Chapter 24
Somewhere in another part of the city….
A new Tom Cruise movie was released in theaters this weekend. Girls flocked the cinema halls like bees on honey.
The area was decorated with flowers and balloons like there was a festival. So much was the fan craze for the actor.
A mannequin of Tom was dancing at the entrance of the theater to a popular song that was playing behind.
He was giving a red rose each to all the girls who visited the theater to watch his movie.
Two hours later the movie finished and every audience was raining praises for the unique versatile actor.
In the midst of fun, gossip and cheer one of the girls in the group fainted.
Luckily the ambulance was passing by and without a delay she was assisted by the medical staff into the vehicle.
A drip was attached to her along with an oxygen mask.
Four hours later her parents arrived at the hospital from a different city. The girl was studying at NYU doing her bachelors in tourism and hospitality management while staying in the hostel.
The parents were worried about their daughter when the doctor came for his rounds to check upon her.
He examined the vitals of the teenager and said everything was normal except for low glucose levels because of which she fainted. However it is corrected by the saline drips attached to her.
For another twelve hours she was put in observation and then given a clearance from the hospital.
Tiya was the best student of NY university in the group of tourism and hospitality management. She always grabbed the best grades and was the darling of her lecturers. Her parents were very proud of her.
******
Two months later
Carl arrived at the hospital with a basket full of fruits to visit one of his men who was shot, injured and admitted in the hospital.
On his way to the room through the corridor, he came across a girl who was pleading with the doctor to help her abort the child.
"Ms Tiya, why don't you understand, you have crossed the first trimester of your pregnancy and it is highly risky to perform an abortion at this juncture."
The young girl, hardly between 18-20 years old, was crying. "Why don't you convince your boyfriend to have this baby instead of risking your life here?" The doctor suggested and was about to leave but she stopped mid way, almost falling at her feet pleading for help.
"Doctor, I do not know how I got pregnant. I was not drunk. I do not do drugs or go to clubs. I am the hardworking top ranker of NYU in the group of tourism and hospitality management. This pregnancy will hinder my studies. I want to study, get good grades and earn well to make my parents proud of me."
The doctor took a deep breath trying to calm herself down. "Miss why don't you understand. In the process of saving your career, I would lose my license if something happens to you. I'm sorry to say this but your chances for survival are only 50:50 in case you opt for abortion."
After a careful thought the physician sighed, then brought out a form from the folder she was carrying. "Get the signature of your parents on this document. It says the hospital or its staff bears no responsibility in case of death of the patient and I will do the abortion for you."
The girl immediately shook her head. "That is not possible, doctor. My parents do not know anything about this stuff. They have high expectations of me. I cannot hurt them in any way."
The doctor tried her best to conceal her temper and spoke her words uniformly. "Miss, you are unnecessarily wasting my time. I have to attend my other patients too. When you are too much against this pregnancy, you should have taken precautionary measures."
The girl burst into cries and the doctor felt pity. Maybe this pregnancy was least expected. The doctor tried to console her. "As an elderly person I would like to advise you, even if your parents will not be happy to learn about your pregnancy it will be much more welcoming to them to see you alive with a child than seeing you dead. You have a lot of time to convince them to accept you with your child." She smiled at her assuringly.
Carl overheard the complete conversation. The girl seemed to be genuine but how could she be so careless about her future when she was studious, disciplined with great prospects in life?
He presented the fruits he bought to his staff and chatted with him for sometime.
When he was on his way back, he called his driver to bring the vehicle to the entrance, so that he would save time in reaching the parking as he had a meeting in the next half an hour.
He got down the front steps of the hospital and was about to reach his car when a girl's body fell with a thud from the terrace on his car's roof, bleeding and motionless with her eyes staring at him unblinking like a ghost.
Carl stopped on his tracks, lost out of his breath and stared at the female shocked. She was the same girl whom he saw pleading with the doctor a few minutes ago for abortion.
He ran to her and checked the pulse but Alas! The siren rang and within a few minutes the place was camouflaged with the crowd. A doctor came out from the hospital, examined her and declared dead.
Carl could not get back to normalcy after witnessing the incident right before his eyes. He canceled all the meetings and went back home with his thoughts never leaving the girl. How could a female get pregnant without participating in sex? And even if she was drunk she would know about the consummation at least the next day when she gets sober. Added to all of it the pregnancy was beyond the stage of termination which proves she was not expecting the news she heard from the doctor. The more he thought, the greater the information puzzled him.
*****
Claire came home from the college after two hours. She was surprised when she saw Carl in the house watching the TV. It was so unlikely of him to be home this early. His eyes were tuned to the television but his mind was occupied somewhere else.
Jenna whispered to her when she reached the glass to drink water that Carl had arrived home in the afternoon itself and since then he was sitting in the same place watching the TV.
The news of Tiya's death was in the headlines of all the news channels. Even after investigation nobody could determine the father of the baby. Her friends, her roommates in the hostel and her parents, all were clueless about the guy who got her pregnant and is responsible for her death today.
"Jenna, go home. I will call you if I require anything." Carl informed her.
His words were menacing like the sentence of Satan to Claire's ears. What happened now? Where did she go wrong? His men are always on patrol. She hardly gets time to go to work and most of the time stays only in college like a real student and comes back home. After Carl's outburst about her night at the hospital with her father where she was actually spending time with her family because her brother came home, she couldn't dare to challenge him.
"Jenna, please stay." She whispered to her with pleading eyes. But could anyone defy the devil incarnate?
He was sitting on the couch. His posture was the same, laid back and his right ankle resting on the knee of the left. The image was formidable and perilous like he is the king of demons who just finished killing someone. He stared at the TV with burning red eyes as if he was searing holes in a soul.
