It was past five, all of the work in the Melbourne branch was taken care of. Seated in his office chair he still had to wait for five minutes until the final reports were coming on their ongoing project. Six minutes passed and no email was received. He buzzed his secretary in who was working for Miller Enterprise for the last twenty-two years now.
"Tell the HR to fire the accountant responsible to send me the details." He ordered calmly and gestured with his hand. His secretary helped to pass him the jacket that he took and left. His secretary noticed that he is getting out of the office. So, he was quick to call at the top for the chopper to get ready as his boss was supposed to leave for the airport to take their private jet. But then he noticed Noah, taking the elevator to the ground floor. He readily messaged the driver to have his car ready.
Getting into the car Noah ordered the driver. "To the site." He ordered and left his secretary puzzled. And he only silently prayed for everything to be going smooth there. The plant that was meant to manufacture its pharmaceuticals brand here was huge. It is to produce enough supply of their brands to meet the whole of the region's requirements and give jobs to almost 8000 people.
He was welcomed by the noise of machines working and the smell of cement. All of the people were working clad in a light blue uniform with M emblem. Their construction company was given the responsibility to design and built the building with advanced technology. He didn't want to disturb anyone here and was already scheduled to leave Australia. So, without meeting anyone he was about to leave. His driver was holding the door for him when he noticed almost five people dressed in a manner that showed that they had nothing to do with Miller enterprise. Wearing leather jackets and ripped jeans that too tattered was enough for him to give his secretary a raised brow. The way his secretary visibly gulped made him even more suspicious.
"What got your tongue?" He asked calmly but his tone was enough to tell him that he could be next to get fired.
"They are Lucifer's men" He whispered.
"Lucifer, who?" Noah asked again and he hated doing so. But his secretary remained silent. He knew better than to tell Noah. "Mr. Miller, I think you should ask this from your grandaunt." A smile appeared at Noah's lips when he said, "You are fired." and left his secretary standing there.
In an hour, he was sitting in his private jet directly en route to California. Landing to his private airport he didn't waste any time to get into the ride waiting for him. Soon, the very same mansion where he left his wife came into his view. He was tired and wanted to get home as soon as possible. He didn't waste a single second and ordered for her to come. So, they can finally leave.
He waited for a minute but then called his grandaunt and the moment she picked he asked.
"Who is lucifer?"
"Morning, sunshine!" How was your trip to Australia? Did you take your wife with you? Did she like there?" She tried to shift his attention. Though she knew he hasn't taken her there and was very much aware of her whereabouts.
"Answer me," Noah repeated his question.
"He is nothing but a dog, Noah. Don't worry about him." She replied nonchalantly.
"And how many dogs you have?" He asked irritated this time.
"Oh, you don't want anyone if you have lucifer." She replied with humor.
"I don't know what are you trying to pull. But the last thing I want is to have protection from some Mafia. And that too who costs us 10 million twice a year." He tried to talk sense.
"Come on, Noah, just consider that it is me shopping around, honey. If you are with money, you either be friends with him or the enemy. I chose the smart one."
"Bye," He said and cut the call without hearing her answer. He was working non-stop on his whole flight. And now he felt beyond frustrated and angry when he lit his cigarette.
He had the Miller Enterprise now. Grandma had lost the power she used to have. And he knew how to deal with such things.
********
She looked at the maid who just informed her about leaving. Though this place was not hers and she shouldn't get herself too attached but for three straight days, she was not beaten and even humiliated. She deeply inhaled and tried to get her thoughts straight before getting out of her room.
A maid was escorting her out of the room but Jasper ahead offered his acquaintance. She was still silent when that maid went away and she didn't have any choice but to walk with Jasper. They were coming down from a huge set of stairs when he started saying.
"Mrs. Miller, this title is a lethal weapon. You can make yourself the strongest one or can destroy yourself. I hope that you keep this in your mind."
She looked at him blankly. It wasn't him who was being someone's wife completely unknown to her. It was easy for him to say. So, she chose to remain silent.
In just two more minutes, she was out of the house and was looking at the car in which she will confront Michael. Oh, no, he is Noah. Yes, Noah, it is. She breathed the words. Walking to the car she tried to recall that he is a good man. If he is bringing up so many kids in his castle-like home, he has to be a good guy. He will listen to her request. All she needs to do is to sound reasonable. And she knew she was reasonable.
Jasper opened the door for her. She could sense a stare on her but couldn't muster enough energy to look at him. She was welcomed by chilling air mixed with smoke. But it wasn't something new to her. Isabella used to smoke all the time. Even the thought of Isabella was enough to make her shiver.
