Chapter 8

POV Tatyana

Luara has just revealed that she’s leaving me here, in the middle of nowhere. I remain frozen, shocked by her attitude as she gets into the car, starts it, and drives away.

"This woman is insane! What do I do now?" I think to myself.

I grab my phone and call Adam, who quickly picks up.

"Tatyana, I finally get to hear your voice. I’ve missed you, you know?"

"Adam, I’ve missed you too. It’s been a week, and I really wanted to see you!" I reply affectionately, already feeling my cheeks flush.

"Of course, Taty. I’ll stop by Samuel’s house tomorrow, and we’ll make up for lost time."

"Luara left me in the middle of nowhere, and I don’t know how to get back." My voice comes out sad and shaky with worry.

"Where are you?" he asks. I look around, trying to give him a clearer answer.

"I’m not sure. There’s a huge cliff here!"

"I’ll call John; he’ll track your phone and pick you up," Adam says with a smile I can sense through the phone, which soothes me.

"Alright, Adam! Thank you. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow!"

My body stirs with excitement, anticipating the rough touch of Adam.

"Me too, my Golden Girl."

I end the call and walk toward the tallest rock, sitting on the edge of the cliff. The view from here is incredible, and the wind brushing against my skin creates a soft hum in my ears, silencing my thoughts for a few seconds. The solid, broad, and prominent rocks have an earthy hue, and as I try to peer into the depths below, dizziness overtakes me.

The image that begins to haunt me, invading my mind, is that of Samuel Colt. His scent still seems imprinted on my skin, and the memory of his lips touching mine is tantalizing. I’m tempted to understand that man.

I bring my fingers to my lips and feel my own warm breath pass between them. The memory of the sex I had with Samuel is intoxicating, stirring a growing hunger to have him inside me again. I lose myself in my private world, simply recalling his touch on my body.

Beyond the hypersexuality I developed after sinking into depression from losing my mother, I’ve discovered I’m a masochist. I love the feeling of pain. The mixture of pain and pleasure brings me immense sexual satisfaction.

***

The hours pass so quickly that I feel as if I’ve been sleepwalking. When I realize it, the sky is darkening, and I remain lost in my thoughts. I jump when I feel a hand touch my right shoulder.

"Ah!" A small scream escapes my lips as I turn and see John.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Please forgive me for the delay," he says in his calm and gentle manner.

My heart races, and I notice, just from his first words, how different John is from Samuel. He sits beside me and looks at the abyss in front of us. We stay silent, gazing at the stars, while he keeps glancing at me sideways, clearly wanting to talk.

"What is it, John Colt?"

"I’m just imagining Luara leaving you here; she’s always so dramatic," John says, smiling almost sheepishly.

"Are you going to mistreat me like your brother does?" I ask, lowering my head in sadness.

Just because I feel desire for Samuel doesn’t mean I’ll overlook his rudeness. John adopts a pensive expression, gazing at the cliff while rubbing his hands together. He seems to disagree with his brother’s behavior but understands it. When he answers me, his expression shows tenderness and sorrow.

"I’m not Sam, but I don’t judge him. He’s a reflection of how he was raised. Samuel carries a lot of pain within him. He had a difficult childhood and can’t understand emotions. As harsh as he is, I believe he can improve with the right encouragement."

"That encouragement would be a person? Do you think he could ever love someone?" John becomes thoughtful but nods.

"I have to believe it. After all, I love him."

I wanted to ask him everything, especially why his brother is so cruel, but he seems sad discussing it. I change the subject and ask about him.

"John, are you married too? Is your wife also a relative of yours?" He smiles, turning his face toward me.

"I’m engaged to Luara’s sister. Her name is Ágata. Unfortunately, my family only allows marriages within the bloodline. It’s their way of keeping power in our hands, preserving our dynasty."

I can tell he doesn’t want this; it feels like an obligation. It’s cruel and devastating to imagine having your destiny determined from birth. It seems suffocating.

"That’s cruel!" I reply indignantly.

John takes my hand and runs his fingers over my bruised wrists.

"What’s this? Was it Sam?" he asks in surprise, but his expression quickly turns to irritation.

"Yes, a punishment for answering him as he deserved." A satisfied smile escapes my lips as I speak.

"He must be furious. His word is always final; no one dares challenge him."

"What’s your relationship with him like?" John rubs his hands, seeming to revisit the past.

"When we were kids, our relationship was great, but everything changed when his training to take over leadership began. Samuel had to give up his emotions to face the challenges our father imposed on him. Today, he’s intolerant, irritable, and constantly enjoys making us obey his whims. Not that he’s a leader who only practices cruelty, but he loves seeing everyone respect his orders."

From this, I can tell their relationship is strained and full of resentment. Samuel probably hurt him, leaving John feeling inferior.

"My brother is difficult, Taty, but I love him! I’ll help you. Do you want to stay at my place tonight?"

John wants to make me feel better, as if he wants to take away my pain.

"What? You’d do that for me?" I say timidly, averting my gaze.

"Of course! Let’s go!" He stands and offers his hand to help me up.

I accept his help, and he pulls me up gently. His hand is medium-sized, warm, and soft. As I stand, I lose my balance, and John catches me, holding my body against his. Our brief contact excites me—not with emotion, but with that compulsion that leaves me at the mercy of frivolity.

"Thank you!" I say softly.

He holds my hand and leads me to the car. I realize that staying in the same place as John Colt will be a sexual torment for me. We get into the car. He turns on the music before driving, looks at me mischievously, and slightly shifts his body to face me.

"The first time I saw you, I knew you’d mess with my thoughts," John confesses, his cheeks flushing red with embarrassment.

"Really? Why?" I ask curiously.

"You got to me in every way! First, because you’re beautiful—I won’t lie. After all, I’m a man. Your looks and your smile caught my attention. I see in you the qualities I most admire in a person. I like your honesty, your impatience, your courage to face your own choices. And, of course, I think that if I had the chance, you’d definitely be the kind of woman I’d fall in love with. I know we don’t know each other very well yet, but those are traits I value," he admits, placing his hand over mine.