Claire's hands shivered while making the coffee for him. She was extremely hungry as she did not eat anything after breakfast. But taking care of her boss's needs was her primary responsibility as his coffee girl. She made a mickey- mouse design on the liquid and brought the cup to him.
He stared at the tray in her hands. "Why are you trembling? Are you running a temperature?" There was concern in his tone as he held her wrist.
Claire jumped at the contact of his hand on her skin. "No…I…I am alright." She stuttered in her speech, not even daring to look into his eyes and was about to run away from him.
Just then her stomach rumbled. She cursed her body. It gave out signals at the most inappropriate timings and his firm hold on her arm stopped her. "You are hungry. Didn't you have lunch in the afternoon at the college?"
Claire closed her eyes, sent a silent prayer to God and turned back to face him.
"I was writing notes for a physically handicapped student."
"Without eating food? Why? Why would you help someone at the cost of your health?" He asked her warily similar to the commanding aura of an officer towards a JCO.
Claire wet her lips in anxiety. He was too intimidating when he asked her questions. "I write notes for money, to pay for my dad's medical dues."
He did not ask anything further but went to study. Clairereleased the breath she did not know she was holding. But before she could run to her bedroom, he was back. "All your dad's medical bills are cleared and now you will utilize the lunch break in the college only to eat lunch. Am I clear?"
Claire blinked twice and then thrice unable to assimilate what he did just now. Was he real? How could somebody move tables so far not even leaving the threshold of his house within a blink of an eye?
"Thank heavens! She wasn't caught. Luckily her colleagues are expert in managing their roles. "That wasn't necessary. I could have paid for it." Claireresponded meekly.
He ignored her statement. "Next time I find out you skipped lunch for any damn reason, you will not like the action I take upon you."
A shiver ran down Claire's spine. "Sit down. I will be back in ten minutes." He said and went into the kitchen.
Just like he promised he was back but this time with a plate of two cheese sandwiches and a glass of milk. Did he just cook for her?
Claire was about to leave for the dining table but he stopped her. "Where are you going? Eat here." He insisted and sat beside her taking the cup of coffee which she prepared for him.
"I went to the hospital to visit one of my staff today. In the corridor I found a girl who was pleading the doctor to do the abortion for her. But as the pregnancy was mature the doctor was against it. On my way back to reach my car, I found the girl committed suicide by jumping from top floor. I just cannot remove her face from my mind. I feel depressed." He said everything in a trance staring ahead but his hand surrounded her from behind resting on her shoulder.
Why would a man who killed people like somebody inhales air feel so much for the death of a girl? Clairewas clueless.
Little did both of them know this is the novel beginning of something pivotal about to happen in their lives.
Chapter 25
Claire wanted to escape from him like a wind and rush to her bedroom but he leaned over. His nose nuzzled up and down through the length of her throat with her frame concealed in his arms like his most prised possession.
Her body heated up like a tornado with his touch.
He ducked his head into her hair and inhaled deeply her blossoming fragrance.
Claire's cheeks turned red hot with his undefiled action.
"I love the way you blush to my most unmarred moves." He whispered and kissed her neck.
She sizzled like a dried leaf. Wetness pooled between her legs and she jumped to her feet. "I need to pee." She announced and ran to her bedroom.
She did not know when her eyes closed off. But during the night she found a presence beside her on the bed and her heart threatened to stop at any moment.
"Please do not go away. I need you beside me. Or else I have to drink to the oblivion to numb this pain." Carlrequested, put his arm around her pulling her closer and closed his eyes.
What was wrong with this guy? The man who threatened the complete world with his savage was actually a wounded soul. Deep under his heart he had bruises buried which he concealed under his thick exterior and nobody knew. She could feel his heart beating fast against her back. His arm was on her waist and body wrapped around her small frame like a creeper curled to the wall.
He could feel her every curve, just with the invocation of the thought Claire was enveloped with the swelter of passion.
She was becoming more and more attracted to the mafia leader. The greater she wanted to stay away from him, the bigger was her fall to his august virility.
His body was hot against her cold self and she bit her lip to restrict the moan that was about to escape her lips.
Probably he realised her tumult and caressed her upper arms. "Close your eyes and try to sleep. You will be fine."
Carl's voice was rough and husky oozing machismo in his half sleepiness hearing which her nerves were on a haywire of fervor.
When Claire couldn't sleep even after half an hour, he turned her. Directing her head on his arm, he brought her to his embrace and kissed her hair. "I can understand but tonight please bear with me because I cannot lay away from you. You will find sleep now." He told her softly and rested his chin on the top of her head.
****
Two months later
Sapphire overheard the phone of Carl speaking to someone.
She immediately called the superintendent of the police. "Hello officer this is a call from NIA officer SapphireTaylor speaking to you. I have information that two weeks later on Thursday evening at seven there is going to be an arms deal at the Night Queen club owned by Carl Campbell. I would need the help of the police force to catch Carl, who is the most precarious and wanted national criminal."
"Sure madam, the cops will be dressed in civil uniform with fake identities but vigilant and patrolling in the club ready for your command at any moment of time on the night. I will be shortly sending you their names and identities." The police officer assured her firmly.
*****
Carl went to his club the next night, occupied one of the bar stools and ordered for his usual drink.
"In a minute sir." The boy extended him the glass.
After taking a sip, one of the girls at the club reached him, swaying her hips. "Hey Carl, I have been waiting for you here for months. You stopped coming to the club. We are due for a long… wanna have some fun with me tonight?" Extending her invitation, Samantha, one of the girls from his past relationships bit her lip running her finger from his cheek to his jawline seductively.
