I wish it was different between me and Rayon. My addiction, sad but true, I will never be able to tell him no and he knows it. This is why I am afraid of tonight. Stepping into new territories with him, the friend zone, or colleagues. I just need to play it safe and choose my outfit carefully.My small frame is accentuated by a pair of fitted jeans, which is hugging my curves in all the right places. To offset the casual look of my denim, I decide on a blouse that is as feminine as it is soft. The fabric flows around me, draping me in a gentle embrace, while the delicate lace accents the trimmed sleeves and neckline to add a touch of sophisticated charm. Happy with my choice, I stroll to the elevator, when my phone buzz."Hi, I'm on my way down."Okay, I'll wait for you then." Rayon ends the call.Checking myself in the elevator mirror before I exit. Get it together Lilly-Ann, this is NOT a date.Rayon stands at the door with his hands in his jean pocket, freshly shaved, and dressed i
Rosemary is waiting at the door for us as the car comes to a stop. I am frozen in my seat. "Rayon," I whisper shaking my head and trying to fathom what he just said. "I just wanted you to know, I'm not expecting an answer or anything from you, Ann." He smiles, leaning closer to me, and placing a kiss on my cheek. “I’m not giving up on us.” He whisper before sliding out of the car. "Now, let's go enjoy ourselves." Opening my door for me and holding his arm for me to take, I hook in, as we walk to the door like nothing happened. "Annie!" Rosemary yells, waving us over, but frowns when she notices that I am on the arm of my ex. She glares at me and shakes her head disapproving. "Hi, Rose." He grins, and she gives him a once-off look before spinning on her heels. "Follow me." She pouts, handing me a VIP pass. "I don't think she likes me." Rayon whispers in my ear. "Yeah, I got the same message." I give him an apologetic smile as we enter the club. The pulsing bass of the music thunder
I crawl onto my bed and kicking off my shoes. I pull myself in a small ball on the bed. My heart feels as empty as this apartment, surrounded by the remnants of my shattered heart. Tears streams down my cheeks, leaving behind a trail of heartache and despair. I grab my phone and dial Shane. I need him to shout at me."Hey, girl."I fight back the tears as Shane picks up. "Shane.""What happened? Did that mother fucker do something to hurt you. I'll kill him, I swear.""No, no. Well, he didn't hurt me.""Ann, what are you saying?""I don't know, Shane I'm so confuse.""When are you coming home?""Tomorrow, my flight is at 9am""Good, that's good, you need to stay away from him, Ann."I let out a soft giggle, Shane can be so overprotective. "I love you. Shane."I love you too, See you tomorrow.""Yeah, see you then." I end the call, staring at the ceiling as my phone drops to the floor. I know when I get home Shane will be ready with a long lecture, which I’m in need of.*****Packed an
Sometimes in life we take for granted the people close to us, not considering how our actions might affect their lives. We are selfishly pursuing our goals, middle-fingering the people we love, without knowing it.Stepping out into the cool air of NYC, I inhale sharply. This is the first time I’m nervous about a story. I’ve done so many undercover jobs and investigate so many people, but never did a knot form in my stomach. It’s like my body is trying to warn me something bad is going to happen, which makes it even more intriguing for me to go, but why am I nervous?Just as I’m about to cross the road a SUV stop and the back door swings open. “Get in.” The voice demands. I try to push past the car but it keeps blocking my path. “Get your fucking ass in this car!!” His deep raspy voice exclaimed, but this time more demanding.My heart starts pounding in my chest, I know if I get in, I might never get out in one piece. The front door swings open and a big man, dressed in all black, gra
Lesley’s eyes filled with sympathy as he gaze down at me, clinging on his arm, “Lilly-Ann, I can not just burst into his home and start to accuse him of catnapping. It is not how we do things. I’m sorry.” “But I know it is him, Shane tell him!” I move my gaze towards my only hope, Shane smile faintly at me as he stands from the sofa and places his hand on my shoulder. “I think you should come home with me and let Lesley do his job.” “Why won’t you belief me!!! He took my cat, he broke into my apartment, he threatened to kill me!!! Do you think I‘m making all this up?! What great friends you are!” Tears start running down my cheeks as I shrug Shane’s hand from my shoulder, grab my bag and storm out the building. “Lilly-Ann!!” Both calls my name as I exit. If they won’t help me find Honey I will do it myself. Sliding into my car I start the engine. I have no idea where Honey would be but I know who saw her last and I know where to start. Starlux Deluxe hotel, Lenkov’s new pride and jo
Driving up to the appointed place, I gather all the papers and hard drives. My stomach is doing backflips, I’m afraid, I have no clue what I’m walking into, nor do I know if Honey is still alive. I slide a can of pepper spray into my jacket pocket and shut my eyes as I take a long deep breath. You can do this. I gather all my courage and step out of the car. Heading to the entrance, I’m greeted by two of Lenkov’s bodyguards. “Papers and hard drives” The gigantic man, dressed in a black tuxedo says, holding out his enormous hand, his emotionless face, has me shivering in fear. I gulp hard and shook my head. “Honey first.” I dare say. The bold guy that’s with him starts nodding his head, “Kevin, the boss said we should bring her up.” I can tell Kevin is not pleased with his orders. “Very well then, Follow me.” Kevin says as he makes his way to the elevator. I force my legs to move as my breathing picks up, my heart is hammering in my throat as I walk deeper into the lions den. “Kevin
My heart skips a beat as I drive towards the address Kevin gave me. I did not dare to peek inside. I’m to afraid of what I might find or it might even be a bomb that will go off if you open the box. My curiosity is eating at me, but my fear has the upper hand.As I approach the massive gate of a huge mansion, I start to wonder who this belongs to, they did not give me a lot of information regarding my delivery. The wrought-iron gate is intricately designed with swirling patterns, creating an elegant yet imposing entrance to the property.Considering the size of the place and the beautiful drive way, I’ll say this people is filthy rich. As I pull up closer, I notice the driveway is framed by tall, perfectly trimmed hedges, adding to the sense of grandeur and exclusivity. Next to the tall gate I spot a name plate J.J.G, must be the initials of the owner. I kill the engine and slide out of my car, I rush to the gate and dump the package in the middle of the driveway. Just as the gate st
As we step into the studio, my eyes adjust to the dim lighting. The space is vast, with high ceiling and a concrete floor stretches out before me, polished to a mirror-like finish, that reflects the few light sources scattered around the room.The space is open and airy, with no unnecessary furniture cluttering up the room. In one corner, there is a stack of boxes, carefully labeled and neatly arranged. A few props are scattered around the space, but they are minimal and unobtrusive.The only real decoration in the room is the photographs hanging on the walls. They are an eclectic mix of portraits, landscapes, and abstract art, but they all share a certain quality that ties them together. Each image is perfectly composed, with an eye for detail and a sense of balance that is hard to achieve. As I move around the room, examining the photos, I am struck by the sense of order and control that permeates the space. Shane has created a sanctuary, a place where he can create and focus withou