ran my other hand to her t stomach, keeping just above her pubis, enough for her to squirm. ¡°You¡¯re distracting me.¡±


    ¡°Only one way to find out.¡±


    ¡°Who wants to figure out, babe? Me or you?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t finish what you started, don¡¯t ever touch me,¡± she said sternly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t raise your voice on me, mi Cielo.¡± Her grip on my arms tightened and tightened as she anticipated that I would go down there. Slowly but taunting, I ran my fingers down her thigh, and I made sure it wouldn¡¯t touch where she ached too much.


    I started biting her earlobe, licking, and nipping down her neck. ¡°Feel how hard I am for you? This is me wanting to fuck you hard since the first time I saw you. This is me wanting to push your head down and force you to take my cock until you choke. This is me wanting to bend you over, tilt your ass up and take you from behind, and you cry in pain that I don¡¯t give a damn. I don¡¯t make love. I don¡¯t do vani. I fuck hard until I heard her scream and beg me toe, and I will take what I wanted. I always do. But I make sure we had an agreement that there¡¯s no force fuck happen. I respect women and their bodies, but I also love to fuck. And I don¡¯t think you are ready for that, wife.¡±


    ¡°I get it you¡¯re an asshole with needs, and a part of you is kind. You just don¡¯t like people to see the softie inside you, jackass.¡±


    Instead of getting offended for calling me an asshole and jackass, I kissed her hard and raw. ¡°That¡¯s for calling your husband an asshole and a jackass.¡±


    She pushed her ass back so hard I winced in pain. She hit my hard cock, and I thought it snapped into two. ¡°That¡¯s for the torture.¡±


    ¡°Fuck. Now, who¡¯s sadistic?¡±


    ¡°You deserve it.¡±


    While I winced in pain, she walked away. ¡°I know the way to a man¡¯s heart, babe! Through his balls!¡±


    Thenughter followed¡ªfrom my asshole friends. I should fire them all. They should be on my side, but I saw them high-five with my wife. Traitor!


    When my raging hard-on cooled off, I joined them with my wife for our dinner. I kissed the top of her head to show her that I was okay with what she did.


    ¡°Can you adopt me?¡± she asked Linden.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re asking the right person?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he can¡¯t cook.¡± She pointed at me with a re.


    ¡°As much as I want to adopt you, I¡¯d love to keep my head attached to my body,¡± Linden replied.


    ¡°He loves you, Gabe. He won¡¯t hurt you. And this is so good. I love a lot of tomatoes,¡± shemented.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve married an Italian. No offense, man,¡± Beck said.


    ¡°I¡¯m offended, Beck,¡± I agreed. Linden¡¯s Caprese chicken is so good, and the nk steak also.


    ¡°I doubt that. Not when ites to you, I pass,¡± Linden answered Sadie.


    ¡°How did you learn to cook?¡± Devin asked. Both I and Beck knew Linden was a good cook. His father was a chef.


    ¡°My dad is a chef. So, I learned a few things or two.¡±


    ¡°Lucky future wife,¡± my wife sang.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me too much credit, Mrs. Wollf. I still love this job.¡±


    Sheughed, it was so carefree, and it reminded me of what Devin said earlier. He met my gaze and nodded at me. ¡°He doesn¡¯t look so scary to me. He doesn¡¯t have horns, does he? Cenric, do you have horns you hide in that thick hair of yours?¡± She waited for my response.


    ¡°Not yet, babe.¡± I squeezed her thigh under the table. ¡°But soon if you won¡¯t behave.¡±


    Her smile was wicked as she looked at me. We stared at each other, giving her none but a guarantee of contentment and devotion.

 Chapter 12

    Breached


    SADIE


    We had to cut our honeymoon short when Cenric received an emergency call from Cas. I didn¡¯t pry. I hoped Cas was okay, though¡ªCenric¡¯s expression told me nothing seemed alright. We had to leave the ind right away while the jet was waiting for us in the private airport.


    ¡°Hey, everything is gonna be okay.¡± I squeezed his hand even my words had no assurance. I knew they could figure it out together.


    He squeezed my hand back. ¡°CENTH just recently listed on Archer Markets, and then what a coincidence. There was a security breachst night.¡±


    ¡°How does it even possible? I thought trading tforms couldn¡¯t be hacked. I don¡¯t know how does it works, but I thought when ites to banking, shouldn¡¯t it be more secured than Fort Knox?¡±


    He sadly chuckled, ¡°Even NASA and NSA can be breached with its state-of-the-art security.¡±


    ¡°So you mean to say nothing is guaranteed? Nothing is safe anymore?¡±


    ¡°You could say that, but I¡¯m about to figure out how far the breach is.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s awful. I¡¯m sure they¡¯re working on it.¡±


    ¡°When something like this happened or just a rumor of breach, the investors will pull back, and the markets will crash, especially for CENTH that justunched two years ago, still vtile, unstable.¡±


    ¡°I wish I could help.¡±


    ¡°You are helping. For the past three days, I lived a normal life than in a long time.¡±


    ¡°So, the great powerful Wollfes with a great responsibility.¡±


    ¡°When a lot of depending on you, yeah. Come here.¡± He tapped hisp.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s a good idea?¡± I asked meaningfully.


    ¡°When these things are over, I¡¯ll spend time with you watching rom on Netflix.¡±


    I sat on hisp carefully and made sure I wouldn¡¯t trigger something down there. ¡°What made you think I go for rom?¡±


    ¡°Wild guess. Am I wrong?¡± He arched a brow.


    ¡°I like fantasy and sci-fi, husband.¡± I cast him a humorous look.


    ¡°Uh-huh. Noted.¡± He wrapped his arms around me and sniffed my hair. ¡°You smell like berries and wildflowers.¡±


    ¡°If you start talking like that again, you¡¯ll end up with blue balls.¡±


    ¡°More likely ck balls now, babe.¡±


    ***


    Cenric just changed his suits and left right away down to his office. I was left alone in his penthouse with his private elevator. The floor-to-ceiling windows boasted the skyline views that I could only see in a futuristic movie.


    Being an investor and a founder of a fast-growing cryptocurrency, sophisticated home security and advanced sensor system came a handy.


    ¡°Mrs. Wollf, let me take this to your room.¡± Devin quickly picked up our luggage.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this.¡±


    ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll take these up for you. Do you have the key card?¡±


    Um, what now?¡±Cenric must have forgotten it.¡± My phone vibrated in my bag simultaneously. It must be Zhuri checking in. But it wasn¡¯t. ¡°Let me just answer this.¡±


    ¡°Please, go ahead.¡± Devin left with our luggage.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so stupid. I was just too focused on the meeting that I forgot and just left.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m in your penthouse safe and sound.¡±


    ¡°I know, babe. But this meeting might take a while at HQ.¡± He sounded apologetic this time.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Take your time.¡±


    ¡°Open the brown bag I left on the coffee table and take the blue envelope. You¡¯ll find the key card, cards, and keys. They¡¯re yours.¡±


    ¡°Why do I need those?¡±


    ¡°Babe, I won¡¯t be around 24/7, and it¡¯s just suitable that I provide you your ess to the penthouse. Go ahead and take a rest. I apologize for the inconvenience.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Now, you sound like a call center agent.¡±


    He chuckled from the other line. ¡°I¡¯m not good at this.¡±


    ¡°Jeez, just kidding. You¡¯re doing great.¡±


    ¡°I got to go. See youter?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve nowhere to go. Bye.¡±


    After I got the keys, I finally got ess to the penthouse. I just didn¡¯t know if he wanted me to stay in his room, or I got a room on my own, and there was definitely another room in this luxurious loft. We had not gone far talking about our living arrangement, and I didn¡¯t want to impose. He might like to have his own privacy. I had no idea.


    ¡°If you need anything, just let me know. Just press two on the phone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, Devin. Thank you.¡±


    His sprawling bedroom had its own level of luxury, from smooth with high-quality bedding to plush carpeting, but it simply had the fragments of his personality¡ªdark and minimalist.


    I let myself wander around the entire penthouse. From the main door came a spacious entryway, opened arge living room with the custom-made furniture from a famous luxury designer specialized in home furnishing and leather goods. This loft had at least three bedrooms and four baths, his own office, a fully furnished kitchen, and an elegant dining area. It was like a whole new house on top of the Manhattan tallest building, luxurious and modern.


    I decided to use the bathroom in the guest room. When I came down to find something to drink in the kitchen, I wasn¡¯t alone anymore, and it wasn¡¯t Devin or Cenric.


    I just stood there while she was bustling in my husband¡¯s kitchen. Finally, I found my footing, and I cleared my throat. ¡°Hello?¡±


    She turned around with wide eyes. ¡°Hello, dear. M. Wollf just informed me on my way that you¡¯re finally here. I¡¯m Elena, by the way. Your husband¡¯s housekeeper. I also asionally cook for him but do all the groceries. So, I just guessed what to fill in the fridge.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Sadie Wollf. I know who you are, dear. Mr. Wollf told me to give you whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°How do you oftene?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear. Ie here every weekend.¡±


    I waved my hand. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    ¡°Then you can call me anytime. I have my number saved on the phone. Anyway, I made sandwiches for you. You can list down the groceries you want, and I will bring them to you in my next housekeeping. Do you need anything else, Mrs. Wollf?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Thanks for the sandwiches. They look delicious.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, dear. I¡¯m leaving. Goodnight, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I was hungry. I didn¡¯t realize until I finished two slices of Elena¡¯s sandwich, and damn, that woman could make a good sandwich.


    I went to the guestroom, hoping to get a nap before Cenric arrived. In just a matter of minutes, I felt tired and sleepy.


    I stirred in bed. I felt I was floating or carried by vast and muscr arms.


    ¡°For someone who has ess to keys, you are terrible at finding our room. Or you intend not to share a bed with me, huh, wife?¡±


    ¡°Cenric?¡±


    He shushed me. ¡°Get some sleep.¡± I felt his lips press against my forehead.


    ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°Sleep. We¡¯ll talk in the morning.¡± Heid me carefully down to bed, and just like that, I curled myself into a ball.


    My eyes were so heavy, even if I wanted to see him before I fell back to slumber.


    ¡°This is your bed, babe. Nowhere else.¡±

 Chapter 13

    Possessive


    CENRIC


    The meeting didn¡¯t go anywhere. We still had to be very ountable even every cryptocurrency was affected by the breach. We valued our customers, and we wanted to guarantee that their investments were in good hands.


    ¡°It¡¯s already plunging. Aren¡¯t you supposed to do something?¡± For a crypto investor, sometimes, he was just stupid. ¡°Archer is one of thergest markets, and it shouldn¡¯t be breached.¡± Aaron At was one of the boards and OneMore Exchange founder.


    ¡°It happens all the time. I mean, not the breach. Cryptocurrency is the most vtile currency on the,¡± my brother said. ¡°You should know by now. The stock market as well. It crashes when there¡¯s a prolonged bull market.¡±


    I trusted my brother. Since we were young, he was drawn to mathematics. Before my enlistment, he took advanced courses in programming and cryptography, and it all paid off.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you be at least thankful the breach did not happen in our system? CENTH will bounce back and fly to the moon. Hashtag to the moon. Hashtag diamond hands,¡± our senior program manager, Eli said and quoted.


    ¡°If you have nothing important to ry to the boards, to me, I¡¯d rather go home to my wife. This breach is not our problem. Our security team will continue monitoring just like they usually do. Trust in our system. No need to panic.¡± I stood up and buttoned my suit. ¡°This meeting is adjourned.¡±


    I met my brother in the elevator with a huge grin on his face. ¡°Go home to my wife.¡± He quoted in the air. ¡°Well, that¡¯s new, and I love the heart emoji in your eyes. The love vibe in the air is so thick I can slice like a chocte cake.¡±


    ¡°Yet, you dragged me all the way here to that godforsaken meeting,¡± I replied with disinterest.


    ¡°Sorry, bro. Being the founder and CEO, you can¡¯t just ignore their concern.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, how¡¯s the honeymoon? How¡¯s your wife?¡±


    I eyed him suspiciously. ¡°Short, abrupt, and she¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°Happy to hear that, bro.¡±


    I slipped my hands in my pockets. ¡°Just say it.¡±


    ¡°Happy to know that you two get along just fine.¡±


    ¡°I still have a lot of things to learn about her, but she¡¯s not that pain in the ass. At least for the past three days. Never demand or pry. She¡¯s kinda sweet and thoughtful.¡±


    ¡°And hot.¡±


    My eyes flew up to him, and my blood started boiling. ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡±


    ¡°She took a shine on you. I get it. It¡¯s understandable. She¡¯s beautiful and a decent woman.¡±


    ¡°Hot and beautiful.¡± My eyes narrowed.


    ¡°And you¡¯re bing a jealous and possessive husband.¡± Heughed out loud.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°You are my brother, and I love you very much. I want you to be happy. But I also know you from inside out. I know you¡¯re a little bit overprotective, but when ites to mentioning women¡¯s names, you never red at me and fisted your hands in your pocket and thought of punching and breaking my nose. You might not know you¡¯re doing that, but I do know, brother.¡±


    ¡°Just drop it.¡±


    He chuckled, and now I might just punch him. He just raised his hands and surrendered. ¡°Just messing with you.¡± Heughed out loud again. ¡°That¡¯s good to know that someone got my brother in a ball.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. I just remembered Sadie threatening my balls.


    ¡°Enjoyed a lot, huh? d you took a break and had some fun.¡±


    Linden just parked the car as we reached down the parking spot.


    ¡°Take care, bro. Say hi to Sadie for me.¡± He tapped me on my shoulder.


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    For the first time in history, I was excited to go home, not to sleep, but to see someone who had just recently be a part of my life. In just three days, my life drastically changed, and I was still trying to figure out how to deal with it. Was this even a good thing?


    How I let my walls crumble down and let someone in so quickly had me question my sanity. This wasn¡¯t even a part of my n, and now it was suddenly out of hand.


    Then she was not in my bed. ¡°Sadie?¡± I checked the bathroom even if the light was off. She wasn¡¯t there. I went down in a hurry, hoping she didn¡¯t just escape.


    My stomach twisted in knots.


    My heart turned to ice.


    Considering her track record of escaping, I hoped what I had in mind was wrong. I wasn¡¯t ready to go there and jumped to the conclusion.


    ¡°Sadie?¡±


    I dialed Devin, and he picked up my call right away. ¡°Where is she?¡±


    ¡°Sir, she didn¡¯t leave thest time I checked. Which was thirty minutes ago.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I felt nauseous with anxiety. I ended the call.


    I checked the guestroom, and the door wasn¡¯t locked. My hope rose high. I might as well smile as I stopped dead in my tracks to see her curled up in the bed, sleeping soundly.


    I sighed in relief. I should have given her the benefits of the doubt.


    I carried her to our room. She even talked in her sleep. After tucking her in bed, I went to the kitchen to grab something for dinner before going directly to my office to check some emails.


    I dialed my assistant, Theo. ¡°I supposed I¡¯m still free tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. You can report back on Monday. If there¡¯s anything urgent, I will contact you personally. Anything else I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all¡ª¡± Before I hung up, I remembered something. ¡°Wait. What¡¯re the best sci-fi movies to watch on Netflix?¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    I groaned. I knew he was surprised by my inquiry. ¡°You heard me right, Theo.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay. I¡¯ll add them to your watchlist. Anything else, sir?¡±


    ¡°How about fantasy?¡±


    ¡°Fantasy series is the best to binge-watch. I¡¯ll add that too. Consider The Witcher, sir. Also, Shadow and Bone. She would love them.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Henry Cavill and Ben Barnes?¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re hot.¡±


    ¡°Then no.¡± Theo was gay, but I had nothing against him having a boyfriend. Besides, he was the best assistant in town, and he and his boyfriend seemed happy.


    My wife was still asleep before I went to shower. When I came back, she was not there anymore. I put some shirts and sweatpants on and went down to the kitchen.


    Sadie had her hand tucked under her chin in deep thoughts with half-empty bottled water on the counter.


    ¡°Did I wake you up?¡±


    She turned and watched me as I walked closer to her. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you walk barefooted in your penthouse.¡± That was the first thing she noticed?


    ¡°And is it a bad thing?¡±


    She shook her head, lips pouting. ¡°Nope. It¡¯s kinda sexy.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My brow cocked up. ¡°Have a foot fetish?¡± I leaned over to kiss her on her nose.


    ¡°Nah. You¡¯re the only one I found your feet are sexy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re something. Hungry?¡±


    ¡°God. I¡¯m so terrible. I should have asked you.¡± She looked embarrassed.


    ¡°No worries. We have all the time in the world, babe.¡± I put the sandwich in the microwave. ¡°You met Elena?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s kinda nice.¡±


    ¡°She is. She was my nanny.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± She looked shocked. ¡°So, she knows what you¡¯re scared of?¡±


    I bit my sandwich and offered her the other slice, but she said she was full. ¡°n to prank me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m making sure to know your weaknesses, husband.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Interesting.¡± I stood up, rounding to her back. ¡°How about you, babe?¡±


    She shivered against my breath. ¡°I won¡¯t tell you anything to use it against me, babe.¡±


    ¡°Now that we¡¯re here alone, I might as well explore by starting this¡­.¡± I flicked the soft shell of her earlobe.


    She shivered again. ¡°Eat, big guy.¡± She slipped out of the stool. ¡°See you in the morning.¡±


    When I came back to the room, she typed something on her phone.


    ¡°No phone in bed, mi cielo.¡±


    ¡°Elena thought you that, isn¡¯t she? I should Google Trante that.¡± She locked her phone and ced it on top of the nightstand.


    ¡°Yeah. She came from Spain.¡± I joined her in bed. ¡°Come here.¡± I tapped the space between us. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t bite.¡±


    She got closer to me andid down her head on my arm. ¡°What if I want you to bite me?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say it twice.¡± I leaned down to kiss her on her lips. She instantly responded, her fingers knotted into my hair.


    The second her lips parted, I slipped my tongue in her mouth, sipping her taste that I missed in hours.


    ¡°I could fucking kiss you all night,¡± I growled, drawing her closer to me, our body clutching together, her leg snaked into mine.


    ¡°Why wait?¡±


    I nipped her lower lip, breaking the kiss. ¡°Baby steps, babe. And I want you to trust me first.¡±


    ¡°Do we have to trust each other to fuck?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that word again,¡± I growled before I mmed my mouth to hers, thrusting my tongue inside, swiping it against her own. It was hot and hungry, drinking the word fuck in.


    ¡°You are the one who said you don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    I pressed a finger on her lips, narrowing my eyes at her. ¡°I know what I said, Sadie, but you¡¯re too beautiful to swear.¡±


    ¡°All right. Now, can we go back to kissing?¡±


    I grinned like a motherfucker who just found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. ¡°Damn right, we will.¡± I took her mouth again, iming and consuming her even if just a kiss.

 Chapter 14

    Breakfast and Ties


    SADIE


    I woke earlier than Cenric to a cramp in my lower belly. I rolled out of bed, hoping I wouldn¡¯t wake him currently sleeping under thefy satin duvet. I hadpletely forgotten that today was a day of the month, and I had no tampons. Thankfully, my first day didn¡¯t flow like a river.


    I dialed Devin for help.


    ¡°Mrs. Wollf?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just call me Sadie? I¡¯m younger than you, yet you make me look like a seventy-year-old grandma.¡±


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am.¡± Jeez.


    ¡°Fine, but don¡¯t annoy me, and I need your help.¡±


    ¡°Anything.¡±


    ¡°Can you drive to a convenience store or the nearest pharmacy?¡±


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± His voice changed to alert mode.


    ¡°No. Are you going to drive me there or not?¡±


    ¡°Just tell me what you need, and I¡¯ll get it for you.¡±


    I growled, ¡°I told you not to annoy me. I want to buy something myself. Wasn¡¯t my husband telling you to take me anywhere I want? This is an emergency, Devin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Then take me there, or I will wake him up and let him talk to you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s five in the morning. Let Mr. Wollf sleep, ma¡¯am. I think I know what you need.¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Be right back.¡±


    ¡°I hate you right now.¡±


    Irritated, I rolled my eyes and hung up the call. As quietly as I could, I walked across the floor, went to the kitchen, and thought of what to prepare for breakfast. I knew nothing about Cenric, what he ate, his favorite color, music¡ªthose simple things.


    I followed my instinct. I checked what was in the fridge. Staring alone at the content gave me already a headache, but there were vegetables, fruits, meat, dairies, drinks, and water.


    It had been days since thest time I went to the gym, and we didn¡¯t burn calories in bed as well. I threw some kale, banana, yogurt, and I added berries into the blender to sweeten a little bit.


    I started putting strips of bacon into the pan, stuffed some loaf bread into the toaster, and prepared the coffeemaker. While I waited for it to be done, I poured my smoothie into a ss when I felt someone was staring at me.


    There he was, walking in my direction like a god. His hair was messy, but he looked yummy enough to be my breakfast.


    ¡°You left the bed.¡± Yay! His way of good morning, but he didn¡¯t sound grumpy.


    ¡°Morning, big bad Wollf. One of us should leave the bed because my stomach kept on grumbling.¡±


    He cupped my face. ¡°I think I know why.¡±


    My brows knitted in confusion. ¡°And what is it?¡±


    He pressed his lips against mine for a couple of seconds before he smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t have that pain?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°The breakfast is burning. And I just guessed what do you eat.¡±


    ¡°I eat anything, babe. In fact, I can¡¯t wait for something I¡¯ve been dying for, for¡ªI don¡¯t know how long.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked innocently.


    He came over to help me with the bacon. I grabbed a couple of eggs from the fridge and fumbled to search for a bowl and a whisker. Then I ced toasted bread on the te.


    I was about to crack the egg when I noticed my smoothie was half empty. ¡°You drink my smoothie?¡±


    ¡°I believe that¡¯s us.¡± He poured what was left in the blender. ¡°What¡¯s yours is mine, babe.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s yours isn¡¯t mine.¡±


    Heughed out loud. ¡°I didn¡¯t remember I said that.¡±


    ¡°Morning!¡± Devin walked in with a stic bag.


    I rushed towards him to snatch the bag before Cenric found out what it was. It was my first instinct. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    With my cheeks burning in embarrassment, I ran away from them. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back!¡±


    My father and my brother maybe were assholes, but for one thing, I was taught right about menstruation etiquette. It was a part of being a woman to have a monthly period, and there was nothing to be ashamed about it, but I also kept in mind to practice proper hygiene and make sure you wouldn¡¯t leak in public.


    ¡°You okay?¡± my husband asked as I came back with a smile on my face.


    ¡°Sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°Never apologize,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Call me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Devin.¡±


    As soon as his back faded, my husband asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up and let me get it for you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re the type of guy who controls even what brand of tampons I should use?¡±


    ¡°What? No. Never. I would not do that.¡± He assisted me to sit on the stool. The scrambled egg was done. He had already divided our breakfast into two tes. ¡°I told you I will take care of you, and that includes your needs.¡±


    ¡°Here we go again.¡± I cut him off. ¡°With the needs.¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°I told him to send me to a convenience store.¡±


    ¡°He told me because I asked him what was he carrying. I also knew you¡¯re in your period.¡±


    With wide eyes, I stared at him. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Your smell bes strong.¡±


    I sniffed my underarms. I didn¡¯t smell bad.


    He chuckled, pushing my arms down. ¡°You don¡¯t smell.¡±


    ¡°Thank God. Wollf suits you. You can sniff me like a wolf,¡± I snorted.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Last night, I could literally smell your arousal.¡±


    I almost spat out my eggs. My face reddened. ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me now, babe.¡± His smile was mischievous, and I itched to punch it off.


    ¡°Whatever.¡± I dug in silently while he was still watching me, studying my reaction. When he didn¡¯t let it go, I said, ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°d we feel the same way.¡± He finally enjoyed his meal.


    After my embarrassing breakfast with him, he went to shower while I volunteered to clean up the kitchen.


    He just came out of the bathroom, and I knew he intentionally dropped the towel when he noticed meing to his massive dark and shiny wood walk-in closet. He actually let me use half of it, separated by the counter.


    Well, damn, I still didn¡¯t get a chance to see himpletely naked. Now he was in front of me, my lips dried instantly. He had the sexiest back, the way his muscles flexed when he moved, and damn those biceps. It reminded me of Thor in his first movie.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen better.¡± I swallowed the clog in my throat, and I had to lick my lips a couple of times, but my pulse was pounding so hard, and I knew I was blushing. My entire face was med.


    ¡°Just say you like my ass.¡± Thank God he was already wearing boxers when he came to face me. He lifted me in one swift move, allowing me to sit on the ind like I weighed nothing.


    ¡°You have a fine ass, husband.¡± I hit it when he turned around to choose his pants.


    ¡°A sexy ass.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. Your ego is as big as your bicep right now.¡±


    He just smirked. ¡°I take that as apliment.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°It¡¯s absurding from me when you can literally get it from women wherever you go, knowing like you with deep pockets and runs a multi-billion dorpany.¡±


    ¡°And hot as me.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t be jealous. It doesn¡¯t matter what they say, but it does when ites from you.¡± He framed my face with hisrge hands and kissed me loudly. ¡°You¡¯re my wife, and remind yourself what you said in Jamaica? You have your leash around my neck?¡±


    He went to choose a necktie from his drawer and picked the metallic cobalt blue.


    ¡°Nice choice.¡±


    He showed it to me. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. A gift from one of your girlfriends?¡±


    He shook his head in amusement. ¡°Nice try, but no. Theo gave it to me on my birthdayst year.¡± He draped the tie around his neck like he¡¯d done it a million times.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Theo?¡±


    ¡°My assistant, and he¡¯s gay, has a boyfriend, and please, don¡¯t tell me to fire him because he¡¯s good at what he does. You might like him if you like his taste in color.¡±


    ¡°When is your¡ª¡± I stopped with wide eyes. ¡°Your birthday is in three days?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± He leaned over to kiss me on my nose. ¡°Don¡¯t buy anything. You are quite enough as my birthday present.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re turning twenty-eight. Age is just a number. What I mean, you¡¯d be seven years older than me.¡±


    ¡°One of us should be more mature to make this rtionship work.¡±


    My eyes narrowed. ¡°Are you telling me that I still act like a kid?¡±


    ¡°Just right now, you think what I said negatively. I¡¯m not just thinking of today, babe. I think of our future, for our business, and maybe one day, we n to have kids, so I need to work hard for us.¡±


    As much as it sounded promisinging from him, I needed to keep myself in check from losing in a Land of Promise.


    ¡°Can I go out?¡±


    ¡°Sadie, you¡¯re not locked up in a tower. Just be careful and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Devin ising with me h h h, of course. I just want to meet Zhuri. You may also do a background check on her to make sure your property is in good hands.¡±


    ¡°For thest time, I just want you to be safe. And yeah, I did.¡±


    I held my mother¡¯s ne around my neck, the only thing I had left for her. It was a dainty chain with a small diamond heart pendant. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°I feel safe here, with you.¡±


    ¡°Enjoy, and use the card. I¡¯ll be home before dinner. Don¡¯t cook. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

 Chapter 15

    Attempt


    CENRIC


    Sadie loosened up around me. If she continued to open things up about her, this marriage would start to bloom into something more than just a business deal. I also started to know a bit about her. She liked to be cocooned. She snored a little, and she wasn¡¯t sorry to show what she wanted. I liked the boldness in her character. The first time I saw her picture, I knew there was a fire inside her, and I couldn¡¯t wait to see it re out.


    ¡°I thought you wanted to stay at home.¡± Theo barged into my office with brows knitted and an iPad over his chest.


    ¡°Are you trying to kick me out of my office?¡± I¡¯d been reading through thepany proposal I wanted to start. And this was something very personal to me. All thepanies I owned were personal to me, and I always thought those employees depended on me. One wrong move I made, everything would crumble down, and if it happened, they would lose their jobs.


    ¡°Would you like me to grab you coffee?¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Since when did I ask you to grab me a coffee?¡± My focus was still on the documents for the business permit.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need me then.¡± He was about to turn around when I called his name.


    ¡°Can you send my wife a bouquet?¡±


    ¡°Now we¡¯re talking about.¡± He smiled, tapping the iPad screen.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it to my brother.¡±


    ¡°Did I just hear the words my brother?¡± I ignored Cas walking in.


    ¡°Theo, can you upgrade our security system to iris scan and voice recognition? Especially my office?¡±


    Theo¡¯s reaction was priceless, out of this world. He was still staring at me as if I had just lost my mind.


    ¡°Is it possible?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I need to make a budget proposal and send it to finance.¡± He grimaced. ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s messing with you, Theo. Forgive hisck of humor. Do whatever he asked you, except for the upgrade of the security system.¡± My brotherfortably spread his arms wide over the chair.


    ¡°Why are you here? Don¡¯t you have appearances to attend to, money to donate to charities, business ideas to discuss over a video conference?¡±


    ¡°Sarcasm may be your strong suit, but one, I don¡¯t give a shit. Two, I still don¡¯t give a shit. Three, I definitely don¡¯t give a shit. So, what was that about that you can¡¯t share it with me?¡±


    ¡°Since I got married, you became more attentive, and it started to annoy me. Why don¡¯t you go have a merry vacation and bang some models and leave me alone?¡± I stacked the document and shoved it back into the envelope.


    Heughed, his body shaking. ¡°It sounds so terrific and tempting, but I enjoy annoying you more. And you sound like a happy married man, a satisfied husband who can¡¯t keep his hands to himself. How¡¯s Sadie, by the way?¡±


    ¡°With a friend. If you wanna talk about my married life, you should just call me, invite me and we can talk about it over a drink. When was thest we did that?¡±


    ¡°Good idea. Just bros and no hoes?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Call me when.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kicking me out already?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡± Saved by the message with a jpeg file. It came from Devin, who was currently with my wife.


    I hid my smile. They were in the lingerie shop.


    I typed.


    CENRIC: She¡¯s gonna kick your ass if she finds out you¡¯re ruining her fun.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the smile?¡± my brother interrupted me.


    ¡°Just do me a favor and shut up. Go and find a woman to make you smile.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m starting to believe that you¡¯re falling for her.¡±


    My eyes narrowed to slits. ¡°I¡¯m not in love.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so terrible about falling in love with your wife?¡±


    I licked my lips and waited for Devin¡¯s reply. It didn¡¯t happen. A minuteter, I called. He automatically picked it up.


    ¡°Get your hand off of her, or you will lose yours!¡± It was Devin.


    ¡°What the hell is going on, Devin?¡± I was already on my feet. The chair slid back, mming against the ss wall.


    My chest constricted. My blood boiled as soon as the other guy Devin was threatened talked back. ¡°Devin, get my wife out of there. Or I swear to God I¡¯m gonna go there and beat that asshole to a pulp.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, bro?¡±


    I ignored my brother. My fingers trembled. ¡°That fucking asshole didn¡¯t take my threat seriously. I¡¯ll be there now.¡±


    ¡°Stay away from me, asshole! You sold me to the wolf, and I finally got out of your hair. What else do you want from me?¡± It was my wife answering her brother.


    I paced back and forth as I listened to them exchanging provocative statements.


    ¡°Devin, use aggressive measure if necessary!¡± I ordered.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s been handled. He left.¡±


    ¡°Take my wife home. Now!¡± I hung up the call. ¡°I have to go home. That motherfucker is testing my patience. If he thinks it was just an empty threat, then he just signed up his death wish.¡±


    ¡°Calm down.¡± Cas gripped my shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re shaking. This is just an adrenaline rush because your wife was just assaulted. Whatever siblings dispute they have, you have to get to the bottom of it first before you jump into cutting someone¡¯s head. If he needs to be locked up, I¡¯m with you, but he¡¯s still your wife¡¯s brother, and you have so much, so many things to lose if you take this matter into your own hands. You¡¯re not a Marine anymore, bro.¡±


    I started to calm down a bit, but my anger just built up inside, ready to blow up. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Now, go and see your wife. If you need anything, just call me. I¡¯m still up for that drinks.¡± He pulled me into a hug. ¡°I¡¯m always here.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Sadie?¡± I sprinted into the living room as soon as I got out of the elevator. ¡°What happened?¡± I met Devin in the middle.


    ¡°I have no idea how he found us. As if he knew exactly where to find your wife, sir,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Babe?¡± As soon as she met my gaze, she smiled at me, but I still saw the terror deep in those eyes. I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her tightly to feel her warm and delicate body against mine. ¡°Are you hurt? Did he hurt you? Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Chill out, big bad wolf. There¡¯s nothing he didn¡¯t inflict I can¡¯t handle.¡±


    I stared directly into her eyes as I shook my head. ¡°I warned him not toy or touch a hair in your body, and he just did. I will make sure he chokes by his own hand, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± She gripped my arms. ¡°As much as I¡¯d like to see him choking to death, I don¡¯t want you to get punished because of what he did. I won¡¯t let that happen to you.¡±


    ¡°How did he find you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She shrugged. ¡°He doesn¡¯t know this number. I didn¡¯t even contact my father if you think that was how he found me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you have Devin with you. I couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine if you talked to him like that, and he wouldn¡¯t hurt you. That¡¯s why.¡± I pointed at Devin. ¡°He needs to be with you all the time when you still want to go out and meet your friend.¡±


    ¡°That friend is here.¡± I heard a woman¡¯s voice. I looked down to see a brte raising her hand. She has the same age as Sadie but was voluptuous on the chest side. It was Zhuri. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Hi. I¡¯m Cenric. We didn¡¯t properly introduce in the wedding.¡± I shook her hand. ¡°Nice to meet you, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two alone.¡± I looked at my wife and noticed a red mark on her arm. ¡°That motherfucker.¡± I ran my thumb on the imprint, and it was still warm. ¡°He¡¯ll pay for this.¡±


    ¡°Nothing that I can handle,¡± she sang at me.


    ¡°Not even funny. Not even a little.¡± I pressed my lips on her forehead. ¡°We¡¯ll talkter. I¡¯ll be in the office if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°You know what I need.¡± She smiled foolishly at me.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile back. ¡°d your humor still intact.¡±


    I poured double whiskey once I got into my office and emptied the ss. I poured another shot when the door opened behind me.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even have to ask if you¡¯re okay.¡± It was Beck.


    ¡°My n is still in progress.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it is. Are you sure this is what you wanna do?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s personal to me. Even in the end, my wife will hate me.¡±

 Chapter 16

    Bad Dream and a Kiss


    SADIE


    ¡°Your husband¡ª¡± I jerked inside the fitting room, my hand on my chest. My heart was in my throat. Shivers ran down my spine as I watched my brother in the mirror standing behind me.


    ¡°How the hell did you get in here, Jasper?¡± I turned around to face him, stepping back. At least if he would think of doing something, he couldn¡¯t do it from behind.


    ¡°He¡¯s going to ruin this family, sis. He¡¯s going to destroy the Greer legacy.¡± With a calcted pace, he took steps closer to me. ¡°You should do something. Tell me about his n.¡±


    I clutched the garments in my hand against my chest. ¡°Back off, Jasper.¡±


    ¡°You will spy on him, Sadie. He trusts you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid your judgment is wrong. Cenric doesn¡¯t trust me.¡±


    With his eyes bloodshot wide, he hovered and gripped my arms that I knew would leave marks. ¡°If you, as much as enjoy your life outside, you will do as I say, or you will go back to where you truly belong, in that four corners of your room. Do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve lost your freaking mind, Jasper. If you think you can manipte me again, you¡¯re wrong. You¡¯re not in control of my life anymore, you and Dad. My loyalty remains to my husband, and I won¡¯t betray him. Ever.¡±


    He lifted his hand and hit me¡ª


    ¡°No!¡± I jolted up. My heart pounded so hard that I could barely catch my breath. I was sweating, and my hair was sticking all over my face.


    ¡°Bad dream?¡± I raised my head to Cenric¡¯s voice. Based on the expression on his face, he wasn¡¯t impressed, as if he had just read what was in my head. He knew what that dream was all about.


    I nodded andid back on his thigh. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize.¡± He rubbed my arm. The beating of my heart started to go back to normal, but I couldn¡¯t shake that dream off anymore. ¡°Can I get you something to drink? You need to hydrate.¡±


    ¡°Dr. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Sadie. You¡¯re starting to have a bad dream.¡±


    I raised my hand. ¡°Please, don¡¯t tell me you just diagnose me and advise me to see a shrink.¡±


    ¡°We can go together.¡±


    ¡°You go alone. Not interested. And I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Stubborn. Hungry?¡±


    ¡°I think I could use something light. What time is it? How long did I pass out?¡± I sat straight on the couch and wiped off my sweat with the knit throws.


    ¡°Two hours.¡± He rose to his feet. ¡°Stay.¡±


    ¡°Sit. Eat. Drink. Fetch. Come on, doggy.¡± I shook as I tried tough in silence before I pissed him off than he already was.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna spank your pretty little ass,¡± he said before he walked to the kitchen.


    ¡°I know you like my ass!¡± I yelled out.


    ¡°No doubt!¡±


    He came back after a few minutes with a te of loco moco and a ss of wine.


    ¡°Aw. Did you cook this?¡± Like I just unwrapped my gift, I delightfully took it from him. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Linden mostly. All I did was ting.¡±


    ¡°How did you know I like this?¡± I started eating. ¡°How about you? Let¡¯s share.¡±


    ¡°I joined the guys earlier. I asked your friend.¡±


    I noticed a bouquet of mixed roses. ¡°Pretty.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s yours.¡± He picked it up and offered it to me.


    ¡°Who sent it?¡± I smelled, and it was divine. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a card.¡± I picked it up and read the familiar penmanship. ¡°Mi Cielo, I wish I was there for you. I won¡¯t fail you again. C. Touche.¡±


    ¡°I should have been there.¡±


    ¡°You are my Cielo.¡± I looked at him. He looked yummy and homey. ¡°Thanks.¡± I kissed him. ¡°You¡¯re the best.¡±


    ¡°Now, eat.¡±


    ¡°Woof. Woof.¡±


    Heughed and went back to the kitchen. I was halfway with my Loco Moco when he came back with a massive bowl of popcorn.


    ¡°Let¡¯s watch sci-fi or fantasy.¡±


    ¡°Really? No rom?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Why do you sound so surprised?¡±


    I rose from my seat once I was done eating. ¡°You choose the movie.¡± I went up to use the bathroom.


    He cleaned up the coffee table and left the wine with the popcorn when I came back.


    ¡°Are you sure you have nothing to do?¡±


    ¡°Sadie, please? Let¡¯s watch.¡± He put an arm around me, pulling me closer to him. The warmth of his body alone was already soothing.


    I could stay in this position throughout the night.


    ¡°Are we allowed to make out?¡± I joked.


    He replied with a deep rumble of growl in his chest.


    ¡°I take that as a yes.¡± What I got in return was a pinch on my chin.


    The movie started rolling. He chose Interster.


    ¡°That¡¯s tragic.¡±


    He groaned, ¡°Shush. No spoiler, please?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t watched this movie?¡±


    He looked down at me. ¡°On the other hand, maybe we will just make out.¡±


    A smile formed on my lips. ¡°Let¡¯s watch then.¡± I leaned against him when Cooper told his daughter that he would be going on a mission.


    ¡°Will you let me go on a suicide mission to save the earth?¡± I was surprised that he asked me.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Why? I woulde home a hero, and I saved the earth.¡±


    I met his gaze. ¡°You just told me that¡¯s a suicide mission. There are many astronauts, why you? And besides, you¡¯ve done your service to your country. So no. Let them save the they ruined. I¡¯m sure if I ever had contributed to global warming, it¡¯s only 0. 0000003 percent. So, no suicide mission. I still need my husband.¡±


    He sighed deeply. Whatever was it, it didn¡¯t matter. I was being honest. I was not ready to be a widow at twenty-one.


    ¡°Noted.¡± He kissed the top of my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re not nning for a suicide mission, are you? Not saving the earth kind of mission, Wollf?¡±


    He forced me to meet his gaze. ¡°You won¡¯t lose me if that¡¯s what you¡¯re afraid about. I won¡¯t promise that I can¡¯t keep because idents happen, but I make sure toe back home every night for you.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll kiss now.¡±


    He smiled and granted my wish. When our lips met, he groaned from deep within his chest. He began taking my mouth, dueling his tongue against mine. He tasted good, addicting.


    I let my hands snake around his neck, slipping my fingers through his thick hair. His handsnded on my ass, squeezing my cheeks, lifting me.


    I followed his cues, straddling on hisp. I always felt horny when I was on my period. This time, it was different. I enjoyed our kiss, and I was burning up, heavily aroused. Hormone or not, and it was because Cenric rocked his sizable erection against my very core. I was sure the moan I just heard wasn¡¯t from him¡ªit came from me as I threw my head back, breaking our kiss.


    A moan slipped through me freely as his hand moved up my chest, kneading my breast, pinching my already sensitive and sore nipple. His mouth traveled down my neck. His lips firmed, sucking, nibbling, and licking my sensitive skin while his hands did more squeezing and exploring my body.


    ¡°Babe, we have to stop.¡± His voice was rough, and I could bet my twenty. His body disagreed with his words.


    Is he serious?


    I blinked a couple of times, allowing myself to absorb the shock of what I had just heard since my mind was in turmoil with unsated lust. My body froze from burning just seconds ago.


    ¡°Whatever,¡± I muttered as I slipped away from him.


    ¡°God knows¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t include God in this conversation. And save your damn speech.¡± My frustration was rising, my chest caving, not to mention my difort at having a constant ache between my thighs.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He raised his hand in surrender. ¡°I¡¯ll make it up¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever say a word, or I will punch you in the nose.¡±


    ¡°Calm down.¡± He held my arm.


    I swatted it off. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me. Off. Off. I have enough embarrassment that couldst a lifetime. Maybe you think now, I was so horny, all I could think is jump your bones.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you will,¡± he replied with confidence, ¡°and I will until you¡¯re sore. You can¡¯t get out of bed after your period.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have when we were in Jamaica. So, just stop talking already.¡±


    ¡°Now I felt like you just married my body.¡± His lips quirked up in a slightly evil grin.


    ¡°Like I had a choice.¡±


    ¡°Now,e back.¡± He gestured his hand. ¡°I want you in my arms.¡±


    ¡°No. No more cuddling, you freaking tease.¡±

 Chapter 17

    First Fight


    CENRIC


    Having a constant raging hard-on was a motherfucker. And now she thought I didn¡¯t want to fuck her. She didn¡¯t have any idea what I did to control this urge to stop myself from taking her wherever I wanted. Now that she was in period, the struggle was far more severe. What is one week I can¡¯t handle? Easy peasy. But it was a lie.


    ¡°I want to work.¡±


    I focused my mind on the tv screen. Cooper just lost a few decades, and it was that one of his team was getting older while he only got a few hours older.


    ¡°Cenric.¡±


    ¡°I heard you, babe.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Not until I settle out with your brother. You¡¯re still not safe.¡±


    ¡°If I get an office job, he has to go through a security guard before he can get into me. Devin will send and pick me up after work.¡±


    Ipletely understood that she wanted to work. She had been going through a rough patch for years in the hands of her brother, but not until I aplished my n.


    ¡°Still.¡±


    ¡°Still what?¡± Her voice raised.


    I paused the movie. ¡°Look what happened earlier and look at your arms. And what exactly did he say to you before Devin found he was choking the hell out of you?¡±


    She looked at the tv screen and shrugged. ¡°Nothing.¡± She was lying. I was unsure if she was protecting her brother or scared of the repercussion if she told me.


    ¡°I know that you¡¯re hiding something from me, Sadie. And I know you¡¯re terrified to tell me, and you might as well have said something that provoked your brother for him to do something like that.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t the first or the third. If Jasper liked to hit something, instead of hitting the punching bag, he came to me instead.¡±


    ¡°Fucking asshole.¡± I vibrated with anger. My teeth ached to how hard I tried not to scream in front of her.


    ¡°My family has been like this so long I can remember. And I¡¯m still dazzled, and I didn¡¯t know why of all the women, gorgeous and sexy, who treated you like a god, you didn¡¯t choose one of them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s absurd.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how I see it.¡±


    ¡°For the love of God, Sadie. Stop being so insecure about yourself. And it¡¯s hard to figure out someone with intentions. They know how to mask their emotions. When you think you¡¯re in love with them, that¡¯s the time you realize that they¡¯re only after something. And you¡¯re beautiful enough. You¡¯re more than enough that I don¡¯t even deserve someone like you.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t say something like that to me when I want a job.¡±


    ¡°You will get a job. I¡¯m working on it.¡± My expression turned sour. She wouldn¡¯t drop this subject until she got what she wanted. And it fucking annoyed me.


    She rose to her feet. ¡°Cenric, I don¡¯t want your influence tond a job. I want to find my own. You should be thanking me that I tell you first before I started working.¡±


    ¡°Just trust me on this.¡±


    ¡°I trust you, but let me do this on my own.¡±


    I sighed. My patient was running thinner and thinner. ¡°I know why you¡¯re doing this. You keep in mind of paying back that money your family owed me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about that anymore. I know I can¡¯t pay it, and I¡¯m not responsible for that, but I¡¯m sick at home. I want to do something for myself. I want to do something productive, meet deadlines, talk to someone in the office or even waitstaff. I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeat, again and again, Sadie. Just give a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°God!¡± She threw her hands in the air. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable! Why don¡¯t you just lock me up in the attic or one of your properties if you¡¯re just going to treat me like this?¡±


    I yed the movie. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about this tomorrow, okay?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re not. We¡¯re going to talk it tonight or never.¡±


    I was horny, annoyed, and pissed off. I didn¡¯t know if I chose to punch a wall or bend her over and take her hard until I lost my rage.


    ¡°Don¡¯t provoke me,¡± I muttered calmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not provoking you. What¡¯s so hard to give me a little bit of my freedom to work?¡±


    I raised my gaze at her. ¡°Did I ever lock you in the room? Did I ever mistreat you? Did I ever starve you? Until I fix your problem with your brother, you won¡¯t work. Do you understand me?¡±


    Her eyes widened, starting to fill with tears. Oh, fuck me.


    ¡°You are the worst person I know.¡± She shook her head as she stared at me in disbelief.


    And I was still the worst person to her after saving her fucking ass from her family. Unbelievable. She didn¡¯t know what I had sacrificed to save her. I literally sold my soul to the devil, and this was what I got after what I had done. I deserved a little gratification. But she knew nothing.


    ¡°I hate you!¡± She turned on her heels and walked away.


    ¡°I know, and you will hurt me even more,¡± I muttered before a bang echoed, vibrating the entire penthouse. Fucking great.


    The movie didn¡¯t show interest to me anymore. I just stared nkly at the screen. I knew Sadie would never understand until she knew the whole truth, but if she did, she would just cost me my n, she would just cause a hup, and I couldn¡¯t let it happen not right now that I was too close to achieving the fruit of my years of work.


    I turned off the tv when the credit rolled. This was supposed to be our movie night. It turned out to be one hell of a huge fight.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I understood why people in long-term rtionships still ended up with divorce papers after marriage. Right now, I wanted to wring her neck to make her understand that what I was doing was for her own good. So that she wouldn¡¯t be looking terrified when just mentioning her brother¡¯s name. I saw her pain, her fear, her regrets, and it wasn¡¯t fun to watch¡ªit twisted my guts¡ªall the time.


    I went up, hoping she had cooled down. She was lying in bed, her eyes were open, yet she was dripping away somewhere.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± I started imperturbably.


    ¡°I¡¯m done talking.¡±


    ¡°And this where the gap in a rtionship starts.¡±


    ¡°And may I remind you that I was forced to be in this rtionship. I yed my part, I behaved, and one thing that means something to me.¡± She looked at me as I stood at the door. ¡°You don¡¯t give a fuck!¡±


    ¡°Language!¡± I just lost it. My chest heaved hard. ¡°I tolerated your tantrums, your choice of words, and your disrespect, but pushing me to the limit? I won¡¯t.¡±


    She sat on the bed, her feet on the carpeted floor without breaking eye contact. ¡°Did I already reach the limit? Clearly, you have a short one, and you haven¡¯t been scratched my surface, husband.¡±


    Damn, this woman. I wanted to squeeze her to stop because I couldn¡¯t handle someone or anyone answering me, provoking me, let alone pissing me off.


    ¡°And you don¡¯t know me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know exactly what kind of person you are. You think you control everything around you, people kneel at your feet, and you think you can have anything you want. Well, you don¡¯t know me. I won¡¯t bow down on you. You can¡¯t make me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t, Sadie. Please don¡¯t make me say it. Just stop. You have to know that I¡¯m fucked up, and I¡¯m not good at consideration.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a shit!¡± She yanked the drawer at the nightstand, grabbing what was in it. Those are cards and keys, and her phone. ¡°These? You can have them. I don¡¯t need them!¡± She threw them at me, hitting me in the chest. She then rose on her feet, like a predator stalking its prey as she walked towards me. ¡°You and I are over.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a say. I own you, remember? Know your ce, Sadie,¡± I retaliated.


    ¡°Make me.¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Demands and Punished


    SADIE


    Argh! I wanted to pull my hair out.


    He didn¡¯t get it, did he? He would never get it. Again, I was trapped in the same maze over and over again. Men were all the same¡ªthey thought they ruled the world. They felt they owned women. They thought women got easily manipted. Well, I would make him wrong. I would never back down. Watch me.


    I was kind of relieved that he had left me alone. I was exhausted. I¡¯m done.


    I started getting used to sharing a bed with him, but I woke up alone this morning.


    The entire penthouse was dead silent. I knew Cenric had left to work¡ª that was what he was good at. I still tiptoed down, making sure I wouldn¡¯t make any noise.


    ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s good in the morning? Where¡¯s your boss?¡±


    ¡°Left for work.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± I walked directly to the kitchen.


    To my surprise, I couldn¡¯t find any food I¡¯d like to eat. I chuckled in dismay and amusement at the same time. I knew exactly what he was doing¡ªpunishing me. Try another tactic. I¡¯d been there, done that, Cenric.


    My father and Jasper used to do the same thing¡ªpunishing me by not giving me what I wanted and giving me food that I couldn¡¯t stomach. I could say that I was a pain in their asses and with my husband.


    ¡°ck olives, Quinoa milk, soy milk. Wow! No eggs, no bacon, no banana, fresh yogurt, no wine, no kale.¡± There was only a bag of multigrain bread. He knew exactly the food I hated. He asked my friend. Of course, otherwise, how would he know? Damn it, Zhuri.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Where did the food go?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Wollf asked Linden to bring it to the homeless a few blocks from here. Your phone is on the coffee table. Call me if you need anything.¡± He left right away as though he was avoiding some questions.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see my friend in thirty minutes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am. I was given a direct order not to take you somewhere. You can¡¯t go out of the penthouse.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I blinked at Devin. ¡°He can¡¯t do that to me.¡±


    ¡°Are you two in some kind of fight? I don¡¯t mean to pry.¡±


    ¡°You can pry, but he¡¯s out of this world overprotective asshole.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just protecting you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s what I said. Extreme, beyond.¡± I grabbed my phone from the table. ¡°I¡¯m calling him. What the actual freak?¡± I showed him the screen. ¡°No freaking service. So I can¡¯t contact my friend, I can¡¯t go out of this freaking house, I have no actual food to eat, and I have no money. I can¡¯t get a job because he wouldn¡¯t let me. So what am I exactly going to do here? Make myself crazy?¡±


    Devin couldn¡¯t contain his smile. ¡°Maybe you should just apologize and make things work between the two of you. Mr. Wollf is actually the most considerate man if you¡¯re on his side and if you don¡¯tpromise his trust. His employees love him.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I will just burn this penthouse down,¡± I grated as I looked up at the spectacr minimalist high ceiling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever think about that. Let it cool down, and then you two will make up and back together in no time. At least, you both figured out something¡ªyour weakness and differences, and then you can work on that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Dr. Phil. Can I borrow your phone?¡± I held my hand. He didn¡¯t even move. ¡°Oh, he told you not to give anything I¡¯d ask, hasn¡¯t he?¡± Awesome.


    I couldn¡¯t me Devin. I understand why his loyalty remained to his boss. Cenric was the one who wrote the paycheck, anyway. I couldn¡¯t let him lose his job either because of my stubbornness.


    I grabbed the home phone, but I could only dial 911, and Devin, was already here.


    ¡°You can¡¯t call outside.¡±


    ¡°God!¡± I threw my hands in the air. ¡°I hate him! He¡¯s such an egotistic, controlling, and maniptive asshole!¡±


    I went back to the kitchen, grabbed everything I could eat from the fridge, and carried them inside the guestroom. I would never apologize and beg for him. He would do it again if I just gave in to what he wanted. He couldn¡¯t clip off my strong-willed because I owed him his freaking millions.


    ***


    It was a day before his birthday. I intended not to go down if he was at home, but I knew he came home every night. He never checked me either. So we basically never talked.


    This morning, I received a red evening gown with a pair of shoes and a set of jewelry, but I had no n on going out to attend his birthday. I found out from Devin that the party would be at the King Hotel ballroom. Of course, it was extravagant. He was a freaking billionaire, after all.


    I ate and did push-ups and sit-ups in the room. I did the same from morning to night. In the afternoon, Devin knocked on my door with take-out food.


    ¡°You won¡¯t get into trouble?¡±


    ¡°No. I understand the anger you feel towards your husband. Don¡¯t worry. He¡¯lle around.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not. Do you know what my brother did to me if I misbehaved? What he¡¯s doing is nothingpared to what Jasper did to me. If there was one thing I was grateful for, he never let anyone touch or allowed someone to vite me. They had an uncanny amount of things inmon. Maybe because there¡¯s a price tag around my neck, now, it¡¯s been clear to me. They¡¯re both jackasses.¡±


    Devinughed. ¡°Trust me. Your husband would never do what your brother did to you.¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t know him. I can feel there¡¯s darkness inside him. I think every person does, though. For him, it¡¯s only a matter of time when it is going to ignite and burn me to ash,¡± I said crisply.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink. Enjoy your meal.¡±


    Cenric had angered and frustrated me. I left no choice¡ªeven breaking off this marriage, and it enraged me to the point I had no control over it.


    I forced myself to sleep after dinner.


    I woke up in the middle of the night to feel that someone was watching me. I jolted to sit in bed only to find out it was him.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I threw him an irritating re.


    ¡°A car will pick you up at six in the afternoon¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± My eyes narrowed in a pure challenge.


    ¡°Yes, you will.¡± His voice was calm but as hard as stone as if leaving me no choice but to do as he asked. I¡¯d never heard that kind of voice since we got married. It had no emotion, and just like a coldness that sipped through your skin, he gave me a shiver.


    The iceing off this man could freeze hell.


    ¡°Or what?¡± I spat, rage boiling up inside me as I met his gaze, throwing him the same daring re. I felt like the person in front of me was not the man I married days ago. This man was like the evil split version of himself¡ªthe darkness I was talking about.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it.¡±


    I crossed my arms over my chest, stirring the pot. ¡°Come on. Just get it over with.¡±


    ¡°You will wear the dress I bought and the jewelry, and at six sharp, you will go down and enter the car that will drive you to the hotel.¡±


    ¡°What if I will escape and take the jewelry with me?¡±


    ¡°If you try, you haven¡¯t set foot outside the hotel¡ªthe guards and the police already cuff you and take you to me.¡±


    ¡°Ridiculous. And I¡¯m so terrified.¡± Iid back to bed and closed my eyes. Secondster, the door opened and shut closed.


    Like clockwork, I woke early. I wanted to greet him, but I was sure he had more fun to do than listen to my unsolicited greetings. I remembered the gift I had bought for him, though, but it was useless now.


    At midday, I went down. I was starving. Devin did not knock on my door to bring me a meal. I almost stumbled down when I realized I wasn¡¯t alone. He was here and not alone.


    I stopped dead in my tracks. The woman just kissed him on the cheek. She was four or five years older than me and wearing long pants and a white blouse, yet she carried it very well. She then walked out and shut the door behind her as though she was used to being in this ce. Before I could look away, Cenric had already caught me.


    I pivoted on my heel and went up, hoping I wouldn¡¯t see him again until his birthday was over.

 Chapter 19

    Unhappy Birthday


    CENRIC


    Thest two days had been rough at work, even for someone who had billion dors. Money couldn¡¯t buy happiness if you were not materialistic. Getting to where I was right now didn¡¯t happen overnight. I worked hard¡ªsweat, blood, and tears were my investment. There were trials, a lot of problems, and errors along the way. There were criticisms and rejections¡ªtons of it, but I never gave up. I had a goal to reach, and my efforts had paid off.


    I worked for long hours than usual, only to divert my attention from apologizing to my wife. I was not good at sharing my emotions and spilling my guts, and it wasn¡¯t going to happen now. Yes, I was an asshole, a selfish son of a bitch, but Sadie was disrespectful, and she had to learn some lessons. If I tolerated that kind of attitude, she would get used to it and do it again. One of us should change, and it should be her.


    And this birthday party gave me a headache. All I wanted was a charity event that didn¡¯t have to focus on me. Everyone invited was expecting me to show up with my wife, and it was getting into my head, considering we didn¡¯t talk. Still, everyone knew that I just recently got married and was officially off the hook from the eligible bachelors¡¯ billionaire club. And that kind of shit I didn¡¯t realize was a big deal.


    To get her attention, I had to do something stupid. She didn¡¯te to me and threw her tantrums again. I gave her credit for her tenacity. Maybe she realized that it was her fault, that she deserved to get punished.


    If she decided not to show up at my party, I had already arranged everything. She would be staying at one of my properties in Italy in the middle of nowhere. Her choice¡ªbe a good wife, or she wouldn¡¯t get the job she wanted, once and for all.


    ¡°Are you sure this is what you want? I mean, can you stomach it?¡± I knew Linden had a soft side, and he liked my wife, but he was not also someone who questioned my decision.


    ¡°That¡¯s a little bit jarring, don¡¯t you think?¡± Devin supported him.