"I am sorry Samantha. I have stopped my sensual ventures with other women." Carl politely declined and took out her arms which were around his shoulders almost in a hug.
Samantha batted her masClaire filled eyelashes innocently and concealed the hurt of his rejection in a smile. "You sound like a family man. Nevertheless I am happy for you. But you should not hesitate if you need me at any time. I am just a phone call away." She came forward and gave him a friendly hug which was gladly accepted by Carl.
He was no longer interested in indulging in venereal endeavors. The only woman Carl would wish to consummate is the eighteen year old innocent girl ClaireKnights.
Little did he know she was not the little unsullied Angel that he believed her to be but the most exceptional and unsurpassed ….
He summoned the manager for the bar dancer. Leena, the bar dancer with hardly any clothes but glitter on her complete body approached Carl. "Good Evening sir. How can I be of help to you?"
"Leena, I need your services after two weeks, on the coming Thursday. There is going to be a major arms deal late in the night in this club. We have insider information that the cops are going to be there." Carlsighed. This is the first time he is facing so much disturbance from the legal areas. It is confirmed somebody very close to him is betraying and providing information to the cops. But when did the law in this country become so sincere?
"I want you ready with your teammates to give your best performance and distract the police. You do not have to worry about the payment. All the bar dancers' salary will be doubled for the day with a casual leave extended for the next day." Leena smiled satisfactorily.
"Sir you are the best employer we found in our career. I assure you the girls will be ready and we will give our best performance to distract the cops from your deal." Carl nodded and emptied the glass before he walked out of the club.
*****
Claire was waiting for Carl at home so that both of them could have dinner together. He came from the office and had gone out calling for urgent work.
Claire almost fell asleep on the couch waiting for him when she heard the twisting of the door knob of the entrance. "You are home…." Claire spoke delightedly, rubbing her eyes to get rid of sleep.
"I prepared Shanghai noodles today for dinner. Let us have it, I am feeling very hungry."
Carl took her in his arms and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Why did you wait for me so long, sweetheart? You should have had your dinner when you were hungry and went to bed."
Suddenly the happiness on Claire's features was gone, replaced by anger and glumness which fortunately Carldid not notice. "Give me five minutes of time. By the time you arrange the cutlery on the table I will be back after a quick shower." He kissed her cheek and raced to the stairs skipping one at a time to reach the bedroom quicker.
Claire thought he was a changed man and she slowly started falling in love with him. But she was wrong. CarlCampbell was always a womanizer and he will continue on his philandering habits no matter what till the end of time. There was no need for a genius to make the guess. The lipstick mark on his shirt collar and the smell of the women's perfume coming out of his shirt was a proof. Like a glass broken to pieces the evidence smashed her heart.
He just slept with someone and came home late. Obviously he was a man with needs and warm blood flowing in his veins. He needed to be laid and she was keeping her distance.
Nevertheless she also understands being a mature person she had no right to question him. He did not commit any relationship with her. At times since they were staying under the same roof, things heated up. But other than that he did not promise her anything and neither she did to him.
But Claire couldn't help confessing to herself a part of her broke understanding him with another woman just a few hours ago. The dinner went on in extreme silence. Carl looked at her suspiciously. "Is everything alright with you Claire?"
He got up from the dining chair he was occupying and took a seat beside her. Holding her shoulder, he turned her to him and spoke concernedly. "You know you can speak to me regarding anything. Did something happen at your college? Anyone misbehaved….Are you not feeling well?" Carl kept questioning, his eyes full of worry gazing down at her dilated eyes but Clairedecided to keep silent. There was no use crying over spilt milk. It was not like he had ever hidden his true self before her. He was a Casanova and remained the same. The problem was with her. When she entered his house she had certain goals in mind and now the situation is completely different.
When Claire did not say anything even after his persuasion, Carl understood she needed time to confess. "I appreciate you wanting space. But I'm all ears and always here waiting for you to say what is troubling you." He carried her bridal style to the bedroom and gingerly placed her on the bed like she was a porcelain doll and kissed her forehead.
"Sleep tight sweetheart. You look tired and require rest." He covered her in a blanket before switching off the light and walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.
The next day while both of them were having breakfast, Claire told him she would like to stay with Elena for a few days.
Carl did not like her choice the least bit. He wanted her to confess what was bothering her so that he could solve her issues but he did not like to force her on anything. Whatever it was they were taking things slowly between them and he wanted it to go that way.
"Sure. James will drop you." He said and corrected his tie while standing up from the dining chair.
He cupped her cheeks in his warm hands and directed her head upwards to look at him. "Why do I have this intuition that something unwelcoming is going to happen between us? You're going to tell me if there is anything disturbing you, right?" He asked her feeling vulnerable.
"I cannot stay alone in this house. It feels like every wall and every door is ridiculing me for my loneliness. I have gone addicted to you and I need you like a breath for my body. I expect you to come back home within two days and tell me what the damn thing is troubling you. Okay?" He asked her softly but with sternness in his tone.
"Call me once you reach there." Claire simply nodded, not meeting his eyes. There was a weird turbulence going on in him, something which said everything they have is going to shatter in a short time.
*****
She had no privacy in the house and she needed space to sort out things regarding her life. Though she would lock her door, he would use the spare keys to enter inside and sleep beside her. Sometimes Claire felt suffocated by his love. He had the right to do everything he desired with her and sleep with another woman the next day. But she had to give him an explanation even when she went to attend her family dinner.
She couldn't stand the skirt chasing ways of him anymore. He would no way allow her to leave the house or maybe even house arrest her if she called their relationship quits.
Thus she told him she would stay a few days at Elena's. During the time she can plan out something to move out of the city that does not get into his surveillance cameras.
Were the weirdly fallen love birds made for each other?
