Y/N'S POV

What's going on here?" Diego roared from the other end of the hallway.

"No, Five. I will not meet you," I hissed to Five's face before yanking out from his grip. I stepped back, and soon enough, Diego was by my side.

His hand wrapped around my waist, and he planted a kiss on my forehead. "Is everything okay, baby?" He looked into my eyes, grabbing my chin with his fingers.

I shot him a cold stare before putting on a fake, forced smile. "Now that you're here it is." I tried to hide my irritation. Before contacting Five, I sent Diego dozens of texts and tried to reach him as many times. Eventually, I knew I had to contact Five instead. Diego screwed up. He was well aware, I could tell. The guilt was all there, swimming in his apologetic gaze.

"Doc, how's he?" Luther's voice brought my attention from the end of hallway running in with the rest of his family to the doctor who had emerged from the surgery area. Honestly, he had a great timing. I looked at him, he was clad in a pristine white coat.

"He's stable," the doctor said, the whole family sighed in relief.

"Thank God," Allison breathed, her eyes shut for a split second as if a huge weight had been taken off her shoulders.

"It seems like luck was on his side. The bullet ricocheted off the sternum, missing the lung. It lodged into the soft tissues of the chest wall. He should recover well," she explained.

"Is he conscious? Can we see him?" Luther tone was of concern.

The woman smiled. "He's still under the influence of the sedative after the surgery. Give him some time to rest. Come back later to check on him."

"Thank you, Doc." Klaus nodded.

"He's being taken care of." Allison told Claire and she took a knee to reach her, her lips curled up in a smile as she took a step to hug her mother.

The doctor smiled professionally before disappearing behind the door to the surgery area.

Diego diverted his gaze to me, our eyes locked. "I should take you home, babe."

"We have to talk, Diego," Five said, his stern gaze on his brother.

"Actually I think we all need to talk here." Allison told the two boys who both turned there stern gazes on there sister.

Diego's neck stretched, and a heavy sigh escaped his lungs. "Alright."

I was surprised he gave in without a fight.

"Let me have one of my men take my fiancée home first. She's had enough excitement for one day."

"No need for that." Five's gaze moved to Wyatt, who followed him everywhere like a shadow and who I suppose was his new right-hand man. Zachary's replacement. "Wyatt will make sure she gets home safely."

Wyatt made a single nod, taking a step forward, his hands clasped on his abdomen. He had an earpiece in his right ear, dressed in a black suit. "If you'll accompany me, Miss Hargreeves."

It wasn't Hargreeves anymore, but I guessed that was a detail they didn't have to know. My lips pursed in annoyance, and my eyes rolled. "I can get home on my own."

"Y/n." Five gave me an insistent look. There was this firmness in his tone that I knew left no room for discussion. "Don't be stubborn for once. It's for your safety."

I glanced at Diego to check in with him. After all, I still was playing the role of the loving fiancée.

"Five's right. Go with Wyatt. I'll be home with you soon, love."

I let out a heavy breath. Now, I had two Hargreeves against me. I knew there was no point in arguing. I didn't stand a chance against them both. I knew men in this family didn't give up until they achieved what they wanted. And sure as hell, being overprotective was one of their traits.

"Fine." I rolled my eyes and followed Wyatt.

_________________

Around lunchtime, I juggled motherhood duties, encouraging Ezra to eat his meal while Betty tackled the aftermath of our culinary endeavors in the kitchen.

Ezra played and laughed, his attention everywhere but on his plate. I had to devise the most creative games to coax his into eating even a little. But I didn't mind. He was my whole world, and it wasn't just my duty but a pleasure to care for him. I watched him, recognizing so much of his father in him. Despite he his a walking resemblance to his father, with his huge, luminous green eyes and thick brown hair, like is dad father's personality, and it showed from the very first days of his existence. He had a remarkable amount of strength for a child his age. Tears were a rarity, and her calm temperament and perceptive attitude mirrored those of his father.

Eventually, a doorbell rang. I set the feeding spoon aside and made my way to the door.

"Hello to you too," Diego hissed, anger brewing in his eyes. Judging by the way he looked at me, I knew it could only spell trouble. "We must talk in private. Join me in my office as soon as you can."