How much she doesn't want to be here. With a man. She felt a little sting of tears in her eyes on her helplessness.
You can do it, Sydney. You can do it. She ranted in her mind when he said.
"fasten your seat belt." This is when she noticed that the ride is only waiting for her. She could feel his words lingering in the air even now.
With her trembling hands, she tried to get the belt and was having a hard time pulling it as her all energy was drained out of her worrying about the situation.
Soon, she found his hand just a needle away from herself. But he didn't stop there, his hand pulled the belt and secured her in place. The car started the moment her belt was secured.
She stole a glance at him when he was pulling that belt. His hair was shining while in his heavy suit jacket he seems intimidating. But she knew she needs to find the courage to talk. But she starts looking outside the window just to clear her mind.
He silently noticed her small fragile body. She barely reaches my shoulder. In fact, no she would barely reach my chest. He thought.
And if you keep looking at her like that she will know you are into her. His inner voice yelling at him.
I am not into her. Not yet, He scoffed at his inner voice and tried to seem busy on his cell phone. There were three mails. But again his thoughts were tainted with her when he thought.
Five feet without any doubt. Get your things straight Noah, the last thing you want is to be bewitched by her. He tried to remind himself.
He noticed how she held her hands on her lap and look out of the window. She was beyond beautiful and delicate. And though he doesn't want to admit, it feels so right.
A smile adorned his lips when he thought. This journey starts from here. Where this broken but beautiful girl will stay by my side to play the perfect wife, forever. But first I have to teach her things. Things that will teach her to stay always mine. Always loyal.
He didn't want to be bothered but he was disappointed by her cold behavior. Wasn't three days enough for her to accept me as a husband?
Once, they were out of the mansion he retrieved a small box from the cupboard beside him and said.
"This is for you."
She looked at the thin square jewelry box and then to him. He did notice her glassy eyes. And it irked him. She looked like she will start spilling tears at any moment. And he was already tired and least wanted it.
She took the box but it made her fingers touch his palm. He already knew how much soft she was. How soft and weak she would feel under him. That night flashed in his mind and he could feel his pants getting tightened.
"What is this?" She asked. But in reply, she just received a heated stare from him. She knew what these eyes meant and her throat felt dry with fear.
He didn't listen to what she asked because he was so immersed in recalling that night and couldn't look away from her parted lips right now. He knew how soft they were. Somehow she felt too that he wasn't listening so she again tried to call him.
"Sir?.." She breathed but was cut off when Noah said.
"Noah,... It's Noah for you. And you are supposed to open it and find." His voice came out without any emotion.
With her thin and trembling fingers, she opened that box to find a beautiful bracelet there.
He waited for her compliment but nothing came. Pressing her lips hard she just deeply inhaled as she stared at that beautiful bracelet that seems expensive. When she didn't react he said.
"Welcome into my life Sydney,..." This made her look into his eyes. His cold ocean blue eyes. "...I expect you to compromise and listen to me always. Trust me, you will do just fine." He continued.
You will do just fine, The words ring in her head. She didn't know what he said next. All those times when Isabella, Abigail, Martha, and Mariah said these words start flashing in her mind. She was in another trance when she found him securing that bracelet around her wrist. It seems like he was caging her. She could clearly see that.
"I don't want it." She jerked away, her hand.
"I don't want this or anything. Please, drop me somewhere safe. I will manage." She said in a breath but then widen her eyes with her hand on her mouth. This is exactly not how she planned to say such things. She wanted it to sound like a request but she more like freaked out.
Breathing heavily she looked at his hard jaw when she heard him say. "What did you say?"
"Sir, I don't want this. I hope you understand...." But then she recalled something and said, "I mean Noah," Her chest was heaving badly with fear and she felt her feet cold when she noticed his mouth coming closer to her face. Secured in her seat belt she couldn't do more than closing her eyes tightly.
"I am sure, this is not what you said to all those men who get between your legs like it's a f*****g public place." Anger was the only thing running in his veins when he said these words on her face and threw the bracelet on the floorboard.
She opened her eyes as a tear slides down her cheek. A sob escaped her throat when she hid her face in her palms.
All this time he thinks she should be thankful to him while she just wanted to get away.
The car ride went smooth apparently without any event afterward. But she tried to muffle her sobs as he processed his thoughts at the speed of light.
Their car came to a halt followed by a driver, who was suited in black, came to open Noah's door. Giving his driver a raised brow he ordered. "Wait, we are talking."
Closing the door that driver signaled the pilot to wait. The whole crew awaiting the arrival of their boss and his wife first got confused but then smiled. Showing their understanding given the couple is new.