Chapter 26
Claire entered into this oasis fully aware of the consequences she was going to face. She thought she could handle the situations and win over them. But fate had something else planned for her. For the first time in her life her heart doesn't seem to walk the route of her mind. She was falling for the man she shouldn't under any circumstances.
The driver went and dropped her at Elena's house according to his instruction. After Claire left he did not receive any phone call from her like he expected. His brain recorded warning signals. He messaged her, called her but there was no response.
Carl was on his way to reach his car find out what the fuck is going on with her since the previous night and bring her back.
As a last attempt he called Elena. She thankfully picked the phone on the second ring. She informed him, Claire's phone dropped from her hands and broke. Claire will be getting a new phone while returning from college and will call him.
Carl released a breath, he did not know he was holding. "Tell her not to waste her money Elena. I will be sending a new phone to her shortly. And tell her damn to call me immediately after she reaches your home from college. I'm going nuts here." Carl could not stop his desperation in his tone.
"Sure" Elena responded and ended the call. "I managed your boyfriend or whatever you want to name him….for today. But I cannot do it for long. He does not want you to spend your hard earned money and said he will be sending you a new phone." Elena fanned her face, almost hyperventilating.
"A new phone?" Claire shrieked. "What will I do with this old one? It is working well for me."
Elena corrected her voice. "I am sorry. That's because I did not know what I had to answer him when he asked why you were not picking up his calls. I told him your phone broke."
"Well the poor man didn't know your true colors. What you are playing with him. 'Tell her not to spend money on the phone. It would cost her too much.' - Elena laughed sarcastically.
"He thinks you are a poverty stricken girl drowned in sorrows. Little did he know you are the black sheep hidden under the masquerade of an innocent cuckoo." Elena for the first time was very angry at Claire.
"Elena" Claire called in caution. "You know what we are here for. We both know what our duties are. We took an oath that we would not get carried away by the situations, people or places and I believe we are doing it with utmost sincerity with not an iota of error in our task. We are able to handle the most vicious lawbreaker with not a single evidence against us at what we actually are." Claire seemed to go off the end with her ears literally fuming out with temper.
But Elena maintained her composure and said, "that man is crazily in love with you. I think you misunderstood him. Running away is not the solution. I am sure he is going to catch you not regarding this city but any place in this world using his power and influence. Talk to him openly and settle the matter. Tell him who you really are. I do not think we can pull on with this charade for long. This is my suggestion to you as your best well wisher and colleague."
Just like Elena expected, within an hour there was the same driver at her doorstep who dropped Claire at her place with a brand new Apple 13 pro max, the costliest iPhone.
"Fucking, this looks so slim and sexy." Elena called in awe, taking out the new phone from the carton.
Claire narrowed her eyes at her friend. "Put it back inside. That phone will cost a fortune. I am going to give it back some way or the other and escape from this God damn city and the man."
"What?" Elena sounded like she was bitten by a snake. "You still think that you can escape him?"
Flashback two hours ago….
Carl forgot an important file at home while going to work. He entered his bedroom to bring it out when his eyes accidentally fell on the soiled bin and he saw the lipstick mark on the collar of his shirt.
Instantly his brain connected the dots like a supercomputer. He walked to her closet and found Claire's rack empty.
Darn woman! Samantha did not simply hug him but broke his happy family with her jealousy. Claire did not go to her friend's place for a few days, she left his home for good but….. he was not allowing it to happen by any means.
Elena had gone to work and Claire was alone in the house, packing her bag when the bell rang. She walked to the entrance and stared through the peephole.
Her eyes bulged out of their sockets. He is here. Though she knew he would come to her place knocking, she did not know it would be this fast.
"Claire, I know you are there inside the house. Open the damn door." His voice was menacing which sounded like a death threat of Lucifer.
She quickly raced to the bed, tied a bandage to her leg and feigned sleep.
"Claire, if you do not open this door in the next ten seconds, you will not be happy to receive the repercussions." He knocked on the door again which felt like hitting with a sledge hammer on her head. Two minutes later, she had no idea how he was inside.
If there was anybody else in her place, he would have made him pee in his own pants. The other name for danger is Carl Campbell in mafia world but his little innocent angel did not know about it and she is making him dance on her little finger which he loves to do but hates to admit.
He took out her bag from the cupboard and dumped her clothes inside it like a man being possessed by an evil spirit.
"Get up, I know you are not sleeping. We are going home." He declared and walked into the washroom to bring out her toiletries.
When Claire did not get up, he removed the blanket covering her and pulled her up to sit.
"What are you doing? Can't you see I was sleeping?" Before her words were heard his eyes were already tuned to the plaster wrapped to one of her feet.
"What happened? When did this happen? Did you go to the hospital?" He was in a shaken stupor, almost losing his breath in worry.
"I slipped in the washroom, went to the hospital and the doctor advised ten days of bed rest." Carl was not convinced by her reply.
"Didn't I tell you to look at me when you speak?'' He sat beside her carefully observing the features on her face. "
"Why should I look at you? I am telling you that I'm not feeling well." Claire forced her sentence a little harshly looking down and massaging her foot.
Carl only nodded. "Ten days of bed rest and you wouldn't even pick up my calls." He got out of the bed and hit his leg to the bedroom door. "Aah"
As if in a reflex, Claire jumped out of the cot and hustled to his rescue. "Oh my God, shouldn't you be a little more careful, Carl? Come on, show me where you got injured."
Carl's eyes crawled from her face to her foot. "You said you cannot walk and the doctor advised you with ten days of bed rest. What happened to all the pain that you had? You are immediately on your toes once I am injured?"
