His eyes burned with a fire that felt ancient, untouchable. "You're addicted to me," he murmured, his voice a deadly whisper. "And I'm addicted to breaking you. I'm the devil in your hell, and you... you're the angel in my chaos. But in your gaze, I see the beginning of my end." Fury coursed through me, mixing with a raw, undeniable fear. "I will destroy you!" I screamed, my voice crashing against the walls, each word a vow of vengeance. A twisted smile curved his lips, dark and dangerous. "Before you burn me to the ground," he breathed, his warmth sending shivers down my spine, "let me show you just how deeply pleasure and pain can intertwine." ~~~~~ Brinda Virginia's life has always been a battle - against fate, against time, against a heart that beats too weakly to keep up with her fire. Abandoned by her parents who feared her fragility, she was raised by the only person who ever truly loved her - her stepmother. But love has never been enough to stop fate's cruel hand. And now, with only seventy-two hours to save the woman who sacrificed everything for her, Brinda is drowning in desperation. Then he returns. A phantom from her past, draped in shadows, holding a bargain as twisted as the scars he left on her soul. To save her stepmother, Brinda must surrender. Her body. Her will. Herself. But surrender is never simple in a game of power, revenge, and dangerous desire. Because this man doesn't just want to own her - he wants to unmake her, unravel her, turn her fire to ash. And the most terrifying part? Find out!
Brinda
"Make sure you please the guests, or you'll never see the seventy thousand dollars for your mother's treatment," Mr. Donald's cold, mechanical voice cut through the air. He tossed the stripper costumes at me with a detached sneer before ordering his assistant, Mr. Desmond, to take me to the dressing room.
The words stung, but I had no choice. I had no room for pride or hesitation.
As we entered the dressing room, I could feel the eyes of my fellow dancers - male and female - staring, their judgment heavy in the air. I didn't flinch, but inside, the humiliation was a quiet storm.
From a nurse to a stripper. How had I fallen so far?
Every girl dreams of a loving family, but I was abandoned by mine. If someone ever asked what my parents looked like, I would have no answer. I don't even carry their name. My identity - my whole life - was stolen from me. Instead, I became 'Brinda Virginia,' an orphan with no place to call home.
Thank God for Sarah - my stepmother, the woman who saved me when I was just a baby, when my birth parents cast me aside like I meant nothing. She ran away with me and raised me like I was her own. In my heart, she will always be 'Mother America.' because she is too kind.
A harsh voice snapped me from my thoughts.
"How long are you going to take to get dressed?" Mr. Desmond's growl made my pulse quicken. I couldn't afford to make him wait. I threw on the tight black skirt, my skin prickling with self-consciousness as I struggled to keep my dignity intact.
With the mirror as my only witness, I took in my reflection - long white hair, thick eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a nose that was delicate, full red lips, dimpled cheeks, and a baby face that didn't belong in a place like this.
"Ready?" Mr. Desmond's sharp voice cut through the silence. I nodded, hoping my unease didn't show.
When we stepped into the dark, smoky room, the noise and heat hit me like a freight train. My heart skipped - what if one of these people recognized me? What if one of them had been one of my patients? My neighbors? My old college friends? What would they think of me now?
But there was no time for regrets. I had seventy-two hours to save my dying mother. That's all that mattered.
Mr. Desmond gave me one last look. "Entertain them well." He patted me on the shoulder and left.
As the music throbbed around me, something inside me shifted. Confidence - unexpected and almost foreign - surged within me. I moved with the rhythm, my body swaying and undulating in a way that felt like second nature. I locked eyes with the crowd, weaving an invisible thread of seduction, my every motion pulling them in.
But there was one man who stood out - a man dressed in black, wearing a mask that hid his features. Three hulking guards flanked him, their presence an unmistakable sign of his wealth and power. If I could catch his attention, maybe I could secure a bigger tip - perhaps even more.
The lights danced off my skin, casting shadows that made me feel like I was part of the music itself, part of something alive. My movements became instinctual, primal, my body flowing in ways I didn't know I was capable of.
And then, in a single fluid motion, I spun, presenting my back to the crowd as I wrapped myself around the pole. My chest heaved, my breath coming in sharp, measured gasps. The audience cheered, their applause ringing in my ears like an affirmation of everything I had to offer.