He walked past me and headed upstairs. I took a heavy breath, preparing myself for what was to come. I shot a glance toward the kitchen. Betty seemed to read the situation and gave a subtle nod.

The door to Diego's office shut closed behind me. I set my hesitant gaze on him. His facial expression was grave. I knew something must've happened. Something serious. "Is everything okay? Is it about Viktor?"

"It's not about Viktor," Diego said coldly. "It's about Five dearest, what else? He's onto us again."

"And whose fault is that? I couldn't reach you when I needed to." I couldn't help but retort.

Diego's expression darkened, and I knew I shouldn't have stepped on this ground. He closed the distance between us, looming over me as he held me semi-hostage between the door behind me and his arm. "We need to fix this." It came out as a low growl, the kind that made my hair stand on its end. "You need to visit me in the office tomorrow. Play the part of the loving fiancée."

I sighed. I knew I had no choice but to continue playing this game. "Fine, I'll do it," I shot back before pushing past him. "But don't ever corner me like this again."

Diego clenched his jaw, his head cocking to the side. "We can't afford any slips, you know that."

"Then maybe be more reachable."

Diego seized my elbow, yanking me closer. "Maybe be more convincing that you're madly in love with me instead of falling into the arms of my brother."

He released his grip, and I let out a quiet sigh of relief. This man was giving me serious anxiety.

"Why'd you tell him it was Zachary who shot our brother?" he hissed, his eyes still bearing on mine.

"Are you serious?" I squinted. His brother was shot, and all he cared about was that I told Five about it.

Diego didn't reply, but his eyes kept piercing through me. It gave me chills.

"I was shaken, and you weren't there," I explained. "Besides, Viktor had seen Zachary anyway, so what was the point of hiding the truth?"

Diego breathed heavily, rubbing his pulsing temples before regaining his composure. "Zachary's on our side. Don't forget that. And you." His teeth gritted. "You better stay away from my brother."

He rushed out of his office, the door slammed shut behind him. I felt like I was left with a sense of impending doom. No matter what I did, it didn't seem to be the right choice.

_________________

As the morning sun painted the city, I found myself selecting my outfit for my upcoming visit to Hargreeves Enterprises. I had never spent more time digging through my closet than this day. I wore a tailored pure white blazer adorned with delicate pearls and a gold necklace that gracefully hung around my neck. Clean makeup accentuated my features. I let my hair cascade in loose waves, adding a touch of sophistication.

About an hour later, the taxi pulled up in front of the skyscraper of Hargreeves Enterprises. I stepped out of the cab, a flutter of anxiety in my chest. I looked up the building to the very top, my gaze stuck on the company's sign. A symbol of power and prestige. The emblem of their empire.

I crossed the threshold inside the sleek and modern design of the lobby. My heels clicked rhythmically against the polished floor. I reached the elegant reception desk, smiling softly at a woman behind it. Her rich, dark complexion contrasted her neat white suit. Her curly hair was pulled into a sleek bun.

I read the name on the badge. "Hello, Kat."

"Welcome to Hargreeves Enterprises Holdings. How can I help you, Miss?"

"I'm here to see Diego Hargreeves. Could you please notify him of my arrival?"

"Do you have an appointment scheduled?"

I nodded.

"Could I please have your name?"

"Y/n Madden," I said, my own words ringing in my ears. It still felt weird to hear myself using this last name. It sat hard on my chest like an unavoidable reminder of a past I'd rather forget.

"Madden?"

My heart sank as soon as I heard the familiar, husky voice. Inadvertently, my gaze shifted to the side.

He stood there, gawking at me with the kind of stare that could kill. The next second, he was looming over me, and I felt helpless under his intense gaze. "Why do you have Zachary's last name?" His hiss raised goosebumps on my skin.

He completely ignored the receptionist, who didn't seem to know what to do with herself. Neither did I. He was never supposed to find out about any of this. And now, one of my secrets was out.

"Come with me." He gripped my elbow, trying to drag me with him.

"I'm not going anywhere." I yanked out, turning to Kat. "Please notify Mr. Hargreeves that I'm here.