He grazed the knuckles of his fingers to her soft cheeks. "Are ten days enough for you to escape from me and this city, Claire? Is it so easy for you to end everything that we had?"
"You cannot hide things from me, my love. I can understand everything just by looking at your features." He called softly, holding her chin between his thumb and fingers. His eyes moistened and he blinked continuously to restrict the wetness pooling in his eyes.
"What is there between us? I came to your house on dut…." She abruptly stopped almost on the verge of slipping her words.
"You are right. You came to my house on duty as my coffee girl. But is that the only relationship we have?"
'Thank heavens! She was still the coffee girl for him.' - She closed her eyes and released an air of relief.
Carl got up from his sitting position going again all mighty and powerful with his hands in his pants pockets. "I give you a choice. You can either walk with me out to the car like a mature person to go home or I can carry you to the vehicle forcefully like an elder disciplines a child."
Jesus, what have I landed myself in? Was I too self possessed that I was forced to be taught a lesson? - Claire grimaced in her thoughts remembering God.
She understood she had no way but to go with him. Elena was absolutely right regarding Carl Campbell. She sneered in her thoughts. "Please give me ten minutes of time to shower. I will get ready to come with you."
"Good. I will be waiting for you in the sitting room and yeah no more playing smart with me. Otherwise you know what I can be." He was back to being the same dominant and controlling jerk that he had always been.
*****
That night Claire could not leap her eyes. When she would look back at her life she had not a single black mark in her career. Yet today she had no idea how in love she was and got stuck with this man. Why should she feel for which woman he fucks? Why should she abandon her duty and escape from him? Carl Campbell was really a challenge for her.
Two hours later, almost at twelve in the midnight, she found the bed beside her dip. He had literally stopped sleeping in his bedroom since the day the unfortunate girl committed suicide.
His hand went around her waist pulling her to his chest in his routine way but this time in a more provocative infusion. His nudity from top that was steadily seeping heat into her skin, was igniting the sleeping passion inside her.
"I love you, Claire."
'Ultimately the words her ears were frightened to hear were out' - Claire tightly closed her eyes as if it would take her away from reality. She did not turn around to face him or speak any further word because she could not trust her own sanity.
And Carl continued. "This feeling is so frightening because I lost my love once."
The novel sensation was like somebody put a heavy stone on her chest. 'Did he fall in love with someone earlier? Then what happened to the girl?' Darn it! Why was she curious about his past?
"I have you, but it's like I don't have you enough. So I hug you, but when I do, it’s like you're not close enough. So I kiss you, and still I can't get enough. I want to make love to you, Claire. But I know very well about the importance of virginity for girls like you. You wouldn't like to consummate before marriage. Let's get married." He was giving her shock after shocks tonight. Claire felt her mouth dry.
"I cannot wait long without touching you. I feel like I’ll wake up and won’t be sure I have kept you pure and unsullied. And I worry. I worry that I'll lose you again. That’s why I’m frightened to even close my eyes. Do you understand?" A lone tear fell from her lashes.
She heard love is blind but how can such a powerful, invincible mafia leader who can move both the world with a sway of his little finger fall for a girl without even making a comprehensive, circumstantial check upon her?
Claire Knights alias Sapphire Taylor was the most vigilant and leery, unassailable NIA officer. Yes! This is her indomitable truth.
She did not know whether she had to appreciate herself for carrying out this assignment unscratched till the end or be ashamed of herself for falling in love with her target, the most wanted national criminal. This case is salient of all her assignments in her career which could win her another award and a medal from the state.
Fifteen days more, she will catch him red handed in an arms deal and hand him over to the police. But now when she is almost on the verge of victory, she is not feeling the satisfaction she felt while closing her previous assignments.
It was a war she was fighting with her heart on one side and duty towards the nation on the other.
What would be Sapphire's decision?
Chapter 27
"I cannot wait long without touching you. I feel like I’ll wake up and won’t be sure I have kept you pure and unsullied. And I worry. I worry that I'll lose you again. That’s why I’m frightened to even close my eyes. Claire…" He called her vulnerable almost in a plea.
Carl Campbell is the invincible, the most abominable businessman with an enigma of a crime syndicate and one of the top ten billionaires of the United States. His employees saw him poised, powerful and with a tough exterior. But only a few people knew he had a heart which often bled and his eyes contained tears.
"I have never betrayed you Claire. Since the time I knew you were the girl for me, I stopped all my physical relationships with other women." Sapphire''s orbs dilated her back facing him. She wasn't yet ready to open up to him.
"On that night I went to a club that I own to talk business. One of the girls from my previous relationships met me at the bar. I politely declined her offer and told her I stopped frigging. She congratulated me and I thought she gave me a friendly hug. But only to realize after two days she was a cunning, wicked and jealous bitch. She was the one who made that lipstick mark on my shirt collar."
To what situation she had landed herself in? Why should she hear his explanations and why does it hurt her so much even with the thought of him being with another woman? He is just her client irrespective of whatever he thinks of her? She should not have come to his house in the first place and brought this predilection to her heart. This is just work. Finish it and take over another task - she tried to counsel herself.
"Claire?" He called her again bringing her to the present and gently guided to turn her around. A lone tear fell from her lashes. Sapphire was a strong woman, she was a virago who had never tasted defeat so far in her career. Yet today she is on the verge of having her first failure only because of some rich handsome hunk who has unknowingly inhabited a place in her heart about which she had the least clue.
There is an internal war she is facing between her work and soul. Carl softly wiped away her tears. "The one and only thing which I cannot stand in this world is wetness in your eyes." His voice was hoarse and unbridled, showing grief.
Gingerly he took her into his arms like she was a glass doll which would break if he held her a little more firmer.