    ¡°That¡¯s too much of teaching lessons. You literally locked her up in the attic, emptied the fridge, cut her off from the inte, and you¡¯re also cutting her off from civilization?¡± Beck was right, but that was only if she would humiliate me at my birthday party.


    ¡°I¡¯m just telling you my n and what would happen. If you care about her, or this is your way of telling me that I¡¯m gone mad, then go ahead and tell her my terms. Otherwise, I¡¯m not changing my mind.¡± Well, I hoped she would catch my bait. Or else I would lose my wife forever. There was that twist in my stomach again. Fuck me. I¡¯m losing my shit.


    The way they looked at me right now, that was precisely what I wanted them to see¡ªWollf went mad. Because I fucking am.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Great. Whatever you say, boss,¡± said Devin. It was too evident that he was against my n, but he was just one of my employees, and his opinion shouldn¡¯t matter.


    ¡°I guess we have a woman to convince then,¡± Beck said. ¡°Chop chop, guys.¡± When the two didn¡¯t even move, he red at them. ¡°What? Not up for it?¡±


    ¡°I have to meet your sister. She¡¯s on the way here,¡± I told Linden.


    ¡°Thanks for doing this. It means a lot to her,¡± he replied.


    ¡°It goes both ways, Gabe.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done a lot for us. I can¡¯t thank you enough.¡±


    ¡°What brothers are for if I can¡¯t help you and your sister.¡± My phone buzzed. ¡°It¡¯s her.¡±


    I went to my office to get the catalog she sent me two days ago, and I met her in the hallway. Wi was beautiful and kind. I was still finding it hard to believe her ex-husband cheated on her. After their divorce, she started back from the ground. As a friend and I had the privilege to help, I helped her with her gallery. Her genuine love of art made her sessful in her career in just two years.


    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t the birthday boy.¡±


    ¡°Thanks foring.¡± We always hugged when we met. She was huger, and I felt like she was the woman version of Linden.


    ¡°Anytime for a friend. Happy birthday, anyway. Where¡¯s your wife?¡±


    ¡°Up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll meet her at the party then.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Of course. Sorry for the sudden changes.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no. The paintings are on the way.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re the best.¡±


    ¡°I know, and I¡¯m happy for you. Happy birthday again.¡± She kissed me on the cheek.


    ¡°Thank you. See youter.¡± When she was gone, I felt someone was watching me, and I knew who exactly was. I always got this feeling when she was around¡ªthe tingling sensation, the extra beating of my heart, and this stupid excitement.


    When I turned around, our gazes met, but there was no hint of warmth or excitement in her eyes, just a hollow and an unfamiliar emotion I¡¯d never seen in her before. What was it? Jealousy?


    Before I could say something, she turned on her heels and left. Great fucking birthday!


    I stayed in my office for a couple of minutes or maybe an hour. I decided to change my n. I didn¡¯t need them to convince her. On my way to the guys¡¯ room, I heard her voice. I stopped.


    It wasn¡¯t in my nature to be interested in others¡¯ business, and I never eavesdropped, but I couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡°Imagine that.¡± Linden sounded amused.


    I started to get a bad feeling about this. I felt like they were talking about me.


    ¡°And we¡¯ve not even celebrated our one-month anniversary. He¡¯s already cheating on me.¡± Oh, boy. She was pissed. Wait, what cheat? When? How? I snorted. I never even had sex in months.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°No way. That¡¯s impossible,¡± Beck kept back. He knew wherever I went, and whatever I did, sometimes it was disgusting that someone had to know your every move.


    ¡°He won¡¯t do that to you. He may get angry¡ª¡±


    ¡°Angry? How about gone cray cray? That selfish son of a bitch!¡± she cut off Linden. I should be pissed off, but to my amazement, I chuckled in silence.


    ¡°Not nice to say to your husband, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°He started it.¡± I could imagine her pouting. ¡°And I just saw him with that bitch. He may own the roof I live in, at least be a decent human being and not sleep with someone while I¡¯m just a door away.¡± What? What the fuck is she talking about? My brows knitted further.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Beck sounded so perplexed. ¡°He was just here a while ago.¡±


    ¡°I saw them.¡±


    ¡°You saw them having¡ª¡± it was Devin. He didn¡¯t continue his sentence but knew the next word.


    This chat is fucking ridiculous.


    ¡°Oh, fuck me. You got it all wrong.¡± Linden must be holding hisugh right now. ¡°This woman is happened to be brte, tall?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and pretty,¡± she added. She sounded insecure. Poor thing. She had no idea how beautiful she was, sometimes it hurts to just look at her, and I couldn¡¯t do anything.


    ¡°Did you take a closer look at her? Did she and I have something inmon?¡± The room went eerily silent until a loudugh erupted.


    ¡°She¡¯s my sister, you little rascal. And my sister would never sleep with my brother.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s gross.¡± I could see her wrinkling her nose. A small smile appeared on my lips.


    ¡°That¡¯s awful,¡± Devinmented.


    ¡°Cenric can be harsh sometimes, but he is softie inside. He has just a lot of things he¡¯s working on right now. He¡¯s always under a lot of pressure. It would be best if you gave him some credit. Even for a guy as tough as a nail, he can break sometimes. Beneath that thousand-dor suit and rough exterior, your husband is just a man. You should get ready for the party.¡±


    ¡°Not going, Beck.¡±


    Fuck.


    ¡°Everyone is expecting you. His business partners, the supporters of the charity. It would look nice if people see you together as a couple as your first official public appearance after the wedding.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯m not ready. I mean, I can¡¯t fake that I¡¯m okay if I¡¯m not. I can¡¯t lie to those people.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Then just be there for the event, especially for a charity you¡¯d like to support.¡±


    ¡°About?¡±


    ¡°Childbor, violence against women, to name a few.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± they agreed in unison.


    Finally, I showed up. Everyone stopped as if I had just triggered their own remote. Sadie picked up right away.


    ¡°Enjoy the party, guys.¡±

 Chapter 20

    Lady in Red


    SADIE


    It may sound like a Q & A in a beauty pageant, but I wanted to help. If there was even a tiny thing, I could help make the world a better ce, then so be it. I also reminded myself that I was married to a business tycoon. Cenric had money and power, and he was well connected.


    So I decided to show up. It was not my first rodeo to attend events like this, but not with the man of the hour.


    Earlier today, he sent a makeup artist to make me look like the woman fit to be in his side. So tonight, they would meet the trophy wife of the great Cenric Wollf.


    The birthday sh fundraising g had already begun, and damn, the strapless sweetheart neckline, high slit red floor-length evening gown in crystals and sequins was eye-catching. It was created in sophistication and ss. Added to that, the diamond set around my neck and teardrop earring gave me a Grace Kelly vibe. I also put on my engagement ring and wedding band he returned.


    I¡¯d already mastered a different kind of smile before, and it was easy peasy for me to do it again. If I perfectly acted as a perfect daughter, I could be a perfect wife just fine.


    I found him. Even if he was wearing a bup sack, I could recognize his back anywhere in this crowd.


    I must say the venue was breathtaking and showstopping in ck and white flooring, an off-white soaring ceiling that created an enormous canvas with low-lit chandeliers. Tables were minimalist to dining sets and elegant and tall crystal candbras. Paintings were already on disy on all walls as part of the auctions for tonight.


    Before I could snatch a ss of champagne, I was met in the middle by Cas in a ck tux. ¡°Aren¡¯t you looking dashing tonight?¡± I faked my British ent.


    His smile widened. ¡°You look stunning, my dear.¡±


    I hooked my hand to the arm he offered. ¡°This is fancy.¡±


    ¡°You know my brother has ref in throwing fundraisings. So what¡¯s been up with you two?¡±


    I slightly stiffened to his not-so intrusive question. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Once upon a time, there was a big bad wolf was overprotective of his mate in heat, a rabid red-eye wolf came in, threatening the mate, he went feral¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay. I get it. And I try my best not to be offended of the words mate in heat.¡±


    ¡°Good. And it¡¯s a metaphor.¡± He looked down at me with a smile.


    Cas was as tall as his brother¡ªthey were gigantic. He was athletic while Cenric was muscly.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want me to work.¡± I studied him. ¡°And how do you know?¡±


    ¡°I know my brother better than himself. I know when something¡¯s bothering him. After what happened to you before the wedding and Jasper came assaulting you, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he tightened the security around you.¡±


    ¡°I told him I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d been trying to busy himselftely.¡± He sighed deeply. ¡°Look, I love him, and it¡¯s just the two of us before you came into his life. When he¡¯s this damn focused, something is wrong, and it¡¯s definitely not good for us, for thepany, and the people around him. Let¡¯s say everyone is affected. It happened one time, and he just slipped away from us and vanished without a trace. We were so worried. One day, after three months, he just came back out of nowhere a totally different person. When you both came from the honeymoon, I slightly saw the old Cenric, and I was happy. Then, boom, back to the big bad wolf again. I thought something triggered him.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that.¡± I felt guilty and terrified at the same time. And did it feel like he was ming me for his brother¡¯s changes of behavior? Of course, he was loyal to his brother. But did he know that his brother punished me for days?


    Before we reached a group of guys, his brother just turned around as if he just sensed me, and it was annoying how he figured out I was around. It felt like he had sensors or something.


    I almost tripped, and the fact that I was wearing high heels didn¡¯t help me with my weak knees. His dark eyes prated me like I was some hologram standing in front of him.


    He smiled, but something was off about it¡ªforced, surprised? Was there also the excitement that I saw?


    ¡°Babe?¡±Kill me now. The birthday boy could be ridiculously charming as he could be. And right now, he was. At least, he acknowledged my presence, even if it was just a front.


    ¡°Be kind. Just for tonight,¡± Cas whispered in my ear before he gave me to his brother.


    ¡°See youter,¡± I said enthusiastically. Now, it¡¯s time to face the monster.


    ¡°Sorry for being fashionablyte.¡± I looked at him, smiling as if he wasn¡¯t about to snap my neck. ¡°I had to adjust something to cover some goods because the slit is so high.¡±Gosh. I should stop talking. This was harder than I thought.


    With my family, I just made appearances. I didn¡¯t have to be distracted by this kind of utterly fascinating hotness of a male specimen in front of me.


    ¡°You look¡ª¡± He licked his lips and sighed as if he was finding the right word¡­to lie? ¡°Breathtaking.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Happy birthday, babe.¡± I nted a kiss at the side of his lips. I thought he shivered, his fingers deliciously and painfully digging against the flesh of my back.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°Mrs. Wollf,¡± someone just called me, interrupting our little act.


    ¡°Hi. Call me Sadie. Mrs. Wollf was histe mother.¡± I shook his hand. ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Shan. I read one of your books, The Future of Cryptocurrency. I must say it was refreshing. The idea of taking over banknotes in the future is a huge possibility.¡±


    ¡°A woman who has an interest in investing in the future impresses me or scares me. ButI see leadership in you, Sadie.¡± Well, I just read your book because that was what was on the coffee table, and I studied everyone in the guest lists two hours before I got here.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Then he introduced me to the man behind the mission in space. ¡°I¡¯m so honored to meet you.¡± I was a fan. That was the truth. He was like my hero.


    ¡°Pleasure to meet you, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°One quick question, if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Is there a life-form over there?¡± I waited in excitement.


    He smiled humorously.


    ¡°I take that as a yes.¡± I smiled back. My face hurt.


    I waved at him before Cenric took me away. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I just met him.¡±


    ¡°Fangirling?¡± His hand was still on my waist.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ruin my day,¡± I sang out.


    ¡°How did you know about Shan? I thought you don¡¯t have an interest in my world?¡±


    My brow cocked as I met his gaze. ¡°Your world is my world now. I have to learn how to adapt. So suck it up, buttercup.¡±


    ¡°Did you take something beforeing over?¡± He sounded amused. Humor glittered in his eyes.


    ¡°Like if I¡¯m high? I saved your ass, ain¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°I was just joking.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know you are capable.¡±


    ¡°I get it you¡¯re still mad at me.¡±


    ¡°I wonder why are we still talking? My role for tonight is to be a trophy wife.¡±


    His jaw clenched. At the corner of my eye, I spotted Cas.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Cenric.¡± A sophisticated woman in herte fifties. I knew she was the agency director that helped women against violence.


    ¡°Thank you, Lydia. This is my wife, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°I admire your work, Lydia. You make such a huge impact and awareness. Even before we married, I knew I would support this kind of advocate one day. And one thing I love about Cenric, he cares about the value of women. Knowing that we can do something to help make a difference, my husband and I have the support you need.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Cenric values the women in his life, and it now makes sense to me why he supports our advocacy. It¡¯s great to meet you, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure.¡±


    When the auction started, we settled into the table in the front. Cas and important figures in finance joined us at the table.


    ¡°Can I bid?¡± I asked drily.


    His brow cocked up. His hand was on my thigh. ¡°Wanna make it 26?¡±


    I looked at him in disinterest.


    Just a slight curve appeared on his lips before he said, ¡°Of course. The proceedings will go to the charity.¡±


    ¡°But you know I don¡¯t have money.¡±


    ¡°Your card is still active.¡±


    I leaned closer to him.


    His gaze dropped to my cleavage. ¡°My prize is too exposed.¡±


    ¡°Not my problem. I believe you chose this gown. Anyway, how much is there?¡±


    ¡°Bid whatever you want. Where¡¯s your ne?¡±


    My skin nched. ¡°I lost it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me.¡± He squeezed my thigh, and I almost jerked. The heat of his palm spread all over my skin, radiating to my core.


    My pulse started beating. My lips had just gone dry as Cenric traced his fingers between the slits of my gown.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Touching what¡¯s mine.¡± He pinned his gaze at me. He looked amused to see the reaction he¡¯d caused.


    ¡°I mean here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll book a room up.¡±


    ¡°No way I¡¯m sleeping with you.¡±


    ¡°Not today.¡± He smirked. Wow! Just like that. He was back. Cenric Thaddeus Gillean Wollf is back.¡±Now tell me where¡¯s your ne, and I stop before I get where my fingers intend to go.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. Maybe I want to keep your fingers there.¡±I borrowed money from Zhuri. I told her to keep the ne until I pay her.¡±


    ¡°Why? You have the card. Why didn¡¯t you use it?¡±


    ¡°I wanna buy you a gift, duh. And if I get the money from you, it¡¯s not a gift anymore.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the thought that counts, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Well, of course. What does a man like you want when you already have everything?¡±


    ¡°Not everything can be bought by money, babe. For instance, I still don¡¯t have you.¡±

 Chapter 21

    Sealed with a Kiss


    CENRIC


    The tension between us was thicker than the earth¡¯s surface. Sadie was guarded all the time¡ªdistant, and she had no intention of hiding it from me. She wasn¡¯t sorry for what had happened.


    I must say, though, I was surprised how she could blend in easily with the crowd. And she looked breathtaking in a red gown.


    Gorgeous. My fucking wet dream.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay the money you borrowed from Zhuri. I want you two to have your ne back.¡±


    Confusion knotted on her forehead. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I want you to have it back. Why is it so hard for you to ept it?¡±Does she have also trust issues?¡±It looks special, with sentimental value. Who gave it to you?¡± I had to ask even if I knew it was from her mother.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    ¡°Then you need to keep it.¡±


    The look in her eyes, she was questioning my intentions. ¡°No motives, babe.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    I gestured to another table to our left. Wi was sitting there. ¡°The woman you get jealous over.¡±


    The reaction on her face was fascinating to watch. She blushed furiously. ¡°Will you stop it?¡±


    I waved to Wi, and she smiled at her.


    Cas rose from the table and walked into the tform to grab the mic. ¡°Good evening. I want to acknowledge everyone foring here tonight, not only for the birthday boy but for this annual event. Before we start with the auction, I¡¯d like you all to sing a happy birthday for my brother, okay?¡±


    I followed suit when everyone stood. I chuckled when Cas pointed at me. The table that carried the birthday cake made its entrance towards our table. The singing of the birthday song continued. I looked at my side, to my wife singing along with everyone.


    ¡°Make a wish, big guy. You¡¯re now officially a year older than a minute ago,¡± Cas continued.


    I squeezed my wife¡¯s hand before I made a wish silently and blew the candle. The apud erupted.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I knew my cue was to go to the stage to say a short speech. Everyone had seated. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± I told Sadie and kissed the top of her head.


    With a grin on my brother¡¯s face, he gave me the mic as soon as I stepped on the tform. ¡°No business talk, please.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Good evening. I hope you have a wonderful time as I do. My brother just told me that there would be no business talk tonight. I agree. But before I forget, I hope you already ess the app and hit the donation button.¡±


    Everyoneughed.


    ¡°So, I guess, it¡¯s done. Anyway, I won¡¯t make my speech long and bore you all to death. I just want to thank the Almighty for another year.¡± Suddenly, I felt my chest expand with joy, as may sound cliche. I slipped my free hand in my pocket. ¡°Before I turned twenty-eight, my life changed drastically, in a wonderful way.¡±


    I looked at my wife. She was listening attentively. She looked proud. ¡°I became one of the Forbes¡¯ TOP 100 Self-made billionaires. I don¡¯t mean to brag, but I have to mention this in case you¡¯re all wondering where your donations go. I, I mean, we just made one thousand water supply in the far-flung areas in Mozambique, provided kids with school supplies, and of course, built ten schools for elementary level. We also provided them with early ess toputers.¡±


    I paused and fished out my phone. I went to the app. ¡°This wouldn¡¯t happen without your help. Tonight.¡± I showed them the total amount we had collected so far. ¡°We just collected three million and two hundred thousand dors. And our beneficiary for tonight is an NGO that supports childbor and women¡¯s right.¡±


    Everyone, including Sadie, apuded.


    ¡°One more thing before we start the auction. I also got marriedst month to my wonderful wife, Sadie. We will assure you that we do our best to help organizations protect people of all races and our world. Lastly, I¡¯d like to thank our investors, fellow entrepreneurs, government officials who are here today, boards, especially my employees who work tirelessly every day to make this world a better ce for our families and friends. So, from the bottom of my heart, like every year since I became the CEO of Wollf Capital, Wolf Corporation, and CENT, that¡¯s all, thank you.¡±


    Those in the corners murmured.


    ¡°Kidding, guys. Loosen up and pop some Champagne. From my wife and me, we appreciate your all. You¡¯ll have a small amount as our token of gratitude.¡± I hit the confirm button on my phone. ¡°Thank you very much.¡±


    The crowd erupted with joy. Now they were happy, and so was I. That was what I wanted. As much as earning money and bing rich was enthralling, to see those joys in their faces was the reason why I worked hard.


    The auction started about right away. Our supporters seemed entertained well enough with every piece of the unique items.


    ¡°Our next item is lunar soil. Our astronaut and aeronautical engineer Michael As collected that special ss container. Its authenticity is verified. Our bidding starts with twenty-five thousand dors.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, your sci-fi fascination starts now,¡± I told my wife. She was holding her card but never raised it during the painting auctions. So I helped her out.


    ¡°Thirty thousand for thedy in red. Going thirty-five.¡±


    ¡°Forty-five!¡± shouted from the 3rd table to our right.


    ¡°Fifty-five,¡± reacted my wife.


    ¡°Anyone? Fifty-six thousand for the five-ounce of soil? Going sixty, anyone? To the man from the third row.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Eighty-five,¡± I called out.


    ¡°What?¡± she reacted.


    ¡°For the cause, babe.¡± I smiled, encouraging her.


    ¡°Ny!¡±


    ¡°Sold to thedy in red!¡±


    ¡°Your money, big guy.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Your allowance.¡±


    She wrinkled her nose. ¡°I don¡¯t know I have.¡±


    ¡°You have, but I won¡¯t take a penny to pay your space soil. Congrattions. You are now a proud owner of moon elements.¡± My smile must be infectious¡ªshe smiled back.


    ***


    When the party was over, I sent her to the car. ¡°I¡¯ll be home in a few hours. You gonna be okay?¡± Looking at her reaction, I knew she would spit her remark.


    ¡°I was okay for thest three days.¡±


    ¡°You apologize, and I will,¡± I dared her.


    ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯m fine in my confinement, away from the modern world. And you look okay, as well.¡±


    I joined her in the car.


    ¡°I thought you still have things¡ª¡±


    I cupped her face, captured her lips, kissed her so hard, and she gripped my suit, hesitated at first, and pushed me away. I deepened the kiss, her words dried in her throat, she trembled. I slipped my tongue into her mouth, tasting her, licking her, stroking with her own.


    Taken over by my dominance, I sucked her tongue. She clutched the back of my head, her body arched, breasts pressing against my chest. The feel of her sensuous body made my cock harder than ever.


    Her moans grew more frantic, mingling my groan with hers. Damn, my inside screamed with so much need, my brain was drowning with lust, I couldn¡¯t think straight. I wanted to take her here right now.


    Finally, I managed to put some senses into my brain. I broke the kiss. ¡°Babe, I¡¯ll see you at home.¡±


    We were catching our breaths, and she was blushing furiously.


    ¡°Okay.¡± She licked her lips.


    ¡°In our room?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°See youter.¡± I kissed her once again. This time it was feather-like. ¡°The best birthday.¡±

 Chapter 22

    Best and First


    SADIE


    I¡¯d waited.


    Three hourster, still no sign of Cenric. Surprisingly, my banning from technology and the inte was over. I got my phone, cards, and keys back. As if everything was back to normal. The fridge was full. There was also a bag containing a newptop.


    So the full moon was over, and he was back to a regr hard-working man. Jeez, if he wasn¡¯t the most temperamental, frustrating, unpredictable, and annoying man I¡¯d ever met.


    He still hadn¡¯te home. I was tired of waiting. I went to bed when it was already five in the morning.


    An hourter, I couldn¡¯t even get a blink of sleep. I sat on the bed with my chin on my knees. I was tempted to call him, though, but if he wanted me to know what made him sote, he would have let me know. I thought he was not the type of husband who informed his wife of his whereabouts.


    ¡°Why did you not take this?¡±


    I was startled and quickly nced up. My heart was still in my throat.


    Finally, it was safe to say that he was home and looking as striking as he ever was.


    ¡°Sorry. Bad habit.¡± He leaned down to kiss me. ¡°There were some bugs that we needed to address.¡±


    ¡°Bugs?¡± I asked incredulously.


    ¡°Software bugs.¡±


    ¡°Oh. I hate bugs. I mean the crawling one.¡±


    ¡°You okay?¡± He took off his suit, then his bowtie. The next thing he did was unbutton his shirt. And he looked amused as I didn¡¯t mind taking my eyes off of him. I had to admit that I kind of miss him.


    I rolled my eyes, debating whether to tease him as I enjoyed admiring his specs or let him undress alone. I chose the first one. ¡°Go change in there.¡± I pointed at the door to his walk-in closet.


    Heughed as he walked towards the closet. ¡°Not tempted?¡±


    ¡°I can watch porn if I want to. More enjoyable than watching as your ego blow up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think real dick is better than porn?¡±


    ¡°Just change ande. I¡¯m rather tired. Those heels were killing me.¡±


    Later on, he came to bed in a shirt and pajama bottom. ¡°I thought those are your size.¡±


    ¡°They are.¡±


    He threw the nket away, grabbed my foot, and scrutinized my feet. ¡°Want a foot spa tomorrow?¡± He started massaging the sole of my feet. I thought it was sweet, and it felt good.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. I didn¡¯t catch blisters.¡±


    ¡°Shopping?¡±


    ¡°Nah. I¡¯ll stay the whole day. Even if my lockdown is over, it doesn¡¯t mean I want to go out and dance in the rain to celebrate my current freedom.¡±


    He thought I just amazed him. His eyes gleamed with humor. ¡°We can go shopping, then have lunch or dinnerter.¡± He went to another foot, then my legs.


    ¡°Tempting, but I pass.¡±


    ¡°Cute feet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still mad at you.¡±


    ¡°I know. I can feel it everywhere, in you. You shielded yourself more than before. Just let me make it up to you, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t keep grudges. It¡¯s like a disease, cancer. It will eat you alive. Considering we don¡¯t know each other, and we are still here, not choking each other¡¯s throat, I take it as a win.¡± Iy on my back.


    He was still looking at me. ¡°What I did¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna talk about it. I¡¯ve been through worse. If that was how you wanna teach me lessons, try tying me in bed, lock me in a bathroom for a day or two.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± His voice was a low rasp. With wide eyes, he looked devastated, if my observation was correct. ¡°Did that happen to you?¡±


    I broke my eye contact. ¡°As I said, it was in the past. He couldn¡¯t hit me that left scars on my skin. So what he did was break me mentally and emotionally.¡±


    He frowned as a thought resurfaced. Heid down beside me, pulling me in his arms. ¡°I couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine what you¡¯d gone through. I won¡¯t promise I can¡¯t keep, but starting tonight, we will work on our differences. We make this marriage work for us. And don¡¯t ever say you hate me.¡±


    I held his hand and kissed it. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°That hurtsing from you.¡± He nted a kiss on my exposed shoulder. ¡°I know I¡¯ve been unreasonably overprotected, but knowing what he did to you, I have now every reason to.¡±


    I turned to face him and looked at him in the eye, the color of warm honey. I could see the sincerity in there. My gaze descended to his lips. ¡°Be overprotective. You¡¯re kinda hot when you¡¯re being an ass.¡±


    A smile broke on his face. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I think I¡¯m sick in the head.¡± Iughed out loud. ¡°I¡¯m a mess because I have a thing for a bad boy with a bad temper and immeasurable self-control.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± He silenced me by closing the barely an inch distance between our noses with a sizzling kiss.


    This time, he took it slowly. Our lips melded together.


    I snaked my arms around his neck, and he rolled over, and I was under him. When his tongue flicked against the seam of my lips, I weed him in. I shivered at the first touch of his tongue into mine. My moan followed as he pressed his erection into my aching core.


    I arched my hips insanely as it ached and ached even more. Cenric bent my knee holding it there as he rocked his hips into mine. His mouth descended to my neck, sucking the skin, nipping, and licking it over and over again.


    I was breathless, restless as the vicious orgasm was building and building over, and I was helplessly undting my hips to his erection, searching for a release. With his cock rubbing against my covered sex, my moan grew louder and louder. His hands found my breasts both kneading and rolling my hard nipples.


    ¡°Too much.¡± I didn¡¯t know which of it¡ªpleasure, pain, ache, or all of the above that I might die if I wouldn¡¯te. I grounded against him, struggling both to hold and let go at a time.


    I knew I was soaked, my wetness leaking from my folds. My legs started to spasm. I was on the verge of flying, and when Cenric exposed my breast and captured with his mouth in hard suck, I flew higher.


    ¡°Take it,¡± he murmured against my skin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop.¡± My body gave in.


    He answered me with a moan against my breast. That¡¯s it.


    ¡°God, yes!¡± I shook, clenched, and clung against him. I thrashed my head against the pillow, eyes rolling back¡ªthe lightning of bliss struck me so hard.


    He bucked furiously, thrusting and thrusting, panting and panting until he shook violently, growling on my chest.


    Once our breathing calmed down, he started shaking until I couldn¡¯t hold myugh anymore.


    ¡°What just happened?¡± My cheeks med.


    He lifted his head, meeting my gaze. ¡°I can¡¯t remember thest time I jerked off in my pants.¡± Heughed again. Tears formed at the corner of his eyes. He got off of me and kissed me again. ¡°This, I will promise to make up to you. I just remembered you¡¯re still on your period. And that¡¯s not the first time I¡¯d like you to remember.¡±


    ¡°Promises, promises.¡±


    ¡°Babe, I mean it.¡±


    I framed his face. He still looked great, even if his hair was everywhere. ¡°At least you came on your birthday.¡±


    He threw himself in the bed,ughing continually. ¡°Best birthday ever!¡±


    ¡°Silly, I gotta go clean up.¡± I got out of bed.


    ¡°Truly. Best birthday.¡± He caught me before I entered the bathroom, squeezing me into a hug.


    ¡°Then happy birthday.¡± I nted a kiss on his lips. ¡°And more of bests.¡±


    We cuddled in bed, and it seemed that none of us wanted to sleep.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Where do you wanna spend the day?¡±


    ¡°Your day off?¡±


    ¡°A birthday boy needs days off.¡±


    ¡°Anywhere as long as I¡¯m with you.¡±


    ¡°How many days more?¡±


    I looked at him over my shoulder. ¡°Who¡¯s counting?¡±


    I smirked when he groaned.


    ¡°Two, three, a day?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll seduce you once it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love that.¡±

 Chapter 23

    Home


    CENRIC


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°Not sure.¡± Sadie still looked puzzled. ¡°I really don¡¯t like it if I don¡¯t know where we¡¯re going. What¡¯s with the surprise?¡±


    ¡°Trust me. We won¡¯t ride on a roller coaster.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, Zhuri.¡± She touched her ne. She finally got it back. Her friend even told me that Sadie forced her to ept it as coteral.


    The elevator slid when we reached the ground floor, where I parked my cars. I had collections from vintage to sports and even customized, but among these, I chose the Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. If girls loved diamonds, we boys loved our rides.


    ¡°Why this one?¡± she asked out of curiosity as she ran her finger on the sleek gray exterior.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s timeless. It reminds me of you.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Cheesy.¡±


    ¡°Call it cheesy, but that¡¯s the truth.¡± I closed the door as soon I stuffed her in.


    ¡°It still smells brand new,¡± she noticed. Of course, it was. The interior was touch-sensitive in finest ck and dark gray. I only drove it once. ¡°And those three will just follow us?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± I fastened her seat belt while she was engrossed inspecting the car. ¡°I wanna be alone with you.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. I forgot.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I touched her thigh. She wore a red knee-length dress, ankle boots, and a scarf around her neck. Her hair curled stylishly. She looked fantastic, and I wanted to feast her with my mouth.


    ¡°Why are you staring at me?¡±


    ¡°Your eyes remind me of winter.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re crazy romantic today, Cenric. This morning we had breakfast in bed. Then you painted my toenails. Then after I took a shower, you brushed and blow-dried my hair. Are you okay?¡±


    I leaned down to kiss her even if those three idiots behind us had shed the headlights. ¡°I¡¯m scared to mess this up. Actually, I¡¯m terrified.¡±


    ¡°So do I. But you are not alone with this. And that¡¯s why it¡¯s called marriage because there¡¯s us to work this out together.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give up on us no matter how terrible my decisions will be,¡± I said sincerely, and she gaped at my words.


    ¡°I won¡¯t. Now drive. We won¡¯t get there unless you start the engine.¡±


    ¡°Maia, start.¡± The engine roared.


    ¡°What the hell? You named your car? I hope it¡¯s not your ex¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Myst girlfriend was in high school. I almost didn¡¯t finish college. Then I didn¡¯t have time to go out there after my enlistment.¡±


    ¡°You joined the Marines.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Our trip was smooth. We listened to music. Sadie was chatting with her friend, then asionallyughed. I wondered if it was something her friend¡¯s text or just memes on social media.


    ¡°Care to share it with the ss?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Zhuri. She¡¯s been dating this guy named Adean for a month now, and he hasn¡¯t¡ªyou know.¡±


    ¡°You mean they haven¡¯t slept together.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Your friend is not serious about this guy.¡±


    She faced me. ¡°Why¡¯d you say that?¡±


    ¡°Zhuri might be just messing around. I didn¡¯t sleep with you on our wedding night, but not because I didn¡¯t want to. It was because I wanted to earn your trust. I wanted to build our rtionship with trust. I didn¡¯t want to confuse your feelings with the sex we shared. God knows how many times I thought of us in bed. It was crazy. I couldn¡¯t think straight, but I value you more than my unruly dick. So, if your friend is talking to you about him not initiating sex, she¡¯s just maybe using him. She¡¯s only looking for hookups. Not an expert. Just a guy who hooked up a lot.¡± I squeezed her knee. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I know you¡¯re not a saint. But are you sure you don¡¯t have kids somewhere?¡±


    I looked at her. Her question was valid. I just didn¡¯t think she would ever ask me. ¡°Do you think I wouldn¡¯t let my kid know me if I have one? My parents raised us right¡ªto be responsible. I didn¡¯t n on being alone forever. I always dreamed of having a family on my own. Even as a yboy as Cas, he wants someone will take care of him when he grows old.¡±


    ¡°I dated once in college. In high school, I went to girls school¡ª¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± She surprised me. To be honest, I hadn¡¯t read the full report in that folder.


    ¡°Yeah. My father is an asshole. So this guy¡ª¡±


    ¡°Am I gonna wring his neck or thank him?¡±


    ¡°Maybe both. But it was a disaster.¡±


    ¡°Did he force himself on you?¡±


    Sheughed out loud. ¡°No. Nothing happened like that. We were making out¡ª¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you wanna continue telling that disaster date?¡± My voice started to deepen.


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Just listen and stop interrupting me. There was a party of one of the students from my Economics ss. We were making out in the car.¡±


    I groaned.


    She hit me yfully. ¡°Concentrate on the road, big guy. It happened so fast. One thing I knew, someone had just pulled out my make-out partner from the driver¡¯s seat. Jeez, I won¡¯t ever date a damn mama¡¯s boy again.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t date anyone other than me. Period.¡± I burst outughing, and she was just staring at me like what was so fun with her terrible dating experience. ¡°Sorry, babe.¡± I tried to contain myugh until my eyes went teary. ¡°That was awful.¡±


    We arrived home. The gate slid open.


    ¡°Who¡¯s house is this?¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Us.¡±


    She stared at me as if I talked in a differentnguage.


    ¡°I was supposed to bring you here after our honeymoon, but that emergency happened.¡± I parked the car at the entrance.


    I assisted her out of the car. Her eyes wandered in amazement as she looked at the new house.


    ¡°I let Dad¡¯s friend design the house. He¡¯s an architecture beast. Shall we?¡±


    She nodded and hadn¡¯t said a word since she stepped out.


    ¡°Say something. If you don¡¯t like this, we can juste over every weekend.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say.¡± She was literally speechless, but her eyes told many things otherwise.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen his work. Linear is his best design. I only told him I wanted something less vibrant but modern neutral with ent colors. For the decors and furniture, I chose some of my own. The interior designers just arranged them topliment the architecture. Mostly, the walls are floor-to-ceiling ss. It has a pool, gym, and nts at the backyard and front I thought you might like.¡±


    She was just standing there while I was exining the floor n of the entire house.


    ¡°You prefer a penthouse? Or is this overwhelming, or reminds you of bad¡ª¡±


    Now she surprised me. She just shut me off with a kiss. I wrapped my around her and kissed her back. When we broke the kiss, she smiled.


    ¡°I should surprise you more often.¡±


    Her eyes flickered open. ¡°This is incredible. Perfect.¡±


    ¡°So you like it?¡±


    ¡°I thought it was obvious. And that¡¯s our first kiss in this house. Looking forward to more, though.¡±


    ¡°There will be a lot.¡± I grabbed her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go up. There¡¯s an elevator that leads to our own space.¡±


    ¡°We have?¡±


    ¡°And the panic room. I hope we don¡¯t have to use it. It¡¯s just part of the insurance.¡±


    ¡°I get it. No need to exin,¡± she said excitedly.


    ¡°There¡¯s a library with two desks.¡±


    ¡°Why two?¡±


    ¡°For us.¡±


    ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°Five bedrooms.¡±


    ¡°Wow! So are we going to the main bedroom now?¡±


    I smiled as I opened the door and let her in.


    ¡°This fits two rooms.¡± The curtain was drawn to the side, giving a view to the vast backyard, a daybed on the side, two hangingmps on both sides of the well-made king-sized bed.


    ¡°There¡¯s also a conference, entertainment, seven baths, outdoor seating area. I thought you¡¯d like to spend your free time there. Your closet is on that side.¡± I pointed to the right. ¡°And the left is mine, but there is a secret door that connects to yours.¡±


    She carefully sat on the bed, testing it. She patted the space beside her. ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s christen this bed.¡± I pushed her to the center and crawled over. My heart began racing as my lips merely an inch into hers, her breath fanning my face. She parted hers as an invitation. Anticipation ran down my spine, and my cock began to harden.

 Chapter 24

    Overwhelmed


    SADIE


    I couldn¡¯t believe things between us were gettingmitted in a short time. I felt like this was surreal. And it scared the hell out of me.


    When I entered the house, I realized that we started to have a possibility of a long andsting rtionship.


    Since his birthday party, he¡¯d been nothing but a thoughtful husband and a free-spirited man who had nothing but to please his wife. Cas was right, Cenric seemed to have two personalities, and he could switch the man on top of me right now if the darker side had taken over him.


    He groaned, seemed unimpressed, ¡°Here you go again.¡±


    ¡°What? Why did you stop?¡± I ran my thumb on his swollen lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re not with me.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± I lifted my hips so that I could feel his erection poking deliciously against my core, and the size could split me in half. I was so turned on, and it ached like a bitch. ¡°So you happened to just get this hard on by humping into the bed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Sadie. Any second thought about moving here?¡± He rolled to my side, and his weight off of me felt like emptiness.


    I sighed in disappointment. ¡°No. I love everything in this house, even if I haven¡¯t gotten a proper tour. I feel it weed me. You know what I mean?¡±


    ¡°I know. I felt the same when I came to see before the interiors I hired finished furnishing this house.¡±


    I turned to his side, snaked my leg over his, and ran my fingers against his five o¡¯clock shadow. ¡°If you think I¡¯m the right person to live with you here, then I would be honored.¡±


    He looked down at me, meeting my gaze. His eyebrows met together. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t mean we are married that I¡¯m also your choice to be with you in your new house.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy if you think I will bring another woman other than my wife in my house.¡± His voice was defensive as he narrowed his eyes on me.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that. Maybe something will happen between us.¡±


    ¡°Well, in that case, if you will cheat on me or leave me, I¡¯ll just burn this entire house down.¡±


    I yfully hit his chest. ¡°Don¡¯t say something like that.¡±


    He caught my hand, kissing each knuckle. ¡°Either you¡¯re with me or not, I still don¡¯t like when I nned on something that involved you, and it didn¡¯t happen the way I imagined it to be. For me, it doesn¡¯t matter where you choose to live. Either in the penthouse, in this house, in other States, or even in Somalia, so long as we¡¯re together.¡±


    ¡°Wow! What happened to my broody husband who cut my inte privilege days ago?¡±


    He smiled. ¡°I won¡¯t apologize if you¡¯re looking for one, Sadie. You hurt my feelings.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s true then that you have an armor outside, but you¡¯re a marshmallow inside.¡±


    He shook his head gravely as he continuedughing. ¡°That¡¯s not true. Maybe I¡¯m a softie for you, but don¡¯t tell anyone. That¡¯s our little secret.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Cenric, you have no idea that your friends, especially your brother, know you well more than yourself do.¡±


    He scratched his head.


    ¡°And I know you¡¯re a good guy. I was touched by your speech at your party, by the way. What you¡¯ve done is amazing, and I¡¯m proud of you.¡±


    He framed my face with his huge hands. ¡°Thank you. It means a loting from you, mi Cielo. And thank you for believing in me.¡±


    Before dinner, he finally toured me around the house¡ªit was breathtaking, every detail told a story, and then he showed me the pictures of his family. They said a picture tells a thousand words, and I believed in it. Their family picture, in my opinion, told me a beautiful family filled with love,passion, life lessons, growth, and refuge.


    ¡°Your mother was beautiful.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯d be happy to meet you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, babe.¡± I rubbed his back.


    ¡°Thank you, and I¡¯m sorry about your mother.¡± It was still a sensitive topic to talk about when it came to my mother.


    I put my fork down. The meal was delicious, and one of my favorites, Gremta herb veal cutlets.


    ¡°It was a close casket. That was supposed to be myst chance to see my mother, but my father didn¡¯t even allow everyone to see her onest time. It was so selfish of him for throwing my mom out of his life because she loved what she did.¡±


    He gripped my hand, seemingly to enlighten him. ¡°I would never forbid you to do what makes you happy. The job you asked for before, you know I would never say no to you. I¡¯m still working on how to prevent your brother from assaulting you again. Just be patient for a while.¡±


    ¡°Are you gonna hurt him?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± But I wasn¡¯t convinced. I could feel it in my guts that he was nning something that could hurt him as well.


    ¡°Whatever your n is, my brother isn¡¯t worthy of your time. Leave him be. He¡¯ll get over it with.¡±


    ¡°Did he say something to you¡ª¡±


    ¡°I told you.¡± My tone was a little defensive. I dabbed my lips with the napkin, but his eyes were watching me like a hawk.


    ¡°You know you can always tell me, Sadie. Everything. We should trust each other if we wanna make this marriage work. And I¡¯m nning on earning yours. That, I guarantee you.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I couldn¡¯t meet his gaze anymore. I sipped my wine.


    ¡°What¡¯s really bothering you, babe?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just overwhelming.¡±


    ¡°What is?¡±


    ¡°Everything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Is this too fast for you?¡±


    I chuckled sadly. ¡°Before we got married, my idea of you and me together was terrifying, considering how Jasper fed me the idea of me being tied up in the darkroom or you using me for sex. I don¡¯t know why he thought like that. For a teenager, it kinda hit me in the head.¡±


    ¡°I would never do that to you.¡± His voice was soft to the point that its sincerity made me emotional.


    ¡°Somehow, I believe you. I wanted to sleep with you while you were kind, and I thought it wouldn¡¯t hurt me for the first time because I wasn¡¯t being tied up by force.¡±


    Somehow it made him smile. ¡°Babe.¡±


    ¡°And then you denied me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Jesus.¡± He pressed his lips into a thin line, groaning.


    ¡°I know. I know.¡± I tried to convince him, but my voice told a different thing. ¡°And then you forbid me to find a job, or so I thought¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sadie.¡± He forced me to face him, his hands on my arms, rubbing them. ¡°We have all the time in the world. We¡¯re newlyweds. It¡¯s just proper for you to enjoy first being free from responsibility like work. I know at hand because you see, I couldn¡¯t even silence my phone, as urgent matters might happen anytime. Your brother was hauling you up for a long time. I just wanted you to live the life that you deserve.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°The card I gave you, you didn¡¯t even use it. You didn¡¯t buy something that you wanted. I¡¯m amazed, and at the same time, it pissed me off if you think I will let you pay for it and your family¡¯s debt. Just so you know, married people don¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re blowing this into my face, aren¡¯t you?¡±Jeez, he doesn¡¯t get it.¡±I don¡¯t want your money. It would be best if you won¡¯t shower me with gifts, expensive toys, or designer bags. I only want what I need. Right now, I have them all.¡±


    ¡°I want you to know that I don¡¯t want that money anymore. I have enough to spend a hundred lifetime. Using you as their coteral is disgusting enough, and I don¡¯t see you like that woman. I never had. All I can see in you is a strong and extraordinary young woman who still dreams big to make a difference.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what I want in my life anymore,¡± I said truthfully. ¡°I guess what I¡¯d been wanting all this time is my freedom from my family.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. I know you meant every word you said to Lydia. Zhuri told me something about giving a safe ce to girls being abused by their families if you have the chance.¡±


    I gulped my wine empty. ¡°I hate her right now.¡±

 Chapter 25

    Gift in a Red Bow Tie


    CENRIC


    I had hoped it enlightened her against the false pretenses her brother had fed her. I was at the veranda when the guys came over.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s all good?¡± Beck was the first one to ask. They had their ce in the house with easy ess to the main.


    ¡°Yep.¡± I sipped my whiskey. I and liquor were not best friends. I wanted a clear head, and it wasn¡¯t a help.


    ¡°Yet you¡¯re here.¡± Linden joined in, and so as Devin.


    ¡°A lot is going on her head. That sick son of bitch fed her with so many lies, and I have to prove it to her, even if it takes forever.¡±


    ¡°Easy. Just be honest to your wife,¡± Devin pointed out.


    ¡°Easier said than done,¡± Beck replied. ¡°She¡¯s not ready for the truth.¡±


    I groaned to stop him. They didn¡¯t know the whole truth, except Beck. For Linden¡ªnot entirely.


    Devin hadn¡¯t wholly earned my trust. He was in bed with my mortal enemy¡ªthe Greer might still have influenced him. In Linden¡¯s case, I didn¡¯t want him to carry the burden of my secrets. I knew how it felt.


    ¡°Do I get to know the truth?¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°In due time, man.¡± Linden patted his shoulder.


    ¡°I think I better be in the dark this time. I can¡¯t lie to your wife, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good idea. Lying to someone who trusts you was like swimming in your own shits.¡± Beck smelled the smokiness of the whiskey. I knew he loved it. ¡°This is the only shit I enjoy diving into.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a weird dude.¡±


    ¡°You all settling alright?¡±


    ¡°A room on my own? Damn right I am,¡± he implied.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief because you snored like a fucking hippo.¡±


    Devin stared at Beck in shock. ¡°I don¡¯t snore. Ever.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s messing with you. He also wants a room for his own. Just a reminder, no woman. No sharing of this location. At least not until I say so.¡±


    ¡°Got it, boss.¡±


    I left them to enjoy the drinks. The temperature was a little chilly, but they started the fire in the pit when I left.


    Thest time I came in my pants was in high school¡ªwhen I learned to watch porn. Then on my fucking 28th birthday. The anticipation of sharing a new bed with my wife started to burn inside me.


    My cock already stiffened just the thought of feeling the slickness of her pussy gripping around me. Only if she thought she was not obligated to give me pleasure, but because she wanted to enjoy sex and what we would share from now on.


    I entered the dim-lit room.


    ¡°Fuck. Me.¡± I stopped dead tracks to the sight in front of me, or rather, in bed. My wife was stark naked, showing me my priceless prize in just an oversized red bow tie around her neck. She¡¯s fucking hot.


    ¡°Your birthday gift. Should you untie me or not?¡± Sadie said in a sexy manner and cast me a flirtatious smile, not forced, but enough to make my skin heat in excitement.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I swallowed hard. I had never anticipated this scene when I came in. The steps I took were calcted which, I thought she would vanish if I rushed towards the bed, yet my excitement made my pulse erratic. ¡°You really know a way to man¡¯s dick, do you?¡±


    ¡°I thought it¡¯s long overdue.¡±


    Fucking sexy as hell. And she¡¯s mine.


    She smiled, then licked her bottom lip. Her eyes were half-lidded in anticipation.


    ¡°Babe, are you trying to kill me with a hard-on?¡± I subtly ran the back of my finger on her cheek, with my smoldering gaze locked on her eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s the point. And I told you I would seduce you.¡± She wasn¡¯t shy but provocative. She had a little drink of wine, and I never thought it would settle her nerves. She¡¯d been nning this all along.


    ¡°Beautiful, it didn¡¯t slip my mind.¡± I felt the thrill running down my spine.


    She leaned against my touch. I let my finger travel down her lips, and she darted her tongue out to lick my finger, and the thought of it being the tip of my cock made it almost burst the zip open.


    I let my hands roam freely over her exposed skin. First, I pulled the bowtie around the long smooth of her neck.


    With an audible swallow, I eased my hands towards her mouthwatering breasts. I¡¯d been dying to suck those cherry pink buds peaking at my attention. I cupped them with my palms, she gasped. They were warm against my flesh, so smooth and firm, clearly untouched.


    ¡°God.¡± With her eyes fluttered close, she shuddered, squirmed, and licked her upper lip.


    I found those tiny buds hardening against my fingers as I rolled them sensuously. Each kneads, her breath hitched at that.


    I leaned over, darted my tongue out, teased, and then sucked her breast. Her gasp held in her mouth at the sudden assault. Later on, she moaned, dancing her body in rhythm to my suckle. I alternately sucked, nibbled, nipped, andpped my tongue around it. I did the same with the other.


    She was so sensitive. Her response to my touch gave each a zap to my balls. She looked dazed with a frown on her forehead as I stopped, and it put a smile on my face.


    ¡°I just barely started, but I¡¯m ditching my clothes now.¡± I rose to my feet, pulling the shirt over my head. Next piled down was my belt, then my jeans. Her eyes lit up in anticipation as if she had just unwrapped her tantalizing present.


    As I slipped my fingers into the band of my boxers, she swallowed hard, yet her excitement was brewing in her eyes as she raked her gaze over my naked body. She¡¯d seen me ass naked but just about to see my cock. And I was more rigid than rock right now. And this simply wasn¡¯t easy calming my senses.


    I watched her reaction as I let my boxers fall to my knees. My cock sprang in front. Her eyes went wide. I let her watch me as I wrapped my hand around my cock and stroked it a little bit.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡± She swallowed. ¡°Big?¡±


    Iughed. ¡°You have five seconds to change your mind, babe.¡±


    Her eyes narrowed. ¡°You won¡¯t break me easily, Wollfy.¡±


    ¡°And I don¡¯t want another blue ball.¡± I crawled down the bed and brought her face to capture her lips. She sucked in a deep breath as our skin touched. It crazed me with the need for urgency to im her. But she was not ready yet.


    She kissed me with the same intensity. Our tonguespped each other, her hands obviously eager to explore everywhere. I let her.


    I broke the kiss, licked her lips, and bit her chin. I cupped her tits again and suckled each one at a time. Then I kissed her down her abdomen,pping her belly button. She squirmed¡ªticklish down there, I see. I was excited to find out more.


    Heat radiated off me in waves. I dropped on my knees, bent her legs, and spread her thighs apart. She hesitated for a moment. She looked bewildered when I looked up at her, yet she wasn¡¯t ashamed.


    Her pussy was clean, soaked, and looked so smooth. I salivated at the thought of how her taste would be. I knew she was aroused, as I was, all my blood rushed to my dick, and it ached like a motherfucker.


    ¡°Who waxed you?¡± I didn¡¯t know why I asked, but it was too personal for me. And I was possessive as fuck when it came to her.


    ¡°I did.¡± She bit her bottom lip.


    ¡°Good. Because I don¡¯t want anyone touching my pussy. If you can¡¯t, I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±


    She wrinkled her nose. ¡°You¡¯re weird.¡±


    ¡°Why? I wanna take care of everything you need,¡± I assured her.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Now spread your legs for me so that I can eat you.¡± She trembled at the word eat. I could smell her arousal all over, making me ache with so many needs.


    She obeyed me, bit her bottom lip, and shut her eyes closed.


    ¡°Open your eyes, babe. I want you to watch me.¡± I bowed down at my utmost treasure, nting a sweet kiss. She gasped, clutching her thighs shut.


    ¡°So you were just brave in seducing me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m nervous all of a sudden.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°I know. It¡¯s just¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then behave now, mi Cielo.¡± She did as I asked again. ¡°So beautiful and so wet for me, babe. You drove me fucking insane every time I thought of being so balls in deep in you.¡± My jaw cked, my shaft jerked in excitement as I parted her slick folds, revealing her little clit. I darted my tongue out. At my first tentative to tease it, her hips shot upright. Her taste flooded in my tongue, making me want to drink her vor in.


    She tasted good. A harsh groan burst from my chest.


    ¡°Do you want me to tie your hands and legs, babe? In any way, I will get what I want tonight, and it¡¯s to make youe, maybe three or four times.¡±


    She licked her lips, her chest rising in falling fast. ¡°Are you always this bossy in bed? And it¡¯s super sensitive.¡±


    She then moaned as I caressed and kissed her inner thighs.


    ¡°I take that as apliment, considering how wet you are for me.¡± I got into the business right away, capturing her clit, kissing it like the way I kissed her. She moaned at the sensation as I delved deeper. I alternately did between sucking and tugging the tiny nub between my teeth.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± This time she had my hair at her mercy as she pulled it, and it gave me pleasure as much as it gave me pain. She bucked her hips up as she went with the rhythm of my suck.


    I nuzzled in delight as she pushed me more and more down to her pussy, her juice dripping down. I delved into her heat, fucking her with my tongue, stroking in and out.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡ªGod, it¡¯s so good.¡±


    I growled into her pussy. I knew she was about toe. I kissed her deeply, squeezing out her orgasm. In a matter of seconds, she shook, her thighs in spasms, her body trembled.


    I was about to go off. With all the willing power left in my head, I managed to ignore my urge to pump in bed.


    ¡°Yes!¡± She bucked furiously into my face, then trembled until her legs fell.


    ¡°Yes, babe.¡± I slipped my thick finger in inch by inch. When I couldn¡¯t go any further, I pulled out. She cried out. I entered again and began thrusting.


    ¡°So tight. Fucking tight.¡±


    She was still squeezing me in her orgasm. I watched my finger slipping in and out of her glistening sheath, grating. I was stunned by how wet she was for me. I added another, pumping slowly in and out. With her body still flooding with desire, I flicked my tongue against her clit.


    ¡°Oh, God!¡± she whimpered with ragged breaths as she rocked her hips into my fingers. Her clit grew swollen, and I could tell her inner walls clenching around my fingers, and she was about toe again.


    I circled her clit with my thumb. ¡°Come for me again, my wife¡ª¡±


    I did not finish my sentence¡ªSadie burst into me again. I had the urge to pin her right now and take her, but I had to tell myself how much I needed to please her than feeding my own desire.

 Chapter 26

    Mi Cielo


    SADIE


    I offered my lips freely. Instantly, Cenric captured my mouth, delving with his tongue in. I tasted myself. It was supposed to be mortifying, but I found myself bold as I enjoyed it.


    I still felt his thick fingers inside me not a moment ago. When my nipples grazed against his chest, I ached again¡ªfor his touch, for his kiss, and I felt greedy as I wanted more.


    I wrapped my hand around his thick and warm length, squeezing the shaft a little. He groaned against me, breaking our kiss.


    ¡°Babe, don¡¯t.¡±


    I froze. I thought my heart stopped at that moment. I could feel the color draining from my face in embarrassment. Doesn¡¯t he like when I do it?


    ¡°Your hand is as smooth as silk, and I like it a lot, but I won¡¯tst long. And I want to be inside in this second.¡± His voice was a low rasp. ¡°No. Since Iid eyes on your picture.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± My eyes grew a little wider.


    ¡°Finally, after so long, I can have you tonight.¡±


    I¡¯m still sensitive to his ministration. When he guided his length to my wet entrance, coating his shaft with my damp folds, I gasped.


    ¡°Just follow my lead,¡± he whispered. I could feel him struggling to keep his self-control at bay. The way his jaw clenched, his deep breaths, the veins on his forehead, and sweat trickling down his forehead, I knew he was about to lose it.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    He stopped from gliding into me. Confusion flooded in his face.


    ¡°I want to be on top?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± he grated. His expression was partly dazed.


    ¡°Yes. I want to see you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, but don¡¯t rush. I¡¯m with you all the way.¡±


    ¡°I know what to do. I watched porn.¡±


    ¡°I started to hate those porn ideas you¡¯ve watched.¡± With a growl, he covered my body with his own, wrapped his arms around me, and kissed me so hard before he rolled us over.


    My eyes went wide as his cock rubbed over my sex, driving me more crazy.


    Sweating, he gritted his teeth. ¡°Sit on me, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop,¡± I growled at him. ¡°This is not a sex education with demonstration, Cenric.¡±


    His eyebrows reached his hairline. With a beam, he said, ¡°Kiss me, babe.¡±


    I leaned down and kissed him, and he reached for his cock, guiding me to my folds. I rolled my hips, and he gripped his own to mount into me. I instantly shuddered as I felt him coating his shaft with my wetness, rubbing and rubbing up and down until he pushed in slowly.


    The progress was so maddening slow.


    With my palms on his chest, I bit my bottom lip, squeezing my eyes shut as he pulled out, pushing it in. With his shaft gliding into me, I rolled my hips once more.


    ¡°Do it.¡± In one fluid motion, he bucked himself up, and I felt a pop. I cried out.


    My eyes fluttered open, my head spun. My breathing held. My world stopped in a momentum¡ªnot from pain, but I felt full, stretched. I thought I split in half.


    I felt my body on fire¡ªthe throbbed, the ache had transformed in pure pleasure.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± His tone was in a panic.


    I let go of my breath. I shook my head, unable to form a word. I shut my eyes close, relishing the feeling of him inside me, absorbing the heat sensation of our skin mingling together. And he was so thick, so long, it nudged something inside. I thrashed my head down as I tried to lift my ass.


    I shuddered.


    ¡°Say something, babe.¡± His voice was mncholy. He held my hips, keeping me in control.


    ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable. You¡¯re big, what can I say. And stop treating me like a fragile china doll.¡±


    His body shook in a silentugh before kissing my forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Only your ego, Wollf.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re feisty in bed. I love it.¡± And he thought it was funny.


    I started moving on top of him, bucking my hips against his. Each friction created a throbbing pressure down my belly. As he filled me again, the sensation becameplete bliss.


    ¡°Open your eyes, babe. I wanna see them.¡±


    I obeyed, but I couldn¡¯t keep up. I panted. I grew desperate toe, and I started to clench around him.


    ¡°Oh, God!¡± I threw my head back.


    He kept his hands on, squeezing, imprinting his fingers on my hips as he ground against my clit, bucking uncontrobly. I writhed and moaned in ecstasy.


    I was so drenched, slicked, and my wetness was dripping.


    He wrapped his arms around me, covered my body with his, captured my mouth hard, sucking in my moan in a searing kiss.


    As if on cue, I snaked my legs around his waist. An ecstatic cry filled the room. My eyes rolled back in my head as I felt him plunge all the way in, so deep I didn¡¯t even know it was possible.


    My cry didn¡¯t give him the reason to stop. Instead, his thrust sped up. His grounding became more desperate. He was gritting his teeth for control, and I could feel him throbbing inside.


    We were sweating.


    ¡°Come for me, mi Cielo.¡± His words were a growl.


    My muscles clenched everywhere while gasping for air to breathe.


    His shaft began to swell. My walls began to tighten around his thickness as he shoved into me violently. My fingers dug ws against his back, holding tight into him. My toes began curling.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Now, babe.¡±


    One hard thrust.


    My climax came so quickly. I screamed, and Cenric roared. Then he stiffened onest time, and he sounded in pain, tormented until a warm liquid released inside me.


    I fell in his arms as my orgasm went on and on until waves of bliss washed over me.


    He held me tight as he let himself fall.