Sydney who was so immersed in her humiliation didn't notice what just happened. There was only one thing that she was ranting in her head, he is not a good man. he is not a good man. He is not a good man. But then she heard him say,
"Sydney,...." He called her with his voice loud enough to get her out of her trance. She turns to look at him. And found him loosening his tie.
"... I will ask you a question. And I want you to be completely honest about it." He warned.
She looked at him blankly.
"You hear me?" He asked again looking at her and retrieved a nod from her this time. Her lips swollen look so inviting. She was this cutest, little thing with those big emerald eyes.
"Do you have a man, you want to turn to?" He asked but the coldness in his tone was so apparent.
She shook her head. And his jaw tightened.
"Words," He growled.
"No," She answered.
"Hear me closely this time, my dear little wife. I AM ASKING. Do you have a man you love?"
"No," She said with a hoarse but a loud voice this time followed by a sob and tears as she hugged herself at his harsh behavior.
This time some lines caressed his forehead because this young lady was eighteen and claiming that she was never in love.
"Do you have a man with whom you dream to live your life?" This time his voice wasn't harsh but it was still serious.
"No,.." She breathes out the word, lowering her face, tried to get her breathing normal, not knowing why is he asking such questions. Man? Man is always a potential threat. The only feeling she had right now was utter fear. She knew she didn't belong here.
"I am calling the dibs then." He said and securing his hand on her nape took her lips in a feverish kiss. The lips were softer than he lastly tasted them.
Her eyes were wide in shock. While he was close, savoring the moment. She didn't know what to feel. She didn't respond to the kiss but she didn't push him back out of fear.
He let her go after a while. Frustrated over her lack of responsiveness. He got his tie settled again and ran a hand through his hair to get them set.
Ignoring her he retrieved another box and start opening it while he said, "Remember Sydney, you are not to fall in love with anyone from this day on." And pass her sunglasses.
She took the sunglasses and put them on. Noah didn't wait and opened the door for himself. Sydney's door was opened by the driver no later than a second.
The weather was windy. Her hair though in a bun, still, some strands came on her face. But soon, she found Noah by his side, and the wind was not a problem at all now. His large frame was enough for her to get a hold over the situation. Noah didn't wait for her but held her arm in his and walked to his private jet looking exactly like a perfect couple.
It was indeed a prerequisite. Everything he ever does always had to look perfect in other's eyes.
An all smiling air hostess welcomed them. Though her job stated that she was not to share anything with anyone but still she couldn't wait to share her whole family how much that infamous Noah Miller is smitten by his wife.
Sydney who never board a plane in her whole life, let alone a private all luxury jet, took into her surroundings.
He motioned the air hostess and dismissed her.
He took a seat and secured the seat belt. Not a minute later the announcement for take-off was made. With his long legs crossed, he looked at Sydney who was still looking at the surroundings like a lost puppy.
Has she lost her mind or what? He thought. But when he felt the engine roaring he unfasten his seat belt while huffing, caught her wrist, and made her sit beside him. He didn't forget to secure her in a seat belt before doing the same for him. The plane started to take off and the moment she felt weightless, she squeezed Noah's hand in fear but then left it as she tightly shut her eyes. He held her fisted hand. And noticed too, how her small hand disappeared under his big one.
This is when he realized it was her first time on a plane. He patiently waited for the plane to be done with taking off because at this point he was beyond tired. Thanks to her emotionally too.
Getting out his chair he waiting for a few seconds for her to follow too. But she remained seated.
"Sydney, let's go, inside." He told her.
"I am fine, here." She was quick to answer.
The last thing he wanted was to have a single soul who thinks that there is something wrong between them.
No one was around them yet. So, he handled the situation more easily by loading her over his shoulder after unfastening her seat belt. It was easier than he imagined given she was so underweight.
She wanted to plead to him to let her down but she found her voice stuck in her throat. He was tall. Way too tall that she fears the God damn height.
She found herself inside some room with him not less than a few seconds and caught his jacket even tighter when he was placing her on the bed.
"Let go of me," He said and only then she let go of his collar. He started stripping and the moment Sydney realized her eyes got widen. And then he even removed his pants. She didn't look up.
He crashed on the bed beside her and she tried to get up as a reflex but he was quicker to catch her wrist and made her fall on him.
Her soft, feminine figure was enough to stir in the lewd desires he knew he should be holding. He didn't know if she was safe or not.
Fuck! I can't wait. He cried in his brain but his calculative mind sneered. Go on, get STD's.
He turned around and she was under him. His heated body was enough to scare her. She could feel his big hands everywhere and felt so dirty. She knew no one will help her. She was not even on the land. Running away was exactly out of option.