He kissed her forehead and ducked his head into her hair inhaling deeply her fruity floral scent. Butterflies rolled in her stomach with his proximity.
The light stubble on his jaw pricked her skin bringing irrevocable carnal sensations that she was not acquainted with.
He looked into her eyes deeply for many more moments, his eyes turning darker with desire by each passing second. Carl subtly shook his head. "Claire I…"
She could understand it and faintly nodded. Welcoming her affirmation, he gracefully hovered over her holding his weight in both his arms, bent his head and landed his lips on her.
Time stopped for them and the world came to a standstill electrifying every cell of Sapphire's body. It was soft yet the most intense smooch she had ever received.
She opened her brims like a moth attracted to a flame and his tongue entered inside her mouth making soft strokes transferring her to an all new world of paradise.
Sapphire pulled his hair submitting herself to the vibrations of ecstasy and he groaned, feeling escalated by desire with her touch.
His hand ran to every curve of her body making gentle caresses and grazed his fingertips on the swelling of her breasts.
Claire's breaths became raspy and spirited with passion. She curled her toes ignited by his libido.
His eyes carefully brushed down from her glassy irises to her heaving chest. "I…I'm sorry. I should have held back for more time. But I couldn't." He cupped her cheek in his warm hand and kissed her again.
Claire fingers shivered with the pleasure invoked by him. The kiss was slow, gentle, making supple slaps in her mouth. But subsequently her stance envelops her to a wildfire. She couldn't stop the moan that fell involuntarily from her which further spiraled the carnality in them. His kiss turned deeper and stronger.
The kiss which was slow and gentle in the beginning turned fast, fierce and untamed with burning covetousness.
Claire slithered like a snake breaking to bits by the force of his amour.
And the first, best and the most intense orgasm hit her like a hurricane.
*****
The next morning Sapphire woke up fresh and energized. She looked besides and the place was empty and cold. That means he had left for a long time and was probably already at work.
It was the first time in her life that she slept this long. Generally she got up as early as five in the morning, put on her tracksuit and went for a run. She would come back after an hour, read daily for some time and get ready for office. This was her schedule for the last seven years with not a single break. But with the advent of Carlall new things which she did not think even in her wildest dreams are happening in her life now. Why does this man have such an effect on her?
The previous night's incident rolled before her eyes and she couldn't stop the smiles reaching her. He is a man, extremely romantic, caring and protective. She was lucky to have him beside her but what happens when he comes to know her true identity?
Just then she heard a knock and Jenna came in with a tray filled with breakfast. "Good morning darling. I'm seeing you for the first time so late from bed."
"Good Morning Jenna. I'm sorry, I have no idea how I slept for so long. You should have woken me up to prepare coffee for Carl. Did he already leave for work?"
Jenna held the arm of Sapphire. "Relax muffin. I wanted to wake you but sir told me not to disturb you. You know, I have been working here for the last ten years and I have seen no girl staying in this house other than his sister. He must surely have something for you for he is allowing you to stay in his house since last six months."
Jenna brushed the hair of Sapphire in a true motherly affection. "He had urgent work to attend to and so he left early. He told me to bring you breakfast at nine so that you're not late for your college. He cares and thinks so much about you." She spoke with tears of happiness.
Until the delicious aroma of fruit salad with fried eggs, bacon and toast hit her nostrils, Sapphire wasn't aware she was hungry. She ate the breakfast like a person who got food after starving for a decade and went to shower.
As she was washing her face, her fingertips grazed her lips and yesterday's scene reverted back in her mind.
He nibbled on her bottom lip succulently and caressed it with soft flicks. A moan left out of her. He groaned, forcing her lips to open, pummeled into her mouth and sucked her juices dry like it was his territory.
****
"I do not approve of this quotation. Mr Yuki we have decided we would keep the lowest price for this drug. My motto is cancer treatment should be affordable even to the common man of our country with the best drugs. And you are quoting such a high price. The primary intention of introducing this product into the market is destroyed here." Carl slapped his palms on the file and got up from his seat.
"The meeting is dismissed." He buttoned his coat looking ahead and took strong dominant strides reaching the exit door.
"Sir, please give me one more chance. I will make discussions with our company's research and development, purchase department and will try my best to bring down the price of this drug to the minimum." Mr Yuki tried to maintain his pace with Carl while speaking to him.
"I give you two days of time. Do whatever you can. But if the price of the drug doesn't come down with no compromise on its quality, you are out of this job." Carlspoke giving no place for discussion and reached his car where James was already waiting for him, keeping the back door open and standing beside it.
Work was very busy in the office. He couldn't think of a better option but saving time even while traveling. When he was reading a document on his laptop Carl got a call from his sister.
Just seeing her picture on the phone screen made his day. He picked it up instantly on the second ring but his happiness was short-lived. Sejal was already crying on the phone and his system was instantly on an alert.
"Princess, why are you crying? He was getting more anxious by each passing second.
"Can you come home big brother?"
"Princess, you are not making anything easy for me." Carl groaned in distress and gestured to the driver to stop the car beside a lay-by.
Getting out of the car he pressed the crease on his forehead with his fingertips feeling a sudden headache. "What happened to you Sejal? Did Philip do something wrong to you?" Carl asked when he did not hear her speak even after waiting for one whole minute.
He had a suspicion of Philip from the beginning. That is why he warned his mother beforehand to not send Sejal out with him before marriage. In the meantime he was getting a background check done upon him. Nothing suspicious was found but his intuition was all the time giving warning signs about the man.
"Big Bro please come home. I cannot discuss this matter with mom and dad but I want you to help me." Sejal requested.