    He started stroking his fingers on my back. None of us made a small speech. All I could hear was our breathing and the rapid beating of our hearts.


    Minutes passed¡ªhe kissed the top of my head and said, ¡°Don¡¯t pass out.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s crazy how you make me feel,¡± I murmured against his chest.


    ¡°Me too. I¡¯m not gonna ask you if you¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to skew your dick.¡±


    ¡°Then you just lost your happiness.¡±


    I lifted my head. ¡°Excuse me?¡± I knew he was joking. ¡°I was just contented with porn and my own happiness before I met you, thank you very much.¡±


    He burst into augh. ¡°And what was it? Vibrator?¡±


    ¡°I might have used more than that.¡±


    ¡°You were a virgin, babe. You didn¡¯t go beyond that, and maybe, your finger.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°Hungry?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    He lifted me toy just eye level with him and kissed me. ¡°Are you up for a bath?¡±


    I stretched my body. I didn¡¯t feel sore anywhere besides between my thighs. ¡°I could use one.¡±


    ¡°Good. Wait here. Let me prepare the tub for you.¡± He kissed me again a little bit longer. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna get out of bed right now, but you might be a little bit sore.¡±


    ¡°I can still do another round,¡± I joked.


    His lips spread into a full-blown smile. ¡°No doubt.¡±


    ¡°Kidding.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°I need a bath.¡±


    He then picked up his boxers on the floor. ¡°Don¡¯t dare sleep, babe.¡±


    He then came a few momentster. I was already sitting on the edge of the bed with my robe on.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    The smell of my bubble bath was inviting, and it would be nice if he joined me.


    ¡°You have a bigger tub.¡± He helped me dip in before he followed and seated behind me so that he could clean me up. My prayer just answered.


    I settled in between his thighs with a joke. ¡°Maybe we should try sex in the tub.¡±


    ¡°We will have sex, fuck, make love in every corner of this house,¡± he promised as he rubbed the loofah around my back.


    ¡°I¡¯m on a pill, by the way.¡±


    He paused. His rubbing stopped in the center of my back. I turned my head to face him. He seemed in deep thought until he met my gaze.


    ¡°Okay.¡±Okay, but not seem okay.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±

 Chapter 27

    FallingContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    CENRIC


    I felt my mouth twitch against the skin of her back as I felt the slickness of her arousal between her folds.


    ¡°Are you sore?¡±


    She groaned, ¡°You should have asked me first before you touched me.¡±


    It was past four in the morning when I felt her holding my hand and drifting on her naked breast. So I started cupping, kneading, and rolling her nipple between my fingers. After that, I let it drift lower, between her thighs, until I found her clit. I rubbed it in a circr motion until she started thrusting her ass into my cock. In an instant, I was hard as a rock.


    ¡°I want you, babe,¡± I whispered. My tongue swirled in the shell of her ear, causing her to shiver.


    ¡°Take me however you want.¡± She snaked her arm around my neck, and I lifted my head to offer her a kiss, and she instantly took my mouth, thrust her tongue, and sucked mine. I loved how daring she was. I admired it in her.


    I glided my cock between her ass cheek as I lifted her leg over mine. I slid in her pussy, and I was in her heat.


    ¡°Sweet,¡± I marveled against her mouth as I started moving my hips. At this position, she felt even tighter, hotter. She was getting wetter.


    I still couldn¡¯t believe how responsive she was against my touch. And those little moans just did me. My cock swelled and jerked in her. I pinched her nipple, and then I pressed my finger on her clit as I plunged into her faster and harder until she convulsed into a pitch cry. Her pussy spasmed around me, triggering mine.


    My hips hammered, and I ground against her as so much pleasure red to life. I stiffened onest time before I came. I slumped my body behind her as if all my strength was gone.


    I had a short nap before I got up. Sadie was still in bed, snoring a little. After we fucked earlier, we snuggled, and we just fit perfectly.


    If I did not marry her, I might still be in every woman¡¯s bed if I wanted a release. Some women didn¡¯t care, but some tended to get clingy after. As long as I got what I wanted, I ran away as fast as I could to avoid an awkward post-sex encounter.


    Right now, I couldn¡¯t even imagine thinking of fucking another woman aside from my wife as long as we both stayed faithful with each other. Maybe this was the vow I made, or I wasn¡¯t an asshole after all.


    I went to the mini gym. Beck was already there on the treadmill.


    ¡°Morning. No first night effect?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± I hopped into another treadmill. ¡°Any development?¡±


    ¡°Just be careful.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I started running, but I kept my senses heightened.


    ¡°They¡¯re very suspicioustely. Be careful, C.¡±


    ¡°I am. I still didn¡¯t receive updates from them. Thanks for the heads up, bro.¡±


    ¡°Of course. So, how are you and Sadie?¡±


    I cocked a brow at him quizzically.


    ¡°I am not asking for the details. Seriously.¡± He snorted.


    I chuckled. ¡°Do you also ask Linden how his night was? If you¡¯re done, you can go and brew some coffee. Where are those idiots?¡±


    ¡°Probably still snoring. I¡¯m happy for you. You¡¯ve aplished many things for the past years.¡±


    ¡°If you wanna give mepliments, Beck. Just say it.¡±


    He grunted, ¡°I always knew you would seed in many things. I¡¯m truly proud of you, brother.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. Sadie and I are getting closer.¡±


    ¡°I knew it!¡± Heughed out loud.


    I stopped the treadmill. ¡°You know what?¡±


    ¡°I sensed something when you came in.¡±


    ¡°What? So that speech of happy for you and me aplishing many things is a lie?¡±


    He was stillughing. ¡°No. I was serious about that. Good for you, buddy.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should find someone too.¡± Lately, dating was the least of his priority, no matter how we tried to convince him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t change the subject, C. You are scarier when you¡¯re in a beast mood. Even it¡¯s unintentional. I mean, I¡¯m not frightened of you or something. I just don¡¯t want you to hurt your wife. Poor girl, she¡¯d been through a lot. Whatever her father and her brother did for a living, she¡¯s out of it. And I like her, brother. If you need me, I¡¯m here to help.¡±


    ¡°I know you are.¡±


    ¡°I think I like her a lot more than I¡¯d like to admit. I mean, Sadie can be sweet when she wants to be. She can be quirky, funny, more mature than her age, and also a natural-born leader. She can bepassionate. Even if she¡¯s a pain in my ass sometimes, I still like it in her. I mean, she never tried to impress me to be somebody else.¡±


    ¡°And you still call it like? I think you are falling for her, brother.¡± He pped my shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± My answer was a little defensive.


    Beck did not miss it. ¡°Really? You noticed small details about her, and this marriage is supposed to be just a sham. Right now, I don¡¯t know what to call of making an effort, a bold move of bringing her to your home. I mean, why marriage when you can just seduce her to put your n in action. Sure, there¡¯s an advantage of having a woman in your life, but you don¡¯t have to marry her if you only want a fuck. It¡¯s not even difficult for you to find a woman to warm your bed. But you genuinely care about her.¡±


    Sometimes I hated it when someone told me that I was wrong. I also hated when someone pointed out the truth to me.


    ¡°Go ahead and make some coffee.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, bro.¡± He shrugged dismissively.


    I went back to the treadmill and set it too fast.


    My mind kept reeling on what Beck said to me. I yed this role for a long time. I started to think that I was getting too close to it. My only problem now was if I didn¡¯t know how to get out. But I knew my way in, I was sure, I knew my way out. The billion-dor question, though, do I want to get out?


    I pushed that idea out of my head. My mind went somewhere in my bed¡ªmy wife.


    What if Beck was right? That I was falling faster for Sadie. What if she found out my true intentions? What if she decided to leave me? A lot of what-ifs I still didn¡¯t want to answer.


    ¡°Babe? Babe?¡±


    The treadmill nearly went to a halt, and I almost stumbled. ¡°What the fuck?¡± I just yelled, and she just jumped.


    ¡°Fuck. I¡¯m sorry.¡± I was still catching my breath as I got down and grabbed the towel in her hand that she offered to me.


    ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you, running that fast on a treadmill, and your mind is in Milkyway?¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± I wiped my sweat before I kissed her on the lips. When I was about to pull her into my arms, she swatted my hands away.


    ¡°Ew. You¡¯re sweaty and sticky.¡±


    ¡°Last night, you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Her cheeks turned red. ¡°Now you¡¯re using it against me? I was sweaty, too, and you don¡¯t mind me as well.¡±


    ¡°You wanna use the gym in that getup?¡± She was wearing a pastel mini kimono. Her hair was down over her shoulder, and she looked ready to be my breakfast. I followed her toward the main house.


    ¡°Oh, please, don¡¯t even get an idea. Your phone kept ringing. Next time take it with you wherever you go.¡±


    ¡°Why feisty in the morning?¡± I pped her ass, making her jump.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever try it again if you love your balls intact, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°I love that ass, by the way.¡± I managed to reach and squeeze it as we trailed towards the kitchen. ¡°Damn coffee.¡±


    ¡°Stop it.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Maybeter.¡±


    ¡°Who called, babe?¡±


    ¡°Cas. I answered it. He said nothing urgent. Just give him a call.¡±


    ¡°Will deal with himter. Maybe he went to the penthouse and figured I wasn¡¯t there.¡±


    ¡°Gabe, you should ask him to double your wage,¡± Sadie said.


    ¡°Before I resign, I will give him the entire amount he owed me.¡± Linden ced down a full te of scrambled egg.¡±


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    ¡°And nobody wakes me up.¡± Devin just joined us.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a princess.¡±


    I chuckled in amusement. What happened to my wife suddenly bing sassy?


    ¡°Burn,¡± Beck said.


    ¡°Aw, Mrs. Wollf. You¡¯re glowing.¡±


    I watched her eyes grow wide. Her cheeks turned beet red.


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Devin nodded in understanding. His eyes filled with humor.


    ¡°Oh, please. That¡¯s what a normal married couple does.¡±


    I smiled and kissed the top of her head. ¡°My girl.¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s in the gate,¡± Beck announced as he looked at the monitor.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±

 Chapter 28

    Rough


    SADIE


    ¡°Seriously, bro?¡± Cas threw his hands in the air as he walked into the kitchen. ¡°You don¡¯t trust me anymore?¡± Well, he looked pissed, and a pissed Wollf was just as scary as the big bad wolf.


    ¡°Whoa whoa whoa! I didn¡¯t tell you because I didn¡¯t actually n oning here. It just happened, okay? And now that you¡¯re here are you gonna re at me the whole day?¡± Cenric offered his hand for a handshake.


    Cas just stared at it, then at his brother, at me, and the guys already left as soon as they found out Cas was outside the gate. ¡°Fine.¡± He hugged his brother instead. ¡°You¡¯re gonna make it up to me.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. Breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Nah.¡± He sat on the stool. His eyes were like a hawk as he pinged pong between Cenric and me. ¡°You two made up?¡±


    ¡°Save your breath. Why does everyone making it like a ck hole kind of big deal? Why are you really here?¡±


    ¡°y nice.¡± I hit my husband on his arm. ¡°How do you like the house, Cas?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a little extreme for me, but for a married couple, this is great, guys.¡±


    I stared at my husband. ¡°He doesn¡¯t know, does he?¡±


    Cenric looked at me. ¡°He knew I have properties. He knew my assets. If I am still single and something happens to me, he will take over thepany and control my assets. But he doesn¡¯t know I built a house, and he doesn¡¯t know this address. So, how did you find out, bro?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Seriously? Why do I get the feeling that you¡¯re not pleased that I found out this address?¡± His brow cocked up. ¡°Is there something I should know about?¡±


    ¡°Do you two need privacy?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± they said in unison.


    ¡°He shouldn¡¯t keep secrets from you, Sadie,¡± Cas said.


    ¡°Something¡¯s going on between you two then?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just finding it hard to believe that I¡¯m thest person to know about this house.¡±


    ¡°Now you¡¯re making this a big deal.¡± He sighed exasperatedly. ¡°You know, as soon as I got engaged, I eventually had to have my own house, and I wanted it to be new, and I¡¯m very particr with details, so I decided to help design it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Michael¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I can see his trademark everywhere. He did great, though.¡±


    I listened to their repartee for a couple more minutes. Then just like that, they were nowughing, fist-bumping, and walking out of the kitchen as Cenric toured his brother in the entire house.


    When we reached the family living room, it was kind of private among the other livings. Cenric hugged me from my back, kissing the side of my head. His brother started looking at their pictures from their childhood until Cenric¡¯s birthday recently. I also have photographs on my own¡ªtaken from high school graduation, college, our wedding photos, and our honeymoon in GoldenEye.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet,¡± he whispered to me.


    ¡°I love listening to you two yell at each other, thenugh as if nothing happens.¡±


    ¡°I love him no matter what.¡± Cas must have heard what I said. ¡°He¡¯s still my brother, and we¡¯re grown-ups. A part of it is that we don¡¯t share some stuff if it¡¯s too personal unless it could put our lives in danger. So, I¡¯m cool with it. Besides, I do have done some things, and I didn¡¯t feel like oblige to tell him.¡±


    ¡°I guess I didn¡¯t experience this kind of rtionship. If you call, locking up your sibling in the room is love, then I experienced it. I really admire you both.¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯s gonna be okay, babe.¡± Cenric kissed the top of my head. His brother smiles unknowingly. He might also figure out what Cenric and I started to get along. So well that I barely got enough rest the entire night.


    ¡°Well, then. How do you feel about this house, Sadie?¡±


    ¡°I fell in love the first time I stepped into the entrance. I feel the homey positive vibe.¡±


    ¡°Does this mean you both are gonna start a family?¡±


    ¡°Casimir.¡± A groan roared from his chest vibrated against my back.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my question? Unless you two don¡¯t like kids.¡±


    ¡°Jesus.¡± Cenric tightened his arms around me. ¡°Forgive my brother, babe. He can be annoyingly intrusive sometimes.¡±


    We settled on the off-white couch. Cas was on the single sofa. ¡°I totally get it. You want to take things slow, still in the getting to know stage.¡± He rubbed his clean chin as he watched us with those scrutinizing dark eyes.


    I chuckled. ¡°How about you? Any girlfriends?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯te here to talk about my life, but no girlfriends as of this moment. I was worried when my brother didn¡¯t reply to my message. So, I figured to ambush him. Then I came to an empty penthouse. Now I figured out why he¡¯s not answering. He¡¯s been busy.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t do girlfriends, babe. It¡¯s not like you didn¡¯t already know that I¡¯m always busy. When I am not, then that¡¯s the time you get worried.¡±


    ¡°I mean busy with some¡­thing¡­else.¡± He smirked.


    Son of a gun.


    ¡°And is it a bad thing?¡± Cenric asked.


    ¡°Agh. I¡¯m outta here.¡± I rose from the veryfy couch. ¡°You two can discuss alone because I can feel it that there¡¯s something Cas wanna talk about that he can¡¯t tell you in front of me. So, I¡¯m going to check out the pool.¡±


    Cenric took hold of my hand. ¡°It¡¯s freezing, babe.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a pool heater. But I might check something out online and max my card.¡±


    ¡°Good idea.¡± He grinned at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re something, Wollf.¡± I shook my head in amusement. I actually wouldn¡¯t do either of those.


    ***


    When his brother left, Cenric kept himself busy in the library. If it wasn¡¯t for lunch, he might have nned to stay there for the whole day.


    I could feel it in my guts. His sudden behavior changes had something to do with their talk in private. But I couldn¡¯t pry. If they trusted me, and if Cenric trusted me enough, he would willingly share it with me.


    In the evening, after our earth-shattering orgasm, he didn¡¯t cuddle me as we usually did. He just kissed me and left the room. I might have fallen asleep before he came back.


    I woke up to the groaning in my ear¡ªit was Cenric while he was asleep. He might have had a bad dream.


    ¡°Cenric?¡± I turned to him and woke him up. ¡°Cenric, wake up.¡± I shook him, but he was still sleeping, sweating profusely with his eyebrows meeting together. His forehead wrinkled. He constantly thrust his head into the pillow.


    ¡°Cenric! Babe!¡± I shook him hard, and that was how he jolted.


    He still looked disoriented, catching his breath until he recognized me.


    ¡°Bad dream?¡±


    He swallowed and licked his lips. ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°Do you wanna talk about it?¡±


    ¡°Just a bad dream.¡± He pulled me into his arms, held my jaw, and forced my head into the position he wanted. With his free hand, he started touching me, kissing me, sucking the back of my neck. In just seconds, he was hard, and I was quick to be turned on as he knew where my weak spot was.


    My eyes slid shut as he hooked his fingers into the band of my panties. In a second, the thin garment was off my foot. He then dipped his fingers in between my thighs, seeking, searching for my wet flesh. Each ran of his fingers electrified my skin.


    He groaned against my back as if he had just found his reward. He started grounding, thrusting his hard length into the crack of my ass.


    I sighed, grounding back my ass against his length. Delicious friction created a bolt lighting up my spine.


    With a shuddering breath, he gave a stroke against my already swollen clit, his free hand on my heavy breast, rolling my hardened nipple between his fingers. The pain of its roll gave it more pleasure.


    Without warning, he plunged into me. I gasped in shock against the pillow, and it stung as if needles pricked me a thousand times. Then he nted his hips, thrusting, thrusting, faster, and faster, harder and harder.


    The squeeze on my breast was maddening while he was fucking me without mercy. His breathing blew hard against my back until he sank his teeth against the flesh on my shoulder I knew would leave his mark after this. So this was what he told me he fucked.


    As a matter of fact, he fucked me hard that I saw stars and felt the pain. With his humongous length filling me, he stretched me more than before.


    I let him.


    I gave him what he wanted. I pushed my ass back. He grabbed and lifted my leg, and I was too exposed and vulnerable, and my body at his mercy.


    ¡°Touch yourself,¡± he demanded. His voice was rough,ing from his chest. His plunged was brutal, and I thought I would crack open.


    I did as he asked. Then I began stroking. I gasped at my first touch. After a few strokes of my clit, my head thrashed back. It shocked me as I came so hard around him.

 Chapter 29

    The Past


    CENRIC


    ¡°You have to promise me, Sergeant Wolff, that you will give this to my daughter.¡± She was clutching my uniform. Her face was so pale and sweaty, but I could see her beauty had aged in her. Her blue eyes were ssy.


    ¡°No, Dr. Arisov, you will give it to her as soon as we get out of this hell.¡± I ducked my head, bullets flying everywhere. The old single school building was already filled with bullets hole and the only thing that covered us from those militants.


    She dragged her breathing. ¡°You know I¡¯m a medical doctor, right? I know my condition. Can I call you¡ªwhat¡¯s your first name, honey?¡±


    ¡°Cenric, doc.¡±


    ¡°Nice name.¡± She held her lower abdomen, where she got shot a few minutes ago. It didn¡¯t damage her artery, but she was bleeding so fast. Our reinforcement would reach us in ten. I was afraid she wouldn¡¯t make it.


    ¡°Mom gave me the name.¡± I fired right at nine o¡¯clock. ¡°At first, my dad disagreed.¡±


    We thought our course was ssified. No one knew we were going in this route, but I was wrong. It seemed that the militants knew our ns after all. We were ambushed in the middle.


    ¡°Can I call you Cenric?¡±


    ¡°Of course, doc. It¡¯s seemed that it¡¯s time we passed the formality, right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Yelena. Call me Yelena.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you save your strength then, Yelena?¡± She could barely open her eyes. Her face was as white as a cloth. ¡°Stay awake, doc. Our reinforcement is almost here.¡± I had to lie. ¡°Don¡¯t ever pass out on me!¡±


    ¡°Take this.¡± She had something in her grasp that I didn¡¯t get a chance to see. I was busy securing our current location.


    ¡°I won¡¯t do this.¡±


    ¡°Wollf, I¡¯m out!¡± Beck yelled from the other corner.


    ¡°I have a few rounds left.¡± I threw one clip at him.


    ¡°Cenric, I know my body. Tell her I love her so much, and she¡¯s the best thing that ever happened to me.¡±


    ¡°Yelena, please?¡±


    ¡°You know, I called her father when the militants just started looting the vige and killing civilians and women. He said I get what I deserved for abandoning him and wouldn¡¯t deal with those people to save me.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s an asshole, huh?¡± I clenched my jaw hard. Motherfucker.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared for my daughter. Promise me you¡¯ll look for her and keep her safe. Her name¡ª¡±


    Whoosh.


    Silence. The silence was only a matter of a second, but it felt the time had just stopped at that moment.


    It was deafening.


    My heart pounded in my ears.


    Everything around us faded. The world seemed to stop spinning. Then it moved in a slow-motion as I turned to look at her.


    I found her shot in the head¡ªpoint-nk.


    ¡°Sniper!¡±


    ¡°Fuck! No!¡±


    ¡°Cenric!¡±


    ¡°Fuck.¡± My skin was as cold as ice, and I was profusely sweating. My heart was as fast as a million a mile.


    ¡°You okay? Another bad dream?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I woke you up.¡±


    ¡°Better than you, I guess.¡± There was deep worry in her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be alright.¡± I leaned against the headboard as I tried to breathe deeply. I wiped off the sweat on my forehead.


    Sadie got off the bed. ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡± She went out of the room, swaying her firm gorgeous little ass.


    I felt terrible yesterday. I didn¡¯t know what had gotten into me. After I had a nightmare and my cock was throbbing so hard, I fucked her, and she didn¡¯t even resist. And I didn¡¯t even apologize. What a fucking asshole I was.


    She came back with a towel and bottled water. ¡°We should talk about this dream of yours, Cenric.¡±


    I drank the water, and she wiped my sweat off. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Her brow cocked as if she was surprised by my reply.


    I didn¡¯t even know where to start or how to start. I looked up at the ceiling as I blew my breath.


    ¡°That bad, huh?¡± She sat Indian style in front of me, her hand on my knee.


    ¡°It was about myst tour with Beck and Gabe.¡± That was how I knew I could trust them both with my life.


    ¡°Our mission was recon only until we had no choice but to rescue American volunteer doctors. They were there when there was an outbreak in that small vige. It turned out the militant leader sabotaged the drinking water to lure out Americans and kidnap them. It happened so fast. We were already on the road when we were ambushed.¡±


    I looked at her, and she was listening, and it looked like she had no idea what I was talking about. She didn¡¯t interrupt me.


    ¡°She got shot, but we still managed to find a small building. Beck and I got separated from the team by a few blocks. Shots fired, bullets flying everywhere. She bled out, and she made me promise something. She died believing that I would fulfill that promise even if I failed to save her life. She trusted me with that message that until now I couldn¡¯t do it.¡± I blinked back the tears.


    Sadie was already crying, yet she managed to smile. ¡°I¡¯m sure you did all you could. It was not your fault. You were ambushed and outnumbered.¡±


    ¡°We were. Beck and I got shot.¡± I rubbed the healed bullet wound on my thigh. The scar didn¡¯t look hideous, and I was thankful the bullet did not hit my artery. She also touched it. It was a through and through. ¡°Even if we failed, we were still awarded and treated as fucking heroes.¡±


    ¡°You are, babe. You served your country. You saved many lives. You gave something back to themunities. Heroes don¡¯t just die for their countries. They are also admired for their courage and their outstanding achievements. And you have all those qualities.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the other night.¡± I squeezed her hand.


    She smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve been through tough times just like me. And I know there¡¯s been bothering youtely. I may not pry, but trust me, I know, and I can feel it when something¡¯s wrong. You don¡¯t have to tell me right now, but I will earn your trust.¡±


    ¡°Babe.¡± My face contorted with pain. ¡°I trust you, I swear, but there are things that are good left unsaid or kept hidden. I don¡¯t want you to carry that burden for me.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, no, no.¡± I raised my hand. I know what she was about to say. ¡°That won¡¯t work for me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re unfair, Cenric.¡± She leaned over to kiss me. I let her sit on myp as I kissed her back. I let my hand explore her soft skin, lifting the thin lingerie she was wearing. I could make her naked in one rip. Maybe that was the purpose of it. It didn¡¯t need effort and time.


    I cupped her firm, sweet pert breasts with my palm, and she quickly pushed her body against mine, grazing those hard nipples against my chest. The fire in me quickly lit up into a zing me.


    In a few seconds, we were both naked as we rocked our world in earth-shattering orgasms.


    I was still inside her when she asked, ¡°Who¡¯s the woman?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that painful and horrifying past while I¡¯m still inside you, shall we?¡±


    ¡°You never talk to an expert about this?¡±


    ¡°No. I feel like it¡¯s a waste of time. I met a monk, though. Somehow his guidance enlightened me. Up for shopping or dinner date?¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a n.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 30

    First Date


    SADIE


    ¡°Nah. I¡¯m not a fan of raw seafood.¡± I shook my head as I watched him in surprise. ¡°Anything raw. I just don¡¯t like it, except for fruits and vegetables. I don¡¯t like fish in the Sushi, and I don¡¯t like that one you¡¯re eating.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t like oysters?¡± He looked amused.


    I raised my hand. ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so?¡±


    ¡°This dinner is not just all about me, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°I guess this is a part of knowing each other.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°I like any kinds of shellfish, especially ms. I love one in particr. Can¡¯t get over it,¡± he whispered thest sentence to me.


    I squeezed my thighs under the table as I imagined what he meant to say. ¡°Oh, what kind is that?¡± I lifted the wine to my lips, and he just noticed my hand was shaking.


    ¡°What if we ditch this dinner and we go somewhere else?¡± He held my hand as I ced the ss on the table.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Unless you wanna try some food on the menu.¡±


    ¡°I feel like I don¡¯t wanna eat tonight.¡±


    ¡°You okay? Did the oyster lose your appetite?¡±


    ¡°No. There¡¯s something else I wanna explore,¡± I said with confidence.


    ¡°What is it?¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show youter.¡±


    We decided to walk on Manhattan Riverside since the weather did our favor tonight.


    ¡°I never did this before,¡± I said truthfully.


    ¡°What have you been doing, babe? I can¡¯t believe my engagement to you had caused you so many struggles.¡±


    ¡°Nah. I would have suffered worse in the hands of another man. Trust me. I know my father. You were just right on time, actually¡ªsaving my fine ass. If what my brother told me was true. I was supposed to be married to a man named Antonye Yvar.¡±


    ¡°Fucking cunt,¡± he grunted in anger as he pulled me closer to him.


    ¡°I get that you know him.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a Russian businessman. He was married once, divorced. He liked to y in bed. Not the game you¡¯d try and enjoy. He¡¯s into bondage. He likes to inflict pain to his partners.¡±


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± I asked out of curiosity, and somehow it terrified me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna discuss it with you.¡±


    ¡°You practice that too?¡±


    His eyes narrowed at me. ¡°Are you satisfied with me?¡±


    I was taken aback by his question. ¡°What kind of question is that?¡±


    ¡°An honest one.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you an honest answer. Yes. Very much so.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± He pulled me into his arms. ¡°I don¡¯t, and I¡¯m not into it. If my dick is enough for you, then we have no issues here.¡±


    ¡°Your hands, your fingers, and so as your mouth and tongue.¡±


    He chuckled, ¡°That¡¯s very specific, i Cielo.¡±


    ¡°Just wanna point things out for you.¡± I let go of a breath as I stuffed my hands in my coat. ¡°It¡¯s so lovely here.¡±


    ¡°I know you want to go to the beach. We¡¯ll do that very soon.¡±


    ¡°Just finish whatever project you have right now, then we will go somewhere far from here. I want to have you even for a day or two.¡±


    He cupped my face. ¡°Such a sweet. And I almost lost you.¡± He pressed his lips against mine. I closed my eyes to relish the feeling of his lips, his smell, his touch before he broke it.


    ¡°I¡¯m here with you.¡±


    We went home to his penthouse as he has to go to work early tomorrow.


    ¡°It was fun.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do that often, babe.¡±


    ¡°We can just spend on the rooftop if you can¡¯t stay out long.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for being understanding with my line of work.¡± He helped me with my coat.


    ¡°That line of work pays the bills, Cenric, and feeds a lot of people.¡± I took off my shoes next.


    ¡°Sometimes you¡¯re so selfless.¡±


    ¡°I only do that to the right person.¡± I smiled.


    He kissed me. ¡°As you are to me, babe. Do you need anything before I hit the shower?¡±


    ¡°I can manage.¡±


    Once he was inside, I heard the shower running. I peeled my clothes off. I opened the door and joined him. I watched the water run down his lean hips, his firm ass, and those muscr thighs in awe. His back never ceased to amaze me. The mark of my scratches was still visible.


    I sauntered towards him and touched his back.


    ¡°Babe?¡± He froze.


    ¡°Expecting somebody else?¡±


    ¡°Only my feisty wife.¡±


    I poured a good amount of liquid soap into my palm andvishly spread it around his back, to his shoulder and neck. I squeezed another and rubbed it all over his ass down to his thighs and legs. Then he turned around, spreading the soap on his chest. Ivished the feelings of his rigid, sinewy muscles as I ran my fingers on each bump.


    His muscles contracted against my touch. His sleeping cock started to rise. I could hardly wrap my hand around it and did slight strokes.


    I lifted my gaze, and his eyes were on to what I did.


    ¡°Am I doing it right?¡±


    He met my gaze. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    My work was the proof. It shot upright¡ªhe was hard¡ªeven getting harder.


    The thick ridge of cock was stunning. The crown was a perfect shape of a mushroom.


    Each stroke, he breathed through his nose.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± His eyes clenched shut. His mouth formed an O-shaped. He pressed his palm against the ss wall for support.


    I bent on my knees and did it for the first time.


    Tentatively, I darted my tongue out, tasting the precum leaking on his tip. It was salty, but it didn¡¯t taste bad.


    ¡°Babe,¡± he growled. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this.¡± He was looking down at me. His face contorted with pain as he struggled to hold his orgasm. I guessed I was doing it right.


    ¡°I wanna try and learn. And if the oyster tastes like this, I might gonna like it.¡± I licked it again. Each time I did that, he gave me a satisfying groan.


    He was so big my lips stretched to amodate him as I captured his thick shaft, sliding into my mouth. As I began sucking it, his lids grew heavy, his jaw ckening.


    ¡°Fuck, babe. You really know how to make a man fall on his knees.¡±


    My eyes gleamed at hispliments.


    ¡°Remind me to thank the actors from the porn you watched.¡±


    I giggled as I swirled it with my tongue and started bobbing in and out.


    The feeling was unfamiliar. The taste was addicting.


    Being on my knees, sucking a man¡¯s cock seemed mortifying to me, and swallowing a release was disgusting, but I didn¡¯t feel like it.


    ¡°Fuck. So fucking good.¡± Watching him lose his mind in pleasure made me aroused as well. He started rocking into me slowly at first, making sure I wouldn¡¯t gag, but it didn¡¯t help when he was so long and thick. He jutted.


    I breathed through my nose, and I felt like he just grew thicker. Tears formed at the corner of my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m almost there, babe. That¡¯s enough. I want to be inside you now.¡± he rushed his words out.


    I shook my head in protest.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to¡ªfuck!¡±


    I sucked him hard and sped up my blow. He growled, grabbed the back of my head, fist my hair as he pushed it all in. It reached the back of my throat.


    A rich, warm liquid jetted in my mouth. I swallowed everyst drop of him as he pulsed in my throat.


    I wasn¡¯t near able to manage my footing when he lifted me, pressed me against the wall, and rummaged me with savage kisses.


    ¡°What you did was bold and hot, and you are driving me insane,¡± he said against my neck as he sucked the flesh hard it might leave a hickey. He then sucked down on my shoulder, sinking his teeth simultaneously, plunging his dick inside my wet entrance.


    I screamed in shock.


    Cenric rocked into me so brutally hard that the wall on my back rattled against his thrusts. Each plunge, he did, hit my g-spot just right enough to make me fly high. This position was something new to me, and I felt vulnerable and dizzy with needs at the same time.


    ¡°Come for me now, babe.¡± Hisst thrust with his grinding brought me to the edge. I came so hard I saw the light.

 Chapter 31

    In Love


    CENRIC


    ¡°Are you fucking insane?¡± Beck bellowed. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be fucking kidding me. I just told you he became distrustful and paranoid since you hired Devin. He thought you were one of the moles in his organization. And here you are nning on meeting that son of a bitch!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d be more suspicious if I won¡¯t meet him. And I know I can depend on you, and you¡¯ll watch my six, right?¡±


    His nose red as his face flushed in anger. ¡°Since when I didn¡¯t, asshole? You¡¯re such a pain in my fucking ass.¡±


    ¡°Then that sounds like a n.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, Cenric. I have already lost two of my brothers. Don¡¯t fucking make it three. Is it really worth it?¡±


    I looked at him right into his dark eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not doing this for what happened to Doctor Yelena or for her. I need to end this. I¡¯m doing this for our brothers and myself. And I know I can do something right so that they didn¡¯t die in vain, and we are going to help save many lives. You know that.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯ll die in the end, instead. That¡¯s so fucking unfair, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°I hope it won¡¯te to that. But if something goes¡ª¡±


    He stopped me, ring further. ¡°Don¡¯t fucking go there! Ever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying.¡± I shrugged. ¡°If something goes south, you take my wife away from here.¡±


    ¡°I know what to do. You¡¯ve briefed me a thousand times,¡± he spat out.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already infiltrated this org., bro. I can¡¯t back out now. I¡¯m in too deep, and you know it only ruins my name, mypany¡¯s rep, and they will hunt you all down one by one to get into me.¡±


    ¡°Then you should have thought about this a fucking billion times! Just wait until what your brother would say about this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle Cas.¡± I checked my watch. It was about time. I rose from my chair. Still, Beck wasn¡¯t impressed.


    ¡°You know when someone is invited to some remote locations, you shouldn¡¯t go, right?¡±


    ¡°When it¡¯s my time, no one can cheat it.¡±


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    Twenty minutester, Beck and I arrived at the address in a rocky seaside. I watched the current sh over the shore, and the weather was good. Seagulls flew above. But Beck was right on one thing. It was odd to meet here unless you wanted to hide something.


    I knew I could also rely on him. I bet Maia that he already reached out to his contacts. Plus, Linden was a good sniper.


    Just right on time, one ck Mercedes and SVU arrived after us. Beck got out of the driver¡¯s seat, opening a door for me.


    ¡°Onest chance.¡±


    ¡°If this goes south, save yourself.¡± I got out of the car, buttoning my suit. My heart started beating fast. My senses heightened. I thought of Sadie to calm my nerves because it was not every day you know you could die at that moment.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    ¡°I love you, bro.¡± At least seven tall men who I knew already, except for one, but I was already wired before I came over.


    ¡°How are you, Jasper?¡± I shook his hand even just for formality. Let¡¯s be honest here¡ªI fucking hated this guy.


    ¡°How¡¯s my sister doing?¡±


    ¡°Funny you asked.¡± I literally growled at him.


    ¡°Hanslo,¡± I acknowledged him because he loved the attention, and of course, he loved my money and connections.


    ¡°Walk with me, son.¡± He showed me the way.


    ¡°How¡¯re you doing these days?¡± I asked politely, even if I was murdering him in my mind. He was a fucking maniptor and literally killed for a living¡ªhe smuggled guns, trafficked humans, and sold his daughter to me, and he also had a secretb of illicit drugs. And Sadie didn¡¯t know all about these.


    ¡°Good. Good.¡± He studied me. ¡°How¡¯s my daughter? Are you treating her right?¡±


    ¡°Sadie? How could I hurt your daughter? You can ask her personally. I¡¯m nning a dinner for us.¡±


    ¡°I apologize I had to decline your invitation to your party.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all good, Hans.¡± I shoved my hands in my pockets as we reached the end of the small cliffed coast. ¡°Why are we meeting here? What¡¯s wrong in the cigar house?¡±


    ¡°Someone infiltrated my business,¡± he started. Of course, he knew by now.


    ¡°Howe I didn¡¯t know about this?¡±


    ¡°You tell me.¡± He didn¡¯t look at me. He should be paranoid, considering his line of business, and I might be his number one suspect.


    ¡°And you think I did?¡±


    ¡°For over twenty years, no one had betrayed me. When you came to me almost three years ago, I treated you like my own son.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, Hans. Here we go. Because I am the new guy here, I don¡¯t know how to keep my mouth shut. You can ask your own daughter if I ever told her shit about this business or my involvement. She had no idea because I value people¡¯s trust more than money. Now that I am your son-inw, do you think I would let you down?¡±


    ¡°Someone stole mytest cargo that worth millions. By who? I have no idea. No one knows about that, just Jasper and me.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know either. I am sure Jasper would never betray you. Maybe it was just a coincidence that it was stolen. It had nothing to do with someone, or one in your organization was a traitor. Or something else happened. There are a lot of possibilities you should consider. Not most lucks are on our side.¡±


    ¡°I can feel it. Someone is ying with me. And I have evidence that it was you.¡± He just took his pistol from his back that I already knew was there and pointed at me.


    ¡°Really? I¡¯m a billionaire, Hans. Do you think you¡¯ll find out if it was me? Do you think I don¡¯t know how to cover my tracks if I am the one who betrayed you? How much does that cost? How much does my head cost?¡± I remained calm, even if my heart could burst out from my chest any moment now. I still didn¡¯t cue my team. Even if I did, I would still take the bullet.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I know you have motives, Cenric. You are a billionaire. Why take an interest in my business?¡±


    I looked at his men. They were on high alert. ¡°You want an honest answer? I saw your daughter outside the campus while waiting for an IT student I wanted to hire as an intern. My curiosity over your daughter led me to you. But I never told her about this because I shouldn¡¯t have used my money to get into her. It was wrong. You know my intention over Sadie, Hans.¡±


    He seemed to be convinced, but he was a cold-blooded killer. He could still pull the trigger even if my reasons were convincing.


    ¡°You still owe me twenty-five million dors minus its interest. If you don¡¯t wanna pull the trigger, put that gun down.¡±


    He didn¡¯t take it lightly when someone ordered him. I knew the kind of man he was, but surprisingly he did it. ¡°I didn¡¯t doubt your loyalty to me for once, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°Why test me then?¡±


    ¡°Just proving myself I still have your back.¡±


    ¡°You be more paranoid as you grow old, Hanslo. And it¡¯s not good for business. Why not hire someone you can trust and retire. It¡¯s time for you to lie low somewhere away from danger. I can make an arrangement for you. Seychelles is good. The Maldives as well.¡± I pinched my nose. That was my cue.


    ¡°I¡¯m not retiring soon.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t trust your own blood?¡± I pretended to look surprised.


    ¡°Hard to when he had this dark and rage in him.¡± Didn¡¯t he get it from you? Fucking psychopath. I wanted to roll my eyes at his absurdity.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say you¡¯re wrong. And I want Jasper to stop harassing my wife, or he and I wouldn¡¯t end well.¡±


    He pped my shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll have a word with him.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I pped his back and picked up a strand of his gray hair on his shoulder.


    ***


    I threw myself on the sofa as soon as I got in the penthouse. Alive. Thank God.


    My wife came from behind, gripping the tense muscles on my shoulders. ¡°Making money made this tense?¡±


    ¡°And among other things. But you¡¯re the best of my day.¡± I pressed a kiss on her lips. My heart just beat so fast for her. And I lost control of my feelings entirely.


    I¡¯m in love with Sadie.

 Chapter 32

    Drunk Wollf


    SADIE


    Cenric had never beente. I cooked dinner earlier and thought he¡¯d be here like he always did. It was almost one, and he hadn¡¯te home¡ªhe knew that we had a dinner n tonight. Something was not right.


    I gave Devin an off today to visit his family, so he had no use to me. I called Linden and Beck. None of them ever picked up.


    I started scrolling my contacts when the door flew open, and I almost dropped the phone in my hand.


    ¡°Oh, my God!¡± My gaze flew to my husband. Beck and Linden literally dragged him in my direction. ¡°What the hell is going on? I was about to call Cas when you two didn¡¯t pick up. Take him up.¡±


    ¡°No, my dallen. Offs,¡± he slurred his words.


    ¡°Is he drunk? Since when did he get this shit-faced?¡± I asked again since the two somehow turned deaf.


    ¡°Babes.¡± He wanted to throw himself at me. Beck and Linden managed to grab him on both arms.


    ¡°Cenric, no. In bed, and we¡¯ll talk about this in the morning when you¡¯re sober.¡± I propped my hands on my hips, blowing a breath. Jesus.


    He swung his arms, forcing himself to let go out of his friends. ¡°I¡¯m goin na offs.¡±


    ¡°Cenric!¡±


    ¡°Let him go. You can¡¯t talk to him out of this. He¡¯s not himself,¡± finally, Beck replied.


    I watched my husband sway and drag himself into the hallway. He was wasted and couldn¡¯t even stand straight. He would fall if he didn¡¯t support himself against the wall and anything he could hold onto.


    ¡°And you two let him?¡± I watched the two turn stoic. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡±


    Beck kept his mouth shut. Linden shrugged.


    ¡°And you want me to believe that you both know nothing about his behavior? Don¡¯t bullshit me, or I will go inside his office and ask him myself,¡± I warned them, and they knew that I would do it.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get hurt.¡±


    ¡°Then talk.¡±


    Beck rolled his eyes with a sigh. ¡°I wish I could.¡±


    ¡°This is not in your contract. I understand NDA, but he¡¯s your brother, for God¡¯s sake, and as his concerned wife, I want to know what¡¯s wrong with him and why suddenly, he intoxicated himself in alcohol. Is it about business?¡± I red at both of them.


    ¡°You should go up and get some sleep.¡± Beck looked tired. Maybe watching his best friend get drunk was exhausting.


    ¡°Not until you tell me the truth. I wanna know what I¡¯m dealing with here. I¡¯m sure Cenric would appreciate it once he¡¯s sober tomorrow. Please?¡±


    Linden squeezed his eyes shut before he blew an exasperating breath. ¡°He¡¯s working on a new LLCpany. Damn it, woman. He¡¯s gonna kill me tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°And I will kill you if you won¡¯t tell me! Then what happened?¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Beck snorted sarcastically.


    ¡°Oh, you think I¡¯m not capable of doing such an awful thing, huh? I was raised by the wolves, remember?¡± I red further at him.


    ¡°No doubt, ma¡¯am.¡± His answer was nonchnt. Clearly, he didn¡¯t believe me. He knew my threat was empty.


    ¡°And then?¡± He must have smashed something against the wall. I nearly jumped out of my skin at the banging inside the office.


    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± Beck growled. ¡°Gonna go check him before he hurt himself.¡±


    ¡°Good idea, man,¡± Linden seconded about to go with Beck.


    ¡°No. You stay and continue exining to me why he¡¯s acting like a rabid wild wolf right now.¡± I crossed my arms over my chest, frowning.


    ¡°Yeah, about the LLC. He said it¡¯s for you.¡± He pointed at me.


    ¡°For me?¡± I mimicked his gesture. My expression softened.


    ¡°Yeah, for you. You fought with Cenric over a job, remember?¡± I wanted to punch him in the face for his unsolicited sarcasm.


    I squeezed my eyes shut and sighed. ¡°He didn¡¯t have to do that. All I wanted was to work. I just wanna work as a desk job, stapling papers, posting notes, answering calls. Something like that.¡±


    ¡°Well, he always sees the best in people. He mentioned something about yourpassion and passion for helping people and thought to make a big gesture after the fight. When the business permit is approved, then you could run thepany.¡±


    Now I understand why.¡±The permit is not approved? Denied, why? It¡¯s not like it¡¯s his first time getting a permit. He makes millions of dors a year. He¡¯s goddamn brilliant! What could go wrong?¡± I threw my hands in the air out of frustration.


    ¡°Because of you.¡±


    ¡°Because of me?¡± My question came out with felt like equal parts horror and intrigue. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Thepany is named after you. Greer-Wolf LLC.¡±


    I blinked a couple of times as I allowed myself to absorb what he¡¯d said. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±


    ¡°The State Office issuing the license has a grudge against your family, and he thinks you don¡¯t deserve it.¡±


    ¡°W-what? I paid my tax. I don¡¯t even have a parking vition because I literally don¡¯t drive. I¡¯m not a convicted felon.¡±


    ¡°Your brother is.¡±


    My face fell. My heart was crushed. ¡°But that¡¯s unfair for Cenric. He doesn¡¯t deserve this because he¡¯s married to one of the Greers.¡± I looked down in dismay. ¡°He didn¡¯t have to attach my name, though. I¡¯m fine with a secretary job.¡±


    ¡°He wants you to be proud of him,¡± he murmured.


    ¡°Damn it, I am. I always told him that. And be damned, my brother!¡± I screamed at the top of my lungs. I feel so terrible about this. ¡°What¡¯s that man¡¯s name behind declining the license?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯re you gonna do?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I just wanna know that pig face.¡±


    Linden chuckled sadly, ¡°Larry Peters.¡±


    ¡°His name alone smells like shit.¡±


    Beck just emerged from the door. ¡°He¡¯s out. I put him on the sofa.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. And you too, Linden.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a good person. He doesn¡¯t take failure lightly.¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with failure. It was personal, and Larry freaking Peters will pay for what he did.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do something stupid. And don¡¯t clean up the office. I¡¯ll call the cleaning service in the morning,¡± Beck said.


    ¡°That bad, huh?¡± Linden inquired.


    ¡°No. He just broke some sses.¡±


    ¡°Did he hurt himself?¡± I asked quickly.


    ¡°No. Now, go and get some rest. I¡¯ll stay for a while.¡± Beck checked his watch.


    ¡°You two looked like shit. You should go and get some rest. I¡¯ve been resting all day.¡±I might have other ns as well.


    ¡°Don¡¯t argue with me over this, Sadie. He¡¯ll kick our asses in the morning if we let you stay all night.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t control me,¡± I bantered.


    ¡°No one is. If you wanna take care of Cenric when he wakes up, then you need some rest.¡±


    I red at them before I agreed. ¡°Fine.¡±


    I went up and opened myptop. I searched for Larry Peters on social media, who worked at the Department Revenue in the States Office.


    I found Larry right away. He was an old racist-looking bald man in his fifties who liked to post pictures of his family and a dog. He had two daughters named Tania and Jennifer. He also had a picture of him walking his dog in the park, and I knew where that park was.


    So, he was a family guy, huh? But a freaking jackass.


    I typed a text to Linden.


    SADIE: What did my brother do to his daughter?


    That was the only thing I could think about of loathing my brother.


    Linden called me instead. I picked it up.


    ¡°How did you find out?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember my brother went to jail. My father would not allow that.¡±


    ¡°They dated for a couple of months. She fell in love. Father disapproved. They ran away, but Larry found them and used your brother of kidnapping his daughter. She defended him, and Larry hit her in front of your brother, and Jasper just broke his nose. Things went bad. Your brother got arrested and bailed out. That¡¯s all I know.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for telling me.¡±


    ***


    I woke up early. Walking in the park, finding Larry was easy, but what wasn¡¯t easy was exining to my husband if I received a warrant of arrest for an assault charge.


    ¡°Nice dog.¡± I was sitting on the bench when he passed by.


    He nched. I guessed he recognized me as Jasper¡¯s sister or Cenric¡¯s wife. When you hated someone, you tend to find out everyone in his circle because that was what I just didst night.


    ¡°What the hell do you want?¡±


    ¡°You hit the wrong guy, Larry.¡±


    He walked away with his dog. I found out his name is Talon. Nice name, I liked it. ¡°Stay away from my family.¡±


    I walked with him instead. ¡°So you know who I am, yet I didn¡¯t know you untilst night.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you haven¡¯t known me after what your brother did to my daughter and me.¡± He really hated Greer. The way he talked, even if the hell froze, I wouldn¡¯t have a chance of getting what I wanted. So I changed tactics.


    ¡°Listen to me, Larry.¡± I blocked his path. ¡°I have nothing to do with what happened to your daughter or you. I told you I didn¡¯t know anything about you and what happened to your daughter and my psychopath brother Jasper until I asked my husband¡¯s best friend. I¡¯m sorry for what he did. I was his victim too. For years, he taunted me, hit me, and I couldn¡¯t escape because he would still find me. Until they arranged me to the wrong, but the right guy.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a shit about your sub story.¡±


    ¡°Cenric Wollf saved my life. What you did was wrong¡ªinvolving some personal issues with the approval of apany permit that could possibly help hundreds or thousands of people. In the end, it was morally incorrect. You know that, Larry. Cenric would be using thepany to start a charity. I want to help people like me who experienced family abuse. Since you took out that privilege away, it wouldn¡¯t happen. And this is on you, Larry.¡± I walked away, hoping it enlightened him.


    ¡°You have a horrible family, Miss Greer.¡±


    I turned around. ¡°Well, as ofst month, I am already Mrs. Wollf. I left that surname a long time ago. And I believe that an apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree, but Greer is not that tree. It¡¯s Arisov. And I¡¯m my mother¡¯s daughter.¡±

 Chapter 33

    Proud Husband


    CENRIC


    I woke up with a hammering headache and sore muscles, and I was in the clothes yesterday. The memories ofst night wereing back in bits and pieces. I remembered getting drunk and cursing the shit out of Peters.


    I didn¡¯t see thating¡ªtoote to realize that I should have thought thepany name well¡ªtoo caught up in impressing my woman.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I swore under my breath as I got up from the couch, but my head was killing me.


    Then the door swung open. I didn¡¯t have to look who just entered based on the smell and the feelings I got when Sadie was closer.


    Shit. Our dinner n.


    ¡°This might help with your headache.¡± Her tone was harsh. Who wouldn¡¯t when I literally bailed out our dinner.


    ¡°Babe.¡±


    ¡°Morning, drunkass.¡± She ced down the bottle of painkillers and a ss of water.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry aboutst night.¡± I was still pressing my temple, and it didn¡¯t help when I could feel her ring down at me.


    ¡°Which one?¡±


    I quickly nced up. Sadie was gorgeous, even her eyes narrowing at me like a pissed-off lioness.


    ¡°All of it.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She shook his head and crossed his arms over her chest. ¡°You¡¯re not.¡±


    ¡°I messed up, okay? I was caught up in the office, and we went out for a drink¡ª¡±


    ¡°One shot led to another, and then you got drunk,¡± she continued. Her expression turned impatient.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I never lied to her. I only kept something for her own good.


    ¡°I know everything, Cenric. I grilled your friends. I know why you were mad and why you got drunk. I know about thepany you wanted to start for me but declined because of my surname.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± I swore under my breath. ¡°I¡¯m gonna kick their asses.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll kick yours if you even try.¡±


    I blinked up at her and gaped at her resilience. ¡°I just wanna build something for you to start over.¡±


    ¡°Behind my back. What is it supposed to be? A surprise? I didn¡¯t want your grand gesture, Cenric. All I want is just a job as long as I get paid.¡±


    ¡°I know, but you also wanna help people. I thought you could manage our ownpany and start your own charity.¡±


    ¡°With you controlling everything? That¡¯s not starting over or me running apany. I know you put a lot of effort and time into making this happen, but you should have involved me in the first ce. Not by doing everything for me.¡±


    ¡°I want to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Make things easy for me. I get it, but that¡¯s not what I want. I can handle things. I can work hard. In fact, I want to work hard, do something, and challenge myself, but I can¡¯t do it if you keep interfering or controlling my life. That¡¯s not how this rtionship works, Cenric. It should involve both of us. If only you control this whole damn thing, then it¡¯s not marriage. It¡¯s ownership.¡± Sheughed out loud with sarcasm. ¡°Well, you literally owned me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. I don¡¯t care about that money anymore. I care about your life and your freedom. I have dealt with the devil over that.¡±


    ¡°Then stop treating me like a child! Stop treating me like I¡¯m not capable of something!¡± She was really pissed off. Her face was red and was vibrating with anger. Oh, boy, pissed off Sadie was kind of intimidating and hot as hell. Right now, I wanted to smash those damn sinful lips against mine.


    ¡°Is everything okay in there?¡± It was Beck who just peeked out from the door.


    ¡°Get out! This conversation is between this man and me!¡±


    I wanted to burst out tough, but I couldn¡¯t as she might throw this table into my face. When it happened before I learned how much she meant to me, I might have yelled back or locked her in her room for a week, but things had changed between us.


    ¡°I¡¯m not treating you like a child, okay?¡± I answered her calmly.


    ¡°I am not blind. Don¡¯t you think I don¡¯t notice what you¡¯re doing? You¡¯re a controlling son of a bitch! And my opinion doesn¡¯t matter to you because you don¡¯t see me as equal.¡±


    Now she pissed me off¡ªfucking pissed me off. Heat flooded my face. ¡°What the fuck? Do you think I don¡¯t see you as equal? I respect you, and I admire you. And if I don¡¯t see you as equal, I¡¯d never allow into my life, and I don¡¯t let many.¡±


    ¡°Then you should just send me back to my family until you figure out what my use for you.¡±


    ¡°Jesus fu¡ª Christ, Sadie Charmaine Armelle. Are you even listening to me? You¡¯re a Wollf. My fucking name. You¡¯re not a Greer anymore. I won¡¯t do this in the first ce if you¡¯re a Greer. I won¡¯t dream with you. I won¡¯t consider starting a family with you. Fuck, I won¡¯t even take you to that house I consider home. I let you stay here, and I don¡¯t give a shit. If I want to fuck, I do it with someone else, because like you said, I owned you, and you couldn¡¯t demand, and your words meant nothing to me. But here we are, all I wanted was what¡¯s best for you because you are my wife. I respect you more than anyone. And you and I are equal¡ªthat¡¯s why I built thatpany so that you can run it and start making your dreame true.¡± I just spilled my heart out, and she just stood there. But based on her reaction, she now realized her actual value to me.


    A painful silence followed. Say something, for fuck¡¯s sake!


    She didn¡¯t look in my direction anymore. I loved that she was worried about me and that she noticed everything and what I cared about, and what I did because if she didn¡¯t, she would just bat her eyshes like other women who only after my money. Maybe this was what made me fall for her because she had no hidden agenda other than to be seen equally.


    Watching someone, you care about being this hurt was not so much fun.


    I sighed deeply, fighting my exhaustion and headache. I sat down, grabbed the painkillers, took two pills, and downed with water. I pinched the bridge of my nose when she bubbled.


    ¡°Imadeaterriblemistaketoday.¡±


    I paused, trying toprehend what she said. I looked at her. ¡°What?¡±


    She grinned sheepishly then twisted her fingers.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I said I made a terrible mistake today,¡± she spelled out slowly.


    ¡°And what did you do?¡± My eyes narrowed.


    ¡°May involve me getting an assault charge.¡± Oh, she looked so guilty.


    ¡°We¡¯ll handle it. We have the best defensewyers in town.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asking me what I did?¡± she insisted.


    ¡°You¡¯re not capable of killing someone. You don¡¯t have that killer instinct in you.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you don¡¯t know me well.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re not hiding, there¡¯s no horror-look in your eyes, and you¡¯re still not panicking in front of me.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She tugged her bottom lip between her teeth.


    ¡°Now, what did you do, wife?¡±


    ¡°Um¡ª¡± Before she could spill, my phone buzzed in my jacket pocket. ¡°Oh, God. Saved by the phone,¡± she sang.


    ¡°We¡¯ll still gonna talk about it,¡± I sang back.


    My eyes narrowed when I saw the caller ID. I looked back at my wife as I hit the answer button. ¡°What can I help you with, Mr. Peters?¡±


    My wife¡¯s eyes just went wide. Now, I got it.


    ¡°Tell your assistant to bring the documents to me on Monday,¡± Peter said.


    ¡°What changed?¡±


    ¡°Your wife.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s special, Mr. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have married her if she isn¡¯t.¡± I hang up the phone. ¡°So you¡¯ve been busy during my nap.¡±


    ¡°How big?¡±


    ¡°My dick? You know it by heart in length and diameter.¡±


    ¡°Not that, Cenric,¡± she grunted.


    ¡°The trouble you made, you mean?¡± I remained calm, as if I didn¡¯t just receive good news. ¡°Huge. Fucking huge.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She was about to burst into crying, and I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    ¡°Juste here on myp. I need you right now.¡± I gestured my hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°So do I, babe. But we¡¯re gonna have a permit soon.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She gasped. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Ask yourself.¡± I wrapped my arms around her and nuzzled my nose between her breast. ¡°God. I missed you, babe.¡±

 Chapter 34

    Apology in Bed


    SADIE


    ¡°You¡¯re the strongest woman I know. Don¡¯t ever belittle yourself.¡± He was licking and kissing my neck down to my cor bone and also kept on talking.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk, or we¡¯ll fuck. You choose, but we can¡¯t do both.¡± I was already naked and wet underneath him. My body was on fire.


    I was rocking my hips against him, rectifying the ache in my clit. And he just kept talking to tease me until I begged him to fuck me. That¡¯s not gonna happen.


    He shook on top of me. ¡°It¡¯s my way of apologizing.¡±


    I blew an exasperating breath, cupped his face, and forced him to look at me. ¡°I don¡¯t want your apology. What you did was amazing, and that speech you did, damn, it made me wet.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still my fault I didn¡¯t involve you with my decision, babe.¡± I blocked his lips with my hand when he tried to kiss me.


    ¡°Get off of me so that we can talk,¡± I ordered.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m done. I want to fuck you now.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t feel to be fucked anymore.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not serious, right?¡± He was puzzled and was getting used to getting what he wanted from me.


    ¡°As a heart attack. I gave you a chance, and you blew it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still upset.¡± He didn¡¯t move, pinning me down to make me feel he was still hard as steel pressed against my pubis.


    ¡°No. But I lost my desire to make love with you.¡±


    He rubbed his length against my entrance to prove me wrong. ¡°That doesn¡¯t tell the same thing, babe.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m still wet, you idiot. Iwasturned on. Now, it¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°Let me make youe. I messed up our dinnerst night. Let me make up to you.¡±


    ¡°Not with sex. Not all the answer is sex if we have problems, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°I know that, Sadie. But I¡¯m still hard, and I ache for you.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°This is ridiculous.¡± I pushed him away from me. He weighed tons for pure muscles and not an ounce of fat in his body. I struggled.