Before she reacted, I was trapped in Five's arms again. "I am the Mr. Hargreeves you want to talk to now." He moved closer, our faces mere inches apart. "You'll either go with me of your own will, or I'll carry you myself. You know I have a way of doing that."

"Oh, yes? Then drag me... because I'm not going anywhere."

Was that a dare? Yes, it was. Perhaps, I enjoyed this game a little. A little more than I should. I liked to get under his skin.

With a swift tilt of his head, as if accepting the challenge, Five slid me over his shoulder. Kat's eyebrows shot up as she watched Five blink the both of us into the elevator. And set me down before the doors we're closing. I could see the astonishment in her eyes as I glanced at her while the closed.

_________________

"Well?" Five's penetrating gaze held me captive as he leaned against the closed door to his office. As if to ensure I wouldn't slip away. "Care to explain what games you're playing, Y/n?"

My eyes swept over Five's face, the pulsing temples and the fury narrowing his eyes. He was seething, barely keeping himself composed. I, in turn, savored the sight of him being like this. After all, that's what I wanted, his suffering. Call it my twisted kind of retribution. My vendetta.

"Did you really marry him? The same man who stabbed me in the back? The same man who shot my brother?" His tone was getting darker, and so did his stormy- green eyes.

"It's none of your business. Any of this." I shrugged.

Five squinted, closing the distance between us. "What happened to you, Y/n? I don't recognize you," he whispered in a low hiss, his eyes scanning my face as if searching for answers. "Is someone blackmailing you? Why are you doing this?"

I couldn't stand his games anymore. I could no longer endure the facade. Why was he acting as if he had no bad intentions toward me? As if he cared. At last, I let out the emotions I had been trying to suppress for so long. "You made me this way. You destroyed the naive, innocent me, creating this monster I've become," I spat, intending to leave his office.

Five seized my elbow, halting my exit.

I turned to face him, our gazes locking, flickering back and forth.

"You won't leave until you answer my questions," Five hissed, tightening his grip and pulling me even closer. Our faces were mere breaths apart, and the invisible, intense tension between us was palpable. "Did you marry Zachary ?" His eyes burned with anger.

"Yes," I admitted, watching disappointment wash over his face.

"Wow." He shook his head, his brow raising. He released me from his grip as if losing control over his body. As if the news was too shocking to handle. "Why did you do this?" His tone was a blend of regret and anger.

"That's none of your business."

I tried to walk past him, but he swirled our bodies around so that now I was his hostage. He seized my hands and pulled them above my head, gripping my wrists. He leaned in slowly, his azure eyes darkened. But his scent. Oh, God, his scent. It hit my nose, intoxicating my mind with the memories of us. The sensual, most intimate one can have.

"Have you had an affair with him?"

I could feel his warm breath meshing with mine.

"Do you still love him?" he growled, looking down at me with his head straight.

He was so close I could hear his heartbeat against my chest. "No. I married him solely for his last name and to change my status. I knew you wouldn't be searching for a married woman, so it made it easier for me to disappear." My voice and body trembled as I spoke.

The effect Five had on me. It would never go away.

"How do you want to marry my brother now if you already have a husband?"

I tried to fight the heat rushing through my body as Five's breath swept against my ear, neck, and collarbone. My teeth sank into my lower lip. I couldn't help it. Having him so close to me did me dirty every time. I couldn't deny the attraction. The chemistry. The palpable sexual tension I felt every time his body was so close to mine. I was doomed. I knew I could never get rid of these feelings. No matter how badly I wanted to. He had me captive. I was a prisoner of my lust for him. A desire that I could never tame. As though my body refused to listen. As if I was bound to him by invisible chains pushing me right back to him every time I tried to escape.

"We're divorced. I told you it was a fake marriage—a cover for me." My voice came out breathless.

Five leaned closer. My gaze dropped down. His lips brushed against mine as he spoke, causing my breath to become even more rugged, my heart skipping bits. "You hate me so much that you've gone to these lengths only to make sure I would never find you?"

I hardly managed to tear my eyes away from his lips. Lips that I had craved so insanely. Our heavy breaths linked in sync. I met his hypnotizing green eyes that once were my refuge. I felt... helpless. As if I was battling a fight that was doomed from the very beginning. Before it even started. A fight against my own desires.

Kiss me.