Clutching the sheets in her hands she stayed stiff and silent. But the moment his face got lost in the crook of her neck, a silent gasp left her throat and was followed by a tear that soaked into the bedsheet.
"Are you safe?" He asked while getting her zip from the side of her dress undone. Her dress felt loose around her body. And next, she felt his hand on her bare skin when she lied, "No,"
His movements came to a halt. Even her voice was enough for him to knew that she was lying. Looking into her eyes he confirmed his doubts. Was she crying? A thought crossed his mind looking at her eyes.
He runs this huge empire. Reading facial expressions and sensing tones was the thing he has been doing all his life. He f*****g hates liers. Anger took over him again.
"Are you sure?" He asked in a warning tone as he looked in her eyes.
"yes," She lied again, inhaling deeply as she found her zip and tried to ignore his erected manhood that was so visible even under his white boxers.
"When was the last time when you had s*x?" He asked securing her hands above her head.
How she was ever supposed to answer something like this. She was haunted by the memories of that incident. She was still in shock when he asked another question. "How many men you have ever been with?"
This made her turn her face into the bedsheet as she started sobbing.
There was something about the way he said those words that made her feel like some w***e. There were many times when Isabella called her slut but at some point, she got immune to her using such words against her.
But listening to such things from his mouth felt nothing less than the hit she used to get physically.
"Tell, me while I am asking nice, Sydney." He whispered against her ear. And was aroused even more with her shivering body under him.
She stayed silent, still, and numb as she whimpers silently closing her eyes. She wanted to be anywhere but not here right now.
Her reaction only piqued his anger more. So, he gritted the words this time. "What the hell do you think you are?" as he tightened the grip on her wrist more.
She hissed in pain and opened her eyes in reaction. She wanted to plead him but fear his expression so much that her voice was stuck again. But it was like he senses her thought just looking in her eyes.
Fuck! These eyes will be the end of me. Damn it! He yelled in his brain and loosen the grip on her wrist.
But he knew he had to teach her a lesson. So, she should know better to ignore his questions next time.
"Strip," He ordered getting off her and made his way to the refrigerator to have a glass of vine.
She looked at his bareback with horror in her eyes. The last thing, she wanted was to get beaten or lost her body to him. The last thing she wanted was to experience those horrors ever in her lifetime.
"Please," She whispered.
"Don't make me repeat myself,......Sydney." He said as he leaned to the wall behind him.
She knew she didn't have any options. But still stared at the door blankly before unzipping her dress. She already remembered her every scar. Her whole life those scars didn't let her see the mirror but now she was undressing in front of a man. A man who always knows nothing but to hurt, who is always a threat.
She hugged herself, the moment that dress pooled around her feet. She was wearing a set of shocking pink inner wears that a maid left for her in her room this morning.
Her skinny body was shivering badly and she had her head lowered when he said in a monotone, "I don't see anything that could make you proud of yourself."
She closed her eyes shut. His crude words let her fall in the depth of despair in a matter of seconds. But a question popped. Why he was keeping me then? He had seen me that night. What made him change his mind? What is his planning? She wanted the answers to all these questions but being underdressed in front of him took all her left strength.
Gulping that liquid he welcomed the burning sensation as he closed the gap between them.
"Never forget to be thankful for being here with me." He said caressing her beauty bone. Her soft skin was becoming his addiction.
His warm heated big frame was covering her as he hugged her wrapping his arm around her little waist. And next, he took her to bed and covered their bodies with covers and securing her between his legs, he let her face get buried in his chest. She was in his big muscular arms as she breathes his masculine scent.
He was asleep in less than a minute. It was more like a practice to him to have the power nap where ever he could get time. But she remained wide awake. Her sobs turned into little whimpers and then turned into shallow breathing. She feared his well-built body, his status, and his anger. She was well aware that she was nothing in front of him. She didn't know for how long she was there but her breathing was normal now. She didn't know what to think anymore but then his words echoed.
"..... be thankful for being here,..." is this what I am supposed to feel? But I don't feel anything."
Her cold body was warm now. But her left leg felt numb. She wanted to move but couldn't. She didn't want him to wake up. Her eyelids felt heavy and in her half-conscious state, for the reasons that she can't explain she felt secure. The feeling that has been so foreign to her all this time. And this made her awake again.
No, no, no,... He doesn't seem nice. He will hurt you, Sydney. You shouldn't feel warm with him... Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door followed by a sweet voice. "Mr, Miller we are about to land." Sydney felt him stir. And look above to find his stare on her. He got out of bed. Nothing about him seems like he just got up from a deep slumber. He was dressing up when she too feel the need to get up and dressed. But the moment she looked at the night skyline of San Francisco, she found her breath taken away.