    ¡°Let me just eat you.¡± He used his charm on me. I knew he would, and it was somehowpelling.


    ¡°No. I told you, not now.¡±


    He sighed in disappointment. ¡°Blue balls, it is. You¡¯re no fun. Let¡¯s go down and have¡ªwhat time is it?¡±


    ¡°Lunchtime.¡±


    ¡°But I want you to be my lunch,¡± he pressed.


    ¡°Fine.¡± I framed his face. ¡°But this is for what you did for me.¡± I kissed his lips. He was instantly inside me, thrusting deep in me. That was how wet I was. I felt full, and I let go of a satisfying sigh.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you want me to talk during sex?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re off-topic. Talk dirty, and then we¡¯re on the same page.¡±


    He grinned against my lips. ¡°Got it, boss.¡± He cupped my breast, pinching my sensitive nipple. ¡°Do you want this little bud in my mouth?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please?¡±


    He covered it with his hot mouth, sucking and licking around my are before biting my nipple enough to cause pain. That pain gave pleasure as well. I writhed under him as he ran his tongue through the valley between my breasts. He paid attention to my other breast as well. It was getting more sensitive, and I was getting soaked, dripping with my wetness down my forbidden hole.


    He bent down and knelt on the bed, lifting my foot over his shoulders, causing me to yelp in surprise. With my thighs wide open, I was utterly exposed, vulnerable in this position, and the anticipation of being thoroughly fucked was banking and banking inside me. At the same time, it made me bold and turned me on even more.


    Without a bit of warning, he plunged into me. ¡°Look at you, babe. So wet for me. I can see your clit pulsing for attention.¡± He pulled out, his gaze pinned between my legs.


    I did as he said, but my attention was more on his cock hanging between his thighs. I licked my lips in anticipation as his slit leaked with precum.


    ¡°Look at how my cock sink into your pussy, swallowing it inch by inch. The sight drives me crazy.¡± He inhaled a ragged breath as he thrust inside me and bucked uncontrobly.


    I moaned. My muscles began to tighten as the pressure started building and building in my lower belly.


    ¡°Yes, babe. Let me fuck you hard until youe around my cock.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m close.¡± I mped around him, gripping him. I could feel every protruding vein in his cock.


    ¡°God, woman! You¡¯re the death of me. So fucking good!¡± He rocked his hips upward, gripping my thighs to squeeze, imprinting my flesh. ¡°You won¡¯te until I tell you. I know you¡¯re close.¡±


    I thrashed my head against the pillow. I groaned through greeted teeth. ¡°I can¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Yes, you can!¡± He thrust harder and harder. I was on edge, yet not there.


    I writhed in agony. Cenric precisely knew what he was doing. It was painful torture, but I knew when it happened. It would be unexpectedly explosive and earth-shattering.


    ¡°I¡¯m there,¡± I announced.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not.¡± He was right.


    I lifted my hand, attempting to touch myself. He caught me in the air. ¡°Naughty. But fine.¡± He pressed the pad of his thumb against my clit, and I thought I had just flown, but it wasn¡¯t until he plunged into me so hard I screamed. My world just shattered into pieces as waves of bliss kepting anding until I grew boneless in his mercy.


    ¡°Fuck, woman. It is the most beautiful thing I¡¯ve ever seen. Fuck! Do you want me toe on top of you? Rather not.¡±


    I was dizzy to answer, but I managed to nod.


    One single hard thrust into me, a brutal scream erupted from him as he released his semen inside me.


    ***


    I did a surprise visit to the HQ of CENTH. He had his office for Wollf Capital, and Centh HQ was another. A two-story building that seemed nothing special from the outside, aside from the logo and name of their cryptocurrency. The monochromatic gray scheme represented CENTH well.


    ¡°Hi,¡± I greeted the young woman receptionist.


    ¡°Can I help you with?¡± Her gaze was glued to the monitor while she was typing so fast that I envied her ability.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to see Cenric.¡±


    ¡°Do you have an appointment with Mr. Wollf, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± My answer lifted her gaze at me.


    ¡°Oh. Sorry, Mrs. Wollf.¡± Her eyes widened. ¡°I don¡¯t know it¡¯s you. We have a lot of womening over to visit without appointments. I hope I won¡¯t get into trouble.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you¡¯re not.¡±


    ¡°Let me call Theo to help you. Mr. Wollf was working on the project,¡± she sang out the word project.


    ¡°Sounds interesting.¡± I smiled. Her enthusiasm was infectious.


    ¡°Oh, Mrs. Wolff. Everyone is.¡± She typed something on the keyboard. Then a few secondster, someone yelled behind me.


    ¡°Mrs. Wollf, I¡¯d be so d to tour you around. I¡¯m Theo.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve briefly met at the party.¡± I smiled at him. I remembered Cenric told me about Theo as a member of the LGBTQIA+ Community.


    ¡°Yes. Come with me, please? Thank you, Anya.¡±


    ¡°You must be busy.¡± We marched to the longest hallway of the building.


    ¡°Nah. My boss is.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re not?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re about to see.¡±


    ¡°Cenric praised your work,¡± I said honestly.


    He beamed. ¡°He¡¯s relentless, but he¡¯s the best and made my work a lot easier.¡± He pushed the door open. The noise and the lights reminded me of a crowded nightclub. But this time, about twenty pairs of eyes were glued to the massive screen on the wall.


    ¡°Wow!¡± I yelled at Theo.


    ¡°I know, right?¡± he said to my ear.


    ¡°Where is my husband?¡± All I could see was the five lines of gaming chairs, and then the rest were sitting on the bean bags and benches.


    ¡°ying?¡±


    ¡°So all he does during working hours is y games?¡±


    ¡°Just wait and do something to catch his attention.¡±


    I stared at him, confused about what he meant. Then I got it. I found the light switch. I turned it on.


    They all yelled in annoyance.


    ¡°Whoa! Who did that?¡± that was my husband.


    ¡°Me?¡± I raised my hand.


    They turned around as if someone just controlled them.


    I smiled and waved my hand. ¡°Nice to meet you all.¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Wollf?¡± they chorused.


    ¡°Wow! I¡¯m famous around here, huh?¡± I met my amused husband, raising from the chair.


    ¡°What a surprise, babe.¡± He walked in my direction. The rest gave us privacy when he leaned down to kiss me.


    ¡°Do you need anything, Mr. Wollf?¡±


    ¡°I have everything I need, Theo. Thanks for bringing her to me.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure.¡± Theo left.


    ¡°Guys, cover me. William, take note of everything you think needs to be taken out, added, or improved. And that level 15? It needs more tasks. It¡¯s easy to level up.¡±


    ¡°Got it, sir.¡±


    ¡°Sorry for pulling you out of your game. Why don¡¯t you have a game console at home? It looks fantastic to work with games and all that stuff. And they seemed pretty excited.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s The Travelers. The game we are working on.¡±


    ¡°The project they¡¯re excited about?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s NFT. Non-fungible Token game. A game that allows the yer to earn real money. But it¡¯s in the form of a token. They need first to register in the game to y, create a Centhaddeum ount, then swap CT token to CENTH, then CENTH to dors.¡±


    ¡°Wow! I¡¯m so not Millennial after all.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You can catch up. Ready for the tour?¡± He inteced his hand with mine.


    ¡°I guess so.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d to see you here, babe.¡±


    ¡°Got a little excited when you invited mest night.¡±


    ¡°After our amazing sex?¡±


    ¡°That was okay?¡±


    ¡°Just okay? Thought you came five times.¡±


    Iughed out loud. ¡°Bragging much?¡±

 Chapter 35

    Wild Side of Sadie


    CENRIC


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°Hello?¡± I¡¯d been watching her since she walked into theunching of the game. She was wearing a blue back slit strapless mini dress hugging her hourss figure. Since then, I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off her. She had this strong aura. Her blue eyes stood out aside from her gorgeous face. Her shapely legs and pert ass, my dick just twitched in my pants. And those tits alone. Damn.


    ¡°I think I know you from somewhere. Have we met before?¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Really? What a shitty pickup line you got there, Wollf. You may be a billionaire, but you suck at it. I guess most women don¡¯t even care, right? As long as you have deeper than the Challenger Deep pocket.¡± She sipped her bubbles, studying me from head to toe.


    I chuckled in amusement. ¡°I guess I get used to women who are throwing themselves to me. I don¡¯t need to use pickup lines anymore. It¡¯s so unfortunate that my pickup lines don¡¯t work with you.¡±


    She smiled. Her eyes sparkled. ¡°Sorry, Wollf.¡± She fixed her hair, showing me the big rock on her finger with her wedding band.


    ¡°Lucky guy.¡±


    ¡°No. Lucky me. He gave me a big rock. I also got big¡ª¡± She shrugged. She was adorable. She was also terrible with flirting.


    ¡°Big what, babe?¡±


    She emptied her champagne before throwing herself at me. God, I was so profoundly in love with her. ¡°Big big guy.¡±


    ¡°Thanks foring. Where¡¯s Zhuri?¡± I knew she came with Zhuri¡ªthat was why we didn¡¯te together. She finally picked one of my cars. She was instantly in love with the red jaguar convertible.


    ¡°She¡¯s the one flirting over there.¡± She pointed at the small bar at the corner.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Congrattions, Cenric. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± Before weunched The Travelers, game critics scored our beta 8. 9/10. Not bad for the first game we created.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I kissed her on her lips. ¡°You¡¯re my lucky charm.¡±


    She smiled against our lips. ¡°We have an audience.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re filming us.¡±


    I looked around. One of those was Theo. ¡°I¡¯ll sue your asses.¡±


    They all justughed at me.


    ¡°Dance with me, babe.¡± I dragged her to the dance floor. She instantly gave in to the music.


    We hired the best DJ in town. Everyone enjoyed. They also got free tokens. We instantly reached five hundred thousand yers within one hour ofunching. Good thing we have state-of-the-art servers. Overload didn¡¯t happen.


    ¡°So, who¡¯s your favorite character?¡±


    I smirked under the disco neon lights.


    ¡°Why are you smirking?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t check all the characters?¡±


    She stopped dancing when she realized something. ¡°So it¡¯s true then. Devin told me Kimia from Que Wn is based on me?¡± Sheughed out loud. ¡°What¡¯s she like?¡±


    I daydreamed. ¡°She¡¯s hot, sexy, seductive.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Cenric.¡± She yfully hit me on my chest.


    ¡°Yeah, her physical features. Now, she was one of the most upgraded characters in the game. Her chosen weaponry isbat bow and maniption by seduction and experts in Jiu-jitsu.¡±


    ¡°And her weakness?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t kick my balls.¡±


    ¡°Men?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡± She pressed her body against mine. Her tits pushed up, making me harder to concentrate when my dick was inplete control.


    ¡°She has the power of healing, but she can¡¯t heal herself. And when she heals someone, she bes vulnerable and weak.¡±


    ¡°I love Kimia already. Healing someone is selflessness. I see myself in her,¡± she proudly said.


    God, this woman. I was just so smitten with her.


    ¡°What? You keep smiling like that, and it creeps me out.¡±


    Iughed out loud. ¡°Next month, you¡¯re gonna check out the office of yourpany.¡±


    ¡°Yourpany. I¡¯m your employee. Don¡¯t argue with me on this one.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather fuck you than argue with you.¡±


    She looked more amused than ever. ¡°d you agreed with me with the name PrimerTech than PrimeData.¡±


    ¡°First, I disagreed not because you¡¯re my wife. PrimerTech is catchy and not a mouthful.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind mouthful if it involves you.¡±


    ***


    We went home to the house since it was the weekend, and we felt like having fresh air and a little serenity. I settled on the sofa as I watched her take her dress off. She was only wearing a ck thong. I thought she bent over on purpose, showing the full view of her ass.


    I was already hard. I even shifted ufortably in the chair. I rested my head back, licked my lips, and started gripping my cock against my pants. I closed my eyes, and the image of me licking her from behind up to her tiny hole had me groaned loudly.


    I was in the middle teasing her hole when she nudged me.


    ¡°Happy to be alone?¡±


    ¡°Fuck. Me.¡± She was in front of me naked from up, except for the tinyce covering what was mine.


    She stepped backward until she hit the foot of the bed, seductivelyid on her ass, and spread her thighs to me. ¡°How about you watch me?¡±


    ¡°Fuck yeah.¡±


    She licked her finger. Her hand started drifting from her abdomen down to her mound. She pulled her thong to the side and pressed her finger on her little clit. She gasped at first touch.


    I fumbled to unbuckle my belt, unbutton my pants, and shoved them on my feet with my boxers. I wrapped my cock around my fingers, stroking it slowly from the base to the tip. Then I focused on the hot woman who was not apologetic to pleasure herself while having an audience.


    She moved her finger in circles on her clit and panted at every rubbed she made.


    ¡°You look fucking hot, babe,¡± I added a little squeeze to my stoke, focusing on the shaft.


    My body was burning. My muscles were straining. My heart was pumping so fast as Sadie enjoyed doing what she did.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± She added a thrust to her hip as if dancing to the rhythm of the sensation she felt.


    ¡°Take off your thong, babe.¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Come on, babe. Please don¡¯t kill me with anticipation over here. Or do you like me to lick you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then take off your thong for me. That¡¯s what I want.¡± I licked my lips.


    Finally, she threw her thong at me. I caught it with my free hand, balled it, and smelled her essence in the fabric. ¡°You smell divine. Now, slip a finger into your pussy, then show me how wet you are.¡±


    She did with a moan.


    ¡°That¡¯s my pussy, babe. Don¡¯t pleasure yourself. Just show me how wet you are.¡±


    Her half-lidded gaze met mine. My wife was dazed. Her skin looked flushed, and she was so wet. Her pussy slicked, and her finger was well coated. She was enjoying it.


    ¡°Can I taste it?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she could barely form a word.


    I knew one lick at her pussy she woulde. And so, as my cock was heavy and straight.


    I rose from my seat and went on my knees. All I could smell was her arousal and sweetness, driving me crazy and dizzy with needs.


    I shoved the finger she offered into my mouth. I sucked it clean, teasing it with my tongue.


    She gasped and shivered as she watched me pull out her finger cleaned.


    ¡°What do you want, mi Cielo? Did you enjoy watching me jack off myself?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°I need your word, babe.¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes. I enjoyed it.¡±


    ¡°What else do you want me to do?¡±


    She swallowed.


    ¡°There¡¯s no secret between us. Tell me, babe.¡±


    ¡°I want you.¡±


    ¡°How do you want me?¡±


    She looked down at her pussy, so ripe it made me hungry with lust.


    ¡°Babe?¡±


    ¡°I want you to touch me.¡±


    ¡°Just touch you?¡±


    ¡°And kiss me.¡±


    ¡°Kiss your lips or your pussy.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Your pussy or your mouth, babe.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, Cenric. My pussy.¡± She moaned in anticipation.


    ¡°What was in your mind when you touched yourself?¡±


    ¡°I thought of you touching me and kissing me.¡±


    ¡°And fuck you with my tongue.¡±


    ¡°Yes. God, yes.¡±


    ¡°Then that¡¯s what I will do to you.¡±

 Chapter 36

    Calls


    SADIE


    ¡°Can I ask a favor?¡±


    Devin looked at me through the rearview mirror. ¡°Sure?¡±


    ¡°Sure? You mean you¡¯re not sure?¡± I asked in confusion.


    ¡°Well, it depends. If it involves asking permission from your husband or not.¡±


    I sighed in dismay as I looked outside the window. ¡°Never mind.¡±


    ¡°Come on. Give it a try.¡±


    ¡°I wanna spend some time with Zhuri before I start working. Just Zhuri and me walking around in the park, shopping in the mall, or having a cup of coffee in a cafe. Just for a day. Is it too much to ask? I¡¯m not a president¡¯s daughter, for God¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°I can be persuasive I¡¯ll give him a call.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I gripped his shoulder before he could dial Cenric¡¯s number. ¡°Don¡¯t do that. He¡¯s gonna give me a lecture and tell me I told you not to h h h.¡±


    ¡°Just trust me, okay?¡±


    I looked at him in the eye before he focused back on the road. ¡°Fine.¡±


    As if Cenric was waiting for his call, he picked up right away.


    ¡°Boss, I wanna give Mrs. Wollf a free time with Ms. Hill.¡±


    I watched his bodynguage as he listened to Cenric over the phone, but I couldn¡¯t read him.


    ¡°Looks like a sunny day, sir.¡± He parked the car when we were near the coffee shop. Was that a code for something?


    ¡°Copy that, sir. Absolutely. Thank you.¡± He slipped his phone into his jacket suit, and the wait was frightening.


    ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll call you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± That didn¡¯t sound good. I slumped by back, ring outside the window.


    ¡°You should answer your phone, or he will take it back, thinking you¡¯re not safe.¡±


    My eyes sparkled and gleamed. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just say it?¡±


    He chuckled in amusement. ¡°Go ahead before he changes his mind.¡±


    I quickly fished out my phone and answered the call. ¡°Cenric?¡±


    ¡°Why Devin was calling me if you wanna go with Zhuri without him?¡±


    ¡°I thought you¡¯re okay with this?¡±


    ¡°And you didn¡¯t pick up your phone quickly?¡±


    ¡°Question to a question? Really, Cenric?¡±


    ¡°Okay, calm down, babe. It looks like it¡¯s a great day today. Your brother is in another States. If anything or someone is following you, call Devin or me right away. I mean right away, Sadie. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°This is serious, babe.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Just be aware of your surrounding.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Will do.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then. Enjoy your day. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. I miss you already.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± I took the opportunity while he was on a business trip to promote the game, but I also made sure I was not abusing his trust. That was why I still had to make everything in order.


    ¡°Take care, babe. Bye.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Thank you. Thank you.¡± I hugged Devin from his seat.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯d appreciate what you are doing right now,¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°He¡¯s not a jealous guy. And he trusts me.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, Sadie. All men get jealous. We know how to handle our jealousy. Some guys don¡¯t do well.¡±


    ¡°Still, thanks for doing this.¡±


    ¡°My job, and you¡¯re wee. Now go. Take care.¡±


    I literally danced as soon as I got out of the car. Still, he didn¡¯t just let me go without a few reminders.


    I stepped into the cafe with a wide grin on my lips.


    ¡°You¡¯rete.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at Zhuri, sitting at the corner booth. ¡°By three minutes. At least, we¡¯re free to go wherever we want.¡± I took a seat across the table.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s new. Where¡¯s your lover boy?¡±


    ¡°You mean my husband?¡±


    This time, she rolled her eyes. ¡°Unless you have another one, then it¡¯s him. The controlling but hot billionaire.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s protecting me.¡±


    ¡°Overprotecting you.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I ordered a greentte. ¡°You know my background. My family is different. Then I¡¯m married to a billionaire. There¡¯s always a threat.¡±


    ¡°I get it h h h. So where to? Another t white and make hers a take out,¡± she said to the barista before she turned back to me. ¡°Seems like married life did a favor on you. He¡¯s good in bed?¡±


    My cheeks med. After my shocking behavior two nights ago, I felt like a new person. Still, I couldn¡¯t believe I had that in me. I shook that thought away.


    ¡°I take that as a yes.¡±


    ¡°How about you? How¡¯s that IT guy?¡±


    ¡°Toby? Nah, it was just a one-night thing.¡± She looked down at his phone when it rang, ignoring it.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to take that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not important. How did you convince lover boy to leave you without your pretty dog tailing you?¡±


    ¡°Cenric is on a business trip.¡± Sometimes Zhuri could be more sarcastic, but she was a good friend. Justtely, I¡¯d been busy, and I couldn¡¯t return her call on time.¡± And that pretty dog¡¯s name is Devin Reece, and he¡¯s just doing his job.¡±


    A few minutester our order hadn¡¯t arrived. Zhuri went to the counter to check our order when her phone rang again. She never ignored her call, even if a clingy one-night stander, but this time, in my gut, something was off.


    ¡°You¡¯re phone keeps ringing. Maybe you should answer that and tell him that you¡¯re busy.¡±


    She sat back and called back the caller. ¡°I¡¯m busy right now. Can I call backter tonight? I¡¯m with my friend.¡± It was monotone until she listened for the other line. She then licked her lips and swallowed. ¡°Sure. Why not? Bye.¡±


    Her eyes were still glued to the phone already on the table.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± She smiled at me, but not the smile I used to see from her.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I nodded even if I was not convinced.


    We walked around the park. The weather was good. These people seemed in a mood for a pic and to have a good time, keeping me at ease.


    ¡°Wanna go somewhere else?¡±


    ¡°Nah. I¡¯m stuck at work in the boutique for five days a week. I think what I need is fresh air than the smell of clothes.¡± She worked as a salesperson in a well-known brand for more than a year.


    ¡°I do too. I¡¯m kinda excited to work, at the same time, terrified that I might suck at my job.¡±


    She faced me. ¡°Hey. Everything starts with zero. Learn from your experience each day. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be fine. If there¡¯s someone who can get through difficult times, it¡¯s you, and you are still here, standing strong and soon will run the future biggest application developer in the world.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. It means a loting from you.¡± I smiled.


    ¡°Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook in his dorm, and he¡¯s a dropout. Your husband started his giant crypto in his old apartment, and he¡¯s a Marine. When you have dreams, you never give up.¡±


    Before I could reply, her phone rang again. ¡°Is someone following you? Do you have a stalker?¡± I just blurted it out.


    She looked around as if searching or trying to hide from someone and looking terrified.


    ¡°Zhuri?¡± I held her wrist. She startled at my touch. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I started to get worried that this day would go awry.


    ¡°You know I can help you if something or someone¡¯s bothering you. We can help, Zhuri.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯m fine.¡± She checked her phone, and I saw the caller too.


    My pulse pounded. An icy air seeped through my bones, making me shiver. ¡°Why is my brother calling you?¡±


    She looked shocked. ¡°Um.¡±


    ¡°Why is he calling you, Zhuri? Was he your caller all this time?¡± My shoulders tightened. I looked around, making sure he was not somewhere watching us. This day was going to be rough after all.


    ¡°No. I-I don¡¯t know how he got my number, but he called me once and a while to know if Cenric is treating you well or he wants to know how¡¯re you doing since your husband threatened him not to get near you.¡±


    ¡°And you believe him?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sadie. I know what I¡¯m doing. I told him you¡¯re happy. Cenric is good with you. Because I ignored him once, he wouldn¡¯t stop.¡±


    ¡°Now he¡¯s calling you again. Does he know we¡¯re meeting today?¡±


    She shook her head, but she couldn¡¯t look at me anymore. ¡°No. I told him you¡¯re busy.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not here,¡± I told her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle this. This is a family matter, Zhuri. Since he¡¯s bothering you, I will make it stop.¡±

 Chapter 37

    Trust Your Instinct


    CENRIC


    ¡°What the fuck is going on?¡±


    ¡°Juste home if someone could cover you.¡± Linden¡¯s voice over the phone sounded urgent, and he wouldn¡¯t call unless there was a life-and-death situation. So I had to make my trip short?


    ¡°Yeah. Cas can do that. Why?¡±


    Cas looked at me as he heard his name. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°About to find out. I need to take the jet home. You okay to charter or flymercial?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the billionaire, of course.¡± He shrugged. ¡°But the people who are excited to see you will be damn disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, bro. You know what to do, and you¡¯re charming than me.¡±


    ¡°They still want to meet the hero turned billionaire, but sure. Just give me an update of whatever is going on back home.¡±


    ¡°I will, and you too. Call me as soon as it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°Will do. Take care.¡±


    ***


    Beck already informed the pilot of the change of flight. ¡°Lucky day. You¡¯re going back home. Linden didn¡¯t give many details, but what¡¯s really going on?¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s sending pictures of Sadie to his brother.¡± The news alone made me on edge. I wanted to break someone¡¯s face right this instant, especially Jasper¡¯s. ¡°That¡¯s why he knew exactly where my wife was when she was not at home.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m going to find out. Someone was also feeding him info aside from those pictures.¡± My knuckles turned white as I looked outside the window of the jet.


    I could feel Beck was staring at me, reading what was on my head.


    ¡°Just say it.¡±


    ¡°You have a suspect, but you don¡¯t want it to be true.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna be right, Beck.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°Hmm. Let me take care of it.¡±


    I tried to get a nap before wended. Every time I closed my eyes, the face of my terrified wife visited me. I wanted to call her, but I informed Linden not to tell her until I arrived. It was better to keep her in the dark until I knew who the culprit was.


    It twisted my gut to keep a secret from her, but she¡¯d been through a rough patch. She just started to have a life peacefully. She was even thrilled to begin working, and I was sure this would ruin her excitement.


    I barely slept when Beck knocked on the door, reminding me that we werending very soon.


    Wended just right in time. Linden was already waiting for us at the airport. I called my wife ahead of time to tell her that there were some changes in ns. As much as I wanted to surprise her with my arrival and make love to her, I had another more pressing matter I had to attend to. I had a lot of things to figure out before I broke the news to her.


    We arrived home, and she instantly saw me.


    ¡°Cenric!¡± Her excitement alone eased the tension in my shoulders, and at the same time, shit tons of guilt twisted painfully in my guts.


    I pulled Sadie in my arms, lifted her, and she instantly snaked her arms around my neck and wrapped her legs around my waist. ¡°I missed you so much.¡±


    ¡°I missed you too, but you¡¯re here now.¡± She kissed me from my forehead, my eyes, to my nose, and my lips.¡±


    ¡°I should travel more often if I get to see this excitement all the time.¡± I let her on her feet.


    Her arms still looped around my neck. ¡°Then you will meet a beautiful girl and forget me.¡± She pouted, pretending to be disappointed.


    ¡°I already have a beautiful girl, and she¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°Unless she¡¯s Kimia.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Yeah. You don¡¯t mind, do you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± Even mentioning Kimia, the character I created, couldn¡¯t hide my perturbing voice.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Her beautiful face had a quizzical expression.


    Fuck. She just saw Beck and Linden grabbing Devin. Her eyes widened in shock. ¡°Cenric, what¡¯s going on? Why are they grabbing Devin as if he stole something from you.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll just talk,¡± I said calmly.


    ¡°That¡¯s not how talking looks like Cenric. What did he do?¡± She had my arm under her grip.


    ¡°It¡¯s what he might have done to you, but if he didn¡¯t, and he¡¯s proven himself that he didn¡¯t do anything wrong, then everything is all right.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡± Her tone was usatory. She raised his chin. ¡°Is that why you came home early? I trust him with my life, and he¡¯s not capable of doing whatever you think he did.¡±


    ¡°Then there¡¯s only one way to prove he¡¯s innocent.¡±


    ¡°Are you also going to interrogate your friends?¡±


    ¡°I trust them with life.¡±


    ¡°Then so do I. Devin didn¡¯t do it,¡± she said firmly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what he did, and stay out of this, Sadie. Let me handle this, okay?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t just ept that it¡¯s okay when you¡¯re interrogating my bodyguard. And when you say handle, are you going to beat the hell out of him?¡± Her eyes started to water while she followed her gaze to my friends and Linden outside the house.


    ¡°Why are you protecting him?¡±


    ¡°Because he protected me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s his job,¡± I pointed out.


    ¡°When no one cared, he did. That¡¯s why I trusted him that he would never hurt me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that.¡±


    ¡°So do you!¡±


    ¡°Do you like him?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I do.¡± Her words stopped me. ¡°He treated me like a person when nobody did!¡±


    ¡°Should I be worried?¡± My jealousy seared me inside out.


    ¡°Of what? Are you kidding me? That¡¯s ridiculous!¡± She cast me a disgusting look. ¡°I like him because he¡¯s kind. I like him like the good brother I never had.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hiring another bodyguard for you. Your closeness and your emotion are clouding your judgment, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unfair!¡±


    ¡°Call it whatever you want, but he¡¯s fired.¡±


    ¡°Then just let him prove to you that he had nothing to do with whatever is going on. And I¡¯ming with you with your little interrogation.¡± She was already sprinting towards Devin¡¯s room.


    ¡°Sadie, don¡¯t do it!¡± I followed her as she crossed the paths toward the guardhouse.


    ¡°Sadie!¡± She pretended not to hear me as she just banged the door. When it opened, she was already inside before Linden could stop her.


    ¡°Oh, my God! Stop it!¡± I watched how she blocked Beck. She used herself to shield Devin. ¡°He didn¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that. Please, Mrs. Wollf. Let me do my job,¡± Beck said.


    ¡°Sadie, get the hell away from him.¡± I stepped closer to her, but she warned me as she stepped back.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this, Cenric. All of you. And you, Beck, this is not the job you are hired for. What you are doing right now is physical assault.¡±


    She looked at busted face Devin and then tears fell from her eyes. Linden turned away, facing the window.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to protect me, Mrs. Wollf. I already told them I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I would die for you. That¡¯s the job I have sworn to¡ªto protect you.¡±


    ¡°You little mutt. We didn¡¯t tell you you¡¯re allowed to talk.¡±


    ¡°Let him talk!¡± my wife yelled at Linden.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting closer to my wife, Devin. You earned her trust to betray her.¡±


    ¡°I would never betray her. Nobody trusted me except her, and I would never do something to break it.¡±


    ¡°Do you have feelings for my wife?¡± I didn¡¯t like my question as I wasn¡¯t ready to hear his answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s absurd, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°Of course I do.¡± He snickered He spat the blood out of his busted lips. I could see the admiration brewing in those eyes, and jealousy scorched inside me. This time, I wanted to take the interrogation into my own hands.


    ¡°Fucking bastard.¡± Beck groaned.


    ¡°She¡¯s like my sister that I failed to protect.¡±


    I clenched my jaw hard enough my teeth would crack. I listened if I already knew his story, and the background check did prove he was telling the truth.


    ¡°My father was a fucking son of a bitch, using my sister and me as his punching bag when he was drunk. When he was sober, he couldn¡¯t remember doing anything and acted as if nothing had happened. It became cycles. When I turned eighteen, we ran away and never heard anything from him again. She went into foster and left when she became an adult. I focused on MMA. Then I got a job and sent her to college. I was fucking fortunate when you hired me. Got the best employer, the best job in the world even if I didn¡¯t have qualifications, and got the best woman to protect.¡±


    The room went silent. My wife kept wiping her face. Linden looked guilty, so did Beck, shaking off his bloody knuckles.


    ¡°What did they suspect you with, Devin?¡± my wife asked.


    ¡°That my loyalty remains to your brother. That I was sending info of your whereabouts, stealing shots, and sending them to Jasper.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Did you do it?¡±


    ¡°Not in my fucking life, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Language,¡± I growled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯m fired. I might end up floating in the river somewhere, but I would die happy by telling you the truth right now. I did not do it.¡±


    ¡°We found pictures in your phone. And the pictures were taken when you were off duty. Twice. Do you think the timing was just a coincidence?¡±


    ¡°When he said he didn¡¯t do, then he did not.¡± I couldn¡¯t believe my wife was still defending him. I admired her tenacity.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean I did it. I never took those pictures. And don¡¯t you think that the person responsible for this was trying to frame me?¡±


    ¡°You have a camera in your room.¡±


    ¡°Because I enjoy photography doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m guilty. And it¡¯s not a crime to follow your passion.¡±


    ¡°Just fucking tell the truth, Devin. My patience is running thin, and you¡¯ve wasted so much of my time. I was supposed to be in LA right now, but because of what you did, I am here, trying to give myself a reason not to break your skull.¡±


    ¡°Break me, punch me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Devin, stop it! Don¡¯t provoke them. Why would you let them beat you if you¡¯re not guilty?¡±


    ¡°I broke their trust, which I can guess they didn¡¯t even trust me in the first ce. Considering my past employer, they are just waiting for the right time to shove it to my face that my loyalty remains to Jasper.¡±


    ¡°I trust you. I still do,¡± my wife added. I admired her loyalty, even if she put it to the wrong person.


    ¡°My brother trusted you,¡± I told him.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Sadie turned her attention to me.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡±


    ¡°My phone is fingerprint protected. You owned giant crypto with Fort Knox security. Figure that out.¡±


    ¡°I try to slide your sarcasm slide, Reece.¡±


    My wife just squeezed her eyes shut as if she had just figured something out before she said, ¡°Damn it.¡±

 Chapter 38

    Weak Link


    SADIE


    Watching Devin beaten up for being wrongly used broke my heart. I wiped my face dry.


    ¡°Untie him, please?¡± I looked at them one by one and to my husband.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Untie him,¡± he ordered Beck. ¡°What is it that you¡¯re not telling me, Sadie?¡±


    ¡°Devin is just the weak link. My brother wants to destroy him for choosing me and changing his loyalty to you. He didn¡¯t take it lightly. Devin knows his dirty little secrets that he can use against him. I know how Jasper thinks, but Devin and I are just pawns for him¡ªthe Achilles heel. His main objective ising after you.¡±


    ¡°What is that he wants for Cenric?¡± Beck asked.


    ¡°I heard my father once that my brother is not capable of running his business or organization, whatever it is. Of course, since I was born, I¡¯m out of his preferences. Women can¡¯t lead. That¡¯s what he believed in.¡±


    My husband snorted. ¡°And he thinks I¡¯m a perfect choice? I¡¯m running my empire. I don¡¯t need his dirty little businesses, thank you very much.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how my brother thinks. You¡¯re still a great threat. And as for my father, it doesn¡¯t matter you¡¯re already a billionaire¡ª¡±


    Devin chortled. ¡°His international organization doesn¡¯t need a billionaire to run, but a strong and cruel who canmand an order with a military background. And who do you think fits that description?¡±


    ¡°Fuck me,¡± Linden said. ¡°You¡¯re gonna be a¡ª¡± Linden managed to stop before he could blurt out something he wanted to say.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°What do you know about my father?¡± I pressed my husband.


    ¡°You¡¯re so naive, Mrs. Wollf. If you still didn¡¯t know the line of business your family is running,¡± Devin answered.


    ¡°If you wouldn¡¯t stop, I might make you stop,¡± Beck threatened Devin.


    ¡°Is there anything I should know about?¡± I gazed at all of them one by one, but none of them wanted to spill the beans.


    ¡°Nothing you don¡¯t already know, Sadie.¡±


    I looked at my husband. ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out myself.¡± I needed to get to the bottom of all of this madness.


    ¡°Back to this matter. Devin, clean up. No phone and no gun. You stay in my sight all the time. Linden, you take Devin¡¯s job temporarily. Beck, I need you in my office.¡±


    ¡°And me?¡± I asked since I left no assignment.


    ¡°Youe with me.¡±


    I followed him when he went out of Beck¡¯s room. ¡°Thank you.¡± I held his hand.


    He squeezed it. ¡°Don¡¯t ever do that stupid stunt again, or you¡¯ll get a spank on your ass, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°You did not even apologize to him. It won¡¯t make you weak in the eyes of your employees, Cenric. It makes you a very honorable man.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t do it,¡± he said firmly.


    ¡°Even to me?¡± I looked at him. There was still a lot going on in his head.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who uses yourself as a shield. You should be the one who should apologize.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, okay? But he¡¯s a good guy. And you know that because you won¡¯t hire him if your gut is telling you he¡¯s not trustworthy.¡±


    ¡°Or my instinct is just wrong to trust him.¡±


    I sat on the chair in the library while he was talking to Theo. I looked at Beck and his knuckles.


    ¡°You should clean that up before it gets infected.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna be fine.¡±


    ¡°I need someone who¡¯s the best in the IT department.¡± My husband was still pissed at something or many things. ¡°I understand that, Theo. That¡¯s why ask a driver to pick him up from his house and send him here.¡±


    ¡°Just wash and remove the bloodstain, Beck. Don¡¯t be a pain in the ass.¡± I stood up and mouthed Cenric, ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    I went to take some antibiotic ointment and bandages from the medicine cab. When I came back, my husband stared at the phone in his hand.


    ¡°Is that Devin¡¯s?¡± I sat beside Beck. ¡°Give me your hand, grouchy.¡±


    ¡°The evidence,¡± Cenric replied.


    Beck just looked at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re scared with a little ointment?¡±


    My husband chuckled. ¡°Just give your hand, man. She won¡¯t break it.¡±


    ¡°Or I might,¡± I muttered under my breath.


    I applied topical antibiotics on the opened skin. ¡°They said the part of your body that is very sensitive to pain is your fingertip?¡± I pressed a gauze on the broken skin, then I opened a roll of bandage and started wrapping around his hand. He had a big and callous hand, just like Cenric.


    ¡°Are you nning on torturing someone?¡± Cenric asked.


    ¡°I know where the guy most painful part.¡±


    Heughed while Beck just shut his thighs close.


    I secured it with the clip. ¡°You¡¯re good to go. It looks like you didn¡¯t break anything.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°I get it, Beck. You¡¯re protecting my husband like your own blood. I¡¯m grateful that he has someone like you who would watch his back all the time. Just don¡¯t take it personally of what I did earlier. I honestly care about all of you. I don¡¯t wish any of you get hurt protecting Cenric or me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve no doubt your husband would do the same for us.¡± Beck examined my handiwork.


    ¡°Flex your hand.¡±


    He did as I said. ¡°You¡¯re like a pro. How did you learn how to do this?¡±


    ¡°If you think my brother broke my arms and I¡¯m in and out of the hospital, nope. My mom was a medical doctor. She was good at what she did.¡± I smiled as I remembered her devotion to her work. ¡°As a kid, I watched and learned a few things from her. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t go to the hospital when I had bruises. ¡°Apply a bag of frozen peas on that. I wanted to be like Mom, but my father forbids another doctor in the family. Either I would finish college in business management, or I wouldn¡¯t go to college if I would take biology.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a controlling tyrant.¡±


    ¡°Do tell, and a selfish son of bitch who only loves nothing but himself.¡±


    The door swung open. It was Linden. ¡°The geek guy is here.¡±


    ¡°The geek guy has a name, and it¡¯s William.¡± He entered with his sling bag, mesmerized,bing his unruly curly hair with his fingers. ¡°Wow! Cool library, Mr. Wollf. And you have a very sophisticated home.¡±


    ¡°You signed a tight NDA, geek guy.¡± Linden just terrified the poor guy. ¡°So you better never disclose this address, or you will lose your job and never touch a keyboard again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think I did not read it? I have a 4. 0 GPA.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just messing you, William.¡± I smiled to make him less frightened. ¡°But it would be great if you would not mention it to anyone.¡±


    ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you can help us out with that phone?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your guy, Mrs. Wollf.¡± He paused. ¡°I mean not your guy, your guy because your guy is Mr. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Can someone please make him stop?¡±


    I red at Linden before I looked back at William. ¡°You¡¯re making me look old, but let¡¯s get this job done, shall we?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I brought myptop with me.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with thisptop?¡± Beck asked the obvious.


    ¡°I have installed¡ª¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t wanna know so long as long as it¡¯s not Wollf Corp. property,¡± Cenric said.


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    ¡°Great. You can sit on my chair.¡±


    ¡°Should you have like thick sses?¡± I knew Linden was messing up with him, and he was definitely amused.


    ¡°Why do you all think we all wear sses?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Cenric answered.


    ¡°So did I,¡± I seconded.


    ¡°This is so cool. You should purchase thetest gaming chair, Mr. Wollf¡ª¡±


    ¡°Start doing your thing,¡± Linden ordered. ¡°If you want to take yourptop home in one piece.


    ¡°Stop it.¡± I elbowed him.


    The door swung open. It was Devin. ¡°You don¡¯t mind?¡± he asked Cenric.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    I understood he wanted to figure himself who framed him as well.


    William connected the phone to hisptop. I stayed on the chair while the four men took an interest in watching as he typed on the keyboard.


    ¡°Damn, he¡¯s good,¡± Beck said.


    ¡°Mr. Wollf picked me up from the college. I guess he saw my potential, and I was over the moon¡ª¡±


    ¡°Work.¡± Linden groaned. ¡°Your job depends on the result of your work, geek guy.¡±


    ¡°I work well when I¡¯m talking.¡±


    ¡°Too bad. You have to make¡ª¡±


    ¡°Done,¡± he proudly announced.


    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± my husband asked.


    ¡°Your phone is hacked.¡±


    ¡°Not mine. You know you¡¯ve installed security on my phone, right? It¡¯s technically unhackable.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah. Then who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Mine.¡± Devin raised his hand.


    ¡°The file is around 4Mb remotely transferred to your phone. You don¡¯t even realize when someone is sending messages from your phone or vice versa.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s creepy. You mean, Devin can send the picture of his junk even if he didn¡¯t do it?¡±


    ¡°Perfect sample, scary guy,¡± William agreed. He started typing again. ¡°And this is the IP address used. ¡°What the¡­hell?¡±


    ¡°Care to share to the technological moron ss here, William?¡± Cenric said.


    ¡°The file was sent from the coffee shop, but the IP address where the hacked done was so sophisticated protected byyered of encryption it¡¯s nearly impossible to decrypt.


    ¡°Hey, genius. Did you forget you¡¯re in front of your boss, boss, boss?¡±


    ¡°Jeez, creepy dude. Didn¡¯t I just say nearly impossible?¡±


    I was fascinated watching him, his eyes focused on the screen, and his fingers had never gotten off the keys. ¡°Did you ever mistype anything?¡±


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m impressed. I could barely type twenty words in one minute.¡±


    My husband looked at me, amused.


    ¡°This guy knows what he¡¯s doing?¡± William dered.


    ¡°You have something inmon then,¡± Beck said.


    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s a geek like me. Here¡¯s the IP address. I managed to triangte before he managed to kick me out¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t exin. All I need is a name. My brain can¡¯t process your exnation, geek guy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give the address then. It¡¯s on Hanson Street, corner of Jefferson¡¯s. Four-story building¡ª¡± He stopped. His eyes widened as if he had just figured out something big, like a conspiracy big kind of a deal. ¡°What. The. Hell?¡±


    ¡°What the hell what, geeky?¡±


    ¡°This is impossible.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Cenric asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s Toby¡¯s apartment.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Pairs of eyes had on me.


    ¡°Care to exin, babe?¡±

 Chapter 39

    Game n


    CENRIC


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was just protecting Zhuri. It¡¯s not her fault.¡±


    ¡°Babe, I know.¡± I squeezed her hand. I was pissed off but not for not telling me something was going on with her friend. And that her brother was already using Zhuri to get information from her. I understood why Zhuri had to give him what he¡¯d asked. ¡°I wish you just that tell me right away.¡±


    ¡°I was also trying to figure out how to tell you and how to solve it without getting tooplicated. What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. No one is gonna touch Zhuri. Your brother might have leverage against her. I need to talk to her in person.¡±


    ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll do that. Don¡¯t get mad.¡± When she looked at me like that, and she used that tone at me, how could I?


    I kissed her forehead. ¡°We¡¯re in this together. And I¡¯m not mad at you. I¡¯m pissed off at your brother, yes. And beyond. Why won¡¯t he just leave us alone?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Beck announced. ¡°Let me first sweep the perimeters.¡±


    ¡°You geek guy, stay in my ass all the time.¡± Linden jumped down the car as soon it parked in front of the four-story brick building.


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait until the apartment is clear,¡± I announced.


    ¡°Maybe I should talk to my brother once and for all.¡± Her suggestion made me growl in anger.


    ¡°Not a fucking chance.¡±


    ¡°I want to know what he wants from me.¡±


    ¡°No, Sadie.¡± I looked at my phone when I received a text. ¡°It¡¯s clear. We¡¯re good to go.¡±


    ¡°Geek guy, in my ass.¡± Linden gestured at him.


    Beck opened the door for us.


    ¡°It¡¯s William.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, Harry.¡±


    ¡°Is he always like this, Mr. Wollf?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for picking me, boss. This is awesome.¡±


    ¡°I never doubted you, William,¡± I told him the truth to boost his confidence. ¡°Now, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Toby¡¯s apartment was on the second floor.


    ¡°Pizza delivery?¡± Beck knocked, pretending to be a pizza guy.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t order pizza,¡± someone answered from inside the apartment.


    Beck dictated the address, ¡°And this is Toby Torres¡¯s apartment, right? It¡¯s pepperoni.¡±


    I heard the bolt unlock. Then he peeked from the gaping door. ¡°I didn¡¯t order pizza, man, but how much?¡±


    ¡°Just open the door, man. I have other boxes to deliver before they decided not to give me a tip.¡± Beck was very convincing.


    ¡°Fine.¡± He opened the door wide. Now I remembered him. He was dancing and drinking with Zhuri. His eyes bulged as soon as he recognized me. The color drained from his face. ¡°Mr. Wollf, what are you doing here?¡± He sounded horrified.


    Linden and Beck were already scanning his apartment.


    ¡°Clear,¡± Beck announced.


    ¡°Do we have to scan for bugs?¡± Linden asked.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± I answered before I focused back my attention on Toby. ¡°Pay you a little visit.¡± My sarcasm did not go unnoticed as I looked around the apartment. His apartment was decent. He was paid well.


    ¡°Sit,¡± I ordered.


    ¡°William, why are you with Mr. Wollf?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer,¡± I demanded as I sat on his couch. ¡°Who forced you to hack into my man¡¯s phone?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± He started trembling.


    ¡°Is he listening to us right now?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s listening?¡±


    ¡°Answer me!¡±


    He jumped at my voice and started sweating.


    ¡°Talk!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± His fingers tremored. ¡°I was with this woman named Zhuri at theunching party. She¡¯s hot¡ª¡±


    ¡°Jesus,¡± Linden said irritably.


    ¡°I thought who¡¯s hot would ever want me. She asked meter if we could go to my apartment.¡±


    ¡°You did not suspect that?¡± Devin asked.


    ¡°I was just trying to getid,¡± at least, he answered truthfully. ¡°When we got here, we were in bed when some guys just knocked on my door, wearing masks, and asked me to hack into someone¡¯s phone or he would hurt Zhuri.¡±


    ¡°Oh, boy. You got yed. They¡¯re working together. For a genius, you¡¯re too dumb,¡± Linden remarked.


    I looked at Linden, irritated. He mouthed his apology.


    ¡°What did he ask you to do? Did he also ask you to hack our HQ?¡±


    ¡°T-tomorrow,¡± he said guilty before he shook to cry.


    ¡°What¡¯s he got on you?¡±


    ¡°He said he knows where my family lives, and if I call the cops or tell anyone, they will hurt them, including my little sister.¡±


    ¡°Beck?¡±


    ¡°Got it, boss. The address of your family, Mr. Torres?¡±


    Beck made a call after Toby told him the address.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mr. Wollf. They threatened my family. It¡¯s okay if he hurt me, but not them.¡±


    ¡°What did he want you to hack?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± He cried again. ¡°He will hurt my family.¡±


    ¡°I have guys on the way to your house to take your family somewhere safe. If I were in your shoe, I would do the same, protect my family and the people that I love. Trust me, or your family gets hurt, you lose the job and go to jail¡ªyour choice. I will sure no one is gonna get hurt, but I won¡¯t let you hack mypany unless you have someone else inside who will do it if you can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°No. I work alone. He told me not to tell anyone.¡±


    I studied him for a moment. He looked so innocent¡ªpoor guy.


    ¡°Of course, he would tell that to you.¡± Linden started to get in my skin.


    ¡°Linden, ask someone to pick up Zhuri from her apartment.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± my wife reacted.


    ¡°Babe, it¡¯s for her own safety. You have my word. He¡¯lle after her and suspect she tells someone.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Where are you gonna take Zhuri?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter,¡± I assured her.


    I went back to scared Toby. ¡°I¡¯m waiting, Mr. Torres.¡±


    ¡°I wanna make sure my family is safe first.¡±


    I changed my tactic. ¡°You know what? This is not a negotiation. Whether you tell me or not, I will figure it out, but you might lose one or two fingernails. Look at Devin here. My guy over there with a bandaged hand¡ªhis name is Beck Corbins, and he beat the hell out of Devin until he got the truth out of him. And Devin is a big guy but still got a broken nose, cracked ribs, busted eyes¡ªfor a guy who does MMA. Beck still has a bandage-free hand. Linden as well is trained to squeeze the truth out of a person. He¡¯s a sniper with a record of a 400-yard. My men are good at what they do. That¡¯s why I handpicked them to protect my wife and me. And you just did something terrible to one of them, and you¡¯re about to destroy one of my most valuable achievements. And I¡¯ve known to be brutal when someone touched what¡¯s mine. I¡¯m giving you onest chance, Mr. Torres, and I¡¯m not known to have long patience.¡±


    He shook to cry, repeatedly apologizing. ¡°I swear I would never do this to you if they did not threaten my family. I admire you, Mr. Wollf, and you¡¯re thest person I wanna disappoint.¡± He even made pig sounds with hups.


    Linden shook hard, not burst outughing, receiving a warning look from me.


    Beck showed him his family in the video. ¡°Talk to your family.¡±


    I felt terrible, but I also had to protect what was mine. Toby was about to do something terrible that would make him regret for the rest of his life to protect his family¡ªa good choice, but there was always a better one.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Toby. What¡¯s going on? This man said we have to go somewhere safe because someone threatened you.¡± His mom looked terrified, but this had to be done. I was tired and fed up with ying cat and mouse with Jasper.


    ¡°Just go with them. Everything¡¯s going to be okay soon, Mom.¡±


    ¡°How about you? You look like your crying?¡±


    ¡°I am because I¡¯m d you¡¯re safe now. I got to go, Mom, Dad. Take care of Jenny.¡±


    My wife walked away to the corner. This must be so heartbreaking for her.


    When the call ended up, I faced Toby. ¡°Now it¡¯s time for you to hold up your end.¡±


    ¡°Promise me you won¡¯t hurt him.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t promise to someone who broke my trust, Toby, but I¡¯m not a killer, and I don¡¯t use families as my leverage. Either you do your part, or I will let your family go, and you will end up at the four feet thick wall of the solitary confinement.¡±


    ¡°He asked me to destroy The Travelers.¡±


    Beck and Linden swore in grunts.


    ¡°Un-fucking-believable.¡±


    ¡°What else?¡± Sadie asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s all, I swear.¡±


    ¡°How would you do that?¡± I taught myself and learned from my developers. I knew a few how to destroy a program or a game.


    ¡°He¡¯s gonna deploy worms online¡ª¡±


    I turned and red at William to shut him.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s the n,¡± Toby agreed.


    ¡°And the game would bepletely gone?¡± I asked nonchntly.


    ¡°It would take months up to years to fix, but you¡¯d rather create a new game once it¡¯s destroyed.¡±


    I understood. For me, it wasn¡¯t about fixing the destroyed game, but the investors, the game reputations, and the gamers would be disappointed knowing their ounts were not safe like how we pledged.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a backup file?¡± Sadie asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about the backup files, but it¡¯s the integrity and the ountability and credibility of the developers.¡± I looked at my wife before I focused back on Toby. ¡°You can do it on your ownptop in this room?¡±


    ¡°No. I have to ess the server by installing my drive.¡±


    I looked at William. He nodded.


    ¡°So technically, everyone has a key ess to the server can destroy it?¡± Linden red at Toby.


    ¡°Yes, sir, with the kind of knowledge like mine and Toby.¡±


    ¡°This is terrifying.¡± My wife looked horrified as she rubbed her arms.


    I agreed with my wife. ¡°Add another security. Hired private security you trust, Beck.¡± He knew what I meant.


    ¡°Consider it done.¡±


    ¡°And you, you will stay with your family until this is over. You are suspended with pay.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    ¡°Pack your bag. If you ever touch aputer or ess the inte. You are over!¡±


    ¡°Noted, sir.¡±


    ¡°Linden, you will babysit William.¡±


    ¡°Fuck no!¡±


    I red at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll babysit Mrs. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°I dislike you, too. Why can¡¯t I go home?¡± William asked.


    ¡°You wanna get kidnapped? Go ahead,¡± Linden said without a filter.


    ¡°By who? By the guy who threatened Toby?¡±


    ¡°Ding ding ding. A nasty one. No remorse. He enjoys pulling out nails and eyeballs.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Enough.¡± I darted at Linden. ¡°What are you doing? I still need his brain and fingers.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not helping, Mr. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯d rather find it yourself?¡± I looked around, and I couldn¡¯t find my wife anywhere. ¡°Where¡¯s Sadie?¡±

 Chapter 40

    Confronting the Demon


    SADIE


    He¡¯s going to kill me. Cenric is going to be so mad at me.


    While he was giving orders to the guys, I sneaked out. I knew he just gave me an order to stay put, but I was not his employee. I wanted to put an end to this madness.


    My brother had gone irate, threatening those two hardworking employees for his own satisfaction. Seeing them so terrified because of my brother¡¯s doing and that family had to leave their home for their safety¡ªthat was just horribly wrong and unfair.


    Cenric could be furious at me. I cared about him, but Jasper had targeted hispany. I couldn¡¯t just watch him as he ruined lives and my husband¡¯s properties. I had to do something. Maybe, my way would not cause more chaos to both parties.


    I hailed a cab to a coffee shop where I knew it was exposed, and my brother could not hurt me in public. I also had to be careful with a possible viral video of Jasper and me in a heated argument.


    I just didn¡¯t get it, though, on why people like to post shits on social media. I didn¡¯t understand their fascinations of something embarrassing, idiocy, and a waste of time.


    I called his number in a phone kiosk. It was terrifying to hear his voice again, but I wouldn¡¯t let him control my life. His terror shouldn¡¯t keep my life under his control. He was a bully, a sick asshole, I knew. And I was a better person than him.


    It was a short conversation. I hung up as soon as he agreed to meet me. So Jasper was not in another State after all.


    I looked around warily and behind me. People were bustling with their lives, cars and taxis passed by, and nothing out of the ordinary while I was here walking into a death trap.


    I resisted with all my strength of running back, but my legs tightened as I walked into the cafe where we agreed to meet. I ordered atte even if my gut was twisting. I just wanted to hold to something warm to keep my fingers from shaking.


    The bell dinged a few minutester, indicating someone had just entered. I knew without a doubt, and I didn¡¯t have to turn around to look who had just walked in. I could feel it in my gut, in my skin, the hair at the back of my neck just erected.


    The moment his height shadowed over me, I knew there was no turning back. His smell was sickening. His presence seemed to darken the entire establishment.


    ¡°Hello, sis,¡± he greeted me, seemed enthusiastic. It was just his way of taunting me, and it still did.


    ¡°Jasper,¡± I returned the courtesy. He upied the seat across mine. I was about to look at him, but I managed to draw a deep breath before I met his gaze. He still hadn¡¯t changed, the same bastard he was. If he wasn¡¯t my brother, or I knew how cruel an asshole he was, he wasn¡¯t so bad.


    Jasper was the epitome of a perfect evil in disguise. He was handsome, tall, with maic blue eyes. He had dark thick hair he got from my father and a sharp squared jaw. It would be easy for him tond a movie role as a sexy action hero if our father raised him well.


    Thankfully my order had arrived. I carefully wrapped my fingers around the cup before I arched a brow at him.


    He was smiling at me as if judging me if I was still the girl he hit weeks ago that cowered if he raised his hand.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed, sis. A lot.¡±


    ¡°People changed, Jasper. Only you who still stuck in your own nightmare.¡± I managed to say words without stuttering.


    ¡°Well, look at you. Wollf did change you, didn¡¯t he? He really has a way with chicks.¡±


    ¡°Your point?¡±


    ¡°You look good.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Well, hedidn¡¯t tie me or hide me underground. So yes, I¡¯m doing great. Now, let¡¯s cut to the chase, Jasper. What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    He crossed his arms over his chest. He was obsessed with keeping his body fit. And let us be honest here, it looked good on him. At least he had something to do better than terrorize me.


    ¡°Why do you hate Cenric so much?¡± I grew cautious when he stared at me longer than necessary. ¡°Are we just going to do a staring contest? It won¡¯t take any longer before he finds me, or he might already do.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re scared of him?¡±


    ¡°No. I respect my husband.¡± I red at him. ¡°I left without telling him. And he¡¯s gonna be angry after the stunt you pulled to his employees. He¡¯s on edge and riled because of you. Why can¡¯t you just leave me alone? Why do you keep harassing my friend and me?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°So he found out about my n?¡± he simply asked, and it pissed me off as if he was not about to destroy a multi-million dor product.


    ¡°What do you get from this, Jasper? What exactly do you want?¡± I narrowed my eyes at him. ¡°Money?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be  Dad¡¯s chosen sessor,¡± he started.


    ¡°And what does Cenric has to do with all of this?¡± I asked as if I didn¡¯t already know. Or I was missing something big in here. ¡°Maybe this is good for you to start fresh.¡±


    ¡°Cenric is not interested in taking the position that I, by blood, is my birthright. What does he know of running this line of business? He also has billions¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes, he does. Then why are you so threatened? He loves hispanies, and I can assure you he married me not to take over Dad¡¯s business. He has enough. He¡¯s not interested in anything Greer-rted. So leave us alone and let us cheerfully live our lives, Jasper.¡±


    ¡°Then let him talk to our father, let him convince that he¡¯s not interested. I work hard for this position. I am the rightful sessor. Our father can¡¯t just change his mind because Cenric had more power and money than me. It doesn¡¯t work that way. For over generations, it never changed. The son of the leader will always be the sessor and will take over when he retired or died.¡±


    ¡°Then prove it to our father that you deserve it. Change to be a better person¡ª¡±


    ¡°You, little brat are so fucking naive,¡± he hissed. In seconds, he suddenly changed to the monster I once knew.


    ¡°Who made me this naive? Because I was born with a vagina, I don¡¯t have the right to know? Who¡¯s fault is that?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t do any good in this line of business, little sis. You have to have a thick skin, ruthless, don¡¯t bend no matter what the circumstances or else, no one will respect you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a sick prick. Don¡¯t me our father if he just hands it to someone else on a silver tter. I know nothing about what¡¯s going on, and I can feel it that I better be left in the dark, and I don¡¯t give a damn. I¡¯m out of it for twenty-five million dors, thank you very much. One thing I can say, you disappointed him very much he dethroned you.¡±


    ¡°Fucking bitch,¡± he spat, but for the first time, I didn¡¯t flinch. He leaned over. Our faces were merely an inch apart, then he looked around, and he seemed to gather a few audiences. When he red at them one by one, they went back to whatever they were doing.