I wasn't sure I was able to endure this tension between us any longer. I wanted him to kiss me. Fiercely as he always did. Our tongues tangling and dancing. Our bodies clinging to one another. I wanted him. I knew I shouldn't have. I knew he was my undoing. My very own destruction. "Let go of me," I whispered, fearing that even a few more seconds in his intoxicating presence would break the will I had been gathering for four long years. That I would surrender to my longing for him. I was scared to overdose on this feeling he alone could ignite within me again because I knew I couldn't possibly find the strength in me to quit my addiction this time. He was still my drug. Invariably.

"Let me go," I repeated once again. But again, not strong enough to convince him. Hell, to convince myself that I actually wanted it. I didn't.

Our lips were almost touching. I could almost taste them. Almost . And the almost was driving me insane. His alluring scent was filling my lungs with every breath I took, flooding my senses, leaving me seduced. I couldn't move. I was drowning in this lust. It was too deep.

"You sure that is what you want?" he growled in the huskiest of whispers.

"Because your mouth says one thing, but your body tells a different story."

I felt hazy. Intoxicated. Our eyes were flickering between each other. The world around seemed to cease. The next thing I knew, his lips crushed on mine. Fiercely, passionately, demandingly, shattering the invisible tension between us. I couldn't help it. I gave in. He released my hands and slid his at the back of my head, pulling me closer. I grabbed him by his collar, doing the same. Pulling him closer. Tighter. I barely could catch a breath in between our kisses. For a moment, I allowed myself to indulge in the kiss. It felt so wrong yet so right. I missed the way his lips felt on mine. I missed the way his tongue tangled in a dance with mine. God, the effect this man had on me. It hadn't changed even after all that I'd been through.

And then, reality snapped back. What was I doing? I swore not to let him overpower me again, not my senses, not my soul. I pushed him away and slapped him instinctively. He intuitively put his hand over the searing mark as he slowly turned to look at me. His breath was still heavy and rugged, just like mine.

I knew I had to run away from him. I knew only distance could keep me away from this bond we shared. Only distance could keep me away from making a mistake. I turned and grabbed the doorknob. Five rushed after me, trying to reach my hand.

"Diego," I stumbled against his frame as soon as the door swung open. Our gazes locked, and a cold shiver ran down my back.

His gaze stopped on my swollen lips, my lipstick smeared from the kiss. Then it moved to his brother. His ruffled hair. His heavy breath. His eyes filled with so much wrath. I expected the worst. I watched his gaze shift to Five behind me. It stuck. His gaze. He gently slid his hand around my neck, his thumb caressing my cheek. His eyes were still on Shane. The entire time. He leaned in for a kiss.

What? My heart skipped a beat.

He started kissing me in front of his brother. Slowly. Provocatively. Kissing him seconds after Five had kissed me felt so odd. So wrong. But I knew I had no other choice but to assume my role once again and reciprocate the kiss. I knew it was all a part of his dark scheme I willingly tangled myself into.

I couldn't see Five's face, but I could sense his anger brewing within. Diego's nibbled my bottom lip as he slowly pulled away, his hand still on my neck. I could taste the possessiveness lingering on my lips. His gaze finally dropped down to meet mine. "I knew I'd find you here, baby." He smiled as if nothing happened.

Adrenaline flooded my veins, my every fiber. My heart rate accelerated as a Formula 1 car. I heard Five's heavy breath behind me. I watched Diego's wicked gaze in front of me. And I was caught up in the middle of this dangerous chaos.

"Come on. My brother has taken too much of your time already." Diego grabbed my hand and led me toward his office. I saw he shot a glance at Five as we walked away. A glance of sick satisfaction.

"I'm moving in with you tonight," Diego stated, closing the door to his office.

I stood there, gawking at him. Still feeling shaky.

"I'm tired of Five's games," he continued, taking slow and steady steps toward me. His calculating gaze never left mine, causing a surge of anxiety to rush through me. "He must finally believe we're together for real."

"You promised me that as long as Ezra and I are staying at your house, you'd be staying in one of your other houses," I stuttered.

"We're not going to sleep in one bed, relax." A wicked smirk played on his lips. His head tilted slightly, and his hands crossed behind his back. "Besides, there are many rooms in that house, so what's the problem?"

