[ Ashton ]"I want your one hundred percent assurance, Emanuel that my wife and son are safe here and you arranged everything at Atrani for our two days trip. Valeria hasn't the slightest idea of our workline and I want to keep in that way, all right?" I talked in hush with my accomplice in Italy.It's true that he's my friend but I didn't meet him in college. We have been working in a smooth cordeal for three years as long as we get fair share of our profit and he knows the danger lurking above me."You're into that pretty young ragazza, don't you?" He leaned back on the counter with a grin on his slim face, his eyes darted on Valeria behind me."You have no fucking idea, Emanuel. Yes, I am attracted to her but I'd not say it's love any parallel emotion in our present equation." I lied through my teeth. He's my good friend but I have learnt not to trust anyone in my line of work, that's the one and only secret of survival."I can see but I think you should go to her. Your wife and so
[ Valeria ]We chose to drive than option for a train ride to the beautiful place called Atrani. We also hailed a ferry to reach at the off shore island where most of the old buildings erected on a cliff. Our destination was still three kilometers away.An exhausted Alexander slept on the chair.The far stretched blue sea, bright sun and mild breeze, added romance in the air. Ashton was standing near the railing. So, I went to stand beside him."I feel like I'm living a dream." I whispered observing the beauty of the place as far as my eyes could show me."There's a plenty to explore but today, we'll settle down in the house that rented for next two days." Ashton said."You came here before?" I tilted to glance at the Greek God in living flesh.His tanned skin gave him a more handsome touch."Yes, twice or thrice in a year. This place is my escape to attain some peace." He answered but I thought there was more, his blue eyes tried to veil something beneath them."Wow! That's a life I
[ Valeria ]Exhausted from a full day's travel under a scorching sun and humid ocean wind, I worn out, climbing a set of uncountable steps is another excruciating addition. The villa is a heaven if I have to describe it in short. I feel like I'm living in a fantasy world.I and Alexander couldn't hold our excitement and we ended up going for swim as soon as our luggage waw settled in our rooms. We spent two hours on the shore while his father watched over us with a scowl.We returned not a while ago. Alexander bathed and currently sleeping whereas I waited for Ashton to return who has been busy over a phone call for last ten minutes. He keeps his business a personal affair from me. His behavior is dubious. I have a strong feeling that he is hiding something from me.The giant room gives a panoramic view of the ocean and clusters of small island, this place is totally cut off from the modernity of our world. Classic Italian culture can be lived here."Beautiful."I heard Ashton's husk
[ Ashton ]I've laid awake in the bed, staring at the ceiling which had a beautiful pietra dura work. I heard the loud crashing of waves on the rocks and faint yelling of marine guards on the drunken youngsters.No matter how much I tossed and turned, sleep was far away from my eyes whereas Valeria was snoring peacefully and I didn't want to disturb her sleep. It had been a very long and tiring day for her and Alexander.The pillow felt really uncomfortable under my head. I let out a frustrated sigh and silently, I slipped out of the bed. It'd be a really long night, I guess.I picked my cigarette pack and lighter before heading to the balcony. I needed some time to clear my head off. Valeria is exposed to the threats of my world.I lit the cigarette and took a deep whiff. I closed my eyes and thought about my life before Valeria came and flipped my world upside down.Suddenly, my phone vibrated showing Victor's number. My frown deepened. It was twelve in the midnight. He never calls
[ Valeria ]I gave myself a once over in the giant mirror and exhaled deeply. I had to force out all the nervousness which was building in my system. It was messing up with my brain and my emotions.It didn't help either.I was getting impatient and terrified as the clock ticked forward.My wedding supposed to take place at eleven but now it's past twelve.I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was a bride, dressed in a beautiful white gown which I and Liam picked together a week ago. Everything seemed like a fairy tale.Finally, I was getting married to my boyfriend whom I dated for two years. He was everything a girl wishes in her life partner. A charmingly handsome man who swiped me off my feet on our first meeting in a cousin's wedding.I was only twenty two, my friends advised me to wait for another few years but I just wanted to be with Liam and devote myself to him.A knock on the door put a break on my turbulent emotions. I craned my neck slightly. My father was standing a
[ Valeria ]My heart was hammering against my ribcage as the priest proceeded with the ceremony. The handsome stranger, stood in front of me was very calm unlike me.I felt a knot down my stomach thinking about the uncertainties which may come with this marriage. I stole a glance of my family. My parents had a mixed expressions of relief, happiness and gratitude while his family looked unaffected.My mind was having an inner battle of merits and demerits of marrying a total stranger. I agreed to sacrifice myself for the sake of my family and to repent for my sin of loving Liam Rodriguez who never cared for me.My heart sumnersaulted against my ribcage when I directly looked at my groom. Undoubtedly, he was the most handsome ever walked on the earth. His striking blue eyes bored into mine like he could see my soul.I felt nervous again.I had made up my mind that I'd refrain myself from entangling in any relationship again. I can't fall for this man because my frail heart won't survive
[ Valeria ]"I want us to consummate our marriage, Ashton."I don't know what made me say those words to him but I knew, I couldn't take them back.His cold eyes flashed shock but he didn't let it show on his face."It's quite late, Valeria. You must rest. Tomorrow, we'll discuss the conditions that we're going to follow in our arrangement." He said in a deep voice.I felt humiliated. What was I thinking when I asked a stranger to fuck me because my ex-fiance cheated on me and I had to prove a pointless point.I pursed my lips and turned to leave. How was I going to even face him?"Wait!"His intimidating voice echoed in the deadly silence room and I halted in my tracks. My heartbeats picked up their rates as I felt him near me."What made you say this?" He asked me."Forget it, I don't want to discuss anything. You're right, we should focus on our business." I snapped coldly and tried to walk but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back.As a result, my back collided with his hard ches
[ Valeria ]The kiss was hungry and raw as his lips glided over mine. He was controlling me and I felt like I was pulled to a magnet, not able to move or reciprocate his moves.Our clothes were discarded on the floor but he carefully placed my wedding gown on the couch. The dress seemed to mock on me."Don't think about the past, a beautiful future is waiting for you." He turned my face to look at him."I'm going to worship you in every way possible, mi esposa." He called me wife in Spanish. I learnt the basics while dating Liam.I wasn't supposed to feel this way but his words worked like lightening as he kissed me again. His fingers knotted in my hairs as he laid me down on the soft mattress of his bed.I pulled my arms around his neck, both of us eager to deepen the kiss. I didn't know about him but my anger and resentment was surfacing with the increasing passion.If Liam could cheat on me, I'd do the same.Everything around me fogged as his other hand cupped my most intimate area