Four weeks later _Isabella_The sunroom had become a favorite place of mine in recent weeks. I could sit there the whole day soaking up the sun and reading, or better yet, I could use the room to work on my assignments, now that I had gone back to school on a part-time basis.The couple of weeks had passed in a blur. But the only thing that had not passed in a blur was the awkward lunch we had with Rosetta and Eric. That day was still as clear as day in my mind. Nothing could make it fade or even better, erase it.Although I had been hesitant to go back to the old house, Dominic insisted that it was necessary for security purposes that we move back, not to mention that there was a more pressing matter that made us move back.A growing matter. One that I found out about soon after we went to his parent's house. And one that I was not ready to share with his family. No matter how much he said they would listen and not pass judgements. But, my experience told me otherwise.And the fact t
_Dominic_ The car drove up to the gates of my property. This time, I was content to sit at the back and let Joseph do the driving. Something that he should be doing every day. I was probably the only Don I knew who enjoyed the little freedom I had of driving myself without security by my side. The allure of the open road was thrilling but also dangerous. Now things had changed. With Isabella pregnant, I needed to take fewer risks that could have me killed. I wanted to be around for a long time to see my kids grow up, and for that to happen, I needed to make a few changes. Christopher had called me earlier about a visitor to the house. I hadn't been surprised that he had come because I had called him. Another thing was that I could kill more flies with honey than vinegar. I desperately needed Jacob; he held the missing piece of the puzzle, one that I needed. But with his brother by my side, it should be easier to get to him than it had proven to be so far. The door pulled open, an
IsabellaI dressed and put on make-up in record time before I could chicken out and change my mind. Dominic was being unreasonable and controlling as usual, but this was one fight he was not going to win. I looked at my reflection and I could still hear him exhaling breath behind me. I needed to do this, if not he would always walk all over me. Before I could touch the handle. Someone knocked on the door. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. Was he back for round two of the fighting match? I opened the door to find Joseph standing there. not in his usual formal attire of a suit but he looked good in casual. The minute he saw me, he let out a low whistle of appreciation. I made a twirl and we both burst out laughing at the theatrics. "I was on my way out," I said after we had composed ourselves. "I know, and I'm here to accompany you to wherever you need to go tonight." He pointed to his laid-back style of clothes. I raised an eyebrow in question. "I should have known."
_Five years ago.Peace at last. Isabella wiggled her toes and played with the bubbles from the overflowing jacuzzi. The Montego family was away on vacation. The staff was not allowed to use the jacuzzi, and that included her. But who's going to tell? If ever she were to get caught she knew Frank Montego would laugh it off, but his wife, Rosetta would march to the heavens for her to get fired. Then there were the two sons, Eric and Dominic. Eric stayed abroad and they didn't see much of him. Then there was the eldest son, Dominic. She rolled her eyes. The frightening Dominic. She doubted Dominic even knew she existed. The only time he looked at anyone was to give them his icy glare. Apart from that, he kept to himself. Some said he ran the family business alongside his father.A business that none of them knew what it entailed. But one thing was certain, The Montego family was rolling in dough. The family home had been a castle that got converted into a home. With twenty bedrooms, an
"What are you going to do to me?" she asked."Spank you." He said without batting an eyelid. Her mouth hung open and she stared at him. And Dominic wasn't in the least bothered. if anything, he was growing impatient. She took off her pants and stood in front of him in her cotton knickers. "Come here." he patted his thigh for her to lie on. This was by far the worst humiliation she had ever experienced. She lay her stomach flat against his thigh and waited. The first slap came fast and hard. She bit inside her palm to keep from screaming. After the second one, she struggled away from him and tumbled down to the cold floor. "Anything but this, I'll take any punishment but this," she said rubbing her sore backside. His grey gaze had turned a darker shade of silver. He looked at her for a minute and then took a swing from his bottle."You too young for anything else." He put the bottle down and fixed the sleeves of his shirt. "I'm twenty-two, I'm old enough."Isabella blurted out,
Two weeks had passed since the day she listened to Dominic and Joseph's conversation. The mansion was swamped with maids and cooks everywhere, tonight was Dominic's big party. His parents were back from vacation and his brother was expected to arrive before the party. Isabella was now used to her duties as Dominic's maid. She woke up and ran Dominic his bath, and ran any errands he might require of her. Now that she was done tending to Dominic's needs, she was helping Mrs brown polish the wood on the staircase. The sun was making its final journey on the sky and the house looked like a dream. The first guests were expected to start arriving right after sunset. Only a few girls were chosen to help with the party tonight and Isabella wasn't one of them. Nevertheless, she was determined to be part of the party. Earlier in the day, she had collected stones to stand on top of and watch from a window, the window that she selected would give her a perfect view of the party because she
Five years laterDominic Montego's jaw tightened as he looked at the layout of his family estate from the air. From up here he could make out every inch of land and most importantly, he could see that damned cottage, its coming to view only added to the burning hatred he felt for the place. Coming back home brought nothing but memories he would rather forget. He hadn't been home in over four years. Running a business abroad and conveniently burying himself in work, had been a good excuse not to come home until now. What made matters more pressing was that his father had been murdered in cold blood, butsuch was the fate of many mafia men. A fate he vowed not to be part of. No matter how painful coming back home was, he needed to get over it and forget everything that had happened in that cottage. The only thing that should be at the forefront of his mind now was his father's legacy, taking the Montego empire to soaring heights. And finishing what the old man had started.He blinke
[Eight weeks later.]_Isabella_I threw my backpack on the floor the minute I entered my room, kicked off my shoes, and lay cross-legged on my single bed.Exams were finally over for the semester. I could finally breathe. But I was far from being done with school. I had about three more years to go. But for now, I could breathe before going to work in like...ten minutes.I closed my eyes and let out a sigh. My relaxation was over, I needed to change for work. I walked over to my window and peeked at the road below. It was deserted due to a large number of students who were already done for the semester and had gone home.The cafe was not far, but the silence gave the place an eerie feeling. After changing and putting on music to lift my spirits, I made my way downstairs to the lobby. Mike, the security guard gave me a gentle nod as I passed him and out of the building. It looked like it would be me and him during this summer break. I stopped at the pedestrian crossing, not because