Carl's thoughts were on a haywire. What does his sister want to share with him that she did not want their parents to know? He had a business lunch with Russian delegates regarding his factory launch at Moscow. But the meeting had to wait. Nothing was more important to him than his sister.
He called his secretary and informed her to postpone the meeting to the next day calling an emergency.
Thankfully his mom and dad had gone to a marriage lunch. Nobody was in the house except his sister. Whatever it was, he had no reservations to practice at home. "Sejal?" He called her standing at the entrance of her bedroom when she was sobbing into the pillow.
No sooner did she hear him, Sejal got up from the bed and rushed into his arms.
Carl felt somebody was squeezing his heart when she was drenching his shirt with her tears.
"What happened to you princess, did somebody misbehave with you?" He asked her in agony.
"Just tell me the name and I will see the end of that bastard." He kept wiping her tears to no end.
Hiccups went out of her because of ceaseless whimpers and Carl immediately lifted the glass sitting on the bedside table to her lips. "Big brother, I'm pregnant."
"What?" Carl shook his head in a relaxed smile. "You almost got me to see the hell, princess. Why are you so worried? You and Phillip already decided to get married. What is the problem? If he doesn't want a child before the wedding, we can always get the marriage planned faster." Carl kept giving her options to relax and then it suddenly struck him like a lightning.
"Just a minute, you and Phillip have been away from each other for more than six months now. Last time that he came, he talked to us and left immediately. Then this child…." He looked at her belly and raised his head up to see her with eyes as wide as saucers in shock.
"You're pregnant. Whose child is this, damn it!"
Chapter 28
Sejal jumped on her feet with the pitch Carl screamed at her. She carefully walked to him holding his arm to seek comfort that he was not ready to give.
Carl was almost about to hit the roof with his anger. "Brother please…." She requested with tearing eyes. "I do not know how it happened. I have no idea. I did not sleep with Phil…"
Carl jerked away her hand which was on his right arm. "What do you think I am, a fool to believe whatever you say? You tell me fairy tales and I will believe you?"
"Who the fuck did that, I want to know the name." He shouted with the sound reaching the sky pointing to her little protruding belly.
Sejal was shivering on her feet with the intensity of anger that oozed out of his aura. "Say it damn it, I will make him beg or bow to his feet to get you married." He snarled with his face turning red.
"I don't know. I said I do not know. How many times…." Before she could complete her sentence Sejal burst into another huge wail.
Carl was now like a fireball literally emitting fumes. He walked to her slowly, menacingly and turned her roughly to face him. "Which bar did you go to, that you went so drunk and do not remember even the name of the person who fucked you? What date was it? At least let me process through the in and out visitor's register."
Sejal was crying but the way he held her hand and turned her around to look at him, she was stunned.
His voice was low almost in a whisper that only she could hear but enough perilous for her to understand the vehemence behind his words.
She had never seen her brother so monstrous. He was seeing her like a slut and that hurt her to no end. "I told you, I did not go anywhere after I came to New York from London. You can ask mama when she comes back for proof. And I also know you brainwashed her against me going out with Phillip just because you have got your meaningless suspicions upon him." She threw her words upon him like dust in the air.
She has been staying in their parents' place for the past six months. Guilt washed upon Carl for his misbehavior. When she was telling him so firmly, he should have believed her. If she was going to clubs and getting drunk, mom would have surely opposed it. He would have got the information about her disorderly conduct already by now. If none of such things happened then Sejal was telling him the truth.
"I'm sorry princess, I got carried away by the moment of pressure.Tell me how long have you been?" He wiped away her tears, and hugged her before tipping her chin up to find his answer.
"I'm six weeks pregnant bro."
"Did you get it checked by the doctor?" She nodded, fidgeting with her fingers.
"There is nothing to feel ashamed of, princess. Do you want to get this child aborted?" Before Carl could complete his sentence, Sejal finished it. "I am stronger than that, bro. I want to have this baby. Why should a child suffer for the mistake of his parents?"
Carl was proud of Sejal. She was strong and decided to fight the circumstances instead of surrendering and giving away the life growing in her. He patted her cheek in encouragement. "That's my sister."
Then something struck in his mind. That girl in the hospital…she tried to convince the doctor of the same issue.
Damn! That wasn't a small unwelcoming incident of his life like he thought but a much bigger and grave situation that he was forced to solve now. How can a girl go pregnant without a man touching her?
Though he doesn't know things about the girl from the hospital, in his sister's case it was absolutely true. She hasn't been with Phillip or any other man for the last six months. "I believe you and I have a vague idea about this. Do not worry. I will handle this, princess. Just do not say anything about this to mom or dad. They will unnecessarily start worrying."
I will speak to Phillip about this. I know he will understand and accept this child with me because I know he truly loves me." Sejal informed him of her decision.
Carl snorted inwardly. He hardly has any positive feelings about the guy. However, if whatever his sister says comes out to be true, he will not hesitate to fall on his knees before Philip to convey his gratitude in accepting his sister with her child.
He was thankful to God, his sister did not lose hope with her life unlike the other girl that he saw. He found she was brave and determined to take over the challenges which would come up with the child.
That day he couldn't go home earlier like usual. Because he spent his office hours with his sister. Thereby he had to work till late night in the office.
It was ten past twelve by the time he reached home. He was feeling extremely tired. His coat was already gone hanging on his arm. He loosened his tie and sighed running his fingers in his thick black hair.
But no sooner he saw Sapphire sleeping with her head on the dining table, it felt like all his exhaustion had gone away. She was his peace and breath of fresh air. He abandoned his coat on one of the couches and walked to her brushing away the few strands falling on her face.
He could smell the fresh aroma of Chinese noodles along with fruit pie custard. Opening the lids he found the food untouched. She was sleeping there hungry and waiting for him. His heart leapt for her with pouring love. "Claire?"