    ¡°This fucking bitch worth millions that if you ever touch me again, it would cost your life.¡± I copied him and crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°And my father still owed Cenric a lot. If you touch me or eveny a finger on a strand of my hair, I will dly tell Cenric to buy whatever line of business you are so deeply invested in or even your life. I wonder how much you cost? A penny?


    How manyws did you break, Jasper? How many people did you hurt? How many threats did you throw? I am the living evidence, Jasper. So before you fucking threaten someone or a family, make sure you know who are they working for? You just crossed Cenric, and from the very beginning, he¡¯s not a fan of you. Leave him, or I will do everything in my power to put you behind bars.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me now because you have someone you think will protect you?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered quickly. ¡°I am threatening you because, for years, I¡¯m sick of you controlling my life. You¡¯ve punished me for unknown reasons. I won¡¯t let you do that to me again or anyone. You bully, son of a bitch. Either you leave me alone, or you will be forced to leave me alone. Your choice.¡±


    He was about to say something when something caught his eyes. He slumped his back against the chair. He pressed his lips into a thin line, his nose ring, his eyes narrowing as if at any moment, he could jump into me and tear me to shred.


    I thought I might have just figured out who was sitting behind me. The sensation, the awareness returned, and the warmth quickly wrapped around me like the mostfortable nket in the winter.


    Cenric.

 Chapter 41

    The Tracker


    CENRIC


    ¡°Where the fuck is my wife?¡± I yelled at the three of them. They were the best, and I just proudly told Toby, yet a woman who was not capable of escaping managed to sneak out from them in broad daylight. ¡°Are you all just gonna fucking look at me?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one thing I think she would do,¡± Beck replied. ¡°She¡¯s going to meet her brother.¡±


    ¡°I can find her if you let me use aputer,¡± Toby suggested.


    ¡°No!¡± we chorused.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He cowered into his seat.


    ¡°Let me find her,¡± William offered.


    ¡°No need,¡± I told him. ¡°I can¡¯t believe my finest men just get yed by a woman.¡± I fished out my phone and tapped on the app.


    ¡°Your wife is a smart woman. You just underestimated her, sir,¡± Devin said.


    I lifted my gaze from the screen to him. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for yourpliment and opinion. And, of course, my wife is smart. Why else would I marry a beautiful butcking intelligence?¡± I focused on the screen again. ¡°Jesus Christ, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Beck asked. My two stupid best friends also came to me.


    ¡°No, no, no. You didn¡¯t¡ª¡± Linden pursed his lips, unimpressed. ¡°She will kill you, man.¡±


    ¡°Why? For protecting my own?¡± I red at him.


    ¡°You can ping her phone. And this is a vition of her rights and trust.¡± Beck shook his head in disappointment.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see it¡¯s your fucking business. I¡¯ll do however I see fit. She¡¯s my wife, and I didn¡¯t know her very well back then. Given her history, I have to keep her insight.¡±


    ¡°I still disagree with this.¡± Devin shrugged, clearly, disagreeing with my way of keeping my woman on tabs.


    ¡°Did I ask your opinion, Devin?¡±


    He shrugged again. ¡°No, sir. I know nothing in this job is easier. But if she finds out, and she eventually will, she¡¯s gonna be so pissed off with you. She¡¯s a smart woman, sir. With all due respect. I¡¯m gonna shut my mouth now.¡±


    ¡°Is this what I think it is?¡± It was William.


    ¡°Hey, geeky. Stay out of your boss boss boss¡¯ business. This is above your pay grade. Anything you see and hear, this goes down on you two, geniuses.¡± Linden pointed at Toby as well. ¡°And will not get out of this room.¡±


    ¡°Of course. What happens here stays here. Got it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get my wife.¡±


    ¡°You Linden will babysit Cerf and Kahn. Devin and I will go with the big bad wolf. He doesn¡¯t think straight when ites to his wife.¡± Beck followed me to the door.


    ¡°I pretend I didn¡¯t hear that.¡±


    At the car, I remained calm even if my blood was simmering inside. I just specifically told her to stay put that we were in this together to figure out how to deal with Jasper. She didn¡¯t take my words seriously. Instead, she did what I just told her not to, by putting herself at risk and making everyone worry.


    ¡°I know that look, man.¡± Devin talked to Beck.


    ¡°She knows what she¡¯s doing.¡± Beck kept on looking at me through the rearview.


    ¡°Just fucking drive.¡± I clenched my jaw hard enough not to scream out my frustration. I had enough conscience that kept me awake at night, and my wife would like to add more to it.


    ¡°He¡¯s not gonna hurt her public.¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°Well, then you know nothing about that son of a bitch. He could drug her, take her somewhere, and hit her. When we found her, she¡¯s already beaten to death.¡± I blinked fast when my eyes started to burn.


    ¡°You always think of the worse scenario, don¡¯t you? You failed once, yeah, but it was not your fault, and it doesn¡¯t mean you will fail again. Everything is not in your hands, C. She also knows what she¡¯s doing. She wants to help.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, tell her that,¡± I cursed under my breath. ¡°Damn it, Sadie. She couldn¡¯t stay put and do it with me. Jesus, I had never met a woman who defied me. She will¡ª¡± I pursed my lips and sighed exasperatingly as I looked outside the window.


    ¡°Says pot to the kettle.¡±


    ¡°Because you never met someone like her, and you¡¯ve never been in love. Your emotions are still foreign to you.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I¡¯m in love.¡± Jesus! My chest constricted so painfully. ¡°I¡¯m pissed off because she¡¯s reckless!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to, sir.¡±


    ¡°So you two are best buddies now? You might as well share recipes.¡± I swore I just saw Devin smile no matter how hard he tried to hide it from me. Unbelievable.


    ¡°I have eyes and ears. Those senses I can¡¯t shut off. Deny all you can, but you are madly and deeply in love with your wife. That¡¯s not such a bad thing, C.¡±


    ¡°I agree with you, man.¡± Wow! They suddenly became best fucking pals. Beck just broke his nose, yet, they were about to make a blood pact together.


    I shook my head in disbelief.


    ¡°You¡¯re taking strength from her. When you think her life is in danger, your feelings y a huge role¡ªhow you act, not your instinct. I understand why your judgment is clouded when ites to Sadie.¡±


    He would not just shut his mouth up. I knew what he was doing¡ªhe was taunting me¡ªthat what I did was hical. And, at the same time, he was shoving the idea into my face that I was madly in love with Sadie.


    ¡°Just shut the fuck up, Corbin. I have enough of this shit for the day.¡±


    He looked at me one more time. ¡°I love you too, bro. I got the feeling that this is gonna be a very long day.¡±


    I ignored him. I didn¡¯t know why he was so calm while I couldn¡¯t even breathe. I was choking with so much pressure and emotions I lost control.


    Yeah, he was right on one thing, I was madly in love with my wife. I had cared and loved, but I had never been this madly in love I couldn¡¯t think straight. And I didn¡¯t know if this was a good or a bad thing.


    I looked at my phone again. We were close. Good thing, though, Sadie stayed in one ce, and at the same time, it terrified me why she wasn¡¯t moving. ording to the location ping showing on the screen, she was in the cafe.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably right. She¡¯s going to meet that asshole.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just call her phone?¡± Devin asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s just gonna find out that I know she¡¯s gone and that we are looking for her.¡±


    ¡°If she doesn¡¯t want to be found, she would probably turn off her phone, or if she¡¯s in danger, her brother already broke or threw it away.¡± I agreed with Beck.


    I located her phone. ¡°It¡¯s on.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good news. Stop thinking negatively. She¡¯s going to be alright. She¡¯s one of the strongest women I know.¡±


    ¡°I know, Beck.¡± I drew a deep breath, closed my eyes, and thought of her. She meant the world to me. I hoped she knew that even if I hadn¡¯t told her.


    I shook my head. Sometimes, you had realized your biggest regret was not telling the person you care about how much they meant to you until it was toote. I wouldn¡¯t want that to happen to me.


    ¡°We¡¯re here. Don¡¯t approach unless¡ª¡±


    ¡°I fucking know.¡±


    Before I could climb out, Beck called my name.


    ¡°What?¡± I was still pissed off and terrified.


    ¡°I would not let anything happen to her, brother.¡±


    For a moment, I froze, in shock, that he also cared about my wife the way he cared for me. I nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay and watch your six.¡± Devin stayed in the car.


    We silently stepped into the cafe like any other customer. Before we got in, we did not see Jasper¡¯s men. I would be surprised if he came alone. He was always cautious all the time, given his way of living.


    I instantly spotted my wife and Jasper at the corner, but they had not seen us yet¡ªit was an advantage.


    I upied a table away from my wife. Beck chose the empty stool and ordered whatever he preferred and ck coffee for me.


    The siblings were definitely in a heated argument, but I was relieved that she was fine and did a great job facing the demon sitting across her.


    I grew impatient as I listened to their conversations. At the back of my head, I could feel Beck was shooting a re at me, saying to stay put.


    My coffee arrived. I tried to sip it even if my full attention at Sadie. When my wife started talking back, I put my coffee down.


    Saide was just full of surprises. I felt my lips curve into a smile. She made me proud for standing up against her brother. For the first time, I agreed with hering over and showing Jasper who she was.


    I should have trusted and believed in her more.


    Before my smile faded, Sadie turned around. As if she knew I was there and where to find me. She gave me a question-look.


    I stood up and walked to their table. ¡°I miss my wife. I swear I was just talking to the two idiots.¡± I joined them, pecking her on the lips. ¡°When I turned around, she was gone. I thought she went out for coffee or bought something rather than listening to me chiding my geniuses but stupid employees.¡±


    ¡°Cenric.¡± Jasper¡¯s tone was cold, with no traces of conscience or guilt. This motherfucker had the guts.


    I met his gaze as I showed him ack of interest. ¡°My wife said what she wanted to tell you. In less than five minutes, if you won¡¯t leave the premises, the cops will arrive and arrest you for plotting a terrorist attack and plotting damage to private property. And intimidation alone can lock you up, up to two years.¡± I exaggerated a little, but I was tired of seeing him intimidating my wife, and I didn¡¯t want to see his face again.


    He tapped his fingers on the table. ¡°This is not over.¡±

 Chapter 42

    Tensions


    SADIE


    The trip home was the most excruciating and awkward I had. No one had tried to break the silence. I kept my mouth shut as well. I didn¡¯t want to cause more anger to Cenric than I already had. I could also feel that he was about to erupt like a dormant volcano.


    What kept me thinking was how to deal if he would do what I felt I deserved. Even if he would cut my inte privilege again, I would dly ept his retribution. But I did what I thought would help us, and I had no regrets.


    The silence was killing me. I could even hear my own heartbeat. Cenric¡¯s eyes were on his phone, and he was typing the entire time, but I didn¡¯t miss the way his jaw tensed.


    Beck and Devin noticed the tension, but they didn¡¯t say anything. Beck turned on the Podcast instead¡ªthe topic was about the kids who were the casualties in a war.


    I managed to divert my tension as I listened with him. I stole nces at my husband once in a while. I wondered what was in his head.


    He ran a billion-dor empire, and I knew there was always a threat, but it happened the threat just came from the brother of his wife. How did I think people react to that if Jasper was sessful. Cenric almost lost the game, they worked hard for months, and he never dragged me into it. He hadn¡¯t med me. Yet.


    I closed my eyes when it started to water. I was grateful to Cenric¡ªGod knew I was. He gave me this second chance, and I blew it in his face.


    Since my father threw my mother out of our lives, I¡¯d never been this content. And Cenric never demanded anything from me. All he wanted was for me to be safe. This man had nothing but kind, considerate, and thoughtful.


    When we finally arrived at the house, Linden looked at us, confused. Beck managed to give him a cue before Linden could press him.


    I followed my husband climbing up into our room. When he hadn¡¯t said a thing, I dropped my bag into the couch and held his arm.


    He turned to me, meeting my gaze. All I saw was pain, a kind of pain that I¡¯d never seen before. It taunted me. He was hurting, and here I was, thinking everything was okay.


    ¡°Just say it.¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°Just say¡ª¡± I held my thought because honestly, it would hurt me the most if he said okay, sure, good, great, that¡¯s what I¡¯ve been meaning to say. I just don¡¯t want you to think that I didn¡¯t try my best those kinds of crap. ¡°Just say you want me to move out.¡± I nodded. ¡°And I will.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± One word that made me more confused.


    ¡°I went against your will. I didn¡¯t consult you or tell you before I made that stupid decision to meet my brother. I just wanted to help. I saw how those kids were so terrified, and I¡¯m sure Zhuri as well. I wanted to put an end to it. I know if I apologize to you right now, it would mean nothing to you anymore, but I still will do it. I¡¯m so sorry I should¡ª¡±


    He stopped me with a kiss, a kind of kiss that weakened my knees¡ªit made my heart gallop. It was a kiss that gave me hope that everything was going to be okay.


    He broke the kiss and pressed his lips against my forehead before he squeezed me into a hug. ¡°That was reckless, yes. And I was more scared of not seeing you again. I was scared, that¡¯s why I always told you not to do things rush. I trust you, and I believe in your ability to handle things. But I don¡¯t believe and trust myself enough. I should haven¡¯t doubted you.¡±


    ¡°I was just afraid that you¡¯d say no.¡±


    ¡°I probably would. I was so scared that you might get hurt or he would take you away from me, Sadie. You¡¯re the best thing that ever happened to me.¡±


    Did I hear it right? My jaw dropped with a thud. My heart stopped for a second, and I held my breath for as long as I could. I was gripping into his shirt as I shut my eyes close to making sure I wasn¡¯t dreaming that what I heard was true¡ªthat this was real¡ªwhatever cosmic kind of fate we had.


    I finally let go of a shuddering breath and my grips against his shirt. I looked up to meet his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re not mad at me?¡±


    He narrowed. ¡°Mad? Try saying raging, perilous, lunatic. Of course, I was fucking mad!¡±


    I swallowed hard, and he was still ring at me.


    ¡°Let me guess, the next thing you¡¯d say, what were you thinking? Are you out of your fucking mind?¡± I mimicked his voice.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t sound like that.¡± He pouted, and I thought it was cute for the big baddest Wollf.


    ¡°Really? I thought you sounded just like that.¡±


    He held my hand. ¡°Come.¡± He took a seat on the couch. I sat on herp. ¡°I was scared in tours. I guess that¡¯s made us human¡ªto be scared. I felt worse the moment you were at my back, and then, suddenly, you were gone.¡± He pressed his face against my cleavage. ¡°I couldn¡¯t afford to lose you.¡±


    ¡°I know. I worth twenty-five million dors.¡± I ran my finger against his thick hair.


    ¡°You are priceless to me, babe. You¡¯re more than that twenty-five million dors. And I hope you stop saying that.¡±


    I pouted as I cupped his face, forcing him to look at me. ¡°Why, big guy, are you gonna punish me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d enjoy my kind of punishment, babe. So I wouldn¡¯t do that.¡± He smirked. ¡°Just don¡¯t do that to me again. I was actually nning on punishing you, maybe fucking you but won¡¯t let youe. How about that? But when I heard how you defend me, how you stood up against him, I think you just gave me a hard-on my zipper almost gave up.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± I traced his lips with my thumb. It was unbelievably soft and firm. ¡°Is it always everything about your dick now, huh?¡±


    He looked amused. His eyes sparkled. ¡°You like it a lot.¡±


    I bit my bottom lip. His gaze dropped, and eyes darkened. I started feeling his cock growing hard against my butt. ¡°I do. But you are pissed. So we call it a night.¡± I rose from hisp, ignoring the ache on my clit.


    ¡°Really? I know you are wet, babe.¡±


    I turned around, bent over, my palms pressed against the armrest. His gaze focused on my boobs. ¡°Even if I am, I know just how to find a relief and dull the ache.¡±


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t want me anymore?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. But for now, I¡¯m okay with my finger.¡± I walked away, swaying my hips a little because I could feel his scalding gaze against my ass. I entered my bathroom, stripped off my clothes, and went to shower.


    A momentter, I was under the spray, and I felt someone just join me. I grabbed the bottle of shower gel and offered it to him. ¡°Care to help?¡±


    He chuckled and took it from me. ¡°More than help if you would ask nicely.¡± He startedthering the gel on my shoulder, down to my back. Then both his palms, he rubbed my ass in a circr motion and squeezed it a little. I knew what he was doing. ¡°It¡¯s really one fine ass.¡±


    ¡°Are you still applying soap, Cenric?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very thorough, babe. You should know by now.¡± His hands traveled down my legs. He must have knelt.


    I squeezed my eyes shut when my skin responded against his touch. The way he paid attention and ran his fingers, he knew what he was doing to warm me up.


    I braced my palm against the wall. My body voluntarily followed our silentmand. I bent over. In an instant, I cried out at the first touch of his tongue against my ass.

 Chapter 43

    Dirty Little Secrets


    CENRIC


    After we fucked in the shower, we made love in bed. It was intense and addicting as I watched and gave what made her craze and bend to her desire.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been silent.¡±


    I look down at her. I was running my fingers against her soft skin while her head was on my hip. Her hand was just on my lower abs, and her arm was literally on my dick.


    ¡°Just thinking about what your brother said.¡±This is not over.


    ¡°Find something to stop him, even if he will go to jail. It¡¯s better than threatening an innocent guy who works hard to meet his needs.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to lock your brother up. You should know that your father has some connections both in the government and criminal world.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she lifted her head, staring at me in shock. She really had no idea about her family, had she?


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna let you carry the burden of your family secret.¡± I shook my head. ¡°You are with me now.¡±


    ¡°I want to know. I need to know. I have the right to know, Cenric. How did you know about that?¡± I knew she would drill me with questions. ¡°Are you involved?¡±


    ¡°No, babe. Trust me on this. You can¡¯t know. You¡¯d be an aplice to your family. Forget that I said something and think of it that I slipped up.¡±


    She sat on the bed, fully naked. ¡°I need to know. Howe I didn¡¯t¡ªis it true?¡±


    ¡°Babe, stop asking questions. I never promise, but this time, I promise I will tell you when it¡¯s the right time.¡±


    ¡°I want to know everything.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t disclose. Just trust me on this, okay?¡± I rubbed her arms and pulled her into me.


    ¡°Why did you give them money if you know my family is involved in something terrible?¡±


    ¡°Stop asking, please?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± She pouted.


    ¡°Right now, you don¡¯t have to. When the right timees, I will tell you everything. That¡¯s a promise. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been trying to tell you to be very careful because what I¡¯ve been doing is to protect and keep you away from your family.¡±


    ¡°So this has nothing to do with me being your property?¡± Jesus, she was breaking my heart. The sadness was so deep in her eyes.


    ¡°What is important is you are safe with me. I will protect you with my life. I would never let anything happen to you.¡±


    ¡°Why would you do that? I¡¯m a daughter of a what? A criminal?¡±


    ¡°Your father¡ª¡± I pursed my lips. ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it.¡±


    She threw herself to me and shook to cry in my arms. ¡°I had these feelings since when I was young. I heard him fight with my mother, but I thought it was just a marriage thing they talked nonsense when they were angry.¡±


    ¡°Hush, babe.¡± I ran my fingers through her hair, hoping she would calm down.


    ¡°You saved me.¡±


    ¡°We saved each other. You changed me into a better man.¡±


    ¡°I want you to stay away from them. I don¡¯t want to taint your name and yourpany. You have so much to lose, Cenric. They are not worth it. My family is still my blood, but I don¡¯t want them to hurt anyone anymore, especially you.¡±


    ¡°I can take care of myself.¡±


    ¡°They are bad people, Cenric. I can feel it, and it made me sick knowing that I have their blood in my veins.¡±


    ¡°You did not choose this. You did not choose to be born in that family. What is important is you are with me now. You are protected.¡±


    After our long hour of cuddling, she finally fell asleep but still had hups in her sleep.


    ***This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    I woke early and found Beck in the gym. ¡°She knows now.¡±


    Beck red at me. ¡°What the fuck did you say?¡±


    ¡°I want her to stay away and not meet any member of her family anymore so that I can protect her. Contrary to popr belief, the only way to protect her is to tell her the truth. Now she would take precautions and be more vignt.¡±


    ¡°How much she knows?¡±


    ¡°Not much. Just her father is involved with bad people.¡±


    Beck grunted, ¡°That¡¯s all?¡±


    ¡°I know how hard it is to keep secrets.¡± I warmed up on the treadmill. ¡°I still carry many.¡±


    ¡°Not for long, bro.¡± He went to weigh-lifting. ¡°I get this feeling that it will blow out in our faces soon.¡±


    ¡°Any other developments?¡±


    ¡°I wish I have. I had to tell my contact to stop digging.¡± Beck suddenly stopped. I knew my wife was near. I could feel it.


    ¡°Oh, for God¡¯s sake. Aren¡¯t you scared taking secrets into your grave?¡± She walked in with a workout outfit.


    ¡°I wish not to die right now, Sadie.¡± It was the first time I heard Beck call her by her name, making me smile.


    ¡°Me too. I have a lot of things to live for. I still want to go to Italy and eat a lot of pizza, pasta with a lot of tomatoes, olives, and cheese.¡±


    My smile widened.


    ¡°That¡¯s very specific,¡± Beckmented.


    ¡°I also want to ride in a horse. When I was a kid, my father chose me to be a ballet dancer than to train me horse riding.¡± She went to the cycling bike.


    I imagined the cute little Sadie in a pink tutu. She would look good in horse riding gear as well.


    ¡°I can teach you. My family has a ranch.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding?¡± Her eyes just sparkled in excitement.


    ¡°You still have a business to run, babe.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a killjoy. I know that.¡± She sighed dreamily. ¡°Finally, I have something to wake up in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Your husband is not enough?¡±


    She looked down at Beck. ¡°You mean someone to keep me awake.¡±


    Beckughed out loud. I was blushing because she had just burned me. For the first time, my cheeks burned, not in embarrassment because everyone knew, and just by looking at us, they figured we had a fantastic sex life.


    ¡°Oh, man.¡± Beck shook his head in amusement. ¡°I have no doubt. But I love this guy. Give him what he wants, and you make everyone¡¯s job a lot easier.¡±


    ¡°Is he that scary when in the boss mode?¡±


    ¡°You have no idea. Not to me, at least.¡±


    ¡°Well, he gave me another chance. I can say it goes both ways.¡±


    ¡°Good. That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Okay, enough talking about me as if I am not around.¡±


    After an hour of exercise and talking about how Beck and I met, we showered separately.


    Devin and Linden were busy with breakfast. Beck joined uster on.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you hire a chef or a cook?¡± Sadie asked me.


    ¡°Do you want me to?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Not really. At least, not now.¡±


    ¡°Tired of my cooking?¡±


    She smiled at Linden. ¡°No. I just thought you needed a break. You¡¯re tired of cooking for five heads and keeping this man safe.¡±


    ¡°Aside from watching Cenric¡¯s ass, I loved to cook.¡±


    ¡°I enjoy photography,¡± Devin announced. ¡°I guess everyone should have hobbies outside work.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t figured out what I love to do,¡± she said.


    ¡°Really? Other than saving people¡¯s ass and caring a lot that put your life in danger instead?¡± Linden asked.


    ¡°I guess if you can consider that. Am I really that person?¡± Her expression filled with curiosity.


    ¡°You have a heart of gold. You arepassionate and want to make this world a better ce. What else do you want in life?¡±


    She went silent for a while until Devin announced that breakfast was ready.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I held her thigh under the table.


    ¡°More than okay.¡± She beamed. ¡°Do you have ns after this?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll go to the ranch.¡± Beck just shared our secret.


    ¡°You are no fun, man.¡± Devin pped him on his shoulder.


    ¡°That¡¯s a little bit strong, Devin.¡±


    ¡°Look at me in the face, Corbin?¡± He was pointing at his bruises.


    ¡°You have an ugly face before, and now, well, uglier.¡±


    ¡°Will you stop? What are you two bickering about? You both don¡¯t have girlfriends anyway.¡± She rolled her eyes.


    We all stared at my wife for a moment before we burst intoughter.

 Chapter 44

    The Corbins


    SADIE


    ¡°Oh, my God!¡± I peeked my head out of the window of a running SUV. I always dreamed of living on a farm full of cattle, horses, sheep and having freshly gathered eggs from the chicken coop for breakfast. ¡°This is awesome! Marry me, Beck!¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t just say that while you¡¯re beside your husband.¡±


    ¡°Wow! This is vast.¡± I ignored Cenric just spanked my butt.


    ¡°200 hundred acres,¡± Beck said proudly. He was sitting on the passenger¡¯s seat while he let Devin drive.


    It was a fantastic trip. We chatted and yed scrabbles, and I never won while my husband was on hisptop the entire trip.


    Beck was full of surprises. He was kind of chatty and had won all the time when not on the clock. He was smarter than any of us, I guess.


    ¡°Nice house, bro,¡± Devinmented as we entered the iron-wrought gate. The two-story ranch-style house with a devoted patio came to view.


    ¡°Thanks. Been for Corbin for generations.¡±


    ¡°So, you eat meat every day?¡± What a stupid question to ask. I sat back in. ¡°I think I¡¯d stay here if you don¡¯t mind. I can clean dung. Are you looking for help?¡±


    The truck drove by a thick mustache guy parked before us. Apparently, Linden had a thing with trucks like monster-type ones.


    I was thest one toe out of the SUV. Then a gray-haired older man came out from the house. That must be Beck¡¯s father. Then a blonde woman followed. I would not miss the resemnce to Beck. I didn¡¯t even know he had a sister.


    ¡°Paps.¡± He pulled the old man in a hug.


    ¡°Ah, son.¡± He patted Beck on the back.


    ¡°I know, I know. Don¡¯t embarrass me in front of Cenric.¡±


    His father justughed it out. I wondered what it was all about.


    ¡°Sis?¡±


    ¡°You get a spank in your little butt if Cenric is not around. Come here.¡± His sister gestured. ¡°I miss you.¡±


    My eyes misted. I wished we had this kind of rtionship. Unfortunately, my brother was an asshole.


    ¡°Cenric, my boy.¡±


    ¡°Austin.¡± They hugged each other. I guessed this family was huger. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    ¡°You mean almost four years, son. I thought you lost your way down here.¡±


    ¡°Never. You¡¯re a family. And this is my second home. It just took me a while.¡± He smiled sadly. ¡°I want you two to meet someone. This is my wife, Sadie.¡±


    I smiled shyly, offering a handshake.


    ¡°We don¡¯t do handshake down here, girl.¡± He smiled back. ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± He squeezed me into a hug.


    ¡°Forgive Paps. He considers everyone around me his children,¡± Beck murmured.


    ¡°Finally, it¡¯s good to meet the woman who makes Cenric swoon. I¡¯m Becka. Beck¡¯s big sister.¡± It went the same thing, hugging.


    Cenric introduced Devin. Linden, they knew him already.


    Even if my family had mansions, I was still amazed. The ambiance didn¡¯t feel like this was so weing, even in my own house.


    The spacious home had a long b table in the center and a grand piano beside the staircases.


    The dinner was like a huge party, with plenty of food on the table. From steaks to potatoes, a bunch of side dishes, and vegetables. The Tomahawk steak alone could feed me the entire weak. The bone was bigger than my radius.


    ¡°That¡¯s how Beck eats.¡± Becka was friendly and so kind with a big sister vibe.


    ¡°I would say I¡¯m not surprised.¡± I looked at Beck. He was homey. I felt like he missed his family a lot.


    ¡°Taste the meat from our very own cattle,¡± Austin said. The pride glittered in his eyes.


    ¡°Thank you for having us here on short notice.¡± I sliced my meat.


    ¡°I missed these guys around. My son barely called home. When he calledst night, I thought he¡¯de home with a tiny Becker in his arms.¡±


    ¡°Paps.¡± Beck groaned.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I didn¡¯t even know his name was Becker. I always thought Beck was just short for Beckett.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll find someone.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully, soon before¡ª¡±


    ¡°Paps, you¡¯re not that old,¡± Becka said. I wondered if she was single. It seemed that there were only the two of them who lived here.


    The medium-rare was perfection. Even Gordon Ramsay would agree with me. The time and temperature of cooking steaks were meticulous, but judging by the look alone and the tenderness of the meat, this was by far the best steaks I ever had.


    I chewed with a nod. I might have just closed my eyes to savor the delicious piece of meat melted in my mouth. When I opened my eyes, they were all looking at me.


    ¡°Sorry. Did I gobble?¡± I looked at my amused husband.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly the reaction I wanted to see.¡±


    ¡°And they thought I starved you, Sadie. This is so good, Austin.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you like it.¡± Becka smiled delightfully.


    ¡°When Becka lost her husband, and my son barely came home, the ce seemed so deste. I want to see them both¡ª¡±


    I thought I just heard myself gasp in shock. My lips parted as I just realized something.


    ¡°Paps.¡± Beck groaned again. This time his face in mncholy, so did Cenric. Becka smiled sadly.


    Realization hit me hard in the chest. I just realized Becka¡¯ste husband was their friend. A member of their team?


    ¡°Let me finish. As your father, thest thing I wish for the two of you is to be both happy and have a family. When you grow old, you¡¯ll realize that it¡¯s not so happy to be alone anymore. I had a great life with your mother¡ªthat¡¯s what keeps me going, and of course, you two. I might have given up this ranch if those good memories didn¡¯t happen here. I wouldn¡¯t have them if I did not find the love of my life. Trust me, son, and all of you who are still single. Take it from my experience.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know I cried until I wiped the tears on my face.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t die until I find a woman,¡± Beck replied with a little bit of harshness in his tone. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than a horse, Paps, you know it. And you can¡¯t just force someone to fall in love with me, and you know that.¡±


    ¡°Then how did Cenric, thest person I think of settling down, find his wife?¡±


    Okay, now this dinner was getting awkward. I looked down. I wished I could tell them the entire story.


    Linden and Devin remained calm and silently listened to the heated conversation between the father and son.


    ¡°That¡¯s not fair. Cenric and I are different, Paps. And when you find the right person for you, or when fate brought you together, you didn¡¯t have to find her. You, of all people, should know that. You believe in destiny, for God¡¯s sake.¡± He threw the napkin on the table and rose from his seat. The chair screeched against the floor. ¡°I¡¯m full. Thank you very much for dinner. That was delicious.¡±


    ¡°Come back here, Becker Winston!¡±


    ¡°Let me talk to him,¡± Cenric volunteered, rising from his seat.


    When Cenric was gone, I cleared my throat. ¡°I know the pressure of settling down. My marriage to Cenric isn¡¯t that kind of fairy tale. I was arranged to him as soon as I turned neen.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry to hear about that,¡± Becka said.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s okay.¡± I smiled back. ¡°He¡¯s nothing but kind. You know, I was engaged to him for almost three years, and he never came to visit me, called me, or sent me flowers. And the feeling of disappointing him was so gut-wrenching.¡± I toyed with my engagement ring. ¡°All I have at that time was this ring. I always wondered how my life would turn out after we got married. What if he found someone else in that entire time, or if he had someone that I might break a heart. All I knew about him was he was wealthy. I wasn¡¯t expecting a charming prince fiance. What if he¡¯s fat, ugly, bald, or short? But I never had the guts to search him online until my friend showed me his picture.¡± I chuckled.


    ¡°You¡¯re in good hands. He¡¯s the kindest person I know. And you look perfect together.¡±


    My eyes watered as I smiled and nodded at Becka. ¡°Yeah. I wouldn¡¯t have had this second chance if not for him. I¡¯m sure Beck will find the right woman. He¡¯s kind, thoughtful, and I always dream of having a big brother like him.¡± I wiped my tears. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°You had a rough past.¡±


    I looked at Austin. Words of my husband about my family sprung in my mind. ¡°Yes. You have no idea.¡±

 Chapter 45

    Sweet Side of Beck


    CENRIC


    I wasn¡¯t expecting to end a pleasant dinner like this. Marriage was not something you took lightly or for fun because there was divorce. I disagreed with how Austin pushed Beck to settle down if he was not ready for it.


    Maybe, I was still lucky that despite the arrangement I made, my wife was wonderful, and she was not like those women who were after my back ounts, though sometimes, I wished she enjoyed spending. But Sadie was different. She would rather work hard for the money she earned¡ªthat DNA she never got from her father.


    I followed Beck to the backyard. The silver moon was full, casting a glow above us. I couldn¡¯t remember thest time I appreciated something like this. It was ages ago when I wasn¡¯t running a billion-dor empire. When I was in the military, I enjoyed the outdoors, camping with Beck, Linden, and Becka¡¯ste husband, one of my brothers, Wade. He was a good man.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back, Beck.¡±


    He scratched his head in irritation. ¡°I know it woulde up. I didn¡¯t call ande home very often because of this. As if he¡¯s gonna die if I don¡¯t bring a woman home.¡±


    ¡°You know your paps love you very much, Beck. All he wanted was for you to be happy, settle down, and have a family. I know you wouldn¡¯t work for me for the rest of your life. We¡¯re not that old, but have you ever thought of your life outside the private contractor¡¯s life?¡±


    He faced me, his brows contorted. ¡°Of course, all the time.¡±


    ¡°Your investment in thepany is in good hands. You can start building a house at that site. All you have to do is tell me the amount.¡± I pointed to ample space in my sight. ¡°Beck family is family. You should be grateful.¡±


    He rolled his eyes. ¡°Are you sick of me already?¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Never, brother. Never. I wouldn¡¯t be a billionaire if I stopped thinking of the future. Money is essential, but that¡¯s not the point. My point is you have to set a goal. I¡¯m not kicking you out of your job. I¡¯m in good hands now. I want you to think of your life as well. Don¡¯t be so selfless because you think you have to protect me because we failed Wade. Think about your own happiness. And I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±


    He slipped his hands in his pockets. ¡°How do you do it?¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°Think of others when you should be a selfish prick.¡±


    ¡°I thought of the people who are there for me when I need them. And you are one of those people, Beck. Go out on a date, have fun, enjoy life. When you meet your the one, you¡¯ll know it.¡±


    ¡°Is that really what happened with you and Sadie?¡±


    My smile widened. ¡°Go out and find out yourself. And I would give everything I have to take back my parents. I have so many things left unsaid and wish to show them how much I loved them.¡±


    His expression changed as if he had just realized something.


    ¡°Look, don¡¯t wait until one day, you¡¯re gonna wake up alone and miss the best part of your life.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, brother. Nowe back. The steak is good.¡±


    We joined them back at the dinner table.


    ¡°Sorry about that.¡± He sat back. ¡°Paps, I love you, and I won¡¯t let you down.¡±


    I ced the napkin on myp when I noticed my wife¡¯s eyes. ¡°You okay?¡±


    She looked at me and smiled. ¡°Better than ever.¡±


    I ran my thumb on her cheek. ¡°How would you like to sit outside after this?¡±


    ¡°Love the idea. Bonfire with marshmallows?¡±


    ¡°Anything for you.¡± Damn, I would never have thought I would say those words¡ªuntil I met Sadie Greer.


    After dinner, the chairs, fire pit, and things needed for the ¡®smores were already set when we came down.


    Guys joined us with beers. Becka as well sat between Sadie and Beck. Austin settled on the veranda with his tea.


    ¡°I have a confession,¡± my wife started. ¡°This is my first time.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Becka asked, surprised.


    I wasn¡¯t. I knew she was raised differently and in a challenging environment where she didn¡¯t fit in since birth, but watching Sadie today, how she appreciated and enjoyed the world around her, I was just astounded. I just found another reason to work harder for us.


    ¡°Then go ahead. Have fun and roast these marshmallows.¡± Becka showed her how to do it.


    ¡°It must be fun to live here.¡±


    I fixed the fleece that fell down her arm to keep her warm. She was like a small thingpared to us. She was tall but skinny, not in a starving way.


    She smiled. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Becka smiled at me as well. She mourned for months when she lost Wade. I knew she loved him so much, maybe one of the reasons, after all those years, she hadn¡¯t gone out on a date, or so as I heard.


    It was good to look that these two women got along quickly. I felt the warmth in my chest.


    ¡°You have siblings?¡±


    ¡°A brother.¡±


    ¡°Oh, are you two close?¡±


    Beck cleared his throat.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. To say the least, he¡¯s different.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, not very likable.¡±


    ¡°You can say he¡¯s an asshole.¡±


    Sadieughed out loud. ¡°I was trying to be prime, but yeah, he is. You¡¯re lucky Beck is sweet and kind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m far from being sweet, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know you¡¯re softie, Beck. No need to feel ashamed and humbled. And I know I started to grow on you.¡±


    Linden and Devinughed out loud, clinking their beer bottles. ¡°For Becker Winston Corbin, our guy.¡±


    ¡°Why? What is he like?¡±


    ¡°Your brother? Kinda tough guy at first, intimidating. He called me ma¡¯am or Mrs. Wollf, and his jaw was always set. When I got to know Beck, he was like these s¡¯mores with hard shell outside, but a softie inside.¡±


    ¡°Making fun of me?¡± He bit a huge portion of his s¡¯mores.


    ¡°I¡¯m just telling the truth.¡±


    Becka wasughing with my wife. I missed this side of Becka. I thought she wouldn¡¯t be able to pull through after losing her husband. I was d she made it through the process of healing.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe with us?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. I can¡¯t leave my work here. I run the ranch. Daddy can¡¯t run this anymore. I don¡¯t want to stress him.¡±


    ¡°Did he get another attack?¡± I asked.


    ¡°No. He¡¯s doing good, actually. All the stress about is me not getting married again, and Beck doesn¡¯t call him often.¡±


    I red at Beck, and he red back as if he had read my mind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have help?¡± Sadie asked.


    ¡°Oh, boy. I only manage paper works. We have helpers.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    ¡°At least five hundred cattle to feed a day, babe. She needs a lot of help.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± Do I get to see them?¡± Her eyes sparkled with excitement.


    ¡°In the morning,¡± Beck replied.


    ¡°Great! Thanks.¡± She ate the marshmallow. I thought she had just started to live her life¡ªa normal life far from her old family. ¡°What are you two giggling about?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, ma¡¯am.¡± Linden stole a nce at Devin.


    ¡°Whatever. I¡¯m gonna go see cows tomorrow.¡±


    I shook my head and chuckled. I may have forgotten she was years younger than me, and she hadn¡¯t had experienced as a normal girl should have.


    A few hourster, we called it a night when she started yawning.


    ***


    I woke up to find my wife¡¯s side empty. I opened the window. The sun was already rising, and it was a beautiful day. The Corbin was lucky to have this vastnd.


    ¡°Beck, where¡¯s my wife?¡± I yelled from the window. He and his father had mugs in their hands. I felt hungry at the same time.


    ¡°Seriously? You are searching your wife in me?¡± he yelled back.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Have you seen Sadie?¡±


    He grinned. ¡°Come down and have breakfast.¡±


    I changed into jeans and a shirt and went down.


    ¡°Morning, C.¡± It was Linden. ¡°Breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Just coffee. Where¡¯s Sadie?¡± I followed him into the kitchen. I grabbed a freshly baked pastry on the te while Linden was pouring coffee into a mug.


    ¡°She¡¯s with Becka.¡±


    ¡°Any idea where are they headed?¡±


    He eyed me. ¡°Isn¡¯t the purpose ofing over here to let her have fun? Why do I feel like you¡¯re still holding her happiness back? Your overprotection over her would ruin her fun, man. And she¡¯s safe here.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m just used to waking up, and she¡¯s in bed.¡±


    ¡°Nah. I don¡¯t buy it. Let¡¯s go out if you don¡¯t want a full breakfast.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    When we joined Beck and Austin, I almost dropped my coffee.


    ¡°What the hell? Why did you let her ride alone? She could¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s natural,¡± Austin praised her, holding my arm as I was about to run towards her and Becka riding in different horses. Sadie was riding Tommy, Beck¡¯s horse, while Becka was riding her own.


    ¡°See, Paps?¡± Beck looked at his dad. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about¡ªa real pain in the ass.¡±


    ¡°As if she lives to ride.¡± It was Devin.


    ¡°You let her go? You won¡¯t have a Christmas bonus from me.¡± I wasn¡¯t serious, but I was pissed off and worried that Sadie might fall and get hurt.


    ¡°Stay,¡± Austin warned me. ¡°Don¡¯t be such a baby, Cenric. She¡¯s in good hands.¡±


    The caretaker went to take the horses from them. It looked like it wasn¡¯t the first time Sadie had ridden a horse, after all.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Cenric!¡± she called out as soon as she spotted us.


    ¡°Oh, boy. I¡¯d never seen her this happy,¡± Linden said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ruin that smile, boss.¡± Devin patted my back. Why did I feel like these guys thought I was the one who controlled her happiness?


    As she got closer to us, she ran towards me and threw herself into my arms. I caught her on time, and she snaked her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist. ¡°Thank you. Thank you. That was so awesome.¡±


    ¡°d you have fun, though I think you should have waited for me.¡±


    ¡°And you might say no.¡±


    I put her down and looked at her, those eyes still sparkling. ¡°I would never do that. Well, I might have taught you first before I allowed you to¡ª¡±


    I heard groans and pfft around me.


    ¡°Fine. It¡¯s seemed that that wasn¡¯t the first time, was it?¡±


    She grinned and shook her head. ¡°When my father and my brother were on their tips, I sneaked out and taught myself until I learned how to ride alone, but my father shipped the horses out.¡±

 Chapter 46

    Emotions


    SADIE


    I missed that feeling of being free. The word free alone sounded foreign to my ears.


    When I rode a horse, it always felt like that. And it had been a while. Once I was on the horse, it came back to me naturally.


    Becka was so great despite losing a husband at a young age. She always found a way to live a life.


    ¡°I always thought of what Wade would say if I kept crying and med somebody for losing him.¡± We rode along with the expansive ground.


    I was awed at the herd as I watched from the horse. ¡°You have a great life with him, even just for a short time.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Wade was my first love. We¡¯d been together since high school. You know, at first, your brother hated the guy you dated. That¡¯s what happened to Wade and me, but he¡¯d proven how serious he was about our rtionship. He joined and enlisted with Beckter.¡±


    I smiled. It was a great love story, even if it ended abruptly. ¡°Do you ever think of going out there again? You know, maybe, you¡¯ll find someone and fall in love again.¡±


    ¡°I thought of that, but I don¡¯t really have time.¡± She pointed at a flock with the shepherd.


    ¡°Hey. You¡¯re still young, and even Beck is still single. A guy is out there waiting for someone. Who knows, maybe the stars are aligned?¡±


    ¡°Do you believe that?¡±


    ¡°I do. I escaped many times, but it wasn¡¯t sessful until my veryst attempt. I was terrified at the idea of marrying someone I didn¡¯t know. My brother fed me up with the idea that Cenric was ruthless and I was his property and would do whatever he pleased, something like that.¡±


    ¡°What the hell? Your brother did that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. On our wedding night.¡± I chuckled as I remembered that night. ¡°He didn¡¯t sleep with me.¡±


    Becka looked surprised. ¡°Oh, wow! Really? You are hot and beautiful.¡±


    ¡°I started to have hope that maybe, my brother was wrong about Cenric.¡±


    ¡°Cenric is a great guy. He¡¯s one in a million. He and my brother are like real brothers, protecting one another. I¡¯m happy for him. You seem a good woman. Just don¡¯t hurt him because I will find you and strike your heart.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°I envied your rtionship with Beck.¡±


    ¡°Well, considering we¡¯re only three minutes old apart, yes, we¡¯re closed.¡±


    ¡°I knew it. I wondered who¡¯s older, but I thought it was Beck. I just forgot the twin part.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in love with Cenric. Did he know that?¡±


    My head snapped at her. ¡°What? No, I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°I saw it the first time, Sadie. You should tell him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not in love with him,¡± I denied. I wasn¡¯t sure what I was feeling. I was confused, but I definitely care about Cenric more than I¡¯d like to admit to myself.


    ¡°Keep yourself telling that. I always told my husband how much I love him every day. But I was still wishing I had told and shown him more. Don¡¯t waste the moment, Sadie. You two are perfect for each other. And I can see you both are on the same page.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°He was forced into this rtionship. He was just doing his part as a good husband.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you think it is all about? I have known Cenric for a long time, and he is definitely the kind of man you can¡¯t force something into him. If he married you, it was his choice. And I¡¯d never seen the kind of sparkles when he looked at you, Sadie. Cenric adores you and loves you. What he¡¯s been showing you is not an act of kindness.¡±


    Did he really have feelings for me? I was silent for a while. I didn¡¯t know how to reply to her anymore.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back before he sends a search team for taking you out of his bed.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s awake by now,¡± I told her. ¡°Thanks for showing me around. You have such a great ce, and I have so much fun.¡±


    ¡°One of many reasons why I can¡¯t leave.¡±


    ¡°Maybe love will.¡±


    She smiled.


    Becka¡¯s words somehow stuck in my head, even if there was no guarantee of the true feelings of Cenric towards me. I still found myself in his arms, and it always felt more pleasing than just two people enjoying sex.


    When I finally settled at the patio, he came back with a mug of coffee. ¡°So, how was the entire ride?¡±


    ¡°Is that really what you wanted to know?¡± I side-nced him. ¡°Or why did you just go out and not wake me up? You could have ended up getting hurt, Sadie. Don¡¯t do that again?¡± I imitated his voice. I was shocked by his reaction, though.


    He smiled and pulled me in his arms. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with getting hurt doing what you love.¡± He pressed his lips on the top of my head.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my husband?¡± I rose to my seat. ¡°I want my husband back!¡± I did a slight exaggeration.


    He yed with me. ¡°So you want that asshole back than this considerate husband, huh?¡±


    I leaned in and whispered, ¡°You both are hot.¡±


    ¡°I know you only like my hotness.¡±


    I kissed him on his lips before I sat back in his side. ¡°This is so peaceful.¡±


    ¡°I missed this kind of life sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Your family is from here?¡±


    ¡°No. My grandparents had a farm as well. Still there. I keep the property. I visited once in a while. Since you love horses, I¡¯ll make some arrangements.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I stared at him.


    ¡°We can¡¯te here more often. My grandparents¡¯ farm is a little bit near to the city than here.¡±


    ¡°You would do that for me?¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    I stared at him longer. All I could see was the loving husband who was superb in bed with billions in his ount.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t appreciate a hot husband?¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯m hot, huh?¡±


    I ignored him. He knew he was. I sipped my coffee instead and stared at the vast greenery ahead of us.


    ¡°Babe?¡±


    I pretended I didn¡¯t hear him.


    ¡°Sadie? I know you hear me.¡±


    ¡°Just say what you want.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving in the afternoon. There¡¯s an emergency in the HQ¡ª¡±


    I faced him and narrowed my eyes at him. ¡°Always, is it? For example, our honeymoon, then your business trip. So when are these constant interruptions gonna end?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we have to leave after lunch.¡± He stood, towering over me.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we go tomorrow like how we nned? I still wanna stay here, please?¡± I even put my hands together.


    ¡°Of course.¡± He turned around, leaving me puzzled.


    ¡°Cenric, what was that all about?¡± I followed him inside the house.


    This time, I was the one who got ignored.


    ¡°Trouble in paradise?¡± asked Beck.


    ¡°No. You¡¯re friend just pranked me.¡± I went up to the guest room. He was there, lying delightfully in bed with the biggest grining over his face.


    I propped my hands on my hips before I crawled on the bed and straddled on top of him. ¡°If you just tell me you want alone time with me, I would dly say yes.¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t like waking up in the morning to an empty bed.¡± He took my face between his palms and kissed me passionately. I quickly wrapped my legs around him as we kissed, our tongues tangled. He then wrapped me in his arms and sat in the bed.


    ¡°We can¡¯t do this while they are awake, silly.¡± I showered him with kisses on his forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, lips, chin, and neck.


    He groaned against my idea.


    ¡°Patience.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we can just go to the barn and fuck you there. How does it sound?¡±


    ¡°It sounds hot, but no.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll check-in in the hotel in town.¡±


    ¡°Babe, get your head off the gutter.¡± I narrowed my eyes at him.


    He smiled. ¡°That¡¯s the first time you called me babe.¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s the third, or maybe fourth.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Now cool off your dog.¡± I rolled my eyes.


    He looked down at us. He was hard, deliciously poking at my aching core. I knew I was wet, but nothing a cold shower couldn¡¯t relieve the difort.


    ¡°If you say so, boss.¡±

 Chapter 47

    Watch and Dance


    CENRIC


    Since she came back from the rides with Becka, she seemed different. Carefree? Happy?


    ¡°Now you¡¯re the one who¡¯s looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°How?¡± I looked at her. I was driving the old pickup truck of Beck but still ran like brand new.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Like you¡¯re up for something.¡± Her smile was wicked.


    ¡°Or you¡¯re up for something, babe.¡± I held and squeezed her thigh. She was wearing a summer dress with western boots. ¡°You look fantastic.¡±


    Sheughed out loud. ¡°I might have overdone this out a little.¡± Her smile was contagious.


    ¡°You look great anyhow.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. So what do I expect in the bar?¡±


    ¡°Locals, beers, boys who would gawk at you as if you¡¯re the best meat in town that I might end up getting into trouble tonight.¡±


    ¡°Just calm your horses, cowboy. We don¡¯t want us to get into trouble. I wanna have fun without my overprotective husband growling at me all the time. Why didn¡¯t you invite Cas toe with us?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t growl, wife. He needs to be there in case there¡¯s an emergency. And this is not Cas¡¯ scene. He¡¯s a golf-type kind of guy.¡±


    ¡°Really? Boring.¡± She wrinkled her hose.


    ¡°Yeah. He prefers suits and ties instead of id shirts.¡±


    ¡°Wow. No wonder he never chose the military.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± I looked at the rearview when the SUV¡¯s headlights blinked. ¡°That¡¯s the bar.¡±


    She looked ahead. ¡°That¡¯s very western?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Wee to the Western side, babe!¡± I found a space in the parking area. I helped her out. Becka and the guys were good to go as well.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Becka took my wife¡¯s hand. She already threw me a re before I could say something.


    I shrugged. ¡°Go.¡±


    ¡°Good boy.¡± Beck patted me on the back with a chuckle.


    ¡°Not funny.¡±


    It had been ages since I went to a bar like this. The country songs sted as soon as we entered. The scene reminded me of a ssic action movie. And it was jump-packed.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°They renovated the ce?¡± Beck murmured. All furniture made of fine wood, decorations represented western culture. The smell of grilled meat, beers, and smokes permeated the entire ce.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Becka called us. My wife already found a stool. ¡°What are you waiting for? Come on in!¡±


    ¡°New in town?¡± the barkeep said. ¡°Except this one.¡± He signaled to Becka.


    ¡°What about me?¡± Beck said.


    ¡°Ah, Becker. How are you, man?¡± He hugged him over the counter. ¡°Good to see you here. It¡¯s been a while. City life suits you.¡±


    ¡°This is Cenric and Linden, and that one is Devin.¡±


    He eyed me for a while. ¡°The billionaire, of course, I know him. I hope you¡¯re not here to buy my bar.¡±


    ¡°No, sir.¡± I shook his hand. ¡°I came to visit the Corbins.¡±


    ¡°I often visited by guys from the city. They had one thing inmon. Sorry about that. I¡¯m Wyatt.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± I shook his hand. ¡°I¡¯ve been here before. Becka¡¯s wedding and you know¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I remember. Sorry about your brother, Wade.¡± He pointed at the wall. ¡°Man was our hero.¡±


    ¡°He was.¡± I looked at his picture and Wade together. ¡°He was, indeed.¡± I missed him. I always did every time.


    ¡°What can I get you, folks?¡±


    ¡°Beer for me.¡± The guys ordered the same.


    ¡°Try our bacon-wrapped shrimp.¡± He looked at my wife. ¡°Yours?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. My wife.¡± Sadie might have heard me. She smiled at Wyatt.


    I sipped my beer and watched the people chat. Their lives were far from technologies, yet they looked contented. I¡¯d never cared so much about others, especially in an establishment like this, but tonight, I realized one thing¡ªwhat my life would be if I failed in building mypany.


    I picked one shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon and took a bite. It was the most delicious thing I¡¯d tasted in a while in a bar like this. ¡°Wow. This is so good.¡±


    My wife took a bite as well, and judging by her look right now, she just agreed with me. ¡°Yeah. The best. Is this your recipe?¡±


    ¡°Me and my wife¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re genius.¡± I bit again. ¡°It was tasty to thest bite.¡±


    Sadie leaned in and whispered, ¡°I could orgasm with this alone.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Really? Why do I feel that you don¡¯t wanna go home?¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s no job waiting for me there, I¡¯d stay and work as a shepherd. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯d leave your husband just like that? You won¡¯t ever miss me?¡±


    She did a small sign with her fingers. ¡°Maybe, a little.¡±


    She amused me. Since I started to get to know her, I fell and fell and fell so deeply in love with her. She was the most beautiful and wonderful person I¡¯d ever met. Even her ws made her perfect to me.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    ¡°You are handsome.¡±


    ¡°Stop eye-freaking each other. Let¡¯s dance.¡± Becka pulled her from the stool.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how.¡±


    ¡°Beck said you know ballet. It¡¯s the same thing.¡±


    ¡°This is not definitely the same,¡± she said with augh.


    ¡°She¡¯s in trouble, is she?¡± Linden asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s gonna be fine,¡± Beck answered.


    ¡°Your sis is in trouble, man.¡± Linden patted his shoulder.


    I watched Becka teach Sadie the basic steps. Some of the folks were already on the dance floor.


    Sheughed out loud with a shake of her head when she misstepped. ¡°Don¡¯t watch me!¡± she yelled at me.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and join them, lover boy?¡± Devin said.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you find someone to hook up with?¡±


    ¡°Nah. Thanks.¡± He smirked and had loosened up around us. I learned to trust him despite our rough start.


    ¡°You¡¯re not gay, are you?¡±


    ¡°Thest time I checked, boss.¡±


    ¡°I know you like someone, Devin.¡±


    ¡°Really? Who?¡± He arched a brow.


    I studied him. He¡¯d been eyeing Becka since we arrived. One wrong move, he¡¯d have broken nose from me. ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it.¡±


    He looked at Beck, who was amusedly watching Becka and Sadie dance. He sipped his beer instead.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    I focused back on my wife¡ªshe finally learned the basic steps.


    They moved to the center. The dance floor became crowded. The tapping of the shoes, music, the dust from the floor, the noises, and the beer became more nostalgic. This time, I missed my old life.


    I wouldn¡¯t be here. I wouldn¡¯t have experienced loving someone. I wouldn¡¯t have a wonderful wife. I wouldn¡¯t have been this happy if I was not the person I was today. Even though personal experience made me a better person, the people around me should take the credit for who changed me into the man I became today.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been silent. What¡¯s in your head aside from your blonde?¡±


    I red at Linden. ¡°Your blonde?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I don¡¯t wanna say that word.¡±


    ¡°Go and dance or do whatever you want.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Good boss, good day. Love you, bro.¡±


    ¡°Extra bonus,¡± Devin finished.


    ¡°You two, leave me alone just for one night.¡±


    When the music ended, the folks moved out of the dance floor. Sadie was alone. I couldn¡¯t find Becka anywhere. I was quickly on my feet when a guy in a blue shirt talked to my wife. I couldn¡¯t hear what he was saying because of the noises, and reading lips was not what I was good at.


    ¡°He asked for a beer,¡± Beck tranted, gripping my shoulder to make me sit back. ¡°She politely declined.¡±


    When Sadie excused, he grabbed her by her arm. ¡°Motherfu¡ª¡± Before I could finish my word, Linden and Devin were already there.


    ¡°They¡¯ll handle it. Breathe.¡± Beck was still on my back. ¡°You can¡¯t just break someone¡¯s nose because he asked your wife for a beer. You¡¯re a celebrity, remember?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my wife, and since when?¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    While you ogled at your wife, folks recognized you, douchebag.¡±


    ¡°I pretend I didn¡¯t hear you just called me that, moron.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think straight when ites to Sadie. I get it. You¡¯re in love, and you want her all to yourself. But look?¡± He showed me that the situation was resolved without bloodshed. ¡°He apologized. No trouble. When you went there, the confrontation happened, and that guy? He is a nobody, and you¡¯d bebeled as a jealous jerk when you became overprotected. That¡¯s why you have us.¡±


    ¡°I might as well pay you as my personal advisor.¡± I rolled my eyes. When I turned to see my wife, she was already in front of me, cupping my face and kissing me.

 Chapter 48

    The Lady Boss


    SADIE


    I looked up at the Wollf Tower, where I¡¯d be spending five days a week on the fifteenth floor. It was intimidating, and so were the people hired to work with me. Since thispany was one of Cenric¡¯spanies, he just became my boss. Jeez, he was already bossy enough. But this was life, and I was beyond grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


    I entered the premises, there were at least ten shelves, and everyone was already bustling.


    My heart started beating fast. ¡°Good morning!¡±


    They scrammed to stand and chorused to greet me, ¡°Good morning, Mrs. Wolff.¡±


    I smiled, drawing some confidence somewhere within. ¡°Oh, please. You made me look like your grandmother. Drop the Mrs. Wollf. Just call me, Sadie.¡±


    Somehow, they rxed.


    I entered my office. I couldn¡¯t believe I had an office on my own. I wanted to kiss my husband and at the same time punch him.


    I didn¡¯t have experience in this line of work other than my internship in college, where I worked with the bitchiest woman Radia Merk. She reminded me of Miranda Priestly. But this was an LLC, bitches. I now ran PrimerTech. Hopefully, it would expand in the next ten years and became one of the world¡¯s top application and software developmentpanies.