When Mr. Desmond stormed in, shooing the crowd out, I barely noticed until the masked man stood and strode toward the podium. His guards wheeled a sofa closer, and he settled into it, crossing his legs with deliberate calm.
"Strip," he commanded, his voice smooth, yet chilling. "I'll give you everything you want."
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to keep dancing. My body moved in slow, sensual waves, though every second felt like a punishment. I danced for what felt like hours - twenty minutes, but it dragged like an eternity.
Then, his voice sliced through the tension, "Damsel." The Italian accent barely veiled his distaste. "You couldn't perform for an hour, so... no pay."
The words hit like a slap. "What? You never said I had to dance for an hour!" I exploded, my voice sharp with frustration.
He smirked, taking a slow, deliberate step toward me. His left hand tucked into his pocket, and my heart raced as he ascended the podium. Before I could react, his hand snaked around my waist, pulling me closer. The familiar scent of his cologne enveloped me. His fingers gripped my skin, sending a jolt of electricity through me.
And then - smack. He spanked me.
I was on fire. My palm connected with his cheek, the slap loud and satisfying. "Watch it," I hissed. "Don't you know the rules here?" I stood, defiant, arms crossed over my chest.
His eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with challenge. "I guess I don't. Why don't you treat me to the rules?" His hand reached for my face, but I swatted it away.
"Try it again, and I'll make it two slaps," I warned, the venom in my words matching the fire in my veins.
I turned, strutting out of the room with my head held high.
But as I burst into Mr. Donald's office, the sight that met my eyes nearly made me sick. He was lounging on his couch, surrounded by three half-naked women. A chill ran through me.
What a cheap man.
I approached him, determined. "Pay me my money," I demanded, trying to keep my composure despite the disgust swirling in my stomach.
He waved the women off, nonchalantly, wiping his hands. "The clients haven't paid yet. Come back tomorrow."
I froze. What? That wasn't how things worked. Mr. Donald always made sure the money was in hand before a dancer even set foot on stage.
"Pay me, Mr. Donald. You know what I need." My voice wavered despite my best efforts.
He sank into the couch, crossing his arms behind his head. "Come back tomorrow, or get the hell out of my sight."
The words felt like a slap to the face. But I couldn't afford to back down. Not now. Not when my mother's life hung in the balance.
"I have fallen into the enemy's dungeon and there is no escape route. Truth can be buried in darkness, flesh can be devoured by flames however fate will not because the wind will plant the seeds of truth by making it sprout. I will never give in to fate. I, Amanda Romanus, will be back from the shackles of death." ~~~~~ Trapped in a gilded cage, Amanda Romanus is treated like a slave by the family she once trusted. But when she uncovers the shocking truth behind her mother's death -A ruthless conspiracy for power - Amanda's world is turned upside down. Realizing that she was surrounded by treacherous individuals and driven by anger and thirst to avenge her mother's death, Amanda Romanus made a bold move, coercing the enigmatic billionaire, Gabriel Slade, to a marriage contract to swing the tides to her favor and get back at her two-faced family for their previous evil actions and conspiring to kill her. With only her wit, courage, and newfound alliance with Gabriel, Amanda sets out to exact revenge on those who wronged her. Will Amanda be able to cast an evil eye on her once upon a time family or will her quest for vengeance destroy everything she holds dear?"
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
On their wedding night, Rogelio wrapped his fingers around Marian's neck and spat at her, "Congratulations! From now on, you live in hell!" The reason for his wrath was that he believed she was responsible for the death of his elder brother. So, he married her but refused to touch her, determined to make her suffer for the rest of her pitiful life! However, due to an unforeseen accident, Marian was forced to sleep with Rogelio in order to save him, and she ended up getting pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy, Marian lived cautiously under Rogelio's watchful eyes. He hated her and relentlessly humiliated her, yet he would never allow anyone else to lay a finger on her— "Mr. Bailey, your wife got into a fight with someone!" Rogelio secretly took action, eliminating that person completely. "Sir, your wife claimed that all of your family's wealth belongs to her!" Rogelio quietly transferred all the shares to her. Unaware of all this, Marian only wanted to escape, but Rogelio pulled her into his warm embrace, whispering, "Mrs. Bailey, where do you intend to go with our unborn child?"
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.