"You are home?" She asked delightedly, got up from the chair and hugged him.
Carl ran his fingers on her long chestnut hair feeling its softness through the length. He bent his head and inhaled her scent. She was his home. No matter how stressful the work happens to be, he is at peace once he reaches home because she will be there, waiting for him in the house, a medicine to eradicate all his stress.
Carl might thank his lucky stars that God had obliged him with a second chance to be happy. He thought his life ended with Stephanie and he was leading a dead man's life drinking to the oblivion to numb his pain until Claire arrived into his life like a Christmas star.
"Why didn't you have dinner, love? You shouldn't have waited so long." He tipped her head up, holding her chin between his thumb and fingers and pecked her lips.
"I was waiting for you." Sapphire scrunched her nose smelling his shirt.
Carl rolled his eyes and called before she would come up to dangerous conclusions. "Please do not start up with your attempt of running away. I went to my sister. She is in trouble. If you want you can call her tomorrow to find out the truth. I am forwarding you her number."
Sapphire pulled her lips to the side and in a scowl. "It is okay I believe you and stop seeing me like some jealous brat. No woman would like to share her boyf…." She abruptly stopped.
Carl played with his brows going curious. "No woman would like to share her…what? I did not hear you."
"I think you should be hungry. It is past twelve now. Why don't you go, shower and in the meantime, I will arrange plates here?" Sapphire tried to change the conversation but Carl was not stupid unable to understand her. She was extremely reticent even to say the word 'boyfriend'.
Carl felt proud of himself. He was extremely lucky to capture such an innocent flower in today's era where girls have left every bit of their dignity in sleeping around, drinking and doing drugs. He had not seen Claire anytime dressed in revealing clothes. She was often in vintage dresses or in nightwear covered from top to toe.
A man always ropes interest to find out what is inside a woman who is fully covered. What is there to explore in a lady who has nothing to hide in her body? He had been with a lot of women since he attained his puberty but the sexual attraction he experienced for Sapphiredressed in old fashioned classic clothes was not felt for any female other than Stephanie.
After having dinner Sapphire went to bed and Carljoined her after half an hour completing some important office work. But the problem of Sejal was still hitting him at the back of his head.
Before coming home, he had already called Elliot and asked him to investigate the issue.
The bed beside Sapphire dipped and Carl slipped into the covers with her, his hand around her waist like usual. He needed her. His mind was in chaos.
On one side was work pressure and on the other side was a novel problem of his sister which startled him with the fact, how can a woman turn pregnant without a man touching her.
Though she was closing her eyes, Sapphire could not sleep. Of late she got accustomed to Carl beside her and until he rests adjacently, her body doesn't welcome sleep.
His heartbeat could be heard steadily on her back. Dipping his head, he kissed her neck and there went a sweet titillation pulling her to a zealous volcano. Her pulse hastened with carnality searing her cells.
Carl knew Sapphire was not sleeping. His hand slightly brushed up to the swelling of her breast and her heartbeat turned erratic.
"Claire, I need you right now." He breathed hot into her ear, setting her complete stance on fire. His fingers were tenuously fondling her melons under the sheets. Heat pooled in her nether regions with his sporadic caresses on her womanly folds.
His cologne enveloped in the air and hands on her body, Sapphire was not able to think anything straight. She could clearly feel his hard on against her. It was clear he was aroused as much as she was to him. He was right, he needed her.
His hand went to her globe and squeezed it. A shrill moan went out of Sapphire sparked by his twiddles. He did not stop what he was doing. On the contrary started rubbing his erection against her ass.
Suddenly his hand went to her back and released the hook of her bra freeing her breasts from the constraints. He was now getting a facile entry to her bosom. His thumb brushed her tits and simultaneously kneaded her breasts.
Carl would put her to death. He would ruin her career and her life to nothingness, making her fall deep into the oasis of his love. She was seeing it clearly as her future.
He swiftly turned her around and attached his lips to hers. The kiss was fierce, dominant and at the same time passionate, full of desire. Sapphire felt carried to a new world of Zion as his tongue traveled her mouth like crazy nomad bringing her to an unquenchable sexual excitement.
Sapphire's hands reached his hair pulling it as he kissed her deeper and stronger with rule and control. Moans drizzled in the room like a never ending rain.
He was igniting the lust in every sleeping nerve of her body and doubts now how he spent six months without touching her when they were under the same roof.
Rasping on his breath he ran open mouth kisses passing through her jawline and reaching her neck. He nipped and sucked there continuously, planting hickeys one after the other. It was stinging but sweet on her throat.
The caress of his masculinity on her feminism hovering over her brought chills of amour in her.
"I marked you mine. Now no man will dare to see you the way I see. YOU ARE THE UNDEFILED QUEEN OF MAFIA." He rasped and kissed her again in ferocity, passion and undying love.
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Table of Contents
×1
Chapter 1
2_3
Chapter 2–3
4_8
Chapter 4_8
9_13
Chapter 9_13
14_18
Chapter 14_18
19_23
Chapter 19_23
24_28
Chapter 24_28
29_33
Chapter 29_33
34_38
Chapter 34_38
39_43
Chapter 39_43
44_48
Chapter 44_48
49_53
Chapter 49_53
54_58
Chapter 54_58
59_63
Chapter 59_63
64_68
Chapter 64_68
69_73
Chapter 69_73
74_78
Chapter 74_78
79_83
Chapter 79_83
84_88
Chapter 84_88
89_93
Chapter 89_93
94_98
Chapter 94_98
99_103
Chapter 99_103
104_108
Chapter 104_108
109_113
Chapter 109_113
114_118
Chapter 114_118