    I put my bag on the desk and sat on the chair. Everything felt so foreign to me. I picked up the photo frame that was already there on top. It was our wedding picture. I looked shy in this shot. Cenric barely smiled, but his eyes expressed something different. I put it back when I heard a knock.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°Hi, Sadie. My name is Maeve, your assistant.¡± A brte around my age came in. She was with the man I couldn¡¯t see the face, carrying an enormous bouquet I¡¯d ever seen. I knew he was a man because of his posture and his arms.


    ¡°Oh, hi. I don¡¯t know that I need one, but nice to meet you.¡± I stood from my chair to shake her hand.


    ¡°Where will I put this, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God! That¡¯s huge. Just ce it down here.¡± I pointed at the corner behind my chair. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    After I signed, he left. My gaze was still glued to the bouquet of mixed colors of roses.


    ¡°They¡¯re beautiful,¡± Maeve praised it.


    ¡°Yes, they are.¡± I picked up the card attached and flipped it open. I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    When I looked at Maeve, she was also smiling. I realized Maeve was beautiful with brown hair and big brown eyes. She had high cheekbones. I was at least two inches taller than her, but she was fit like she used to swim.


    ¡°Can I get you something, Sadie? Do we really have to call you Sadie?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks. But yeah, I¡¯d prefer you all to call me Sadie. We work here as a team and a family. Just think of me as your big sister. It would make our works a lot easier if you don¡¯t think of me as your superior.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll be at my desk. Just dial two if need anything, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Two hourster, we were in the conference room. One of our designers presented the temtes of our website. I liked the chosen one, but I felt like it was t. Once he was done, I looked at everyone, and they were waiting for me to say something.


    ¡°Guys, this is teamwork. It doesn¡¯t matter who presented. What you see in the presentation will reflect on Primer. What you say here stays here on this premises. So, as a team, feel free to say something. Say something, share your ideas to improve our work. I need ideas, opinions, and suggestions even if it¡¯s not your department.¡±


    The guy in the sses raised his hand.


    ¡°Tanner, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Just Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Right. Sadie, I think we need portfolios to fill in those nks. Since we are a startingpany, it doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s in development. We need images, a page mobile application temte of reading app, booking, restaurant menu, graphs, utilities. Something like that.¡±


    ¡°I agreed.¡±


    The woman in a brown dress. ¡°Could we break the normal font?¡±


    Everyone chuckled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I think I had enough of that. I can see it everywhere.¡±


    ¡°The color could use some changes. More vibrant is attractive,¡±mented the woman in white from my left.


    I nodded. ¡°How about the logo?¡±


    ¡°I think I like it already. Color and design-wise. Also, it looks futuristic.¡±


    ¡°Advanced,¡± Maeve seconded.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    They all looked at me.


    ¡°You designed it?¡± Tanner asked.


    ¡°I had help, and Cenric approved the color scheme before we finalized it. I agreed with the color and added someyouts. For the font, it¡¯s up to all of you if what¡¯s the majority want. Maybe we can add someplexity to it because, guys, we are software and app developers. Our clients would expect an excellent website. I want the finalyout on Friday. Would it be ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sadie,¡± Jaxon agreed.


    ¡°Thank you for the presentation, Jaxon. Guys, great job. That would be all for today.¡±


    I went back to my office and opened myptop. I found an email. When I clicked it open, it was from Cenric.


    ¡°Office of the CEO. Wollf Capital, Wolff Corporation. CENT Founder and CEO. Hmm, sounds fancy,¡± I read it out loud. The body of his email was only six words.


    How was your first day, babe?


    Before I could type my reply, I was interrupted by a knock. ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°Nice office.¡± My heart fluttered to that voice.


    I lifted my gaze from theptop. I was already grinning like a fool. ¡°Hey. What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to tell me, wee to my office?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You made this possible. I assumed you are aware of the floor n and things around here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Do you like your office?¡±


    ¡°Perfect. You know me pretty well.¡± I looked around and back at him. As if he had read my mind, my office had ss walls, modern and monochromatic color¡ªjust the way I liked it.


    He sat on my desk, facing me. ¡°Can I invite you over a dinner?¡±


    Amused, I replied, ¡°Is my boss asking me on a date?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care fraternizing my employee if she¡¯s hot as you.¡±


    I held his hand. ¡°That sounds illegally hoting from you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pick you upter?¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a n.¡±


    ¡°How are they treating you?¡±


    ¡°So far, so good. I like my assistant too, and she¡¯s pretty.¡±


    His eyes squinted. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I dialed two on the phone. ¡°Maeve, can you please,e in?¡±


    After I hung up, Maeve entered. ¡°Sadie. Mr. Wollf.¡± She was very professional and polite.


    ¡°Have you been to the CENTH headquarter?¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I¡¯ve always wanted to see the human-size characters of The Travelers.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow, my wife needs a plus one.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll be where Sadie is.¡± Her smile wasposed.


    I understood. Cenric could be intimidating when in work mode. He was just a typical husband at home, if not pissed off with me¡ªa typical hot and striking husband.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Wollf. My younger brother is a fan. He likes Kimia.¡±


    ¡°Huh. Me, too.¡± He smiled with a nod. ¡°I designed that one myself, including her characters.¡±


    ¡°Kimia looks exactly like Sadie.¡±


    Iughed out loud as I looked at Cenric¡¯s reaction.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°She¡¯s thest character to be added in the game, but yeah. You¡¯re a good observant.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir. That made sense now.¡±


    ***


    Cenric picked me up for our dinner date at the new restaurant downtown. The staff assisted us to the VIP booth. It wouldn¡¯t be a surprise why my husband was a VIP.


    Somehow, I felt uneasy, and I recognized that pang in my chest. I didn¡¯t get jealous, especially for attention. Right now, it felt foreign, and I didn¡¯t like it at all. I couldn¡¯t get used to it and was insecure all the time.


    ¡°Nice ce.¡± I looked around. It looked regal with a royal pce vibe, too fancy for my taste. I hoped the menu was great as this interior they worked hard to impress their customers.


    He helped me into my chair. ¡°If you don¡¯t like the ce, we can just cancel our reservation and go to another ce you like.¡±


    ¡°Just a little bit too much for me.¡±


    ¡°I know what¡¯s in your head, babe. I just signed upst month. It was my first time to be here¡ªan invitation. It¡¯s in another VIP booth bigger than this, for a family¡ªthe birthday of one of my boards. So I thought I would take you here. I have booths at Kings and Williams. I always went there for dinner before we got married.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to exin.¡±


    ¡°I do when your back is stiff than a stone. I know something is wrong.¡±


    ¡°As much as it amazed me how you can easily read my mind, but sometimes, it¡¯s annoying how I am an open book to you.¡±


    He held my hand and looked me in the eye. ¡°My past is in the past. My present and my future are with you. I would never cheat on you. It¡¯s not me who ys around and shows everyone that I am rich and capable of having women if I want. I would be forever loyal to you because, for me, this marriage is real even if I forced you to be with me¡ªto be together. This is the real deal.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m on the same page.¡±


    ¡°Awesome.¡± He stood up and dragged his chair so that we were closed to each other. Thest thing I knew, he grabbed the back of my head and kissed me hard, drinking the gasp from my lips.

 Chapter 49

    Hot and Blown


    CENRIC


    Our dinner turned into hot sex against the wall.


    It was long and tense on the road. We barely made it to the penthouse.


    I was dizzy, and she was panting with needs. I touched her in the car, and she was dripping wet. As soon as the door shut behind us, I fumbled to unbuckle my belt while she was unzipping her dress. I shoved my pants and boxers down my knees, and then I grabbed the back of her head and kissed her hungrily.


    She moaned against our mouths. My fingers dug dip in her heat while her hand wrapped around my cock, stroking me.


    In one swift motion, I lifted her and pressed her against the wall, her legs around my waist securely. One thrust, I was inside her. She cried against our mouths, causing me to stop abruptly.


    ¡°Did I hurt you?¡±


    ¡°It hurt a little bit because your big, but I like it. Don¡¯t stop, please?¡± She was panting.


    ¡°I won¡¯t unless you stop me, babe.¡± I got her hot dripping wetness around my cock as I thrust and thrust.


    Her breasts bounced on my face. And she looked hot as she threw her head against the wooden door and that thing that kept us steady thudded against her back.


    ¡°Fuck! I¡¯m close.¡± I felt electricity running down my spine so quickly as if I¡¯d never fucked in years.


    I knew it would be quick. Our long anticipation made us both madly aroused.


    The corded veins protruded in my neck, and our skin sheened with sweats. I also sensed the surge of tension from Sadie. I knew she would have the strongest orgasm around the corner.


    Each plunge, I ground into her in a circle. My balls were heavy, and my shaft swelled. My thighs quivered.


    Her eyes rolled back in her head as she tugged her bottom lip between her teeth. Her nipples stiffened and pointed at the ceiling.


    ¡°Come for me, babe,¡± I growled my words out. My lids felt heavy. My vision blurred. ¡°Now!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± She broke away in cry. Sheid boneless on my shoulder as her pussy continued to squeeze me. The intensity of her orgasm took my breath away.


    ¡°Fuck, babe.¡± I nuzzled her neck.


    As she clenched around me, my cock swelled even more until I couldn¡¯t take it. My body stilled. My muscles grew tight. Onest brutal thrust, I shuttered, hurtling me over the brink, releasing inside her. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    ¡°You okay?¡± I carried her to the bed and wiped her hair away from her face.


    She looked at me through hooded lids. ¡°I think you just ruined my dream of intense sex.¡±


    ¡°Is that a bad thing?¡± I nted kisses all over her face.


    ¡°That was intense.¡± Her smile was sated. That was what exactly a man wanted to see on his partner after sex.


    ¡°I know. I feel it too.¡± I kissed her lips again, down to her neck.


    She giggled. ¡°Not again. I need more sugar and a lot of water. I think you just drained my energy out, Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want another round? You can take the lead this time.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She narrowed her eyes at me. ¡°Tempting, but not tonight, Cenric.¡± She pulled the nket, covering herself, turning away from me. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted.¡±


    ¡°You love it. I know it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It was awesome. Maybe I want you to tie me after all.¡±


    Iughed out loud. ¡°Maybe we should join the sex club.¡±


    Sheughed with me and hit me on the thigh. ¡°Shut up. I need rest.¡±


    ¡°Night, babe.¡±


    ***


    I stayed in my office for a while. I scribbled something on the note, signed it, and wrote the date before I folded and slipped it into the white envelope.


    I was about to rise from my seat when I heard a knock. ¡°Babe?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Come in. Why are you still up?¡±


    Beck¡¯s hair was everywhere. He looked like he¡¯d just woke up. And there was also something huge that was bothering him. ¡°I just received a call from my burner. You can¡¯t see the Greers again. Your cover is blown, brother.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shook my head in denial. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. This can¡¯t be. How did it happen?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, brother. He just told me that. It was a mere two-second call as if he was in trouble. So I didn¡¯t bother to ask. Besides, he wouldn¡¯t ever call if it was not a matter of life and death.¡±


    ¡°Who did it? How did they find out?¡± There was an explicit horror in my voice. I thought I still had time.


    ¡°I wish I could tell you more. I just told you the exact words he said to me.¡±


    ¡°I will take my chance. I will arrange a meeting in his house on Sunday.¡± I crossed my arms over my chest in determination. It needed to be done, or I would lose my mind. I was too invested in this operation for years. I wouldn¡¯t allow it to go to waste.


    ¡°Are you even listening to me? You¡¯re blown. They will kill you, C.¡±


    I stopped, ring at him briefly. ¡°Let him try.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re insane. You¡¯re mad, I get that, but you will die there. And he won¡¯t think twice.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the only chance I got, and I will take it.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you go on a suicide mission because you feel that you¡¯re obliged to get justice. This operation from the start is madness. What you¡¯ve been doing is madness. This is not what our fallen brothers would have wanted for you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what they want, Beck, because they¡¯re dead! And I won¡¯t let them get away! I have sworn it to myself.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s another way, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no other way!¡± My anger and frustration were rising. ¡°I made my final decision, and no one can stop me now.¡± My eyes narrowed in a challenge. ¡°Not even you.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯lle with you.¡±


    ¡°No! You will stay with my wife. If something happens to me, you will take her away from here. I have already arranged everything. Promise me, brother.¡± My voice cracked at the end.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Beck was just stoic. His jaw clenched in anger.


    I stepped closer to him. ¡°Please, Beck?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± His lips firmed, but his expression softened. ¡°I won¡¯t do that. You are my brother.¡±


    ¡°Beck, consider this myst wish. Please?¡± I held and gripped his arms, but he didn¡¯t budge. His eyes were a pit of despair.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    I froze in my tracks, and so as Beck. I squeezed my eyes shut and breathed deeply before I turned to face my wife.


    ¡°Babe?¡± She was still waiting for my answer.


    ¡°Why are you up? I thought you¡¯re tired?¡±


    She cupped my face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I have a business trip, and I told Beck to stay here with you. I¡¯ll take Linden and Devin with me instead, but he refused.¡±


    Beck cleared his throat. His body was still stiff. ¡°I said I will resign if he will do that.¡±


    Her face fell. ¡°Please, don¡¯t do that? I know you love him more than me, but I promise I won¡¯t be a pain in the ass. You can take you off, actually. I¡¯ll stay at home the whole day.¡±


    ¡°No, Babe. He¡¯ll take off on Monday and Tuesday. On Sunday, he will stay with you.¡±


    ¡°Jeez.¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°You two are like an old couple. I¡¯m going back to bed.¡± She turned around and stopped at the door. ¡°Beck, get some sleep. I want you to meet someone tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± He looked confused.


    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise.¡±


    ¡°I hate surprises, Sadie.¡±


    She sighed and looked at Beck with disinterest. ¡°Don¡¯t care. Night, Beck. And Cenric, enough of work. Get some sleep, Wollfy!¡±


    ¡°Be there in a minute, babe.¡± When she was gone, I faced Beck. ¡°I want her safe. If something happens to me, I want her to live the life that she deserves.¡±


    ¡°Fuck. You, man. If you so much love her, you won¡¯t do this. What if she¡¯s carrying your child? What¡¯s so important with this mission than your own family? Are you going to let her raise your child alone? You fucking selfish asshole! She loves you, and you will kill her for doing this behind her back. So right now, I¡¯m telling you, either you stop this or I quit!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it? You just quit and walk away when I need you the most?¡±


    He stopped in the middle. ¡°I think I¡¯ve done enough for you. It¡¯s time to be selfish and do something for myself.¡±

 Chapter 50

    Burden Vs. Trust


    SADIE


    Something is wrong. I can feel it.


    The tension building in the car was so thick it was choking me. It just reminded me that what I witnessed in the office had something to do with what was going on right now.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Beck?¡± He barely talked to me when he sent me to the office. When Linden and Devin drove Cenric to work, I had my doubts, but I kept my mouth shut. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    ¡°I will be working with Cenric until Friday.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡± I asked, confused. ¡°Did you two get into a fight?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about thister, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± I nodded.


    I looked for Cenric as soon as I arrived at the Centh HQ. Maeve was already here for the first batch tour to The Travelers zone.


    ¡°Babe?¡± He looked surprised. Since we woke up in the morning, I noticed something different about him. He was guarded, and it felt like he was carrying the entire universe over his shoulder.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I kissed him on the cheek. ¡°Whatever is going on between you and Beck, you two should talk it out. You are brothers. Misunderstanding happens all the time. Nothing can beat with a sincere apology.¡±


    He sighed and nodded.


    ¡°I need your word, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°Okay, babe.¡±


    ¡°Good, now let¡¯s go and show me around.¡± I held his hand. ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t take you from your meetings.¡±


    ¡°You are my wife. Theo is good at fixing my schedule, but I don¡¯t get to see my wife visiting the HQ more often.¡±


    I stopped and stared at the two in awe. My smile widened as Beck and Maeve stopped in front of my character, Kimia.


    ¡°Huh. So this is your entire n all along?¡±


    ¡°The stars are aligned. I didn¡¯t do anything. They just found each other. My job here is done. Let¡¯s go and have lunch.¡±


    At lunch, Cenric barely touched his food. Something was huge going on. Right now, it felt like he was about to shake and explode.


    ¡°Cenric?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± He was even surprised when I called her name. His mind is somewhere far, far away from here.


    ¡°Just a sec.¡± I typed a message to Maeve that I¡¯d be away for the whole day. Then I dialed Beck.


    ¡°Hey, Beck. So you met my assistant.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±


    ¡°Send her back to the office when she¡¯s done. She knows I¡¯m noting with her.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°And Beck?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± These guys sounded so mncholic it broke my heart in pieces.


    ¡°We can all get through this together. Don¡¯t give up so easily. We are family, Beck.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Good. And Maeve is pretty. Ask her out.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious right now?¡± His reply was part annoyed and surprising.


    ¡°As a heart attack. If you don¡¯t ask Maeve today, I¡¯ll tell her your gay.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°Then prove it! Bye.¡± I ended the call. When I looked at my husband, he smiled, but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes.


    ¡°You are beautiful.¡±


    ¡°So do you, handsome. Let¡¯s go.¡± I extended my hand. He gripped it and rose from his seat.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°You sound like a girl. I don¡¯t know, babe.¡± I texted Linden to know where he would drive us.


    Once we were in the car, I leaned my head against him. ¡°I missed my mom. I was still so young when she left. I barely got a chance to see her then.¡± I touched my ne. I always felt her closer when I had it around my neck.


    Cenric kissed the top of my head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, babe.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Linden announced.


    ¡°What are we doing here?¡± Cenric asked me as he got out of the car and looked around the park.


    ¡°I missed this. I¡¯m sure you can¡¯t remember thest time you¡¯ve been in the park.¡± I dragged him away from the car towards the bike path. ¡°I just wanna be with you, away from the office for a while.¡±


    ¡°You were with mest night.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°You wereinmest night.¡± I smiled wickedly.


    ¡°As a matter of fact.¡±


    We walked hand in hand. ¡°I want your body, mind, and soul with me right now, Cenric. I feel your burden, and it hurts that I can¡¯t help you because you want to carry it alone. That¡¯s why we are husband and wife. We face it together.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t share this with you.¡± He looked down as if a spear of guilt had twisted in his chest. ¡°Not this one.¡±


    Suspicions crept back into my head. ¡°What is it all about that you can¡¯t even trust me?¡±


    There was so much pain deep in those orbs, and I felt helpless that he didn¡¯t trust me enough to share whatever was going on.


    ¡°I trust you, Sadie, with my life. You know that, but this is something I¡¯d rather die than share this burden with you.¡± He let go of my hand.


    I blinked up at him. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be freaking kidding me.¡±


    He shook his head in regret. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, babe. You mean so much more to me than anything in this world. I can¡¯t drag you into this. Go home. Devin will drive you back.¡± He turned around and walked away.


    Every word excruciatingly cut through me. ¡°So you¡¯ll just gonna walk away like that when things get tooplicated?¡±


    He didn¡¯t even pause or look back.


    ¡°You¡¯re an asshole, Cenric!¡± I yelled out, but he didn¡¯t seem to care. I just stood there and watched his back fade away.


    ¡°Asshole.¡± I looked up. My body was shaking. Tears just rolled down my face. ¡°Damn it. Damn you, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°Sadie?¡± It was Devin.


    I wiped my tears from my face before I faced him. ¡°Take me away from here.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He wrapped his arm around my shoulder as he walked me away from the park.


    I stayed quiet in the cab. Devin didn¡¯t say anything on my side, but he kept looking at me as I saw his reflection through the window.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna go home.¡± I frowned as I thought of what happened back there. I thought we were okay, even happier since we got married.


    ¡°Where do you wanna go?¡± Devin seemed to understand my dilemma.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your ce?¡± I looked at him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Hotel then.¡±


    He scratched his head. ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Cenric where we are. I¡¯m gonna turn off my phone.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we can hide from someone like Cenric. And I¡¯d be in a lot of trouble. I¡¯d lose my job and maybe my head as well.¡±


    I red at him. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go alone. You go back to him and tell him I knee you in your crotch.¡±


    He snorted, making me more annoyed. ¡°You know he won¡¯t believe it, right?¡±


    ¡°Then either you stay without telling him where we are, or you go back. Alone.¡±


    ¡°You know, until now, you¡¯re still a pain in the ass.¡±


    I kept my mouth shut with his remark because it was true. He chose the King Hotel. After we checked in, he went out. But not after I warned him. I knew it meant nothing to him because Cenric was the one writing his paycheck.


    I changed to robe and ordered a bottle of wine and chocte. It had been a while since I ate something sweet.


    I was like a starving animal eating and drinking without a break. I was in my third ss when I heard someone unlock the door.


    ¡°Where the hell have you been?¡±


    ¡°You sound just like a drunk, jealous wife.¡±


    ¡°Who cares?¡±


    ¡°Apparently, my job is to keep you safe, and I still want this job.¡± He ced down some designers bags.


    ¡°Where did you get those?¡±


    ¡°Perks of working with the billionaire¡¯s wife. Your work attire for tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. You can go and waste his money. I don¡¯t care. Check in to another suite, get a woman. Do whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,dy boss, but I¡¯ll stay where you are.¡±


    I could barely roll my eyes. ¡°No fun.¡± I was so drunk. My ss just slipped off my hand.

 Chapter 51

    The Billion-Dor Question


    CENRIC


    I was an asshole¡ªa filthy rich asshole carrying a lot of baggage.


    Walking away from my wife was the most idiotic and worse thing I¡¯d done in my entire life. I was hurt and horrified after realizing I had just left her alone in the park. So much for protecting her.


    Instead of going back to the office, I asked to meet Beck. I wanted to make things right with him, and I couldn¡¯t afford to lose another brother because of my impulsive decision.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± He joined me in the bar.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I faced him. ¡°What I¡¯d put you through was unimaginable. I realized that now it¡¯s not your responsibility to keep my wife safe. It¡¯s mine, and I took it lightly. I was stupid. Honestly, I was afraid to face it. I was afraid to tell her the truth¡ªabout everything. I¡¯m terrified to lose her if this thing goes horribly wrong. And again, a while ago, I just left her after she brought me to the park.¡± I looked down as guilt twisted in my chest, and I¡¯d never felt so ashamed until today.


    ¡°You¡¯re the dumbest, stupidest person I know. You¡¯ve hired someone to protect her from her family, and now that the situation is getting worse, and you left her there alone? What kind of fucking husband are you? Have you lost your fucking sense, man?¡±


    I frowned deeply as the thought of what I¡¯d done resurfaced. My chest constricted. My hand was shaking as I gripped the ss and emptied it. I let it burn down my throat, hoping I got the courage to face the truth.


    He dialed his phone. He must be calling Devin or Linden. ¡°Is she with you?¡±


    He waited, took a deep breath, and nodded. ¡°Okay. Do your fucking job well, or I will kill you this time.¡± He looked at me.


    I opened my mouth, then closed it. Frankly, I was out of my mind. I was so invested in this operation that I forgot how to get away from it. I hadn¡¯t realized, or I didn¡¯t think it through, that I already had a wife, and the worse scenario was, falling n love with her was not a part of the n.


    ¡°Do you love her?¡±


    His question didn¡¯t catch me off guard. It was loud and clear¡ªclearer than the blue sky. He knew it, and I knew my feelings towards my wife.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Do you think she loves you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°You can feel it, asshole. You can see it through her eyes. Does she loves you?¡±


    I stared at him and recalled her eyes the color of blue snow.


    His expression turned impatient.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, man, but my gut is telling yes, and I wish I am right.¡±


    Beck also looked hurt. ¡°Your life is notplicated, man. You just made it fuckingplicated. Your n worked. You got your way in, and you¡¯ve already got out, but you couldn¡¯t just stop. You went back in and dealt with the devil. And it didn¡¯t stop there. You also involved other people into this whole shebang you called taking down this criminal.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± My voice was a low rasp.


    ¡°While you have a heart and conscience, but Hanslo hasn¡¯t. He would not think twice taking you down.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I have a n.¡±


    ¡°What is it? And make sure it works, or you¡¯re a dead man. How do you think I should tell Sadie that her husband is just killed by her own father, huh? That¡¯s not my decision to drop the bad news to her. And I don¡¯t think I can, C.¡±


    I pulled out a key. ¡°It¡¯s in my office in the penthouse. In the drawer, you¡¯ll find a small zip lock bag. His hair and my wife¡¯s.¡±


    Mocking sneered in ce. ¡°How does a hair save your ass?¡±


    ¡°I want to confirm my suspicion. I don¡¯t think Hanslo is Sadie¡¯s father.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°Until it¡¯s proven. Send it for DNA. I need it ready by Sunday.¡±


    ¡°Consider it done. And stop drinking.¡± He patted my shoulder as he rose from the stool.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡±


    He red at me. ¡°Why do you care? You left her in the park, remember? Go figure out where she is. And don¡¯t you have a tracker imnted in her? You should start telling that to her too.¡±


    I was trying to make amends of whom I failed terribly, and it was about to be over. But easier said than done.


    ¡°Do you have another sarcasm you want to throw at me?¡± I fished out my phone in my suit and dialed my wife. It went straight to her voice mail. ¡°Fuck.¡±


    ¡°Good luck with your apology. You need it.¡±


    I red at Beck¡¯s back before I texted a message.


    CENRIC: Babe, can we talk?


    I stared down at the screen after sending it, but it wasn¡¯t seen, and it looked like she had no n on replying to my text.


    I dialed Devin.


    He picked up. ¡°Boss?¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡±


    ¡°Thest time I checked, she¡¯s in the hotel.¡±


    ¡°And where the fuck are you?¡±


    ¡°Boss, she has no n on running away. Trust me, but she¡¯s so upset. She has wine and chocte in bed. I just went to buy her work clothes for tomorrow. It seems that she has no n going home, too.¡±


    ¡°Get back to her after that and keep me updated. What hotel?¡±


    ¡°King.¡±


    ¡°On my way.¡±


    ¡°You good?¡± Linden asked as soon as I entered the car.


    ¡°Yeah. King Hotel.¡±


    ¡°Lady Boss checked in in the hotel?¡± He looked amused.


    ¡°Shut that look off, Gabe. I¡¯m not in a mood.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you say, brother. But it looks like you and Beck made up, huh. At least you did something productive today, besides leaving your wife alone.¡± Thest words were a little harsh just to make his point.


    ¡°Just shut your mouth. I need a moment to myself.¡± Resting my head back, I shut my eyes closed and pinched the bridge of my nose. I ignored Linden humming to annoy me the entire ride. We finally arrived at the King Hotel, and my dilemma had not yet started.


    ¡°Sadie Wollf, which room is she?¡±


    The receptionist just stared at me. Fucking woman.


    ¡°Miss, we are here to see Sadie Wollf. Can you tell us which room she checked in? Her phone must have run out of battery.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at Linden and waited till the fucking receptionist was done searching for Sadie¡¯s room.


    ¡°She¡¯s in Catherine Suite, sir.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    We entered the elevator.


    ¡°If there¡¯s one thing I noticed when there¡¯s a trouble in paradise, you¡¯re past useless.¡±


    ¡°I just wanna see my wife.¡±


    ¡°If she wanna see you. She didn¡¯t go home for a reason. She¡¯s not ready to talk to you. And you deserve this.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t have a choice, does she?¡±


    Linden red at me. ¡°Look, brother. This possessive shit-arranged marriage-thing is growing old, man. Treat her as your wife or as your possession or don¡¯t. I learned to respect that woman and my brother¡¯s wife. But if you just mistreat her, I¡¯m done. Do this shit on your own.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. There¡¯s just a lot going on, and all I did was mess everything up. The reason I¡¯m here is to see and apologize. I appreciate that you care about Sadie, treat her as my wife, a friend, and not as what blood is running in her veins.¡±This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    We reached the floor, and Devin just came out of the suit.


    ¡°Well, fes. She just passed out,¡± he said delightedly with a hint of sarcasm before giving me the key card. ¡°It¡¯s been a long day.¡±


    ¡°Is she okay?¡±


    ¡°Drunk, gonna wake up with a hangover, but she¡¯s gonna be okay.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Do you need anything?¡± Linden asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Go check-in. I¡¯ll call you if I need anything.¡±


    I got in the suite. My wife was lying t on the bed, slightly snoring with a nket tucked above her chest.


    Devin had proven his value to me. He did honestly care for my wife.


    I walked closer and was d she was safe. I nted a kiss on her forehead. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, babe. I was an asshole earlier. I shouldn¡¯t have left you, but I am here now.¡±


    I took off my clothes and joined her in bed. I slipped my arm under the pillow and draped my leg over hers. I was exhausted physically and mentally. I closed my eyes, hoping to get some rest.


    ¡°Asshole!¡± That was thest word I heard before I found myself on the floor. I groaned in pain, and my head was killing me. What the fuck just happened?


    ¡°Babe?¡±


    ¡°Fuck yourbabe!¡±


    Oh, fuck. And she just cursed me.


    Squinting, I rubbed my eyes and looked at her. Her gaze was glued to my crotch. I realized my dick was hard as her head right now. ¡°Did you just kick me off the bed?¡±


    ¡°Why are you even here? You left me, remember?¡± She pointed her finger at me. Her face flushed with anger. ¡°And don¡¯t even try pulling out that twenty-five million dor shit on me because it doesn¡¯t work anymore!¡±


    I groaned. Damn my head. ¡°I came here to apologize. You were sleeping. That¡¯s why I just joined you in bed.¡± I sighed into a pit of despair as I was about to admit my mistake. ¡°Look, I was an asshole back at the park, and I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Try a heartless piece of garbage. You cared so much about my safety, and you talked about you¡¯d rather die than share it with me, and you left me, you piece of shit! I know you are under a lot of pressure every day, but you were way out of line back there, jerk!¡± she yelled at me. Her rage was still boiling up. ¡°God! You think everything revolves around you, don¡¯t you? Well, starting today, I¡¯ll prove you wrong, asshole.¡±

 Chapter 52

    Kicked Out


    SADIE


    This son of a bitch!


    He thought I was still the same naive girl he married weeks ago. He might have saved me from my family, but that didn¡¯t give him the right to ditch me whenever he wanted or take me when it felt right for him.


    ¡°I came here to apologize.¡± He looked surprised. His dick was hard, but who cared about it right now? I was just unprepared, and it was prominent.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t give a crap of your damn apology. I want you to listen to me, husband. You don¡¯t get to leave because you are pissed off of something or because a lot is going on on your te right now. I deal with a lot of pressure every day too, but I have never treated someone terribly because I feel my world is about to be doomed. And may I remind you if in case it slips your mind. You are the one who told me that we¡¯re in this together. Either we are, or we are not. That¡¯s the only choice you¡¯ve got.¡±


    His jaw was set hard. He was about to say something, but I knew what it was.


    ¡°Very well then. Thetter it is.¡± I pointed at the door. ¡°Now, get the hell out of this room.¡±


    His face turned into a stone. ¡°You¡¯re not serious. At this ungodly hour?¡±


    ¡°Do I still look like I am joking right now? Get out, Cenric!¡± I was sure my face was red, and my eyes were narrowing at him that he¡¯d never seen in me before.


    ¡°Sadie,¡± he snapped.


    ¡°No.¡± That was t straight no. I was beyond furious if it was even a thing.


    ¡°Boss, is everything okay?¡± Devin just knocked on the door.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± we even chorused.


    ¡°Leave this room, or I will?¡±


    He growled, ¡°You don¡¯t get to make me choose, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I do.¡± I chuckled with mockery. ¡°I checked in to this room. I¡¯m paying for this. And don¡¯t you ever dare tell me that this is your money!¡±


    ¡°Jesus,¡± he muttered, running his hand through his hair. ¡°When you calm down, we¡¯ll talk about it.¡±


    ¡°This is me being calm, and your only chance is over. Get out, Cenric. I have work tomorrow. I need to rest.¡±


    He closed his eyes for a moment. ¡°If this is really what you want.¡±


    ¡°Out.¡± I pointed at the door.


    He lifted his hands, gesturing a surrender. I was hurt, though, so much that he didn¡¯t trust me enough. Deep inside me, I was celebrating my rare victory, and at the same, I was overreacting.


    After he put his clothes on, he went to the door. I wanted him to turn around and tell him that he could stay and that I change my mind, but he would get used to seeing the weakling Sadie that was now long gone.


    ***


    I woke up early and missed something. There was a big hollow and ache in my chest.


    Apparently, Devin¡¯s shopping spree yesterday was to a whole new level.


    I put on a jogger suit and walked out of the hotel. As soon as my ylist sted in my AirPods, I started running. The image of my pissed husband still lingered in my head, but he could suck it up or tell me what was going on in his head. I was sure it had nothing to do with the stock market or his worth losses. He was still filthy rich. Maybe it had something to do with him and my family.


    Everyone had gone through a rough patch, so did I, but that didn¡¯t give me the right to mistreat someone. I stopped, catching my breath. I realized Cenric didn¡¯t care about me except to warm his bed. The reality just felt like twisting a knife in my chest.


    I went back to the hotel. Beck was already inside the suit.


    ¡°I guess hotel guests don¡¯t need to knock anymore.¡± I took off my Airpods. ¡°Why are you here, Beck? Aside from maybe your turn to babysit me.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess. You two didn¡¯t bury the hatchet.¡±


    ¡°No, and I don¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°Just give him a few days. He¡¯lle around.¡±


    ¡°I hope a better man.¡± My eyes started to burn.


    ¡°A lot is going on in his life right now.¡±


    ¡°So do I, Beck. I get that he runs a billion-dor empire, but I know it has nothing to do with it. But about what? I don¡¯t know, and I want to know. I hate it when someone keeps something from me, especially when I feel it involves me somehow. Is he going to dere war against my father?¡±


    He shrugged it off. I swore this man was a tough nut to crack, and I admired his resilience and loyalty. No wonder his best friend trusted him with his secrets than his wife.


    ¡°Come on! I know you know something. If there¡¯s someone who knows him better, or he can keep his secrets to, it¡¯s you, Beck. I know he¡¯s close to Cas, but he trusts you more than anyone.¡±


    ¡°That might be true, but I¡¯ve sworn to secrecy, and on top of that, he might have good reasons why he can¡¯t tell you. But I swear to you, I have his ass.¡±


    I shook my head in defeat and slumped my ass on the chair. ¡°He¡¯s frustrating.¡± I looked at my hand, at my wedding ring. ¡°I thought he cares, but I¡¯m just a pawn in his game¡ªan irrelevant and a property that has a temporary use to him. Any day from now, he¡¯s going to toss me when he¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. You have to believe me. Cenric cares about you, Sadie. I know that man.¡±


    ¡°Pfft. Whatever. I¡¯m starving.¡± I went to the breakfast table and poured myself a cup of coffee. ¡°Join me.¡±


    ¡°I just had before I came. Enjoy your breakfast. Devin will drive you to work.¡± He rose from your seat.


    ¡°Just keep him safe.¡±


    ¡°Always.¡±


    After my breakfast, I went to work and made myself busy, hoping I would forget our disagreements. It was hard not to think of Cenric when he was like a gue stuck in my head.


    An email popped on the screen of my monitor. It was from Cenric.


    I¡¯ll be away for the whole weekend. Take care of yourself.


    My mouth cked as I narrowed at the screen. Well, he also took this dispute to a whole new level. I might have to expect to receive a petition for divorce in a few days as well.


    I typed my reply.


    Enjoy your weekend getaway.


    I was about to hit the send button when my hand hung in the air. I hit the exit instead.


    I checked my contacts on my phone. I only had a few. Since Zhuri left the city, I had no friends I could talk to. Becka was far. These guys were crossed out from my list¡ªthey were not on my side.


    I Facetimed with Becka instead.


    Her face popped into the screen. ¡°Oh, my God! Congrattions!¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Thank you, and I missed you.¡±


    ¡°Really? I missed you too. I wish we are in the same city. How are you? We haven¡¯t spoken since you left. I thought you had forgotten me.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious? Of course, not. I¡¯m just busy. And I¡¯m good. How about you? And Austin, how¡¯s he?¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ¡°We¡¯re doing great.¡± She paused. She must have noticed something. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Sadie?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± My brows knitted.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a courtesy call. And something¡¯s bothering you. What is it? Come on, spill it out.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m such a terrible person. I only call if I need someone to talk to. And honestly, I have no one. My friend Zhuri left the city, and in this office, I don¡¯t know them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here. I¡¯m a friend, a family.¡±


    I dropped my gaze. ¡°Something¡¯s going on with Cenric, and he doesn¡¯t want me to get involved. We foughtst night. I have stayed in the hotel since yesterday. This morning, he emailed me that he would be out of town for the weekend. Should I be worried?¡±


    ¡°Oh, boy. Your first fight?¡±


    ¡°Nope. Second actually.¡±


    ¡°But this one is big?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Kinda.¡± I shrugged. ¡°It hurts more than before. I guess I care about him more than I¡¯d like to admit. I mean, you know that I like him a lot.¡± I let go of a shaky breath when my eyes started to water. I looked up before I sighed and focused back on the phone screen. ¡°I think I¡¯m in love with Cenric.¡±

 Chapter 53

    Deflecting


    CENRIC


    ¡°She kicked you out of the suite, and this is your greatest n to save your loser ass? It¡¯s been two days, man.¡±


    ¡°Do me a favor and shut up.¡± I still knew what I was doing, or at least. Guns were not the best thing to y with when you were not in the right mind.


    Two days ago, after Sadie unforgivably kicked me out of the hotel suite, I worked and worked, went to the penthouse after. I got drunk, slept, then woke up and worked again. The penthouse wasn¡¯t the same without her. She was the light and soul of that ce. That was why I had to go away to clear my head.


    I extended my arms, aimed the pistol, and fired at the shooting target.


    ¡°So shooting range is your way of recuperating? You¡¯re a little rusty.¡± Beck was right. It had been a while since I held and fired a gun. It was not that I needed to carry every day. That was why I hired Beck and Linden. Compared to them, it was a part of their job to maintain active.


    ¡°I know.¡± I slid another magazine.


    ¡°I hope you are not thinking of her father or Jasper while you are targeting the paper.¡±


    I fixed the goggle up and red at him. ¡°I might as well include you if you keep pissing me off.¡±


    Heughed at me. I was his amusement park for him while I was struggling to fix my marriage. ¡°You¡¯re hurting, C. Just admit it. You don¡¯t need all these shits, brother. What you need is to man up and beg for forgiveness.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not gonna happen. Soon, she will need me. She¡¯lle back to me and forget what happened.¡±


    ¡°What if she decides to leave you for good?¡±


    I inhaled, held, and aimed the target. I breathed out and fired.


    Bullseye.


    ¡°She won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure, Cenric. She¡¯d been dreaming for her freedom. You are, maybe, a goody, but you are just a man. You are expendable to her.¡±


    I red murder at him. ¡°You didn¡¯t just say that.¡±


    ¡°Cenric, you should know by now that she¡¯s not the naive girl you thought she was. She¡¯s smart, opinionated, stubborn sometimes, and strong-willed. She¡¯s the woman version of you. Don¡¯t get too cocky. She might just give up and realize that she doesn¡¯t need you anymore. But that¡¯s the point, right? Unless you want something more.¡±


    This asshole was always right, but I was not going to admit it.


    That was my n¡ªto save Sadie and provide something for her to start a new life. I did it. Sadie was running PrimerTech now, a small business she could expand, then she could support the charity she wanted. My work for her should be over, but I became a greedy bastard.


    I wanted her for myself.


    I needed her.


    She became a part of me. She became my lifeline.


    And I fucking love her.


    Fuck.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound good.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I put the gun down the table.


    ¡°When you grunted like that, you realized something.¡±


    ¡°I fucking love her.¡± I stomped away. ¡°Happy?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re thest person to realize. How awesome?¡±


    I stopped and faced Beck. Then I didn¡¯t know how to start. I pressed my lips into a thin line as I pointed at him. ¡°Damn it. Sometimes your sarcasm is amusing, but not today, Becker.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back. The result might be ready by now.¡±


    ¡°They will call if it¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ. Fucking stubborn. You two are peas in a pod. Pot and kettle.¡±


    We headed back to the ranch. Becka weed us with a huge smile on her face. ¡°Sadie doesn¡¯t know you are here, does she?¡± Hearing her name alone did a twinge in my chest.


    ¡°Trouble in paradise. How did you know?¡± Beck asked.


    ¡°Beer?¡±


    ¡°Hard pass.¡± I walked past them. ¡°I need my head clear.¡±


    ¡°You are deflecting, Wollf!¡± Becka yelled. ¡°If you need a clear head, talk to Sadie. I know the feeling once. Don¡¯t wait until it¡¯s toote. Unless you will invent the time machine, which is awesome, but right now, start dialing and spilling your guts to her because she¡¯s freaking awesome, Cenric Thaddeus Gillean Wollf!¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the pep talk, sis, but I had enough from your ass twin!¡± I held my hand up to surrender.


    ¡°Have it your way!¡±


    I still heard Beckughing when I entered the house. I went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. I might need the beer after all, or probably a stronger one.


    I went to the back where we sat when we came herest week¡ªit did not help. God, I missed her, and it was driving me insane.


    I sipped the beer and checked my phone, hoping it came to her senses now that what she did was wrong.


    To my disappointment, I had no call or texting from her. She didn¡¯t even bother replying to my fucking email. Fucking hell.


    ¡°Told ya. For the smartest person in the room, you¡¯re the dumbest when ites to rtionships.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it.¡± This view reminded me of the first time she appeared riding the horse.


    Becka sat beside me. ¡°Have you ever told someone you love her?¡±


    I looked at her and shook my head.


    ¡°Of course not. You have an egorger than thisnd, which would take you nowhere in your rtionship with Sadie. Either you man up or lose her forever.¡±


    ¡°You should change your career path, Becka.¡±


    ¡°Save your sarcasm, but don¡¯t be too cocky.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°She won¡¯t leave me.¡±


    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t know her at all.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s free. She¡¯s strong, beautiful, and smart. And I think with her new job, she doesn¡¯t need you anymore. Unless she cares about you¡ªotherwise, expect a divorcewyer toe knocking at your door very soon.¡±


    I froze. My heart stopped¡ªand that twinge again. I stared at Becka. ¡°She won¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Trust me. She will.¡±


    I pressed my lips into a thin line as I red at Becka.


    She shrugged. ¡°You know I love you, big guy. I would do anything to help you with your heartaches, but you have to do your part. And you¡¯re an idiot if you think you can still find someone like Sadie. I mean, that girl is a knockout. She¡¯s also funny and sweet, and she loves you.¡±


    A sad smile appeared on my lips. ¡°She does?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask her?¡± she groaned at me before she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°She did not even reply to my email.¡± I looked down at the phone in my hand.


    Becka roared withughter, tears forming in her eyes. ¡°Jesus. She¡¯s your wife, and you sent her freaking emails? What is she really to you? Your freaking secretary?¡± She shook her head in amusement. Seemingly, I became their amusement. Just fucking awesome.


    I pursed my lips. To be honest, Becka was right.


    ¡°I still missed Wade every day. I always felt that the love I showed him wasn¡¯t enough. I sent him messages every day when he was with you on tours. I wanted him to be happy that when he got a chance to check his phone, he would read my messages.¡±


    There was a long silence stretched between us. I thought I knew where it was going.


    ¡°When you brought him back, he didn¡¯t get a chance to read myst message. It was when I told him I love him until I see no lights.¡±


    That was wonderful.


    ¡°Wade knew how much you loved him. In fact, he kept babbling about how excited he wasing home to you.¡±


    ¡°I know. I hope you do the same before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    I dialed her number. Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t answer until it went to her voicemail. I might be toote.


    Fuck.

 Chapter 54

    Sulking with Bad News


    SADIE


    So I finally nned to go home. As much as I loved how luxurious my stay in the hotel suite, I missed home.


    I still found the house empty, our bedroom untouched. Cenric was right. He was out for the weekend. Even if it was Sunday, he hadn¡¯te back yet. So I spent the whole day sleeping and sulking.


    Lately, I didn¡¯t feel like talking. I could barely eat. Cenric¡¯s out for the weekend had affected me more than I realized. He called me once, maybe by mistake¡ªif he intended to talk to me, he would have called back. It didn¡¯t happen.


    I checked out our website, which justunchedst Friday. We had reached ten thousand visits so far. My team nned on social media advertisement, boosting our exposure, and making a big deal if sessful.


    So far, I have loved my work. The ideas we shared during the meeting were enlightening. Now, with the help of Wollf Corporation, we got a few clients lined up.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I might have done a bang-up job with my work, but I was terrible at fixing my rtionship.


    ¡°Sadie?¡± It was Devin. He¡¯d constantly been checking out on me. ¡°You might wanna have lunch now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±


    ¡°You missed your breakfast too.¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t feel like eating.¡±


    He walked in. ¡°Tell me what do you want to eat. I¡¯ll bring it for you.¡±


    I shrugged as I scrolled up and down the website page. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll gonna be sick if you keep missing meals, Sadie. If you so much enjoy your job, you have to stay healthy.¡±


    ¡°Has he been back?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°He will be back on Monday.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Iid back.


    ¡°Sadie, you know I¡¯ll lose this job if you get sick in my care?¡±


    ¡°Just bring me a sandwich.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± He quickly walked out.


    While waiting for my sandwich, I sat in bed and checked my phone. Cenric hadn¡¯t called or texted me. I knew he was okay wherever he was. Otherwise, Devin would have told me if Cenric was in trouble. Maybe he just needed more time.


    After I ate my sandwich, I went to shower. I felt great. I should have never underestimated the revitalizing power of a hot shower.


    I found Linden on the phone in the living room.


    ¡°Was that Cenric?¡±


    He turned around. ¡°Beck. Cenric is okay.¡±


    I nodded and sat on the couch.


    Silence stretched.


    All I could hear was the keypad sound while typing on his phone. I mean, why wouldn¡¯t he turn that clicking sound off.


    I curled into a ball, helpless. I had no strength left. I might have overreacted and be melodramatic.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I hope you all stop asking the same question every five minutes.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll be home soon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about him, Linden. It¡¯s about how we don¡¯t talk out our issues. I don¡¯t feel guilty for kicking him out. He deserved it. From the start, I knew this marriage wouldn¡¯tst. I¡¯m still grateful for him. He gave me the job that I love. I¡¯m still here in his house, and he¡¯s not avenging what I did to him. So, I¡¯m grateful.¡±


    ¡°You two should sit down and talk about it. He may be impulsive and doesn¡¯t think straight when ites to you, but he has reasons of walking out on you.¡±


    ¡°When he gets back, I¡¯m nning on leaving this house. I¡¯m renting an apartment.¡±


    He pinned me with a searing gaze before he spoke. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s a good idea? You¡¯re here for a reason. He wants you to be safe.¡±


    ¡°I think my brother is not a risk anymore. I think he learned his lesson not to challenge Cenric.¡±


    ¡°You still don¡¯t know a lot of things, Sadie.¡±


    I sat straight on the couch. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°About your family.¡± I was a Greer, yet I was thest person to know about my father. So, he did know about my family business as well. If this was his way of protecting me, he just did a bang-up job. ¡°I¡¯m not at liberty to talk about it, but I¡¯m sure Cenric will exin to you when the right timees.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna go back to bed.¡±


    ¡°Do you wanna watch Netflix?¡±


    I smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t watch Netflix, Gabe. Thanks for the offer, though. Go out, have fun. I promise I¡¯ll still be here when youe back.¡±


    ¡°No can do. I¡¯m watching Netflix whether you join me or not.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Enjoy your Netflix. Try Extraction. You just remind me of Tyler Rake.¡±


    I was on the couch googling about my family, but I couldn¡¯t find anything as if we didn¡¯t exist. How did it even possible? Did my father hire someone to wipe out anything rted to him?


    I had Facebook and Instagram, but I had not updated them since college. Maeve even asked me about it, and I thought it didn¡¯t matter. The marketing had created social media ounts for PrimerTech instead.


    I checked the Centh website instead. I scrolled through its Info, whitepaper, roadmaps, distribution, and the men behind its sess. Cenric was downright good at what he did. I admired him. He always made things possible. That was why he became one of the top self-made billionaires.


    When he was with me, he was not that arrogant filthy rich type of guy who showered you how much he earned money in seconds or told you what kind of yacht he bought yesterday. He was just him, Cenric, a man of vision, a thoughtful husband, and generous in bed.


    My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts¡ªit was from an unknown number. It might be Cenric using a new number. I answered it quickly.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Sadie Wollf?¡± It was a voice of a man, but definitely not my husband. My hope crumbled down.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. To whom am I speaking to?¡±


    ¡°I am Special Agent Miller. I¡¯m calling you regarding your husband. I¡¯d like you toe to us and ask you a few questions. I can send someone to fetch you.¡±


    ¡°Special Agent Miller? You¡¯re calling about my husband, and you want to ask me a few questions? How about youe to my house? Is this some kind of a joke? Get lost, and don¡¯t call this number again!¡± I hung up the call.


    Was he now pranking me as well? This insanity between Cenric and me had to end.


    I put some pants and a blouse on. I grabbed my coat and went downstairs. I was still in the middle when I stopped to a halt. Devin and Linden seemed in alert mode.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    They froze, and no one seemed interested in answering me.


    ¡°Linden? Devin?¡±


    Linden cleared his throat. ¡°Did you receive a call from someone?¡±


    ¡°A guy was pretending to be an FBI, yes. I hang up.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a real FBI.¡±


    My stomach twisted. My heart just sunk. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right? Why did he wanna talk about my husband?¡± I squeezed my eyes shut. My chin started to tremble. I¡¯d been asking the wrong question all this time. ¡°I-is is he okay? Is Cenric okay?¡± I began to get panicked.


    They looked at each other.


    ¡°Answer me, damn it!¡±


    Even for them, they seemed couldn¡¯t find the right answers.


    I fumbled to find my phone in my bag. With my tears rolling down, I struggled. I poured and emptied my bag instead. Contents ttered on the floor until my phone fell next.


    I knelt, wiped my tears, and grabbed the phone. I was already shaking as I tried to ess open for fingerprint¡ªit didn¡¯t work. My fingers were wet. ¡°Damn it! Damn it!¡±


    ¡°Hey. He¡¯s gonna be okay.¡± Devin helped me out.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that. You don¡¯t even know where he is.¡± He helped me on my feet. ¡°Let go of me. I¡¯m going to find him.¡±


    Linden held and squeezed my hand. ¡°We¡¯re going to find him, Sadie.¡±

 Chapter 55

    The Downfall


    CENRIC


    ¡°You know this is not a good idea, Wollf.¡±


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t care. I need to do it, and I¡¯m gonna do it without your permission because I don¡¯t need your consent.¡±


    ¡°You know I¡¯m your handler, and you do as I say.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are, but I still won¡¯t do as you say. Whether you¡¯re with me or not, I already convinced Jasper to give up their operations with my money and not yours.


    ¡°What am I doing here?¡± Jasper sounded horrified. Beck and a few private military contractors he hired had managed to extract Jasper from his father¡¯s men unharmed and left without dropping dead bodies.


    ¡°The right question is why are you still alive.¡± He wasn¡¯t even tied up to a chair in front of me, but if he made a wrong move, he was dead.


    ¡°Why am I alive then?¡± He was still a fucking arrogant but should be interested in my offer, or he thought that I would still kill him after this.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sick of you harassing my wife and threatening mypanies. So, I¡¯m offering you a way out with a new name, new identity, cash, a new house in a new ce to start over away from here and away from your father.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a sick son of a bitch!¡± he spat.


    Beck alerted and groaned, ready to punch Jasper. I raised my hand to stop.


    ¡°This sick son of a bitch can save your life if you listen to my offer.¡±


    ¡°My father is right after all. You are a traitor.¡± His wide grin mocked me.


    I crossed my legs. Let us see if he could still mock me after this. ¡°I¡¯m no traitor because I¡¯m not even loyal to your father or anyone. I¡¯m only loyal to my family, friends, and my wife. Honestly, I always wondered why Sadie is so kind andpassionate, then I figured out something, but you¡¯re not here to get bored to death with my substory. I have a proposition. You give up the location of your operations here in the States, and you¡¯ll be free from any charges. The FBI is probably listening to us right now, and they won¡¯t lock you away. I can count in my fingers of what to charge you with, but¡ª¡± I pointed out. ¡°You¡¯re getting away with all of it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding. You¡¯re maybe fucking rich and have connections, but you don¡¯t and can¡¯t buy the FBI.¡±He snorted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t, and they¡¯re not in my payroll. But very well then.¡± I signaled Beck. ¡°Send him with a bow tie.¡±


    Beck and the other guy marched forward.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Jasper raised his hand. ¡°How can I guarantee that you won¡¯t double-cross me?¡±


    ¡°I get it you don¡¯t trust me, but I value my wife¡¯s trust. She would hate me for the rest of my life if I told her I killed her brother. She may hate your guts, but she doesn¡¯t want you in a body bag.¡±


    ¡°You care about her?¡± He seemed to calm down.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I answered immediately.


    He nodded, somehow believing in my words. ¡°I always felt jealous about Sadie. She seemed to doesn¡¯t care about the world around her. While working my ass off, my father didn¡¯t appreciate my effort. Then I heard he found someone to be his sessor.¡±


    ¡°And it wasn¡¯t you?¡±


    He shook his head. Disappointment appeared on his face. ¡°Since you turned down his offer, he chose my cousin Trevor. He said he¡¯s older than me and thinks just like him.¡±


    ¡°You felt betrayed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the way to put it out, yes. Trevor might as well going to kill you once he sat down.¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want this information?¡± He looked at me and to the men behind me.


    ¡°I want more than that.¡±


    ¡°Then I want you to put in writings that the FBI won¡¯t capture me once I¡¯m out of here. I will tell you everything, and I want five million dors in my Cayman¡¯s ount after this.¡±


    ¡°Done.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± He stared at me in disbelief.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m sure you have no reasons to lie to my face to save your ass.¡±I turned to Beck. ¡°Bring the papers.¡±


    ¡°You hate my father¡¯s guts. Why?¡±


    ¡°I have a long list of reasons, Jasper.¡±


    ¡°Yet you gave him twenty-five million dors and married my sister.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a payoff to give me your sister because she¡¯s innocent. That¡¯s the truth. Your father will pay my money back if she escapes from my care within one year of our marriage. It¡¯s all stated in the contract. And Sadie has nothing to do with all your filthy businesses. I married your sister to protect her. And I will still protect her with my wife even if this is over. If you ever n on contacting your father after this, you better dig your grave early to your choosing.¡±


    Beck gave him the papers. When Jasper checked the documents, he stared at me in shock. ¡°This is real.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not an idiot, Jasper. I always keep my words. And I don¡¯t have time to y games with you. Now sign it before I change my mind.¡±


    ¡°Pen?¡±


    I gave him my pen. He signed willingly as if he was about to im his jackpot prize. ¡°Done. Now your turn to keep the end of the bargain.¡±


    ¡°Location, Jasper?¡±


    ¡°454 East Junction, Jefferson Road. At the Cayhill Warehouse. That¡¯s thergest operation. You need to do it now, or you miss your only chance.¡±


    ¡°How many men can we expect?¡±


    ¡°Fifteen or twenty heavily armed. The cheese trucks have guns inside and Fentanyl.¡±


    ¡°If you are lying to me¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here until you get them.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s she?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever ask.¡±


    ***


    I walked into the trap. Who in the right mind did that? No one. Only me. While they were raiding the warehouse, I was here walking into the lion¡¯s den. I entered his office when his guard opened the door for me.


    ¡°Cenric, have a seat.¡± Hanslo was on his chair, gesturing to me.


    I took a seat across from him. ¡°Thest time I was here, I was asking your daughter¡¯s hand. She was barely neen. You showed me her picture, and it was like love at first sight if it was even a thing.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s she?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine, running her our newpany. Well, literary, it¡¯s in her name now, but she doesn¡¯t know yet.¡±


    ¡°I thought you won¡¯t allow her to work.¡±


    ¡°Even a princess works, Hanslo. And that¡¯s what she wants. She was born a leader, and I can¡¯t take that privilege away from her.¡± I crossed my legs.


    ¡°If you didn¡¯te early, you won¡¯t find me here. I have a flight to catch.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right on time then. Annual meeting?¡± Jasper told me before I left that his father would meet some critical people in his organization. The FBI divided and conquered while I was sitting here with this son of a bitch, still wired as agreed.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t take long. I¡¯m here for two things.¡± I looked at him. He was like the monster in my nightmare¡ªit would haunt you but couldn¡¯t hurt you. ¡°I know Sadie is not your daughter.¡±


    He stiffened and nched. His eyes widened. ¡°She¡¯s my daughter, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°Did you treat her like your own, though? How did you find out she¡¯s not yours, Hanslo?¡±


    He clenched his jaw before he let go of a noisy breath. ¡°When my wife found out about my other ventures.¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t know I ran a gun smuggler in the US. I also started a cocaine operation with the Mexican cartel.¡±


    I got you, you sick son of a bitch.


    ¡°When she found out, she left. She just started working as a doctor, and she loved that job. I let her go for months. I thought because she loved me, she woulde back. We¡¯ve been separated, but we were not divorced. I ignored the paper she sent to me. Then I found out she was with someone already. I took that man¡¯s life to prove to her that she couldn¡¯t run away from me.¡±


    ¡°How did she die?¡±


    He eyed me suspiciously.


    ¡°Hanslo, my wife doesn¡¯t even know how her mother exactly died. She deserved to know.¡±


    ¡°I found out she was pregnant. I kept her and her child. Eventually, Sadie turned eight, and my wife wanted to practice again. I took Sadie and let my wife go. I knew she sometimes came to visit her at school. I kept tabs on her. Before she died, she volunteered in one hostile vige. A drug lord poisoned the water. Yelena called me before she died in a crossfire, asking for my help. She might have known all along I sold guns to those revels. That was thest thing I heard from her.¡±


    ¡°Do you know I was there?¡± My words stopped him as though I had just pulled the pin on a grenade and was about to go off.


