ROOM A17… LINA Elara slipped into the cab, her purse clutched tight to her chest as the vehicle slowly zoomed off. Buildings whizzed past in a blur and her mind drifted back to the past–to the graveyard, to the men that had drugged her and tried raping her… to Damien stepping in to save her. She had lost everything back then and had sunmen so low. And somehow, all thanks to the same man, she had risen again. The car came to a stop, the screech of tires pulling her out of her thoughts. She blinked, looking out the window. The hotel stood tall by the curb, its windows glinting in the sunlight. She turned to the driver, handing him a folded bill. “Thank you," she said with a small smile before stepping out onto the pavement. As the car counted the cash, she turned toward the building–and nearly collided with someone. “Oh, sorry," she gasped as she took a cautious step back. “I didn't see you–” She looked up and her throat tightened. Damien. He didn't acknowledge her

A COLD MORNING The cold bench bit through his pants, stinging his ass despite the thickness of the fabric. Sebastian leaned forward, his gloved hands rubbing together as he let out a shaky breath. He pulled his gray sweatshirt over his head, the hood covering half of his face as he stared out ahead. The morning air bit his lungs every time he inhaled and it showed no mercy to his exposed fingers. He should have worn something more covering. The sun had still not risen but its glow could be seen coming from the east, over the lake. It would be long before any warmth would reach him. He blew down on his fingers, rubbed them together and slipped them under his arms. His shoulder still throbbed beneath the sweatshirt, though the stitch was now loose and the wound healing. Sadie had told him the dressing tomorrow would be the last. She’d called him lucky and teased him every time he winced from her stitching. He smirked quietly at the thought of having her over again tomorrow.

CARDS, BLOOD AND BULLETS 2.Sebastian kissed Sadie, his tongue entwining with hers as he ran a hand over her bare breasts. The soft nipples brushed against his chest and her breath poured down his lips as she pushed herself on top of him. But just as everything was about to get heated again, his phone rang. He tried ignoring it at first, but then it kept on ringing, severing the moment. “Ugh," he groaned as he pulled away. His fingers curled around the device as he brought it to his face and clicked the screen. His brows furrowed. "Who's it,babe?” Sadie whispered as she leaned forward to stare at the screen. "An unknown number? Do you know who it is?”His eyes narrowed. He didn't need to think twice. Lina. “Give me a minute," he mumbled as he pulled her hand off his shoulder and turned away. He answered the call and placed it against his ear. “It took you so long to answer. I was starting to think you wouldn't reach me." Silence followed for a moment, disturbed only by the sou

A BODY IS A PROBLEM Sebastian looked around, his eyes taking in the small room as his mind ran with thoughts. The curtains were closed and the bed wasn’t huge–easy to clean up. Sadie lived a small life so there were no cameras. He walked up to the window and placed his fingers between the curtains, pushing them to the side just enough for him to see beyond the frosty glass. Her neighbors were far away–far enough not to hear through the gunshot suppressor. Still… he couldn't be so sure. He closed the curtain and turned back to the room. She had asked that they take their sexcapade and his wound-dressing to his cabin, away from town. He had refused. That was his mistake. He lowered the gun and dropped it carefully onto the bedside table. Slowly, he walked to the side and crouched, ignoring the sharp protest in his shoulders. His fingers dropped down to Sadie's wrist as he checked for a pulse he already knew wasn't there. Nothing. Now, he needed time to clean and dispose of

BEHIND THE WALLS“... and how was the call with Zurich?" Damien pushed the door open and stepped to the side, letting Elara enter. “It went better than expected," she answered smiling. “They have asked for a merger now. Two other companies are in line too.”Damien followed behind her and the two stepped into Veyra Holdings, the glass doors sliding close smoothly before them. The lobby was filled with people, low conversations buzzing all round. Elara continued on as they walked, her tone lighter than he remembered from their first meeting months ago. He glanced at her, noticing the way her shoulders relaxed. There was an ease in her steps and a brightness to her eyes he never saw before. He recalled how she was back at the hotel when they first met. He chuckled inwardly at the image of her tossing the case at him. Now, here she was, laughing softly as they walked. He acknowledged it silently. “Our stocks have risen higher than they were before I even fell," she said, sighing. He