I couldn't bring myself to speak. I was still inebriated from the encounter with Five. The taste of his lips still lingered on mine despite the later kiss I shared with Diego.

Diego took another step closer. Now he was close enough to whisper into my ear to trace his fingers up my arm, "Next time I kiss you, make more effort so that it looks real."

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. "Next time?" I barely managed to mutter.

Diego took another step closer. Now he was too close. I felt invaded. With each of his steps, I took one back until I reached his large wooden desk. I was trapped. He brushed my hair behind my ear. His warm breath flowed over me contradicting the coldness in his voice. "You see, you have agreed to play a dangerous game." His words trailed off, teasing the tip of my ear with his teeth. "He has to believe that now you're mine."

Diego pulled slightly back before leaning forward, placing his left hand, fist down, on the desk. His right hand found its place on my waist. My body tensed involuntarily. His eyes, piercing and dark, locked onto mine. An overwhelming feeling of intimidation rushed over me. But, instead, a devious sneer played on his lips. "Y/n, Y/n, Y/n..." his voice was a dangerous murmur. His free hand traced up my thigh, leaving me perplexed and uneasy.

"What are you doing?" I squinted.

"I've noticed the effect Five has on you. Whenever he's close to you, your body shakes uncontrollably." His lips brushed against my neck, planting a soft kiss. "I'm checking if I can make you feel the same way."

I turned away, desperate to escape the hostage of his touch. "You're so twisted. I'm your brother's ex, the mother of his child."

Diego grabbed my chin with his fingers and turned my head, forcing our gazes to meet again. "No, Y/n. Before all, you're an insanely attractive woman. No wonder my brother has gone mad for you. I would, too." His eyes bore into mine. "Tell me..." He nibbled his bottom lip, his head involuntarily cocking to the side, his nefarious gaze scanning every inch of my face before our eyes locked again. "Was he so good in bed that the sight of him makes you weak in your knees, or do you still have feelings for him?"

"That's enough," I hissed. I couldn't believe my ears. I knew Diego was twisted and wicked, but this was a whole new level of crazy. "You're so jealous of your brother. It's sick."

Diego's smirk only grew bigger. It seemed... diabolical. Something savage flickered in his eyes. "There's nothing to be jealous of, baby." A sarcastic smirk played on his lips. "I'm far better than my brother, and I can prove it to you," he whispered, teasing my ear lobe with the edge of his teeth. "I can treat you better."

"You're sick." I was repulsed by his audacity. His twistedness and wickedness.

He lightly pulled away, his hands still resting on both sides of his desk, still keeping me hostage. "I'm just different," he stated, locking eyes with mine. "You see, it doesn't bother me that you used to be with my brother." Leaning in, he whispered into my ear, his fingers sliding over my neck, pulling me closer. "On the contrary, the thought of proving to you that I'm better than him turns me on."

"Okay, I'm done." I forcefully pushed him away and made my way toward the door. I threw a parting shot over my shoulder. "You should see a doctor."

Diego was quick to catch up. He grabbed my arm, positioning himself behind me. He tugged me closer, and the warmth of his body brushed against my back. Running his fingers through my hair, he brushed them off my ear. His breath swept down my neck, his voice a sinister whisper.

"Think about it, Y/n. We could be so good together. And I—" He leaned in, his lips grazing my neck. "I could fulfill your deepest, darkest sexual desires like no other man, not even him, my brother."

I stood there speechless. Rooted to the spot. Diego's jealousy towards his brother was more than just a deviant competition. It was a genuine, hazardous issue.

He leaned in and kissed me my cheek, forcefully pulling me closer with a hand on my belly. "I can pleasure in ways that will erase any trace of him from your memory. I can make you forget someone like Five Hargreeves ever existed."

That was it, the final straw. I inhaled deeply, steadying my breath and gathering the courage in me. I rushed out, leaving him alone with the mayhem of his sick mind.

__________________

Question Of The Day!!

"Do you have any pets? And if you don't have any, what would pets would you want?"

Mine: I'm a owner of Two cats and Three dogs :) but maybe in the future my boyfriend will finally agree to get us a pet Chinchilla:)

________________

Words Written:
4415