    Do you know how they looked when a man knew he was going to die? That was how Hanslo looked right before me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know. There was no record of me being there. It was our recon turned mission to rescue doctors. She was with me when bullets were flying everywhere.¡± I imagined the look of Yelena lifeless in my arms. ¡°She made me a promise to give the only thing she had for her daughter. It was her old photo with Sadie. She said she called you, but you said it to her that she deserved to die alone.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°How could you?¡± He red at me. His hands formed into fists.


    ¡°How could I what? How could I fucking what? Tell you? That you deserved the truth.¡± I shook my head violently.


    I heard a thud from outside the door, and he did it too. I knew they wereing. They already got what they wanted.


    ¡°I guess this is what you deserve as well, Hanslo.¡± I lifted my hands and locked them behind my head before the FBI mmed the door open.

 Chapter 56

    Questioned


    SADIE


    ¡°Are you sure we are in the right ce? That doesn¡¯t look like an FBI building.¡± I looked at the three-story building through the window.


    The car entered into a somewhat parking area. I was still shaking earlier. If it wasn¡¯t for these two who assured me that Cenric was fine, I might have lost my freaking mind.


    Linden opened the door. ¡°This is the address in the text. Probably an FBI ck site.¡±


    I climbed down, rubbing my arms. The hair at the back of my neck just rose. ¡°What if he¡¯s a bad guy and tries to lure us out then kill us all?¡±


    ¡°We came ready. Just in case. Stay behind us.¡± Devin covered me while Linden was already ahead of us.


    ¡°Are you even allowed to bring a gun?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I am trained and employed as a private contractor.¡±


    I stared up at him. ¡°Just making sure we are not going to be in trouble. Is Cenric really okay?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one way to find out,¡± he answered with confidence while I thought I left mine behind.


    A guy in a suit with an ID tag around his neck came to us. ¡°Are you Sadie Wollf, ma¡¯am?¡±Don¡¯t I have a picture on their database?


    ¡°Yes. And you are?¡± I read his name in the ID. ¡°You are the guy who called earlier.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. Follow me, please? Yourpanion will deposit their firearms and any weapon in that area. Your bag, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I gave it to Linden. ¡°Take care of my bag. It¡¯s Hermes Birkin.¡± Cenric gave it to me as a gift on my first day in PrimerTech, because I couldn¡¯t afford that kind of price tag.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna wait for them.¡±


    Agent Miller said, ¡°They¡¯re not going anywhere. And this is a federal building. No one can harm you.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine. We¡¯lle and look for you.¡± Linden nodded. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be okay.¡±


    My heart kept pounding hard. ¡°Fine.¡±


    We passed by several people in suits. They were hustling in somewhat like a temporary desk. This wasn¡¯t exactly the type of government office I used to see.


    Special Agent Miller opened a door. ¡°Please?¡±


    I peeped at the room. There was a table and two chairs, maybe how an interrogation room looked like in an actual scenario. There was nomp hanging on the ceiling. I also noticed a ck window, in my guess, a viewing room behind that ss.


    I looked at the camera in the corner before I sat.


    ¡°My colleague will be here in a moment.¡± He left quickly.


    I drew a deep breath before I ced my hands on the table. My heart kept thumping. My lips dried. The door suddenly swung open, startling me.


    ¡°My apology.¡± He sat across the table¡ªanother agent with dark skin in his thirties.


    ¡°Why am I here? I thought I woulde here to see my husband.¡±


    He looked at me and somewhat smiled. ¡°State your name, please?¡±


    ¡°Not until you tell me why I am here?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯lle to that.¡±


    ¡°I know my rights. I haven¡¯t been broken anyws, not even issued a parking ticket, and I paid my tax. So, no.¡± I sat straight.


    ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll just ask you a few questions regarding your rtionship with your husband.¡± He then sighed and looked at the dark window.


    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Very well then.¡±


    ¡°Your full name, please?¡±


    ¡°Sadie Charmaine Armelle Greer Wollf.¡±


    ¡°How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-one. Would you also like my address, my social media ounts, and my mobile number?¡±


    ¡°Just answer my question, please? The faster you answer, the faster you can go home.¡±


    ¡°I just feel like you wanted to know more than my rtionship with Cenric.¡±


    ¡°It depends on your answer. How did you meet Mr. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Arranged married. I met him on our wedding day.¡±


    His brow arched.


    ¡°Ask him. Do you want to conduct a polygraph?¡±


    ¡°When did you two get married?¡±


    ¡°Two months, three weeks, and three days. And I haven¡¯t seen him since three days ago. Is he here arrested or something?¡± I blinked when my eyes started to fill with tears.


    ¡°Did he mention his job?¡±


    ¡°He runs Wollf Corporation, Wollf Capital, Centhaddeus, The Traveler NFT game. He also owned PrimerTech.¡±


    ¡°Did he mention about his work with the FBI?¡±


    My brows knitted, confused. ¡°Did he also work with you?¡± I shook tough. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right? What is it like to work twenty-fours a day?¡±


    ¡°Yes or no, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I studied him to see if he was lying, but he was an FBI Agent. He probably knew what I was doing. What the hell is going on?


    ¡°Did he mention meeting your father, Hanslo Greer?¡±


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t think they met after our wedding. Is Cenric really okay?¡± My voice cracked in the end. ¡°I¡¯d been meaning to talk to him. We kind of had a misunderstanding three days ago. He emailed me once. I didn¡¯t reply because I was angry. Then he called me the next day. I was busy at work, and I missed his call. Is he with Beck? Is he hurt? Is he missing?¡±


    ¡°What made you think that?¡±


    I struggled to keep my emotions at bay. I drew a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m scared my brother would hurt him.¡±


    ¡°Your brother?¡±


    ¡°Jasper Greer. He hates me. I just want to know if my husband is okay.¡± My tears fell. I wiped it away quickly. ¡°That¡¯s all I wanted to know. I have the right to know that. I am his wife, for Pete¡¯s sake. If it happens to any of your family, I¡¯m sure you would do anything to find it out.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s your rtionship with Cenric Wollf?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop answering your questions if you won¡¯t tell me if my husband is okay. I will go to the media that you held him here.¡±


    ¡°Did you just threaten an FBI agent?¡±


    ¡°Call it whatever you want. Do I need awyer?¡±


    He sighed again. ¡°Your husband is alive.¡±


    I nodded, smiling. ¡°Okay. Thank you. What do you wanna know?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the line of business your father operates?¡± He wrote something down.


    ¡°Import and export, winery, and recently, shipping line. Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only taking down information, Mrs. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Have you heard about Absolom Organizations, or known as AO?¡±


    ¡°No. What¡¯s that?¡± I stared at him in confusion.


    He wrote down again. ¡°Do you know your father has been running gun smuggling in the US for years?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°I would have seen guns in the house. Well, how would I know if I wasn¡¯t even allowed to go out? I even missed a prom, do you know that?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°So you also have no idea he operates a Fentanyl production?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°What else he doesn¡¯t should be your question? But I¡¯m not surprised, though. When you don¡¯t even allow your daughter to go out like other girls, even a naive girl knows something fishy is going on.¡±


    ¡°Do you have contact with your brother?¡±


    ¡°Check my phone logs or ask my service provider for logs. I have nothing to hide. I don¡¯t talk to my brother. I met him weeks ago at the cafe, and I called him in a kiosk. Are there any other exciting questions you¡¯d like to ask?¡±


    ¡°When was thest time you talked to your father?¡±


    ¡°Wedding day.¡±


    ¡°And you never call your father?¡±


    ¡°You sound so surprised? He put a price tag around my neck. So I don¡¯t care. I don¡¯t wish them to be dead because that¡¯s awful. I¡¯m here today because of my father. I wish them good health. Anything else? I¡¯m getting bored here. Don¡¯t you want to offer me water or something?¡±


    ¡°Would like something to drink?¡± he asked sarcastically.


    ¡°If you¡¯re done, I¡¯m gonna go find my husband.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your time.¡± He stood up and held the door for me. I let go of a shuddering breath once I was outside the room. I walked out, following the hallway. Whatever that was all about, it looked terrifying. And I was just interrogated by an FBI Agent. That was a big deal.


    I was not naive. I knew it had something to do with my father or something Cenric didn¡¯t want to tell me about¡ªthe root of our fight.


    Cenric might be right after all. My father had some shitty business going on. But why did Cenric get himself involved with my father? How did he fit in all this? As far as I knew, hispany was legit, te clean. He wasn¡¯t the kind of man who got into dirty business for fun.


    I was startled when someone called my name behind me. My heart pounded in my chest, but it wasn¡¯t for the shock. That stupid awareness again just returned.

 Chapter 57

    Finally Over


    CENRIC


    I fucking miss her.


    I could feel her fear radiating from inside the room when she walked in. She was also cautious and vignt, checking things out around the room. When she started crying, I fought the urge not to run inside and pulled her into my arms.


    What a few minutes I couldn¡¯t wait till my sacrifices for this case would be over. Hanslo was going to be locked up in jail for a long time. Maybe a lifetime. On the other hand, if Jasper wouldn¡¯tmit any crimes, he could start a new life away from his father¡¯s influence. Their operation was over. I finally put this Chapter of my life to an end.


    I closed my eyes and thought of my brothers Wade and Gunner. They were probably celebrating this victory.


    Sadie¡¯s wit answers made me chuckle.


    ¡°She seems so innocent like you said,¡± the case officer said.


    ¡°I told you, she doesn¡¯t know anything.


    He looked at me. He¡¯d get the promotion, and I helped my brothers get the justice they deserved, and I also helped those victims get their lives back.


    ¡°We just wanted to make sure there¡¯s no foul y. You know how it works.¡±


    ¡°How long would it take?¡± Beck asked. He was not supposed to be involved in this, but that was my deal. I would help them capture Hanslo if Beck knew what I signed up for. Just in case, things went south.


    ¡°Just a couple more questions. She¡¯s interrupting. That¡¯s why it takes longer than usual.¡±


    ¡°Imagine his surprise when Hanslo saw you walk away,¡± Beck sang.


    ¡°We make sure he¡¯d locked up for a long time. How would you exin that to your wife?¡±


    ¡°I will tell her the truth. She deserves it.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s feisty in that room. I wonder how she would react when you tell her the truth.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s already angry with me, and I haven¡¯t apologized. This would be harder than I thought.¡±


    ¡°Challenging, yeah. But I¡¯m sure she would understand,¡± Beck said.


    I followed her when she walked out of the room, but she seemed in deep thoughts. There were still many things she didn¡¯t know about what I had been doing for thest three years. My guess was she was putting two and two together now.


    ¡°Sadie?¡±


    She startled and froze. She realized I was the one who called her. I knew it because I always felt the same way when she was near.


    There was a surprising look on her face and excitement in her eyes, but that was not what I expected. I expected her to run into me and tell me that she was relieved.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re okay?¡±


    ¡°You seem not happy to see me.¡±


    ¡°So did you.¡± She turned around.


    ¡°Babe, we need to talk. This has been long overdue.¡± I followed her when she walked fast. ¡°Babe?¡±


    She still ignored me.


    ¡°Damn it, Sadie! Stop!¡±


    She did. She was heaving. ¡°You son of bitch!¡± She poked my chest. ¡°I went home thinking that I would apologize for my sucky behavior, but you were not there. And these guys?¡± She pointed at Linden and Devin joining us. ¡°They didn¡¯t know, or you wouldn¡¯t let them tell me where you were. And then I received a call from the FBI. Do you know how does it feel?¡± She narrowed her eyes into murderous slits. ¡°I came over here without knowing what to expect. Then.¡± She gestured her hands. ¡°Look at you. You look fine.¡±


    ¡°Would you rather see me hurt instead?¡±


    ¡°A simple truth would be fine. But I know something dubious is going on. I just don¡¯t know what it is. And let me guess, you¡¯re still not allowed to tell me.¡±


    ¡°I will exin to you everything.¡±


    She looked at me. ¡°That my father is a psycho gun smuggler and operates a Fentanyl factory? Wow! It sounds better than Willy Wonka.¡± She shook her head in disappointment. ¡°So, how did I fit in your life, Cenric? Your pawn? I was a part of your n, was it? To infiltrate my father¡¯s business? How about that twenty-five million dors? Jeez. I¡¯m out of here.¡± She turned around, waving off her hand.


    ¡°Sadie, that¡¯s not the whole story. I will tell you everything once we get home. I promise.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested anymore.¡±


    ¡°I know you are.¡±


    She stopped. When she faced me, she was already crying. ¡°Then you don¡¯t know me.¡±


    ¡°I know you care for the truth. I know you care for me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe the price I paid for being your property. I¡¯m just a human being, after all.¡±


    ¡°Stop walking away from me. Just take a minute to let it sink in.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a minute.¡± She entered the car.


    Linden held my arm before I could follow her inside. ¡°Finish whatever unfinished business you have here. I¡¯ll take her home. By the time you get back, she¡¯s already calmed down.¡±


    I nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m not angry with you for keeping me out of whatever deal you made. I hope you get what you¡¯d hoped to achieve.¡±


    They drove off. I left here alone, thinking of what Linden just told me. I may have achieved what I wanted for years, but I still felt the pain, and the hollow in my chest was still there.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look okay.¡± Beck came over.


    ¡°What did Marques say?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re good to go. He¡¯ll keep us posted.¡±


    I got in the passenger seat, thinking if I did achieve something. I did¡ªa huge one. And that is what mattered. My rtionship, on the other hand, was on the brink. My wife was pissed at me. Linden didn¡¯t look happy either.


    Beck drove silently for thest five minutes.


    ¡°Do you feel fulfilled?¡±


    ¡°Considering how many lives we supposed have saved, yeah. You, on the other hand, should fix your marriage before it would be toote.¡±


    ¡°I feel her slipping away from me, Beck.¡±


    He tsked. ¡°Nah. Sadie doesn¡¯t know everything yet. Don¡¯t exin to her, brother. Just tell her the story. Soon, she would understand and might appreciate your gesture and thank you for what you did.¡±


    I looked at him. ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°I do. I saw how worried Sadie was. That¡¯s the true emotion a woman couldn¡¯t hide. She cares. She¡¯s angry, yes. Definitely.¡±


    We arrived home. Devin gestured that Sadie was up in the room.


    ¡°Gabe, we need to talk.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re good, man. Go check her out. We¡¯re not going anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± I hugged him like a brother.


    I did two steps at a time, sprinting into our room. The room was dark, but there was a lighting from her bathroom.


    ¡°Babe? Sadie?¡± She didn¡¯t respond. She was in the bathtub with her eyes closed.


    I sighed deeply as I sat down beside her outside the tub. I closed my eyes and tried to put my memories back in order.


    ¡°I was in myst mission before my break. It was just a recon, at first. We were already talking about how we spent our vacation. I nned to go to ska, maybe ice skiing, you know, something cold, away from the desert. So, we got to the small clinic. We had the doctors with us. The mission went south before we could go far. We got separated. Beck and I were with this beautiful doctor.¡± I paused.


    I pinched the bridge of my nose before I continued. ¡°She was hit in the abdomen. I didn¡¯t believe it was that serious because I¡¯ve seen people get through it. She told me she wouldn¡¯t make it and made me promise to take her daughter away from her father, and that man was not a good person. I told her to stop talking and save her strength instead. She said, find her for me. She made me promise to do whatever it took. She forced me to take the crumpled picture in her hand.¡±


    Sadie understood somehow. She was shaking in the tub. She realized I was talking about her mother, the woman I failed to save.


    ¡°Before I turned to her, she was hit directly in the head. That¡¯s what killed her. I didn¡¯t only fail my mission, but I failed to keep her alive. I lost my parents as well. That was the darkest time of my life. When I got home, I looked for you. I saw you once outside your school. I went away for months. When I came back, I focused on making money. I invested all my assets and my inheritance. It paid off. Then I came for Hanslo. I learned everything about him, from his strengths to his weaknesses. Since he loved money so much, I took that as an advantage. He¡¯s in the FBI custody, so to speak, Sadie. You can hate me for the rest of your life. But when I made a promise, I would do everything to fulfill it. I don¡¯t know your mother, but my world and yours just collided when my brothers died because your father sold those guns to the militants. How are you here in my life? I may have nned it, but you are my wife now. Nothing can change that fact.¡±


    ¡°Is my brother is in FBI custody too?¡±


    ¡°No. He¡¯s safe somewhere. Suppose he¡¯s not stupid enough to get in trouble. He¡¯s going to have a good life after him.¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡± She was still looking at the water.


    ¡°I offered him a deal, and I made sure he couldn¡¯t say no to me. He said he¡¯s sorry for what he put you through.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just tell me the truth?¡±


    ¡°Babe, look at me.¡± She nced up at me, and I looked at her in the eye. She was horrified and hurt. ¡°Truth hurts, babe. And it had been so hard for me as well. Keeping the truth from you is not easy. Lying every day to someone you care about feels like I¡¯m dragged away into the dark. I¡¯m so sorry. Your mother was Yelena.¡±


    ¡°Yelena Arisov.¡±


    ¡°And I have something to tell you.¡±

 Chapter 58

    Darkest Secrets


    SADIE


    ¡°No, no, no. Not today. I can¡¯t take any more truth. My brain would explode.¡± I was shaking. I was shivering not from the water in the tub but from the uncertain situation I was in. I didn¡¯t know my ce anymore¡ªwhere I fit in.


    I was lost. I was still processing those truths that blew in my face. Nothing had sunk in yet. I was on the verge of denial because that was impossible. It couldn¡¯t be.


    Cenric couldn¡¯t do that. He was not the kind of man I married months ago. He wouldn¡¯t sacrifice something for the dead woman. He wouldn¡¯t save me. What he said was a lie.


    I pulled my knees together as I shook to cry in bed. He came closer to me.


    ¡°I wanna be alone.¡± I stopped him.


    ¡°Babe.¡±


    ¡°Please?¡±


    Somehow he did as I requested. He walked away and left the room.


    I cried there alone in the dark until I felt I had no tears left. I woke up alone in the same position, tucked under the nket.


    I decided to go down. My stomach kept grumbling. At least, I could still feel something. I wasn¡¯t numb enough. I felt my eyes like they were stung by tons of bees.


    Considering I just found out my dysfunctional family was running a criminal organization, I still wanted to live. Life must go on, as they said.


    I went to the kitchen and found them there, chatting, except Cenric. The chat suddenly stopped as if they were muted, and they ttered as if it was a fine day.


    ¡°Have a seat.¡± Linden was the first to break the ufortable silence. He ced a full breakfast, and it looked mouth-watering. ¡°Just the way you like it.¡±


    Devin ced a cup on the table and poured coffee before returning to his chair. Beck just sat there, drinking his coffee, but I felt like he wanted to say something.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back, Beck.¡± I sipped my coffee. Divine. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Just d you came down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. God, I was so hungry. Unless I will eat soap in the room to fill my hunger.¡± I dug in, and the two idiots were watching me like a hawk as if I would choke myself.


    ¡°Nice to hear your humor is back.¡±


    I red at Devin and Linden as well. ¡°It¡¯s impolite to watch someone eating.¡±


    ¡°Just slow down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m starving.¡± I rose to my feet, picked another toast, and ced it on the te. I grabbed my te and my coffee and walked away from scrutinizing stares. I knew Cenric might have told them to keep an eye on me. And they did a fine job.


    What was he thinking? After he put my father in jail and sent my brother far away, I would be suicidal? Or I would follow them? I wasn¡¯t happy for what they¡¯d done to me, to my mother, and to the people they had hurt, but I wouldn¡¯t wish for them to be dead as well.


    I settled in the entertainment area, turned the tv on, and watched Star Trek Voyager on Netflix. Even if these aliens looked absurd, it was fun to watch.


    I noticed someone just join in, then another, then another.


    I turned my head and paused the video. ¡°I¡¯m not gonna hang myself or stab my heart with this fork.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not dealing well, Sadie,¡± Beck said.


    ¡°Have you ever experienced losing your family, finding out that you¡¯re a subject, a pawn, and that your husband was the cause of all of it? No. Now, give me a break if I am not dealing with my losses.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°He saved you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and there is it. The painful freaking truth. Tell him that his property, a. k. a his subject, a charity case is beyond grateful.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡± It was Devin who replied.


    ¡°Now, if you pleased?¡± I gestured towards the door. ¡°I¡¯m ready to watch porn. Alone.¡±


    ¡°Your sarcasm is impable.¡± Linden sneered. ¡°And Simon says.¡±


    ¡°That you¡¯re all assholes. I get it, loud and clear.¡± I yed the button. My breakfast was cold, but I cleaned up the te that I would if I could lick it.


    Devin came in with a te of sliced fruits. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell you I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You were also working with the FBI?¡±


    ¡°No. I just found out yesterday that your husband and Beck were their informants. I knew about your father¡¯s business. I wanted out, but you know I would end up in a body bag if I ever tried. Then I finally found my way out. Five months ago, your husband¡¯s brother contacted me. Then Cenric found out, so he did not give me a choice. That¡¯s why I came almost the same day as you. He already offered something I couldn¡¯t say no. A way out, my sister¡¯s tuition and an internship at his corporation.¡±


    I smiled sadly. ¡°He does that to people he believes can be saved. I¡¯m happy for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where my brother is?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m sure boss will tell you.¡±


    After a few episodes, I passed out. I jolted up when I sensed someone was sitting beside me. My hand was in my chest. I didn¡¯t even realize I fell asleep in there andfortably covered with fleece.


    ¡°Sorry if I startled you.¡± His smell assaulted my nostrils. He always smelled good, and it was nostalgic. I missed those days when just the two of us cuddled while watching movies on the couch.


    Today, it didn¡¯t look appealing to me. I felt there was a massive gap between us. The trust was broken. Though Cenric did not precisely lie to my face, he did conceal the truth from me. I guessed that was the disadvantage of being the subject and his property.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    He lifted his gaze from the screen of his phone to me. ¡°I thought you might wanna hear something about your brother.¡±


    ¡°Where is he?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still traveling. Once he arrived at the location, I gave him. He¡¯ll contact me.¡±


    ¡°What if he won¡¯t?¡±


    He looked at me carefully. ¡°Then I can¡¯t protect him anymore.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wish him any harm.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Silence stretched between us until it got agonizing. I didn¡¯t know how to break it. What happened to us now that this was over? What happened to me?


    ¡°Should I move out?¡±


    His head snapped at my side, ring at me. ¡°Why?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I shrugged. ¡°Your job for me is done. You got what you wanted. You don¡¯t need me anymore. I mean,e on, you just took down one of the world¡¯s notorious smugglers and drug lords. You should celebrate. You should add that to your portfolio.¡±


    Pissed off, he shook his head in irritation. ¡°Do you think that was all about?¡±


    ¡°What is the almighty Wollf really want?¡±


    ¡°I get it you¡¯re mad at me.¡±


    ¡°Try sick of everything!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t yell into my face, Sadie,¡± he said sternly.


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s cut the crap.¡± I rose to my feet, ring down at him. ¡°When do I get my freedom? I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t get your twenty-five million fucking dors anymore, but that¡¯s the price to pay for taking down a notorious criminal.¡±


    He red back. ¡°Why do you care so much for a man who¡¯s the reason why your mother was dead? Why do you care for him so much even if he let your mother die there alone?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still my father!¡±


    ¡°That son of a bitch is not your father!¡±

 Chapter 59

    Light of Day


    CENRIC


    I just came from an emergency board meeting concerning myst whereabouts. Even if the stock market was soaring and the corporation¡¯s was rising, even monitoring my personal affair outside my business, no matter how discreet I was, did not miss their scrutiny.


    I wasn¡¯t pissed off or worried. I would feel the same if I was in Cas¡¯ ce. I helped people, and that was all that mattered. But my baby brother was concerned about me, and he thought I had just lost my mind. So we fought over keeping secrets from him.


    I loved my brother, and I would go to the moon and back to protect him. That was the main reason I kept him out of this mess, and he couldn¡¯t ept my decisions even if they were already over. He was scared that some members of Absolom would retaliate. They could. Even if you cut the head of the snake, some loyal might be able to rebuild the broken organization, and it was possible. I got it.


    ¡°Cas?¡± I called him when he walked out of the office.


    He paused. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t hate you, but you are the only family I have left. Thest thing I want is for you to get hurt or be dead.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you do, brother.¡± He pursed his lips. His nose red as he tried hard not to get our employees¡¯ attention. ¡°Think about the people who care about you. You¡¯re being selfish, and all you care about is yourself and your fucking adventure. You are not a Marine anymore. You are a businessman, a founder, a big name in this industry, a hero, a friend, a brother, and a fucking husband. Fort once, Cenric, think of your wife, your family, and don¡¯t ever fucking tell me you¡¯re doing this for her. Now, you already got what you ever wanted, get a good and long vacation, enjoy it with your wife and live the life that you deserve.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere until you and I are okay.¡±


    ¡°Why do you care? When you should have involved me in your ns, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a Marine and always will be.¡±


    ¡°Well, brother. Let me tell you this. Your heroic behavior would get you killed.¡± He walked away.


    I didn¡¯t stop him anymore. I didn¡¯t realize the effect of my n would be this devastating. Everyone wouldn¡¯t be as pleased as I was. I didn¡¯t regret it. It was a fulfillment, but as my brother said, my heroic behavior might just kill me.


    I came home and met the guys. They were discussing something about the uing football games when they spotted me. I would be surprised if I found Sadie with them. She hated me. Our disagreements had gone too far, and I didn¡¯t know how to end this, and I was afraid I couldn¡¯t save my marriage anymore. I broke her trust, the only thing that made our marriage work for thest few months.


    Devin shook his head before I could say something.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever do that again.¡± Beck pointed right at my face. ¡°Even if Greer is in jail, that doesn¡¯t mean you are safe. And you are too valuable. Anyone could abduct you.¡±


    ¡°I let thepany driver drive me. Why does everyone just hate me today? Who else is interested in being on the list?¡±


    ¡°Try your wife,¡± Linden snorted.


    ¡°Where is she?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not dealing it well.¡±


    ¡°Who would be? She just lost the only family she knows,¡± Devin said.


    ¡°Wait, what do you mean by everyone hates you today?¡± Linden asked. ¡°Uh-huh! Cas knows.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I slipped my hands in my pockets.


    ¡°There¡¯s a game this weekend. Take Sadie with you and join us. We purchased the tickets. I just don¡¯t know how you feel about the seats.¡±


    ¡°Count us in,¡± I said to Devin.


    ¡°Great.¡±


    ¡°Did she get out of bed?¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re a horrible husband. Look for her and see for yourself.¡±


    I red at Linden. ¡°I¡¯m asking because I leave her in your care. Of course, I will look for her, but I need updates. And we already talked about this.¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m over with it. I¡¯m not mad at you. I moved on.¡±


    It took me two hours to exin to himst night. He was still my brother, and I knew how terrible it felt to keep secrets from somebody, but it might feel as horrible as knowing someone you cared about was keeping secrets from you.


    I found my wife asleep in the entertainment room. Even in her sleep, she looked in pain. There was a crest between her brows. It broke my heart knowing I¡¯d caused it. And I didn¡¯t know how she would react if she found out the father she grew up with was not her biological father after all. Would she be relieved?


    Then the unexpected question I wasn¡¯t ready to hear just slipped out. I was shocked, myself.


    Did she think about it before she asked me? I was still processing when she yelled at me. Out of the blue, the secret just slipped out of my mouth. Before I could take it back, it was already toote.


    I knew that look. I knew when someone somehow believed in a bit of possibility.


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about? How do you know so much about me?¡± Her chin trembled. Her tears kept rolling down. When I moved closer to her, as always, she blocked me, and it ripped my heart into two. ¡°Answer me, please?¡±


    ¡°You might wanna sit down.¡±


    ¡°No. I want to know now.¡± As stubborn as she was, she remained standing.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I took the result from my suit pocket. ¡°Here.¡±


    With a trembling hand, she took it from me. She managed to open it even if she was crying, her hands shook, and her tears kept pouring.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I wanna tell youst night.¡±


    She checked the papers, the envelope, theboratory name. She wiped her tears as she read between the lines. ¡°Is this real? Are you sure you get the sample right?¡±


    I got it. It would be shocking to find out the truth about her life and that the man who sold her to me was not her father after all. And living a life with nothing but a lie, I couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how she felt right now.


    ¡°I wanna talk to him. I want to hear the truth from him.¡±


    ¡°Of course, but not right now, not until his arraignment, and I want you to hear this.¡± I yed the recording I did when I confronted Hanslo.


    When it went to the part where he admitted killing Sadie¡¯s father, she just wailed in agony. This time even if she hated me, hit me in the face, I would let her. I pulled her into my arms. I wanted her to know that she was not alone in this struggle. She had me no matter how terrible her day was. She had me before, she had me now, and would always have me even when the time came she didn¡¯t need me anymore.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Let it out.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m living this lie my entire life. Why did mom not even tell me?¡±


    ¡°She died believing that I would help you find out the truth.¡±


    ¡°Promise me to unveil her the truth about her father, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, but I will. Just save your strength, Yelena.¡±


    ¡°I will forever be in your debt.¡±


    I closed my eyes. My jaw clenched as I was finally free from these damn secrets for good. It had been too long, too long that it sucked me into the dark hole of deception and lies.


    ¡°He killed my father. How could he do that?¡±


    ¡°I think there¡¯s always a dark side of love. I believe his love for your mother had brought him madness.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s an evil.¡± She clung to me as she cried.


    I let her.

 Chapter 60

    Space


    SADIE


    I got ready and called Devin to prepare the car.


    I walked into the library, and Cenric was in a phone conversation. ¡°Just keep me posted. I awe you big time.¡±


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± I started.


    After noticing me in an outfit and a bag in my hand, he gestured for me to sit. ¡°You don¡¯t have to ask. Going somewhere?¡±


    I forced a smile. ¡°I need space.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Judging by the look on his face, he wasn¡¯t expecting it, but somehow, he understood.


    I¡¯d thought about ittely. This is the only way I could save our marriage if he wanted it to. I needed to clear my head because I wanted to build that trust again. I needed to find myself¡ªwhere did I fit in all of this.


    ¡°I want to stay at the penthouse for a while.¡±


    ¡°And me?¡±


    ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°And us?¡±


    I looked at him in disbelief. ¡°I said I need space, and that space¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know what space means.¡± He cleared my throat and somehow thought if he would consider my request or not. ¡°Are we okay? We didn¡¯t even talk about the elephant in the room because every time I wanted to open the topic, you just blocked me off.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I am doing this. I need to clear my head. I need to be alone. I hope you will respect it.¡±


    He threw his back against the chair with a sigh. ¡°How long?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. A week, two weeks. A month.¡± I shrugged. This could be longer. I didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°That¡¯s too long.¡±


    I red. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t exactly know.¡±


    He red back. ¡°So you will be there, and I stay here. What kind of marriage is that?¡±


    I stood up and said before I walked away, ¡°Whether you agree with me or not, I am doing this. I need this. I just came here with respect to you and our marriage.¡±


    I knew he was following me, but I did not stop. ¡°That¡¯s it? You¡¯d rather think all by yourself than talk about us?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk when I¡¯m ready.¡±


    He held the car door when Devin opened it for me. ¡°Leave us.¡±


    As stubborn as I was, I crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°I want to save this marriage.¡±


    His eyes somehow sparkled with hope. ¡°So do I. I didn¡¯t push you to talk because you are still going through tough shit and are not exactly a sharer. I just wish you would let me in.¡±


    ¡°The way you do?¡±


    He pinched his nose. He was losing his patience. ¡°I deserve that. But this? This is different. We¡¯re talking about our marriage, Sadie. I don¡¯t¡ª¡± He stopped. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to go.¡±


    ¡°We both need a break. You need it, too. After a week, we¡¯ll check it out. Maybe you¡¯ll realize that you¡¯d been suffocated and needed out.¡±


    ¡°I know myself, and I know what I want. I want you in my life. I want you as my wife. I don¡¯t need days to think it over. Fuck, I don¡¯t even need a minute to think it through.¡± He looked at me. He was hurting, but so did I. ¡°I want you. I broke your trust. I made mistakes, and I will make more in the future. And I will do anything to gain that trust back, even if it takes years. I won¡¯t give up on us because we both had rough days. It happens in marriage. We¡¯ll go to counseling if necessary.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll do that. I have to go.¡±


    He breathed out noisily. ¡°Do I get to have dinner with you?¡±


    I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°If this is really what you want.¡± He licked his lips. ¡°You¡¯ll call me if you need anything?¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°Cenric, I¡¯m just in the penthouse.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m not fucking allowed to see you.¡±


    ¡°Think of it as a retreat.¡±


    ¡°Jesus Christ.¡± He threw his hands in the air as he narrowed his eyes at me.


    ¡°I have to go.¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡± He gestured his hands.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    I gave in.


    He hugged me so tight. ¡°I hate this.¡±


    ¡°Do it for me,¡± I said after he let me go.


    ¡°What the fuck do you think I am doing?¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled sadly.


    He nodded, even if it was hard. I admired him for that.


    ***


    Three dayster, my office was like a flower shop. He sent flowers twice a day like clockwork. Another bouquet just arrived a minute ago.


    ¡°Maeve, maybe you can take one or two from these bouquets?¡±


    ¡°Sadie, they are from your husband.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s better on your desk than in the trash.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯te here to visit you. It¡¯s not a rocket scientist not to figure out that you two are in a fight or something. If you wanna make it stop, you should talk to him.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Maeve. That¡¯s all.¡±


    I typed a text message.


    SADIE:You should stop sending me flowers. I don¡¯t have a n to open a flower shop.


    CENRIC:Then you shoulde back home to your husband.


    SADIE:When I¡¯m ready. We already talked about this. And we should not be talking right now.


    CENRIC:You did not miss me? Us?


    I closed my eyes before I typed my reply.


    SADIE:I missed us. Stop sending me flowers or one bouquet, and I would add another week.


    CENRIC:That¡¯s fucking unfair.


    CENRIC:Fine


    One minuteter¡­


    Cenric:Babe?


    Persuasive, weren¡¯t we?


    I was typing something on myptop when Maeve knocked. ¡°Upgraded. Here¡¯s just delivered to you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God. I ignored his text messages, and now he sent me gifts.¡± I took it from her. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I unwrapped one of the gifts. I knew what it was before I opened the packaging. It was a diamond bracelet from a jewelry designer brand.


    ¡°Wow!¡± It was a ssic tennis bracelet.


    SADIE:This is pretty. Three weeks.


    I opened the huge box and smiled like crazy. It was another bag from Hermes¡ªthis time, it was lime yellow Kelly.


    Jeez, he was upgrading his gesture.


    I waited for his reply, but it did not happen.


    ***


    I left the office early. I had an appointment with my doctor.


    After the nurse took a blood sample, my doctor walked in.


    ¡°You¡¯re here early.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°I¡¯m dyed.¡±


    ¡°Did you try checking with the kit?¡±


    ¡°I know I¡¯m not pregnant. When I¡¯m under too much stress sometimes, I get dyed for a few days.¡±


    ¡°But you want to know it for yourself if you¡¯re pregnant or not?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Would like an ultrasound?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s positive in my blood test, yes.¡±


    ¡°When was thest time you slept with your husband.¡±


    ¡°Days ago,¡± I chuckled. ¡°We got into a fight, and I told him I need space.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± I asked when the nurse walked in with my result.


    My doctor checked the result, and the waiting was maddening. ¡°You should take enough rest, exercise, and talk to your husband. You¡¯re not pregnant.¡±


    I sighed in relief. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I was smiling when I got back to the car. Devin kept looking at me in the rearview.


    ¡°Stop it. Does he know?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you smiling?¡±


    ¡°Is it good news?¡±


    ¡°Not your damn business, Devin.¡± I rolled my eyes when he was more excited than me.


    ¡°I know, but you just visited a gynecologist.¡±


    ¡°And? It¡¯s a regr check-up. I did not visit an obstetrician.¡±


    ¡°You seemed too defensive, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°For the love of God, just shut up and drive me home.¡±


    He justughed at me. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I was relieved I wasn¡¯t pregnant because I didn¡¯t know how to break it to Cenric. We slept together, enjoyed amazing sex, and he trusted me that I was on a pill. If I was positive, my life was over. I¡¯d be damned.


    ¡°Hey, wife.¡±


    I almost jumped. Groaning, I squeezed my eyes shut. ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡±


    He had his legs crossed as he sat like a freaking king on the couch. ¡°Thest time I checked, I live here.¡±

 Chapter 61

    Missed. Move. Kiss Cam


    CENRIC


    So, she visited her doctor, and it exhrated me. I wished she was pregnant, and I found the reason to shorten the space she asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m asking.¡± She looked irritated that I cut her sabbatical shit short.


    ¡°That¡¯s the only answer you get. How¡¯s your visit?¡±


    Her cheeks burned. She red at Devin.


    ¡°I know what you did, and I will know wherever you go, babe.¡±


    ¡°Great. Then there¡¯s no reason for you to be here.¡± She took a seat on the single sofa.


    I smiled sweetly. God, I missed her. I wanted to pull her into my arms, kiss her, and show her how she drove me insane alone in our home.


    She should be with me every night. I missed her in my arms. I missed her lips around me, her hands all over me, and fuck, I missed being inside her.


    ¡°It looks good on you.¡± She was wearing the tennis bracelet I gave to her. I was so stupid that I didn¡¯t buy her anything except the bags. I had to woo someone I knew from the boutique. Apparently, there was a long line of a waiting lists. I worked hard for her and us, and she deserved pampering. She was my wife, after all.


    ¡°I wear it because I like it.¡±


    ¡°And the bag?¡±


    She hid her smile. I knew she liked it. The first one I bought for her, she kept staring at it like a piece of timeless jewel.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m staying here. We have a game to watch tomorrow.¡± I took off my suit jacket and hung it on the chair.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t agree on this, Cenric.¡±


    My brow cocked. ¡°Really? Because as far as I know, you did this for yourself. You didn¡¯t even ask my opinion regarding your little in need of space bullshit.¡± I quoted in the air. ¡°And if I said I stay, I stay.¡±


    She stomped away. Whether she liked it or not, I was staying.


    After our dinner, she retreated to the room. It was a relief that she was still sleeping in our bed.


    She came to bed wearing my shirt. A small smile spread across my lips. It had been a while since I smiled, and it was fucking awesome.


    The guys just shook their heads if I yelled at them. They med me for my falling out with Sadie. It wasn¡¯t exactly falling out. It was mutual understanding that we stayed away from each other for a while. Though I wasn¡¯t in for this, I still had to ept her wishes.


    ¡°This is not exactly what I expected toe home to you,¡± I said honestly.


    ¡°We¡¯re not done with giving spaces with each other.¡±


    ¡°I know, babe. We don¡¯t have to talk about anything. Just acknowledge that I am here. That¡¯s all. Tell me about your visit.¡±


    I could feel her rolling her eyes even if she gave me her back. ¡°We don¡¯t have to talk about anything, huh?¡±


    I simpered. ¡°I guess we do have to have a little conversation.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not pregnant.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    She must have noticed my reaction as she turned her head with her brows met. ¡°When I¡¯m stressed, my period messes with me.¡±


    ¡°But are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Congrats on the new project.¡±


    ¡°There are no secrets in the office, are there?¡±


    ¡°The perks of owning apany. I didn¡¯t have to know the full details, but being a husband to the PrimerTech CEO, I get to know everything.¡±


    ¡°Have you heard anything about my brother?¡±


    I grabbed my phone. ¡°I received a file from my contacts. This voice message is for you.¡± I yed it for her.


    ¡°Hey, sis. I guess you already know what happened to our father. I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t talk to you before I left. It just happened so fast. I just wanted to apologize for what I put you through sincerely. I was just jealous that you could do everything you wanted and that you didn¡¯t have to carry the burden of being the only son in the family. Still, you didn¡¯t deserve everything that happened to you. I hope one of these days. You can learn to forgive me.¡± I paused the recording when Sadie sniffed beside me.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Just y it.¡±


    I pressed the y button. ¡°Cenric is a good guy. I wouldn¡¯t be here if not for him. He gave me a chance to start a new life. I know you are in good hands, sis. He cares about you so much. Take care of each other. You know, in my own stupid and asshole way, I love you.¡±


    I put the phone away. ¡°Come here, babe.¡± Surprisingly, she did not resist.


    ¡°He¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°He is, and he¡¯s going to be safe there. When things get back to normal, I will take you there.¡± I pulled her into my arms. I pressed my nose into her hair and inhaled her smell. She smelled like fresh flowers in summer.


    ¡°Why did you give him a chance after what he almost did to your game?¡±


    I kissed her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to hate me. I can¡¯t forgive myself if you do that. I can¡¯t look at you in the eye if something¡¯s happened to him.¡±


    ¡°Why do you have to be so kind to me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what a loyal husband would do.¡±


    She sighed in my arms. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Anything for you, babe.¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t like the idea of you being here.¡±


    ¡°I guess you have to suck it up because I¡¯m not going anywhere. Babe.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I have something to tell you?¡±


    ¡°Did you cheat on me already?¡±


    ¡°Fuck no. Remember our first night in GoldenEye?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°How did you fall asleep easily?¡±


    She turned to face me. ¡°What did you do? Did you drug me?¡± Her tone was usatory, but she was right though.


    She was waiting for my answer as I thought about how to break it to her. ¡°Cenric?¡±


    ¡°I imnted you with a tracker chip.¡±


    ¡°What the hell?¡± She was quicker in her seat. Her eyes grew big. ¡°Where? How did I not feel anything?¡± She rubbed her arms, her neck. ¡°Take this thing off of me, Cenric!¡±


    It was fun to watch her like the old Sadie I knew. I held her hand. ¡°Rx. It¡¯s for your own protection.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a vition, you dumbass!¡±


    ***


    Sadie was still guarded even if we spent the night together in bed. No sex, but I still slept like a babyst night, the longest and most peaceful night since our disagreements.


    I knew she would be happy when Becka joined us to watch the game today.


    She was beside me on the bench while Becka was on her right. I let them catch up. I knew they had a lot to talk about, so I focused on the game.


    My team was leading two points so far, but anything could happen during the game.


    ¡°So, you two are okay?¡±


    I looked at Beck. ¡°We¡¯re watching the game. I know you are trying to distract me because my team is gonna¡ª¡± Fuck!


    The crowd roared. The opposing team just made a goal, advancing them by three points.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying?¡± Beck was grinning like an idiot.


    ¡°The night is still early.¡±


    My wife just burst outughing, catching my attention.


    I whispered, ¡°Care to share?¡±


    She was still smiling when she turned to me. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? I¡¯ll find it out anyway.¡±


    She giggled, looked into my eyes, and shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s for girls only.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Just watch the game.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather watch you, babe.¡± Gasp and apud around us erupted. My guys just burst outughing while I was still finding out the cause of the ruckus all about.


    ¡°Crap. Kiss cam,¡± Sadie muttered, her eyes glued at the screen.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Come on. Just kiss already. Then we can go back to watching the game,¡± Linden remarked.


    I looked at my wife, still in shock. ¡°Babe, just trust me on this, okay?¡±


    ¡°Do I have a choice? Of all the people, why us?¡±


    I leaned in and closed my eyes before I kissed her. I was more surprised when she kissed me back. It felt familiar, but God, I still missed the feeling.


    Finally, it was over. The light was pulled away from us, and I was perplexed about what had just happened.


    ¡°You did not set me up so that you can kiss me, did you?¡±


    I smiled at her. ¡°As much I wanted to show the world that I wanted to kiss my wife on national tv, I¡¯d rather kiss you passionately in private.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°Me too, you want to kiss me?¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°We¡¯re still in need of space agreement.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± I looked at her hand on my thigh. ¡°Admit that you miss me.¡±


    ¡°No can do.¡±


    ¡°Come on, babe. You know I missed you so much it hurts.¡±


    ¡°I know what you missed the most.¡± Her smile was wicked. She was ying a game here.


    ¡°I bet you do.¡± I leaned in to whisper, ¡°If you keep smiling like that, you¡¯re gonna give me a hard-on.¡±

 Chapter 62

    Hot Shower


    SADIE


    It had been a while since myst run. Sometimes I forgot to care for myself, for my well-being, until my visit to my Gyne. I was listening to the acoustic cover version of Adele¡¯s Easy On Me when I felt someone was following me behind.


    I paused the song and caught my breath. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Running like I do every day.¡± God, I missed his smile¡ªthat easy-going free-spirit smile.


    ¡°Yeah, but you don¡¯t usually go out, hence your mini gym.¡±


    ¡°Well, I like fresh air once and a while.¡±


    I rolled my eyes and started running again. I was not convinced. ¡°Cenric, what do you want?¡±


    He followed me. ¡°Fine. I wanted to ask if you are free on Saturday.¡±


    ¡°I am not.¡±


    ¡°Babe, it¡¯s Saturday.¡±


    ¡°You work on Saturday, so do I.¡±


    ¡°Babe.¡± He held my wrist. ¡°We seriously need to talk.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Then when?¡± There was a determination in his gaze drilling into me.


    I withdrew a breath, diverting my gaze before I focused on his. ¡°I need more time.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re deflecting. You can¡¯t do that every time you feel like you are scared of something, of grief. You choose not to talk about it and run away instead. It will only send you through spiraling.¡±


    ¡°Well, thank you, Dr. Phil.¡±


    ¡°Babe, I need this marriage. I want this marriage to work. I need you.¡±


    I swallowed. ¡°Why? You¡¯ve done what you were supposed to do. You can find someone better than me. I¡¯m sure you wanted your freedom again, or you¡¯re already fed up with my annoying repartee and defying your words.¡±


    He snorted sarcastically. ¡°So this is what is it all about? Sadie, if I wanted freedom, I¡¯d just send you somewhere far and safe away from your father. Then I¡¯m back to my old life.¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you? Instead, you chose to be tied with me. Isn¡¯t that you¡¯ve gone a bit too far?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I felt like you are safe when you are with me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe not now. But I need this to work.¡± He tried to tell me something. He seemed to find it hard to find the right words. He scratched his head instead. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what I put you through. I¡¯m sorry if I was a terrible husband. I¡¯m sorry if I ignored you for thest couple of weeks. I did that because I knew I had to tell you somehow if you pressed, and I signed an agreement. Andstly, I wanted to protect you. The less you know, the better.¡±


    ¡°I get it. I would do the same thing if I were in your position. And you¡¯re not actually a terrible husband. You are attentive¡ªtoo attentive for my taste.¡± I smiled, walking away.


    ¡°Too attentive, huh?¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah, in many ways.¡±


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t like it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I guess. You¡¯re possessive, overprotective, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a good husband, huh.¡±


    ¡°Agreeable.¡±


    ¡°Really? In bed?¡±


    ¡°Debatable. I mean, you¡¯re okay.¡±


    He burst outughing. ¡°Now you are lying to me, woman.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but join andugh with him.


    ¡°Debatable? I¡¯m just okay in bed?¡± He was stillughing.


    I shook my head in amusement. ¡°You expect an A rating?¡±


    ¡°I was excellent in bed. You know that. If the bed, bathroom, bathtub, all the Bs and corners have eyes, they¡¯ve witnessed what we did, and they would disagree with you, wife.¡±


    I smiled, and he smiled too. ¡°Your ego, Cenric.¡±


    ¡°I know myself. I¡¯m good with my hands, my fingers, my mouth, my lips, my tongue, and what did you tell me before?¡± He pretended not to remember it. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m big.¡±


    I punched him on his arm. ¡°Stop it.¡±


    ¡°Debatable, huh?¡±


    ¡°Jeez, fishing forpliments much?¡±


    ¡°I know you want me too, babe. Didn¡¯t you miss it? Us?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back home, silly.¡±


    As soon as we reached back to the penthouse, I went directly to the shower. He slipped in before I could close the door.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± He was stark naked, and damn, he was delicious and hot. My gaze flicked to those ripped muscles that made my skin warm. My muscles strained. My nipple just hardened against my arm as I tried to cover my goods.


    ¡°My shower heater is not working.¡± He joined me under the spray.


    ¡°You are lying. I just used it yesterday. Why didn¡¯t you call someone to fix it?¡±


    ¡°I just figure out, babe.¡± He pulled my arm away from my breasts. ¡°I¡¯ve seen and touched every inch of you. You don¡¯t have to cover yourself. Your body is perfect and sexy. If you don¡¯t have the feeling to fuck me here, I won¡¯t force you, and never did, did I? Unless¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop right there, big guy.¡± I tried cking out his naked image in my head, but it didn¡¯t help. I drew a deep breath instead, shut my eyes close, and ignored the sensation building between my thighs.


    When he applied shampoo to my hair, I gasped. I knew he was watching my reaction, and even a woman in a right mind with strong defiance, no one could resist the temptation and the urge of not throwing herself to a naked man in front of me.


    I turned around, biting my bottom lip as hard as it may bleed. God, this was harder than I thought. The ache between my thighs intensified. ¡°Saturday then.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He stopped his hand on the back of my neck.


    ¡°You asked me if I¡¯m free on Saturday. Well, I¡¯ll be there wherever you¡¯re nning to take me to.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Now, rx. Your muscles are like stone against my hand.¡±Well, when you keep touching me like that.


    We met again in the kitchen. There were two tes for breakfast. He poured coffee into another cup and offered it to me.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I took mine and sipped my coffee.


    ¡°Babe?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I met his gaze.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    I looked at the cup. ¡°Drinking.¡±


    ¡°No. What are you doing?¡± he spelled it out, his gaze glued at me.


    I put the cup down and sighed in defeat. ¡°I tried not to be distracted with your charm.¡±


    ¡°Is that a bad thing? I mean, if my charm works?¡±


    ¡°Look, I like you. I mean, a lot. I¡¯m attracted to you, and it¡¯s driving me nuts. I want you, okay? Like I never wanted anyone. But I needed space to find myself. I wanted to figure out what I wanted in life. Of course, I love my job and what I do, but how about outside work? What do I want to do? You know that I¡¯d been caged like Fort Knox for years, right? I finally found my freedom and I¡¯m still figuring out what to do with it. It isn¡¯t easy to think when you keep pushing yourself to me. Honestly, you¡¯re like a gue. In a good way, though. I mean, you wake something deep inside me, and I like it. But that¡¯s not what I want right now. I mean, you said it yourself that you want us. I do too. I just hope you would still be there when I am done with my solitude.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He wrapped his arms around me. ¡°Do you need more time?¡±


    I looked up at him. ¡°Just so you know, you¡¯re not just a good husband. You¡¯re the best.¡±

 Chapter 63

    Awful Disguise


    CENRIC


    You¡¯re the best. Fuck, yeah. I kept reminding myself.


    I went back home after work. I didn¡¯t bother her anymore. The more I kept my distance, the easier it was for her to figure out what she wanted in her life. It was hard. I missed her every second she was away from me. But she needed it, and that was what she got.


    That was two days ago. No call. No text. I didn¡¯t even ask Devin for updates.


    And here I was, stalking my wife.


    Beck just shook his head in disappointment. ¡°You¡¯re losing your shit. What is in the fucking of need space you did not understand? You will still see her on Saturday, won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°She needs space, but I don¡¯t. I want to see her, not meet her. And can¡¯t you be a little supportive of me?¡±


    ¡°Supportive my ass. You did this to yourself. But whatever. If she sees us, you¡¯re gonna have to exin. Then she needs another week or two. Your trouble, man. Not mine.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should getid. You¡¯re being a pain in my ass.¡±


    ¡°I will always be your pain in your ass if you don¡¯t act like an adult. I mean, look at you?¡± He turned to look at me in the passenger seat. ¡°Who does that? What kind of disguise are you even doing?¡±


    I wore sunsses and a baseball cap. ¡°This is how I blend in.¡±


    ¡°And what about me and the car, huh?¡±


    I sat straight, took off the cap, and ran my fingers through my hair. ¡°You are fucking annoying.¡±N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    ¡°And you¡¯re like an idiot. You never stalked someone, and your disguise is awful. It doesn¡¯t work on Sadie. Trust me.¡± Beck pointed at the building. ¡°I mean, you¡¯re here in front of your fucking tower.¡± He shook tough.


    I narrowed my eyes and tried to get a clear view. It was my wife with a man. ¡°Who the fuck is that asshole with her?¡± I pulled the door handle, but Beck managed to lock it before I could do something stupid.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I red at him. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Recon, remember?¡±


    I clenched my jaw. ¡°Who the fuck is that?¡± A guy around Sadie¡¯s age in a well, he wore a nice blue suit walking beside my wife. They looked like they were in a light conversation, carrying her leather bag as they headed towards the parking area.


    ¡°Gentleman,¡± Beck muttered. I knew he wanted to piss me off. Well, he was sessful.


    ¡°Fuck him.¡± Iid back when they were closer to our car. I groaned louder. Beck didn¡¯t even try to hide himself.


    ¡°Your idea, remember?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re an asshole. Who¡¯s that dude?¡±


    ¡°You mean a fine dude who helped your wife? Not to mention around her age?¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s her assistant? Isn¡¯t she supposed to be with her?¡±


    ¡°She got colds.¡±


    ¡°How in the hell did you know that?¡± I sat straight back, studying my best friend.


    He pretended as if he didn¡¯t hear my question.


    Iughed aloud. ¡°So, you¡¯re gettingid, huh?¡±


    ¡°You think my life revolves around you. I have a life outside your fucking world, asshole.¡±


    ¡°So, Maeve then?¡± I was stillughing. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°Why would I spill my personal life to you?¡±


    ¡°Because I am your best friend? Or I am thest person to know that you and my wife¡¯s assistance are hooking up?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not hooking up.¡±


    ¡°So this is serious then?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s your business, brother.¡±


    ¡°It is when you are my best friend. I mean, I don¡¯t keep secrets from you, even my personal life, and you know everything about me.¡±


    ¡°No offense, but I don¡¯t have to tell you who I went out with.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough. But maybe I can help.¡± I scratched my growing scruff. I thought, what was the point of shaving when Sadie would not even see my face. I realized everything I did had something to do with her.


    This time he was the one whoughed at me. ¡°Help? How? You can even barely fix your issue in your rtionship. I mean, look at you, hiding behind the windshield to take a glimpse of your wife.¡±


    ¡°Well, I miss her. What¡¯s wrong with that? She¡¯s my everything. That¡¯s why I am giving her the space she¡­ needed.¡± I realized we weren¡¯t alone anymore. I could feel it. I could feel she was near. My heart pounded widely in my chest. Shit.


    A knock on the window just proved my suspicion. Fuck. I am in great trouble.


    Beck rolled the window down while I was still thinking of what to say. ¡°Sadie, good to see you here.¡±


    ¡°Beck,¡± she acknowledged him before she leaned in and looked down at me. ¡°Cenric?¡±


    ¡°Babe.¡± I stered a guilty smile.


    ¡°What are you two doing here? Why didn¡¯t youe inside?¡±


    ¡°We were just in the neighborhood. So I thought to drop by and checkout for a renovation idea of the parking lot.¡± Fuck! I sounded stupid.


    ¡°In the neighborhood, huh? What do you have in mind? It looks fine, in my opinion. Walk with me.¡±


    I turned to look at Beck beside me as he tried hard to keep himself fromughing. ¡°You¡¯re dead.¡±


    I got out of the car.


    ¡°Mr. Wollf, I¡¯m a fan.¡± The guy in a suit extended his hand.


    Out of respect to my wife, I shook his hand.


    ¡°This is Tanner. He was subbing Maeve while she was on sick leave.¡±


    ¡°Good to meet you, Tanner.¡±You¡¯re lucky you still have an intact jaw.


    ¡°It¡¯s an honored, sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take her bag.¡±


    He gave it to me. ¡°See you tomorrow, Sadie.¡± He then looked at me. ¡°Mr. Wollf.¡±


    ¡°Sadie?¡±


    ¡°What? I told them to call me Sadie. It will sound like a granny if they call me by Mrs. Wollf. So, how¡¯s the renovation idea going?¡±


    I walked by her side. ¡°Okay, babe. You got me. And niced. Nice ent.¡±


    She smiled as she looked at me. ¡°Jealous?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± I pursed my lips. ¡°Nah. First, he works in mypany. I¡¯m a lot more well-experienced than him. I¡¯m more handsome than him. Are you into older guys?¡±


    Sheughed at my question. ¡°You are being humble right now. How about you start bragging by saying I owned a billion-dorpany. He works for me. I¡¯m older, but I¡¯m one of the most powerful people in the country. I¡¯m attractive and good in bed.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like to brag.¡± Did she hear everything that I said in the car? I hoped not.


    ¡°So, what are you doing back there, Cenric?¡± She stopped when we were in front of the car while Devin waited.


    ¡°Do you want to know the truth?¡±


    ¡°That would be a great idea.¡±


    ¡°I miss you, and I just want to see you even if I don¡¯t get to talk to you. Sorry, it was not a good idea, and my disguise is awful.¡± I looked at the sunsses in my hand.


    ¡°You know I can feel you when you are near.¡±


    ¡°Really? I got the same vibe as well.¡±


    She looked at me, touching my suit. ¡°You¡¯re doing good. It¡¯s just my senses are heightened every time you are around. It¡¯s silly, but you have this effect on me.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I won¡¯t take much of your time. Don¡¯t stay up all night.¡±


    She squinted her eyes. ¡°Are you stalking me?¡±


    ¡°No, babe. I¡¯m just telling you.¡±


    ¡°You too.¡± She cupped my face, tiptoed, and whispered, ¡°I miss you too.¡± She then pressed her lips against mine, causing me to freeze. I fucking froze like a statue. I mean, who did that? When a woman you longed to kiss was kissing you, the first thing to do was kiss back, not fucking freeze.


    Well, toote. She was already stepping back, but not a fucking way I would let her go. I grabbed her wrist and pulled her into my arms. She yelped. Thest thing I knew, I had my hand at the back of my neck as I smashed my lips against her and kissed her hard and quick.


    When I broke the kiss, her eyes still fluttered close, but she was smiling. ¡°I froze back there for a while.¡±


    She opened her eyes. ¡°Did I catch you off guard?¡±


    ¡°It happened for me once in a while when I was with you. Good night, babe.¡±

 Chapter 64

    Rides


    SADIE


    ¡°Which from the two?¡± Tanner showed us the kind of blue colors.


    ¡°This one.¡± Cenric had already chosen my behalf, but Tanner was still waiting for my choice.


    ¡°Yup. This one.¡±


    ¡°Her eyes.¡±


    He nodded as if he was not convinced of Cenric¡¯s choice.


    ¡°Trust me, Tanner. I know my wife.¡± He was sitting on my desk with his arms crossed over his chest.


    ¡°Ace,¡± he said before he left.


    ¡°I¡¯m starting to dislike that guy.¡±


    I closed the folder on my desk and eyed him. ¡°He¡¯s nice, and Maeve is reporting tomorrow. I sent her flowers. Anyway, do you know¡ª¡±


    ¡°She and Beck are dating?¡±


    ¡°Wow! You¡¯re updated than me.¡±


    ¡°I pay attention to my guys.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re not leaving this office until I agree to free my whole Saturday?¡±


    He¡¯d been patient. Since our parking lot encounter, we had decided to stay under one roof. We slept in the same bed, but that was all. He didn¡¯t initiate sleeping with me. We chatted a few minutes before we dozed off. That was why I was notining even if he barged into my office anytime he wanted.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out by Saturday?¡±


    ¡°Any dress code?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love you toe naked if we¡¯re alone.¡±


    I hit him on his thigh and went back to reading the app proposal. ¡°Okay. Now go and close some deals.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He kissed the top of my head before he left.


    When he was gone, I tried to focus back on work. I couldn¡¯t, and I felt like something was missing, and there was a hollow inside my chest, even if I had everything in my life.


    I was grieving, yes. The process of finding myself was not what I wanted. What I wanted was eptance¡ªthat was what I needed. And I¡¯d known what I wanted from the start.


    I wanted freedom.


    I wanted a job to pay the bills. I wanted to help others.


    I wanted someone to care for me. I wanted to belong and be loved.


    ***


    ¡°So, you¡¯re driving?¡± I buckled my seat belt.


    ¡°I want to spend some time with you alone. They will just follow us to the farm.¡±


    ¡°Farm?¡±


    We hit the road. I didn¡¯t exactly know how long this trip would be. Thank God I was wearingfy clothes.


    ¡°My grandparents¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Wow! Now, I can¡¯t wait to see it.¡± He mentioned his grandparents¡¯ house, but I didn¡¯t think of him taking me to visit sooner.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too excited. There¡¯s nothing fancier on the farm. Corbin¡¯s way bigger.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. And it¡¯s been a while since we went out of the city.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a terrible husband, babe. I know that now.¡±


    I gripped his knee. ¡°Give yourself some credit, Cenric. We both are busy people, especially you. And Ipletely understand if in a few months we would barely see each other.¡±


    ¡°I will make sure it won¡¯te to that. Otherwise, I would ask you to resign.¡±


    I snapped my head at him. ¡°There¡¯s no way I would let you do that. You are the boss, and you can work anywhere you are. Unlike me, I should be in the office the entire time. Anyway, how far is the farm?¡±


    ¡°Three hours top if I drive like a grandpa.¡±


    I chose something to listen to on the radio before resting my head until my lids grew heavy.


    I might have fallen asleep. I heard him telling me to wake up, but my eyes still shut.


    ¡°Babe, we¡¯re here.¡±


    I opened my eyes. ¡°Cenric?¡±


    When I was back to my senses, I climbed out of the car. ¡°Wow!¡±


    Becks¡¯ ranch house was bigger than this one, but this was definitely looked domestic and homey.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get inside.¡± Cenric assisted me.


    ¡°You grew up here?¡±


    ¡°Nope, but we came here at least once a year. My father loved this kind of scenery. I think he would love you, too, babe.¡±


    He brought me to his old room. His picture in the barn was still there.


    I picked it up. ¡°How old are you here? And you¡¯re cute in eyesses.¡±


    Heughed. ¡°Around fifteen. I had an eye Lasik surgery.¡±


    I faced him. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Kidding. That¡¯s my grandma¡¯s eyesses. My grandpa passed away when I was in high school. Grandpa followed before I joined the Marines.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I touched his face.


    He pressed his cheek against my palm. ¡°It¡¯s alright. We had so many great times. How are you holding up, babe? We didn¡¯t really talk about what happened.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I¡¯m getting there.¡±


    ¡°Change to somethingfy.¡± He dragged one of our bags. ¡°We¡¯re going on a horse ride.¡±


    I jumped. ¡°Really? Yes!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He chuckled at my reaction.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you down.¡±


    After he left, I literally danced while changing my outfit. I looked for him when I went down.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the stable.¡± Linden knew I was looking for Cenric.


    ¡°Thanks!¡±


    I could see the stable from where I stood in the foyer. My excitement took the best of me. I sprinted toward the stable. Cenric was talking to the caretaker when I arrived.


    ¡°Babe, meet your horse.¡± He was holding the rope of the most beautiful ck horse I¡¯d ever seen.


    Arabian. I opened my mouth to say something, but I just ended up staring at the horse. I touched his mane, down to its body. It was already attached to the saddle. I climbed up, and the horse did not even move.


    ¡°He likes you.¡±


    As silly as I was, I hugged it and giggled. ¡°I like him, too, babe.¡±


    ¡°Okay, take it easy, cowgirl.¡± He gave me the rope. ¡°I think you should create a bond with him.


    ¡°I just did. See?¡± I showed him. The horse was like a baby with his feeding bottle.


    ¡°Okay. Wait for me here.¡± He went to take his own horse. It was a ck chestnut.


    Once he climbed up, I took the lead.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Take it easy, babe. Familiarize each other.¡± He followed me through the trail.


    ¡°He loves me!¡± I yelled before I put pressure on my leg. He started galloping, leaving Cenric behind. I didn¡¯t know where to go. I just follow the vast space towards the trees. The sound of the galloping and the feeling of being on top of the horse made me feel alive. I closed my eyes as I let the air kiss my skin.


    When we were far enough, I clucked him to trot. He looked in very well condition and discipline. Maybe he was well-trained.


    Cenric managed to catch us up. ¡°You really never listen, do you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you found me.¡± I giggled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do like that again, babe.¡±


    ¡°How did you find Red?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s Red?¡± he asked quickly, and I knew that tone.


    ¡°My baby boy.¡± I grinned.


    ¡°You named him already?¡±


    ¡°Red fits him.¡±


    ¡°But his color is ck.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I like the color red.¡±


    ¡°Okay, babe. He just arrived two days ago from Dubai.¡±


    ¡°I knew he¡¯s well-trained. My baby is disciplined and gallops like a pro. How old is he?¡±


    ¡°Five. This one is almost six now.¡±


    ¡°So, what¡¯s his name?¡±


    ¡°Armelle.¡±


    I widened my eyes. ¡°No way you named him after me.¡±


    ¡°Oops.¡± They trotted away.


    ¡°Cenric!¡± I caught up. ¡°Don¡¯t name your horse after me, you asshole.¡±


    I followed him as heughed it out loud as they galloped away.


    He helped me down and tied my horse to the other tree. We reached the end of their property. The grass was greener, and the wind smelled fresh forest.


    It was peaceful here¡ªjust what I wanted. We sat down, enjoying the serenity for a while.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t having an identity crisis when I asked for space,¡± I started.


    His gaze was far beyond the green scenery, but I knew he was listening.


    ¡°I was having a hard time epting a sudden change in my life and the grief of losing my family. After what they¡¯ve done to me, I still care about them. And there¡¯s this marriage. Being married to a person who used me as a subject to capture the person I called father. What took me a hard time believing was the reason for my mother¡¯s death and how you got involved in our lives.¡± I faced him. At this time, he looked at me. His eyes were sympathetic.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t me you. I was mad at first, but I realized that you were just doing your job or at least whatever you signed up for. However, I fit into the n, and I felt being used didn¡¯t matter. Maybe that¡¯s the price I paid for my freedom.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if you felt that way. The twenty-five million I offered to your father was for your freedom, but I had to wait for you to turn twenty-one and finish college before I married you. I swear I didn¡¯t know that they were not treating you right.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Thank you. Thank you for keeping the promise even if you went a little too far. Why marry me?¡±


    He held my hands and yed with my engagement ring. ¡°I chose this ring by myself.¡± He pressed it to his lips. ¡°I think if I had to admit my true intention of marrying you, it wasn¡¯t just about keeping you safe. Maybe at the back of my head, I just want you for myself. Knowing that you¡¯d be left no choice but to stay with me, I would get to know you. Your father told me that I shouldn¡¯t let you work, but you are my wife now, he doesn¡¯t have a say anymore, and I will do and give you whatever you wish. Our other condition is he will pay my money if you escape within a year of our marriage. It means I¡¯m not a good husband.¡±


    He took something from the back pocket of his jeans. It was his wallet. He then pulled a piece of paper out and gave it to me¡ªit folded into two.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± My eyebrows met as I took it from him.


    I gasped as I unfolded it. It was a picture of my mom and me. I looked at him and back at the photograph before I threw myself into him.

 Chapter 65

    Breakfast in Bed, etc.


    CENRIC


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± She bit her lip as she tried not to scream. I told her to keep her voice down if she wanted toe. The house may be big but not soundproof.


    I was pushing her to her brink while my fingers were doing the job. I thrust in and out of her drenched pussy, and my tongue teased her hardening clit. I scissored my fingers into her, and she shook in pleasure.


    I groaned and sucked her clit, her hips shooting up.


    ¡°So good,¡± she moaned. Her lids fluttered shut. I knew she was close. Her walls started clumping against my fingers.


    ¡°Come for me, babe.¡± I withdrew out and then plunged in deeper and rocked her faster, hitting her g-spot.


    She threw her head back, her hips rocking forward before she stilled as she came so hard. She dropped her body down the bed,ying boneless with syed limbs as her orgasm went on and on.


    I crawled over and covered her with my body before I took her mouth. She quickly kissed me back, our tongues collided. I knew she liked it when I bit and nipped her lip. She rewarded me with a moan into our mouths.


    Leaning on my arms, I began to surge into her slowly, my crown reaching her entrance.


    She broke the kiss. ¡°Don¡¯t take it easy on me. I want you to fuck me hard.¡±


    My mouth was back into hers as I growled into our kiss in agreement. I grabbed her hands, pinning them above her head. On my other hand was my hard cock as I gripped and aimed it into her heat. I ran down on her slicked lips before I plunged into her. Hard, the way she liked it.


    She gasped. She was soaked, but I was big. I felt like I made her fragile and small underneath, but she wanted to be fucked, and I would give her what she wished for.


    I pulled out and shoved my cock back to the hilt. Sadie yelled out in pleasure, writhing, and moaning as I left her pinned under me.


    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking tight, babe. You did not use your toy?¡± My vein protruded. My body was in sheen with sweat. I tried hard not toe inside her, but it was hard enough when she looked so dreamy, her lips swollen, her tits peaking up after I sucked them so hard.


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t even touch myself.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even think of my cock inside you? I thought of you all the time. Like this.¡± I thrust hard. I fit into her so tight that I could feel like a glove.


    ¡°I dreamed of it. Many times.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± I pulled out and hissed in a breath. ¡°I missed you so fucking much, babe. It drove me insane.¡± I pushed in so deep. I stilled, feeling so much tension in my spine, in my balls, and my cock swelled so hard I thought I exploded. I held still, shuddering before I rolled my hips, plunging in and out.


    She was moaning. I was moaning. Each time she epted me, I sank in deeper, and it felt so incredible, I was drowning.


    I withdrew. ¡°Babe,e around me. I couldn¡¯t hold it any longer.¡± I rammed my hips forward, faster and faster. My knees were about to give up. I let go of her hands.


    She gripped my ass, squeezing hard as she met my thrusts.


    I gripped her hips and lifted her as I rocked into her. The pressure hit her clit every time, and she cried out.


    Our bodies moved together.


    I pistoned between her legs, railed her as I¡¯d never fucked anyone before.


    My biceps bulged.


    My pecs flexed. Our skin wasthered with sweat.


    Tension gathered inside me as I kept those long deep fast thrusts.


    ¡°Yes!¡± She bowed her back, gripping for her life before she shuddered with the most intense orgasm of her life.


    As her core clenched around me, I shoved into her oncest time. Ecstasy ignited, striking into my cock as I began toe.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I lost control. I threw my head back as I released into her before I dropped bonelessly on top of her.


    I nuzzled into her neck, our hearts still thundering.


    She giggled a moan.


    ¡°Ticklish?¡±


    ¡°Kinda,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°Did you really miss my cock?¡±


    She pped my ass.


    ¡°Did I fuck you hard enough? And please, don¡¯t tell me it was okay.¡±


    Another p.


    ¡°Happy fourth month anniversary, babe.¡±


    She lifted her head. ¡°We don¡¯t celebrate.¡±Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I know. I just want to greet you.¡± I moved out on top of her and pulled her into my arms. ¡°I want to take a few days off and take you with me far away from the city.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m working on that. Where do you wanna go?¡±


    She ran her finger on my lips. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter as long as you are with me.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± I lifted her face and kissed her on her lips. ¡°Will youe home with me?¡±


    She looked into my eye, her eye sparkling. I guessed her orgasms eased the tension away. ¡°Are you sure this is what you want?¡±


    ¡°Never doubted what I wanted the first time. I always wanted you.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ming home with you.¡±


    ¡°God, babe.¡± I kissed her again. God, I love her so much it¡¯s crazy.


    I was hard again, and I intended to take her from tonight onward.


    ***


    In the morning, we had to get back home. Sadie threw herself into bed. I knew she was exhausted with so many orgasmsst night and in the morning.


    ¡°Take off your clothes.¡±


    ¡°Not now, Cenric. Give me a break.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Not going to take you right now. I just wanna give you a massage, and get your head off the gutter, Sadie Charmaine Armelle.¡±


    Sheughed and shook in bed. ¡°I think that¡¯s my line, silly.¡±


    ¡°You want me to carry you in the spa room?¡±


    ¡°No. Just do it here.¡± Shezily took her clothes off, leaving only her panties.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± I went out to take some oil. When I came back, she was already snoring. Poor thing. She was exhausted. Our entire neighborhood could hear her snore alone.


    I woke up early than everyone. I made Sadie some breakfast and sliced fruits. When I got back to the room, she just stirred in bed, and then she froze.


    ¡°Did I smell coffee?¡±


    ¡°Well, look at you. You slept on me again.¡±


    She sat on the bed and looked down at herself. She just gave me a hard-on. Sheughed as she tried to cover her chest.


    I groaned, ¡°Babe, let me take you a robe.¡± I ced the table down on the bed. ¡°Don¡¯t sleep on me again.¡±


    When I came back, she had a cup in her grip. ¡°Sorry aboutst night.¡±


    I helped her wear the robe and kissed the top of her head. ¡°No worries. You were tired.¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t brag.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Noted, ma¡¯am.¡±


    I sat at the edge of the bed and grabbed my coffee. ¡°You¡¯re beautiful, even your makeup is smudged on your face, and your hair is everywhere.¡±


    She giggled, ¡°I have a way to your dick, Cenric. And way to make a girl blush.¡± She stabbed slices of pancake and gestured me to open my mouth. ¡°Come on, big guy.¡±


    I let her shove the pancake into my mouth. ¡°I¡¯m supposed to be the one feeding you.¡±


    ¡°Rtionship works both ways. If you want this to work, no more nning and doing it by yourself.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I kissed her on her forehead. ¡°Enjoy your breakfast.¡± I rose from the bed.


    ¡°Where¡¯re you going?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re not in a mood for morning sex, don¡¯t stop me. Just looking at you licking the syrup gives me a hard-on.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love that.¡±


    I stopped. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She put the table down on the floor and emptied her orange juice.


    She surprised me. She took off the robe and gestured me to join her in bed.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°I always loved morning sex with you.¡±


    I crawled back to bed. Our lips were merely an inch apart when she slipped her hand into my boxers, and then her other hand pushed me back to bed.


    In less than five seconds, she had my cock in her mouth.

 Chapter 66

    Proposal


    SADIE


    Since I heard the news weeks ago that my father¡ªthe man I thought he was, pleaded guilty on all charges, it kept me awake at night. How wouldn¡¯t I miss when his face was all over the news? And I felt like we had an unfinished business. And I needed that closure.


    I had never felt this twist in the pit of my stomach as I sat on the visiting lounge. Even if guards and a ss wall were separating us, I still felt unsafe.


    When he walked in, goosebumps erupted all over my skin.


    Our eyes met.


    He smiled.


    Hanslo Greer was still the man I once knew, although he looked different than thest time I saw him. I could feel the difference¡ªI couldn¡¯t find any intimidation, and he looked powerless and less arrogant in his prison uniform.


    I picked up the phone, but I didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Sadie, what are you doing here? Does your husband know you¡¯re here?¡± I wasn¡¯t expecting him to care if Cenric knew about my visit.


    ¡°No. Cenric wouldn¡¯t allow me toe here alone if I told him.¡±N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    I asked myself if I had done the right thing at the back of my mind. Regardless of what Hanslo had done, he still raised me. I wouldn¡¯t be here today if it weren¡¯t for him. I wouldn¡¯t have met the most wonderful person if not because of this man behind the ss wall. Somehow, I still owed him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have toe here. You¡¯ve started a new life.¡± He sounded calm as if he had epted his fate, and no hint of violence in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m still a Greer.¡±


    ¡°You have to forget me. You know I am not the kind of man you should look up to.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not the father of the year, but you still raised me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t owe me anything.¡± He looked down, somewhat guilty. I didn¡¯t see thating.


    ¡°I know what you did to my real father. Somehow, I wanted to me you. I wanted to hate you for what you did to my mother, too, but Mom wouldn¡¯t like that. She may have made mistakes in her life, as well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°Save it. I don¡¯t need it. I came here because I needed closure, and I hope you are not nning on your revenge while you are here.¡± My words just came out as if I had practiced my speech for days. ¡°If¡­ if you ever have a little concern for my well-being, if you still have a heart in that body, then you leave Cenric and me alone. I wanna move on.¡±


    ¡°I pleaded guilty. I wanna pay for what I¡¯ve done, and that includes giving you your freedom.¡±


    ¡°You did not just give me my freedom. You¡¯re the reason for my freedom. Cenric is a good person. And somehow, that was the best thing you¡¯ve ever done in your life.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that. Have you talked to your brother?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Leave him alone, Dad. Leave us alone.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe, one of these days. Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s my father¡¯s name?¡±


    ***


    Cenric watched Elon Musk¡¯s documentary on Netflix while the guys looked so bored.


    I grabbed my phone and started scrolling through Instagram posts.


    ¡°You guys have no ns?¡±


    ¡°When the boss is around, we are around,¡± Devin replied.


    ¡°Well, he seemed has no n to go anywhere. I guess you can have your day off or two.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t just give them off.¡± Cenric nudged me before dragging me closer to him, his arm on my shoulder.


    I looked at my husband. ¡°You don¡¯t need them right now.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    I elbowed him, and he groaned.


    ¡°They like it here. No risk and they¡¯re taking a rest.¡±


    ¡°No one has nned a date tonight?¡± It was intended to Beck.


    Beck just pursed his lips. Cenric warned me with a groan.


    ¡°Bored life,¡± I sang out.


    ¡°Leave them alone, babe.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    I searched the CYNTH ount and clicked follow. I scrolled down photos, primarily promotions. I tapped the like buttons on Cenric¡¯s pictures from events, most taken from a distance.


    I was aware he¡¯d been watching me, and I ignored him. I skipped and searched for his personal ount¡ªit wasn¡¯t even private. I didn¡¯t click the follow button. I went through his photos. There was one thing I liked the most¡ªhe was on the cover page of the business magazine. He was featured this year. As a proud and supportive wife, I tapped the like button.


    ¡°You know I can see your reflection on my phone screen, right?¡±


    ¡°Why are you stalking me? You could have just looked at your right.¡±


    I snorted, ¡°First, I am not stalking you. I¡¯m just being supportive, and you look great in this shot. Second, do I need to stalk you? Unless you have another ount that I didn¡¯t know of, and if you¡¯re acting suspiciously. But I¡¯m not a jealous type.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    I stared at him. ¡°What¡¯s that hmm supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°I know what you did?¡±


    I arched a brow. ¡°Cenric, I don¡¯t recall doing something behind your back.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± He also arched his brow.


    ¡°Yes. If I did something, I know you would know it before I even begin.¡±


    ¡°I know you visited your father.¡±


    I turned to look at Linden. He was my driver that day. He only shrugged at me, telling me that he didn¡¯t have a choice. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s not even a secret.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    I released a deep breath. ¡°You know, he even asked me if you knew that I went there.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you no, but I could go with you. How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Great. I feel like I¡¯ve lifted off tons of weight on my shoulders. That¡¯s why I wanted to see him. I still owed him for raising me even if he wasn¡¯t the father of the year.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a good woman, babe.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for being okay with this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m also a supportive husband.¡± He beamed at me, his eyes sparkling.


    ¡°But I¡¯m still not over with the fact that you put a foreign body underneath my skin, and I couldn¡¯t even find it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, she knew?¡±


    I red at Beck and the two guys looking at my husband and me.


    ¡°You knew? Of course, you all knew. I¡¯m always thest person to know. And nobody told me until now? And don¡¯t give another shrug!¡± I rushed out myst sentence.


    Cenric guffawed.


    ¡°I always admired yourmitment to Cenric, but today, gah! I wanted to kick you all in the shin.¡±


    ¡°How else did we quickly find you?¡± Linden replied.


    ¡°Good question. That makes sense now.¡±


    I yelped in surprise. Cenric just scooped me like I weighed nothing. He lifted me and put me on hisp.


    He looked at me with that amazement in his eyes. I knew he cared about me, and he wanted to make this whatever kind of rtionship we had work.


    Aside from being married to him, I developed a strong bond with him. I learned to trust him despite our rough start. He also became my best friend, supporter, fortitude, rock, and crying shoulder.


    He is the love of my life.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he said breathlessly. ¡°Where did you go in seconds?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m always here with you.¡±


    ¡°Marry me?¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± I froze on hisp. I blinked it off because I thought he had just asked me to marry him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna wake up alone again. For the past few months, I knew the feeling of waking up with you and nning our future together. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you, babe. Marry me?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we already married?¡± I showed him the rings on my finger, which I never took them off again just to say something because, honestly, I was still bbergasted.


    ¡°Marry me again?¡±


    ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°I want to marry you again, not because you were forced to say yes or I do, or I will. Will you marry me for the second time?¡± When he looked at me this way¡ªlike I was his world, his soul, like he belonged to me and I belonged to him, of course, I wouldn¡¯t say no.


    He was still waiting patiently. The anticipation in his eyes was killing me.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I was a little breathless.


    ¡°I¡¯m always sure when ites to you. Just us, babe, those idiots over there, Cas, the Corbins. Just intimate wedding. Will you marry me again, Sadie Charmaine Armelle Greer-Wollf?¡±


    ¡°So what would I be, Greer-Wollf-Wollf?¡±


    The guys behind meughed. I knew they¡¯d been listening. The entire penthouse went silent. I now got it, the reason why these very supportive guys didn¡¯t leave. They knew all along.


    ¡°You can ditch the Greer-Wollf. Just Sadie Wollf, or however you like it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love to have Wollf in my name. I will marry you.¡± I cupped his face and kissed him.


    The guys just apuded and cheered behind me.


    ¡°So, how soon are we gonna marry again?¡±


    ¡°Very soon.¡± He smiled and slipped his hand in his pocket.


    I gasped. My smile faded as I stared at the ring in awe.


    Cenric had a ring. Had he been preparing for this? He took my hand and slipped the ring into the same finger where I had my engagement ring and wedding band. This one was brilliant-cut. He then kissed my hand. ¡°How about this weekend?¡±


    ¡°Just take me to where you want me to say I do, husband? Fiance? Fiance-husband? Soon-to-be-husband twice?¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Just husband, babe.¡±


    ¡°Husband it is.¡±

 Chapter 67

    The Vow


    CENRIC


    ¡°I came here today to marry my girl, to cherish her, to protect and respect her, and to be the faithful husband to her. I knew the first time I saw you, and you would be the woman I wanted to spend my life with. I knew you would change me to be the best version of myself. Today, I swear to you to have your back, be your number one supporter, love you faithfully, and honor what we have from today and onwards. I give you my heart, my life, and my soul.¡±


    I just watched my vow over and over again as she kept reying it in the entertainment room. In the video, she looked so innocent as she stared at me while I read my vow.


    I didn¡¯t write anything. When you were caught in that moment, you just spoke from your heart¡ªthat was what happened that day.


    She wiped her face again. She did that every time she yed that clip. She was crying, and I didn¡¯t know why. Did my vow touch her? Had she realized something, or had she changed her mind in marrying me again?


    I didn¡¯t want to disturb her, but I thought this would be a good time since I couldn¡¯t watch her crying over that video.


    She felt me. She quickly wiped her face and turned to me as I walked closer to her. ¡°Hey.¡± Her smile was bright against the dim-lit room.


    ¡°Hey, you. What¡¯s wrong, babe?¡± I wiped her face again then a tear fell down her eye.


    She shook her head. ¡°I watched your vow again and again.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°I was engrossed in checking you out at that time. I didn¡¯t quite hear what you said until you slipped the ring into my finger. This is the first time I watched the video.¡±


    ¡°I remember I said something like see something you like?¡± I chuckled.


    Sheughed with a cry. ¡°Yeah. Your vow was beautiful.¡±


    ¡°I meant it, babe.¡± I pulled her into my arms and pressed my lips on top of her head. She smelled like fresh wildflowers. She always did. I didn¡¯t know if this was her shampoo because mine was minty, but it didn¡¯t matter. Even if she smelled like an alley, I still loved this woman more than my life itself.


    I yed it, and we watched it together. When it was her turn, I was fascinated by how she genuinely expressed her vow. She seemed to mean it, and no one could have thought it was the first time we met.


    ¡°You bring out the best in me. I can¡¯t wait to marry you again.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ***


    ¡°She went where?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not running away. She said she would just visit someone,¡± Beck exined.


    ¡°Then why in the hell is Devin not picking up.¡±


    ¡°You put a tracker on her, then track her. Have you thought about taking it off?¡± Linden looked at me with a groan.


    ¡°Ipletely forgot about it, but she didn¡¯t seem to mind now that she knew.¡± I checked the app on my phone. ¡°She¡¯s at her mother¡¯s grave.¡±


    Beck hit the road quickly. We stopped at the flower shop before we headed to the cemetery.


    ¡°She needs to visit her mother¡¯s grave alone. Why don¡¯t you give her time?¡± Beck asked. He clearly didn¡¯t want to be there. Cemetery crept him out because we lost brothers. It brought back some sad memories to him.


    ¡°Because I want to be there too.¡±


    He and Linden looked at each other before they shook their heads.


    ¡°Unbelievable. For a guy who has everything, you are clingy.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Beck. I want her to be clingy, too.¡±


    Linden snorted in disgust, ¡°God, please don¡¯t me like him. It¡¯s disgusting.¡±


    Beck snorted. ¡°No way.¡±


    ¡°If you love someone, you¡¯ll understand, asshole,¡± I said.


    ¡°She¡¯d be fed up with you, and I can¡¯t wait to see your face when she realized you¡¯re clingy, jealous, and awful husband.¡±


    Beck rolled his eyes at Linden. ¡°Stop it. As if you can stop him if he wants something. I¡¯ve tried it many times when they were just about to get married. I guess when you want it too bad, even if the asteroid is about to hit the earth, it won¡¯t make him budge.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Becker. That¡¯s why you¡¯re my favorite.¡±


    ¡°Asshole,¡± Linden spat. ¡°Start hiring a chef.¡± He looked outside the window as we reached the cemetery.


    Beck parked the car just beside the ck Mercedes. Devin went outside the car. ¡°She told me not to tell you, boss.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± I brought the flowers with me.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    As I was closer to her, I heard she was talking to her mother about Jasper.


    ¡°Cenric, the Marine you gave our picture to, he¡¯s actually a great guy. I¡¯m married to him now, and he asked me to marry him again. I said yes.¡± She sensed I was closer, and she intended to louder her voice this time.


    ¡°Sometimes, he can be bossy, annoying, get jealous for no reason, but I can live with that. What I couldn¡¯t, if he isn¡¯t a part of my life anymore. God, he¡¯s¡ªI don¡¯t know. All I want is to be with him.¡± She released a satisfying breath.


    ¡°You are the reason why we met, mom. I thank you for that.¡± She inhaled and sniffed. ¡°I wish¡ªit¡¯s just an intimate wedding, but I still wish you could walk me in the aisle. I have so many things to tell you. I¡¯m happy. I¡¯m very much happy, mom.¡±


    I slipped my arms around her waist and hugged her. ¡°Here he is. The man behind my happiness. I¡¯m sure you would approve.¡± Sheughed. ¡°He¡¯s kinda persuasive and doesn¡¯t take no for an answer.¡±


    ¡°I promise I will take care of your daughter. I will respect her and cherish her until myst breath, Yelena. You brought me to her, and I owe you big time. I also want you to know that this woman in my arms is the strongest woman I¡¯ve ever met. No doubt, she got it from you. You have herpassion. You must be proud of her. Anyway, even if I asked Sadie to marry me again, and I¡¯m still asking your blessing to marry your daughter again.¡±


    ¡°I think you got it, babe.¡±


    I looked at my wife. ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You are my everything, babe.¡± I kissed her.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine too.¡±


    ***


    After our fantastic sex, I pulled her into my arms. I could literally hear her brain reeling. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s in your head?¡±


    ¡°We never talked about the future?¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯m living for the day.¡±


    ¡°For a guy who thinks about the future economy, it¡¯s impossible you never think about your future.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I have thought about our future many times, and I wanna talk about our future. I just don¡¯t wanna scare you of how many kids I want.¡±


    ¡°Do you want kids?¡± Her question was hesitant.


    ¡°Of course, I do. I want five, but it¡¯s up to you if you want more or less. If you don¡¯t, we can just adopt. It doesn¡¯t matter whether they are from our blood or not. I will still love them. Families don¡¯t have to be measured by blood. I have Cas, Beck, the Corbins, Linden, and even Devin. I considered them my family. Back to your question, yes, I want to have kids with you. Do you want to be a mother of five?¡±


    She just stared at me for a couple of seconds without blinking or saying anything. And it scared the living shit out of me. But she was full of surprises. She smiled and chortled. ¡°You¡¯re gonna be a great dad.¡±

 Chapter 68

    Wollf


    SADIE


    ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Becka asked me.


    I blew a shaky breath. ¡°No. Not at all. I¡¯m excited, unlike my first wedding. I wanted to run if there was a chance. I thought I was marrying a mafia boss.¡±


    In a few minutes, I was going to be married to the same man¡ªthe love of my life, for the second time¡ªthis time, at the back of our house. I wasn¡¯t wearing anything extravagant like my first wedding. This time I wore a minimalist satin-wrapped wedding dress with a hat to honor myte English father, Lewis. Last week, we found out he was buried in London. We took a quick trip and visited his grave.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    I nodded at Austin. ¡°Yes,¡± I asked him if he could walk me down the aisle. He was even d and said yes.


    When the music started, I took a deep breath and walked towards my man waiting for me. He was wearing a simple beige suit and pants and a white crisp open-button shirt. He always looked breathtaking dressed or naked. For young girls, he was the epitome of a living prince charming.


    Austen handed me to Cenric, and I gave my flower to Becka. We didn¡¯t have a rehearsal just like the first one, but I felt like we knew what to do.


    Cenric was smiling as he took my hand. ¡°You look beautiful.¡±


    ¡°You clean up pretty well.¡±


    He lifted his hand and ran his thumb on my cheek. ¡°You always took my breath away, mi Cielo.¡±


    ¡°I felt the same every time I looked into your eyes, Cenric.¡± I felt drawn to him. My heart pounded so hard in my chest. Our faces were merely an inch apart when someone cleared his throat.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Iughed. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°My apologies.¡± Cenricughed as well. ¡°We are caught in the moment.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start,¡± the priest started. ¡°We gathered here today to join Cenric and Sadie in holy matrimony for the second time.¡± It caused chuckles from our small audience.


    He did a short speech before the exchange of vows.


    ¡°Do you take Sadie to be your wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love her, to honor her, tofort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Do you take Cenric to be your husband, to live together in holy matrimony, to love him, to honor him, tofort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Do you have your vow, Cenric?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± He drew a deep breath before he smiled. ¡°I vow to make my life, my heart, and my soul forever be yours. I promise to be the man you see before and now, tomorrow and for always. I love you, Sadie.¡± He slipped another ring into my finger. I put my old engagement ring and wedding band in my right hand.


    I wanted to cry, but I forced my tears back. Cenric just said he loved me, and I wanted to throw myself to him, ¡°Jeez, that was beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Do you have your vow, Sadie?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have.¡± I held his hand. ¡°You made my life so wonderful. You gave me hope and light, and I am not afraid to dream again because I know you¡¯d be there every step of the way. You made me learn how to love impossibly and uncontrobly. I love you before and now, and for always.¡± I fought and fought my urge not to shed tears, but for Cenric, I thought I just made him cry.


    ¡°Jesus.¡± Heughed out loud.


    ¡°You got it, brother.¡± Cas just shook his head in amusement.


    ¡°I never saw him a crybaby until today.¡± Beck patted his shoulder.


    ¡°By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Again. You may now kiss your bride.¡±


    ¡°I love you, babe.¡± He didn¡¯t even give me time to reply before he kissed me.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    We had a huge backyard with enough space for the reception. My husband entertained the guys, and I was stuck with the girls.


    ¡°So, how¡¯s the feeling of being married to the same man twice?¡±


    I clinked my Champagne ss with Zhuri¡¯s and sipped it. ¡°Yay! I¡¯m happy you are here. I will marry him again if he¡¯d ask me for the third time.¡±


    She looked at my hands. ¡°He¡¯s generous.¡±


    I looked at my old engagement and wedding ring. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I couldn¡¯t take these off.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the next Victoria Beckham. Keep them all. They look good on your fingers.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so d you marry big wollfy again.¡± Becka kissed me on my cheek.


    ¡°I love him, and I will marry him every six months if he wants to. So, how¡¯re you and Devin?¡±


    Her eyes widened. Her cheeks med.


    ¡°I know. And you two will be a cute couple.¡±


    ¡°My brother will kill me.¡±


    ¡°Why? He¡¯s hooking up with my assistant.¡± I looked at Beck and Maeve. They were about to jump into one another.


    ¡°That girl?¡± Becka pointed at Maeve.


    ¡°That girl is a wonderful and kind woman. I think they¡¯re perfect for a rough around the edges guy with a goody-two-shoe sweet girl.¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Zhuri smiled. ¡°Since when did you y matchmaker?¡±


    ¡°Months ago. For Becka, I knew I didn¡¯t have to. Devin is instantly attracted to her like a fire to the gasoline,¡± I said proudly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Beck. I have a three-day conference next month. I didn¡¯t want him to follow me around and warm men to stay away from me. Is it true Beck punched Devin?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I was there. If it wasn¡¯t for me, Devin might have a few broken bones.¡±


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story, but I bet the history would repeat itself if you or Devin would not start telling Beck.¡±


    ¡°Oh, boy.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for inviting me, Sadie.¡± Maeve joined in. She was wearing a blue mini dress. She was the epitome of a hot assistant, but she seemed unaware of how attractive she was.


    ¡°Of course, Maeve. You¡¯re also a friend. This is Becka, Beck¡¯s sister.¡±


    ¡°Hi.¡± Beck didn¡¯t have a huge resemnce with Becka, even if they were twins. Judging by her reaction, she didn¡¯t know they were rted.


    ¡°Twin, actually.¡±


    Her eyes went wide. ¡°You¡¯re his twin?¡±


    ¡°The prettiest. Nice to meet you.¡± Becka kissed her on her cheek and whispered whatever made Maeve¡¯s eyes go bigger.


    ¡°So, Beck isn¡¯t chatty, huh?¡±


    ¡°I guess he¡¯s busy with something else.¡± Beckaughed out loud, making Maeve red like a tomato.


    ¡°Can I borrow my wife?¡± I felt his hand on my waist.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bring her back here. She¡¯s all yours,¡± Becka said, stillughing. ¡°What¡¯s she now, Sadie Greer-Wollf-Wollf?¡±


    ¡°Devin is there.¡± Cenric gestured. ¡°Go ahead. Don¡¯t be shy now.¡±


    Becka groaned, warning him.


    ¡°d to see you¡¯re happy, Becka. I love you, and you know that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not your secret to reveal, babe.¡±


    He snorted, ¡°Beck is suspecting they¡¯re together. And about time for her to be happy. I¡¯m sure Wade would be happy for her.¡± We danced on the dance floor. ¡°Babe?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I looked at him.


    ¡°If I die before¡ª¡±


    I pressed my finger on his lips. ¡°It¡¯s our wedding day, silly.¡±


    ¡°I know, but¡ª¡±


    ¡°I swear you will sleep in the other room tonight.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± He surrendered,ughing.


    ¡°When did you learn to love me?¡±


    He gave me a dreamy look. ¡°I think I was falling for you since my birthday.¡±


    I blinked up at him. Wow.


    ¡°I have not told you that I love you, but in my heart, I knew I love you, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too, Cenric.¡± I smiled, my eyes filling with tears.


    ¡°This time, I will make love to you, then we fuck, make love, then fuck again tonight. It¡¯s our wedding night after all.¡±


    I grinned. Wickedly.


    He squinted his eyes. ¡°Why are you grinning?¡±


    ¡°You denied me many times, remember? Maybe tonight, I will be the one to deny you.¡±


    ¡°No fucking way.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see who wins, Wollf.¡±

 Chapter 69

    Jasper 2. 0


    CENRIC


    The jet just took off. My wife invited her friends, Maeve and Zhuri, and of course, Becka to this trip. We were supposed to be on our honeymoon, but she decided to do something before our Italy trip. I couldn¡¯t say no to her because afterst night, and I didn¡¯t think I could defy my wife again.


    We were supposed to fuck our brains out, and I should have taken her warning seriously, so here we were, flying to Greece.


    ¡°I apologized aboutst night,¡± I tried to talk it out, hoping it would work.


    She rested her head on my shoulder as she scrolled the photographs of our wedding. ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep with you because I was mad.¡±


    ¡°Oh. You have¡ª¡± I didn¡¯t finish my words. ¡°Fuck me.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°That¡¯s not my fault.¡± Her smile was wicked. Maybe she was just messing with me or something. Anyhow, I yed along.


    After a few hours, wended. We were picked up by my contact and drove to the pier. It was hotter this time. As soon as we arrived, we moved quickly to the dock where we would meet someone Sadie was longing to see.


    I barely set my foot on the ground¡ªSadie was already running towards Jasper. Who would have thought she still wanted to see her brother after what he put her through. That was why I was madly in love with her because she had a big heart and a massive room for forgiving people.


    ¡°Wow! Like nothing happened.¡± Beck crossed his arms over his chest, undoubtedly not impressed.


    ¡°Just be kind, guys. She¡¯d been looking forward to meeting her brother.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you say, brother.¡± It was Linden giving me a disapproving look.


    ¡°The audacity,¡± Devin reacted.


    We marched towards them.


    ¡°You¡¯re super tanned. And you have a lot of muscles than thest time we met.¡± Sheughed out loud and pinched his arms.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you even bothered?¡± Linden asked in irritation. ¡°Just one punch, brother.¡±


    ¡°No punching. No swearing. No ring.¡± Sadie just heard me.


    Jasper was closing the distance between us. ¡°Look, guys. I know you hate me, and thest thing you want is to see me. You¡¯re probably thinking right now how to drown me¡ª¡±


    ¡°To the t.¡± It was Zhuri, passing through towards the boat.


    ¡°Come on, guys. This is my second honeymoon. Be nice to me!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re nice to you, but not to him.¡± Devin pointed at his ex-boss.


    ¡°Okay, just be civil!¡± She threw her hands in the air. ¡°Myst honeymoon was cut short because of the security breach. This time, I want to have fun with you. So please don¡¯t make me regret inviting you over.


    ¡°Come here. They will get over with it.¡± I helped her climb up the boat. Once we loaded our luggage, Jasper drove us away from the dock.


    ¡°Are you sure he¡¯s not gonna throw us out of the boat?¡± Maeve asked my wife.


    ¡°Trust me. Jasper¡¯s still making up to me. All of this is not his fault. He was just raised into a different environment by a jackass father.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear about that.¡± Maeve squeezed my wife¡¯s hand.


    ¡°The tension is making me sick, and not the sea,¡± Becka sang out.


    ¡°Guys, I¡¯m sorry. Okay? I came here to see my sister. I went away to redeem myself. I am trying to be a better person. You can ask the people who took me in.¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t make another wrong move, or you¡¯re dead.¡± Linden was still ring.


    ¡°Guys, let¡¯s stop this. I want a happy vacation. For the sake of my wife, y nice or sleep. That¡¯s all,¡± I said once and for all.


    Devin shrugged. ¡°Cool.¡±


    I pulled my wife into my arms. ¡°Nice view.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Do you think this vacation will be fun?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I kissed her lips. ¡°More fun.¡± Kiss. ¡°More bedtime.¡± Kiss. ¡°More¡ª¡±


    ¡°You know I¡¯m here, right? And I can hear and see both of you kissing.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re married. Twice,¡± they chorused, making Jasper shake his head in amusement.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°I think you just have to suck it up,¡± Becka added.


    ¡°So you really love this man?¡±


    ¡°That man literally owns you now,¡± Beck answered him.


    ¡°Yup, I love him,¡± my wife replied.


    ¡°Hmm. The arrangement is not bad after all. If you escaped, maybe you just fell into the wrong hand.¡±


    ¡°And you were long dead. Because if you couldn¡¯t find Sadie before their wedding, he¡¯de after you and expect a few well-trained ops catching your nasty ass.¡±


    ¡°Linden,¡± Sadie scolded him.


    ¡°I was just trying to imagine the worse scenario, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°I agree. With the stunt you pulledst time, I ended up with a busted face. If it was not for Sadie, I might still be in ICU, in aa.¡±


    ¡°Sorry about that, Devin,¡± Zhuri said.


    ¡°Now we sorted everything out. Let¡¯s start the party!¡± The champagne just rained all over us. My wife yelped in surprise.


    The music stedugh and roar erupted.


    ¡°This is what I¡¯m talking about.¡± I offered them the champagne bottles jasper passed to me.


    We were between inds, and the sun was about to set in an hour. Just the look on Sadie¡¯s face right now, having fun, I was satisfied. I was the happiest man. That was all I wanted to see, her living freely.


    She was already thinking of a name for her charity to help young women who suffered from abusive homes. Her goal was to provide a safe environment and schrship for them.


    ¡°She¡¯s happy.¡± Jasper came to my side. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°The only thing I want for her.¡± I looked at him. Somehow, he looked happy and watched his sisterughing freely with her friends. She was contented when she was with me, but the woman I saw right now was living the life she ever wanted.


    She must have noticed me watching her. She mouthed, ¡°I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    Jasper saw it. He sighed deeply in satisfaction.


    ¡± How did you find this ce?¡± Sadie asked her brother.


    ¡°Your husband.¡± He had my wife in his arm. It should bother me if I didn¡¯t know he somehow regretted what he did. I felt at ease, and I was learning to trust him.

 Chapter 70

    Teased and Love


    CENRIC


    Jasper¡¯s ce was on a small ind¡ªa fishingmunity turned into a beautiful resort that could only be reached by boats. It was a summer paradise, away from crowded tourists. As we arrived at the harbor, the view from there just took my breath away.


    ¡°How many women did you bring here before me?¡± I knew she was messing with me.


    I smiled. ¡°Jealous?¡±


    ¡°Nah. I¡¯m always into Greek gods. You know with tan skin, hard specs, dashboard abs with long and thick¡ª¡± She shrugged, making girlsugh out loud.


    ¡°Long and thick what, Sadie Wollf?¡± I reminded her of the surname she was carrying.


    She shrugged again. ¡°Hair and thighs?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t aware the guys were also listening. They burst outughing.


    Terrible things happened from my past, and my extreme decisions led me to meet my soulmate¡ªmy wife. Sadie never ceased to amaze me. My chest expanded as I realized that God always had reasons for everything.


    ¡°Jas, are there men around here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t help you with that.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± She pouted.


    ¡°Why not? Because those men are employed by your husband.¡±


    She wrinkled her nose in disappointment before she turned into me. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°What can I say? That¡¯s my way of keeping you away from men.¡±


    ¡°Bugger.¡±


    We had a pleasant dinner in the evening, and then we soaked ourselves in the pool.


    The sky was clear, stars twinkling above us. The serenity of the expanse of the sea seemed to calm everyone. They also rxed around Jasper. He also became friendly and joined the conversation with the guys.


    If I loved one thing about my guys, they could sense trouble from a distance right away, and they knew Jasper was genuine about his regrets.


    I could see everyone was getting drunk. Before my wife passed out, I called it a night and carried her into our room.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to shower,¡± she suggested.


    ¡°Can you stand by yourself?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Need help?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    I ordered us wine while she was in the shower.


    My lips parted when she came out and was only wearing skimpy nighties. My skin instantly prickled with heat as I strolled towards her.


    She took a sip of wine before she went to bed. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted, babe.¡±


    My arms came around her waist as I stared at her lips. I wanted to trace my thumb against these plump lips, but she could barely open her eyes.


    ¡°I know. Get some rest.¡± I kissed her quickly. No matter how I wanted to make love with her, she seemed not in a mood.


    I guess no sex tonight either¡ªtwo nights in a row. Fuck. Me. Blue balls.


    I went outside, and I found Jasper alone. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. They retired in.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to stay here? I can get you back with us.¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°I learn to love this ce. I know I can¡¯t stay here for a long time, but I¡¯m good here for now.¡±


    ¡°Let me know if you want toe back. I¡¯ll make arrangements.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be fine. Just take care of my sister.¡±


    ¡°I always will.¡± I patted his shoulder before I left.


    I got in our room. My wife was in bed, sleeping soundly with her thighs apart. I wondered if she was lying to me that she was on her period. She seemed wasn¡¯t bothered the whole time we spent in the pool.


    She stirred a little. I joined her in bed, kissing her shoulder. I let my hand travel to her t stomach, down to her thighs, paying attention to those inner.


    She sighed against my touch. I slowly dragged my fingers up to her tiny ck thong¡ªshe wasn¡¯t using a pad. I pressed a finger on the thin fabric and moved slowly in circles. She moaned a little. I pushed her thong aside, revealing her waxed pussy. Fuck me. She lied. I salivated at the sight of her pink lips.


    I held her thighs together and set them apart. I settled in between, parting those inviting lips. I moved my head between thighs, smelling her addicting sweet. I darted my tongue out, teasing her tiny clit.


    My cock instantly hardened, jerked in my boxers, and I started to ground against the bed in anticipation.


    She moaned louder.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    She moaned, licking her lips.


    ¡°Why did you lie to me?¡±


    She did not respond.


    ¡°Fine. I guess I¡¯m just going to find out.¡± I ttened my tongue andpped her lips before I sucked her hard. She jolted to sit. Gripping her thighs apart, I sucked her hard.


    ¡°Babe, okay. Okay.¡±


    I nipped and pulled her clit and released it. ¡°Okay, what? You lied to me. Why?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie.¡± She sounded defensive.


    ¡°You can just tell me the truth that you¡¯re not in a mood to sleep with me. I¡¯d be fine.¡±


    She red down. ¡°Then I would be lying.¡±


    ¡°Then what game are you trying to y here, Sadie?¡± I pretended to be upset.


    ¡°You made me ache. It drove me insane for days, asshole.¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh. So you¡¯re keeping grudges just for me, after all, huh?¡±


    ¡°Are you hard?¡±


    ¡°You really have to ask me that? Yes, of course, I¡¯m fucking hard it hurts like a motherfucker.¡±


    ¡°Now you feel how I felt.¡±


    I held her on both sides and lifted her. She yelped in shock. I put her on myp to straddle me. ¡°That¡¯s how you can avenge.¡± I rocked my hips up.


    She gasped, throwing her head back.


    ¡°Feel it?¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She shivered. ¡°Oh, God. Don¡¯t stop.¡±


    I did it again. I wrapped my arms around my wife and caged her as I thrust my cock into her heat.


    We are literally dry humping as she had her thong, and I had my boxers. Still, it felt fucking awesome watching her lose her mind.


    My muscles were straining. My body was on fire. My cock almost broke, but I did not stop.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± She pressed her breast against my chest, face into my ears. Her moans and gasps were like music to me, fueling me with so much fire.


    ¡°More?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes,¡± she chanted. I gave her what she wanted.


    ¡°Do you want my cock inside you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please?¡± she pled between whimpers.


    ¡°Good.¡± I freed my cock out of its cage. Then I peeled her thong to the side and plunged my cock into her heat to the hilt. She yelped in shock.


    I did not stop. It felt so good, and I could barely grasp a breath.


    ¡°I¡¯ming, I¡¯ming, I¡¯ming,¡± she chanted helplessly and shamelessly.


    ¡°Thene, my love.¡± I pressed my thumb into her clit. That¡¯s it. We soared high and exploded in bliss.


    ¡°Never ever hold what you want. I will always give it to you. I love you, Sadie. So much.¡±


    ¡°I love you, too, babe.¡±


    ¡°Excited for Italy?¡±


    ¡°And pizza and cheese?¡±


    I chuckled in contentment. ¡°Jesus, I¡¯d never thought I¡¯d love the way I love you, Sadie Wollf.¡±

 Chapter 71 Epilogue

    Baby Wollf


    SADIE


    Three yearster¡­


    My husband in a perfectly tailored suit was drool-worthy. In a blue military uniform, damn, my uterus just contracted. He always took my breath away, even after years of marriage.


    Cenric was finally called. He gripped my hand before he rose and walked to the stage to receive his award.


    I turned to my side to look at my guys, apuding their brother. Cenric was awarded Humanitarian of the year for his phnthropic works and considerable donations to the military.


    ¡°Once a Marine, always a Marine,¡± he quoted. ¡°I¡¯m proud to have services this wonderful nation. I would always help and support my brothers in service and our people.¡± He looked at his award. ¡°Thank you for recognizing my humble works.¡± He then found me in the audience. ¡°Semper Fidelis.¡±


    I rose from my seat just like everyone and apuded him. His brothers in arms loved him¡ªthey admired him. So did I. I couldn¡¯t be even prouder for him as my husband, my anchor, and my best friend.


    He went off the stage with a proud smile on his face. When he reached our table, he leaned in and kissed me. ¡°I love you.¡± He then touched my tummy. ¡°Is he okay?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be so sure it¡¯s a he, but a proud Wollf anyhow.¡±


    ¡°I am. I can feel it.¡±


    I giggled. ¡°Confident, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am.¡±


    After the ceremony, Devin was waiting for us in the car. His eyesnded on my tummy before he chuckled. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to teach her MMA.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You guys don¡¯t know the gender yet.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Beck squeezed me into a hug.


    ¡°Easy,¡± Linden uttered.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I still love my kid.¡± Cenric rubbed my arm.


    ¡°See you, guys, next week?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be there,¡± I assured Beck.


    ¡°Next week. Take care of yourself.¡± Linden kissed me on the cheek before he walked away.


    ¡°Sis, take care of my nephew.¡± Jasper kissed me on my forehead and marched to Linden, waiting in the SUV as he waved his hand. ¡°Love you.¡±


    ¡°Love you too. Maybe she¡¯s a girl!¡± I yelled at them. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to braid her blonde hair.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe she gets my hair, babe. Let¡¯s get you in the car.¡± Cenric chortled and kissed me again before he helped me into the backseat.


    ¡°Devin, when are you going back?¡±


    ¡°Tonight.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t stay for dinner?¡± Cenric asked. He pushed Devin to enlist after our honeymoon in Greece. He then agreed when Becka was okay with it. They were still together.


    As for Beck, he ran the ranch with Maeve by his side. Linden, on the other hand, quit his bodyguard job. Cenric helped him and my brother to start a private security firm. They got along so well like true brothers.


    My rtionship with my brother was great. He often visited me on weekends. He went to see our father in prison as well, and the old man seemed genuinely happy for him.


    Zhuri worked now in Paris in an American-based magazine. Cas was still the CFO of Wollf Capital and had been a great brother-inw.


    When Hanslo almost died in a heart attack, I learned to forgive him. He was still serving his jail time.


    My life had been perfect since I found the man who gave me freedom and taught me to love. I was grateful that I met him on my darkest day. He lit up my way and guided me to get through that rough patch.


    I still ran the PrimerTech, which made it to the Top 10 Application and Software Developmentpaniesst year. This year, we were still thriving.


    I was still active in supporting charities and non-profit organizations. Cenric and I had helped almost thirty young girls with their college schrship programs and internship in ourpanies from the support of my charity, WINGS.


    We arrived home.


    ¡°Guys, I wish I could stay.¡±


    ¡°Just visit us when you¡¯re in town.¡±


    ¡°I will. Thanks, bro.¡± Devin hugged my husband. Then he came to me. ¡°Tell her to wait for uncle Devin.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Take care, okay? Keep in touch, Devin, or I will kick your ass.¡±


    ¡°I will. Love you both.¡± He walked out our door and waved bye.


    My husband hugged me from behind. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I pursed my lips. I always felt emotional these days.


    ¡°I know you and Devin are closed, but he¡¯s gonna be okay.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I drew a deep breath. ¡°I just think of my life for the past years. You¡¯re my rock, babe.¡±


    ¡°So as my cock.¡±


    I elbowed him. ¡°You¡¯re such a crude. It would be best to start practicing no swearing in the house, Cenric. You¡¯re gonna be a father.¡±


    ¡°I know, and I¡¯m excited for my boy of three years in the making.¡± He kissed my neck. ¡°I¡¯m scared at the same time, Mi Cielo. I don¡¯t know how.¡±


    I turned to face him and cupped his face. ¡°You¡¯re a good husband.¡±


    ¡°And excellent in bed.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You are a good person, a good role model. You did a lot of good things for this country. You made a lot of difference. You will be a good father. And you and I are a team. We do this together.¡± I kissed his lips. ¡°And you want five kids, remember? You fucked me, and look at my tummy.¡± I pointed at my twenty-four weeks, a size of a basketball.¡±


    ¡°You wanted be fucked, now look at you.¡± Heughed out loud. ¡°You just told me not to swear, and you said the word.¡±


    ¡°I was making a point, dummy, but I mean it.¡± I grabbed his hand to follow me. He carried me instead, making me yelp. ¡°Put me down, silly.¡±


    ¡°I can still carry you, my heaven, my sky.¡±


    ¡°No doubt.¡±


    He put me down on the bed carefully, took off my shoes, and checked my feet for swelling. He¡¯d been very attentive, even if I wasn¡¯t yet pregnant.


    ¡°How¡¯s your back? Do you want me to massage you?¡±


    ¡°No. Unzip my dress, please?¡±


    He did and took off my clothes.


    ¡°I¡¯m ugly, ain¡¯t I?¡± I watched his eyes glittered with fascination as he saw my growing belly.


    ¡°You¡¯re gorgeous even if you turned into an ostrich.¡± He rubbed my belly.


    ¡°Oh.¡± I winced. Our baby recognized his father even just through his voice and his touch.


    Cenric loved and enjoyed talking to my tummy since we found out we were pregnant. He believed our mini Wollf could hear him.


    Our baby kicked again. He kissed the side where he could see moving. ¡°I love you too, buddy. Now, behave. Don¡¯t give your mommy a hard time.¡±


    ¡°I really adore you when you talked to our baby.¡±


    ¡°You adore me of many things.¡±


    ¡°All you have to do is tell me if you wanna sleep with me.¡±


    The biggest grin came over his face. ¡°I¡¯m always here if you want me. I mean, I¡¯m always ready.¡± He started gripping his cock, biting his bottom lip as he watched me utch my bra. My engorged breasts sat free. My nipples peaked.


    I slipped my panties down my thighs and started touching myself.


    He was already hard. I spread my thighs for him. Nothing could stop us, and even I was already pregnant. My libido was even better, and so was Cenric.


    ¡°You want to be on top?¡±


    I rose from the bed, and heid down on his back. He helped me into my position. In an instant, he was deep inside me. I was rocking into him.


    ¡°Fuck, babe.¡± He cupped my breasts, which were so sensitive due to my pregnancy. He tweaked my nipples and rolled them until my inner walls started clenching around him.


    ¡°Faster.¡± I lifted my ass, giving him ess to rock into me hard and fast.


    He reached out for my breast, capturing into his mouth. One hard thrust, I came.


    He flipped me over carefully, and I was on my back. He plunged into me, harder and faster, my breasts bouncing.


    One guttural roar, he jerked and emptied inside me. As he breathed hard, he dragged himself toy down on my side and wrapped in his arms around me.


    ¡°I love you, Sadie.¡±


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    ¡°If I escaped that night, would youe looking for me?¡±


    ¡°I will turn the world upside down. I may only see you once, but deep in heart, you¡¯d be mine no matter what, and you¡¯d be my world and the mother of my children.¡±


    ¡°Regrets?¡±


    He looked down at me, leaned in, and kissed me. ¡°Yes. That I did not fuck on our wedding night.¡±


    I giggled.


    ¡°Fuck. The first time I got a closer look at you, I thought of having my cock in your mouth and balls in deep in you.¡±


    ¡°Such a dirty thought.¡±


    ¡°You love it.¡±


    ¡°You know I do.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Mi Cielo.¡±


    ¡°I know. I love you, and you are my lifeline.¡±


    ¡°You two are my world, Sadie Wollf.¡±


    ***


    The End


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