His Innocent Sera

The core difference between good and evil is that good empowers the vulnerable, and evil preys on them. Sera wrapped the scarf around her neck, concealing the evidence of his assault on her skin. Her body was now nothing but a canvas of fading and fresh hickeys. Sera had no delusions. She knew she was vulnerable against his might. His family owned the entire Spain, including the authorities. They ruled the underworld. Serrano's were not only the richest but also the most feared. Her dad had told chilling stories of how they tortured their enemies in their torture cell. They were bad news. And it was her bad luck that she caught the eyes of the worst among them. Nate.

After pinning her hair into a neat bun, she slung the bag over her shoulders and set out for the old-age home. Nate had, surprisingly enough, allowed her to take the two-day-long trip. She refused to believe he had done it out of goodwill. He had nothing good in him. There had to be a reason why he allowed her, which she wasn't able to see right now.

She stepped out of the house to find Nate's car parked on the street. The tinted windows were up, obscuring onlookers' view of the person inside. But she didn't need a glimpse to know it was him watching her. Firmly clutching her bag's straps, she propelled her feet towards the car.

She opened the door and reluctantly slipped inside. A thick blend of smoke and his cologne dominating the air filled her lungs as she took a breath. He had already told her he would pick her up and drop her off at the old age home today. She didn't even try to talk him out of it, aware that not even God himself can dissuade him once he makes up his mind.

Without uttering a word, he started the car. No words were exchanged between them during the journey. She could sense he wasn't happy with her decision to go on the trip, but something was holding him back from forcing his will on her. Something had shifted within him.

He pulled up in front of her workplace and said nothing. He seemed to be pondering something. She glanced out the window, confused if she should stay put or step out. He suddenly let out a heavy sigh, leaning back in his seat, instantly putting her on edge. He turned his gaze in her direction.

"Just don't forget your promise," he reminded, gazing intently at her. She nodded.

"Can I go?" she asked timidly. He gave a slow nod, but still not ready to let her go. She reached for the door and tugged, but it remained firmly locked. She tried a few times more, but the door wouldn't open. She, at last, she turned to him, utterly confused. He was smiling as if amused by her struggle.

"It's not opening," she explained.

"It's not?" he asked, smirking knowingly. She tried again but met the same unyielding resistance.

"Maybe you didn't open it right way," he suggested, a roguish glint in his eyes. She blinked at him, even more confused now.

"Let me teach you how to do it," he said before gently grasping her hand and guiding her onto his lap. She tensed up as soon as her backside landed on his muscular thighs. His arms snaked around her waist, putting her in place. The air shifted, crackling with his unspoken desire as he leaned in, holding her gaze.

"The only way you are getting out of my car is if you kiss the fuck out of me," he whispered against the soft bed of her lips. She pulled back in response, her brows furrowing in disapproval.

He tilted his head and raised his brow before casually reclining into the seat. He had all the time in the world. No one was moving until his demand was met.

"Open the door. I am getting late," she requested a moment later.

"You know what you have to do," he replied, playing it casual. She dropped her gaze to her lap, hesitation tightening in her chest. Sitting on his thighs was already awkward enough.

"Please," she whispered, her fingers twisting anxiously in her lap.

In response, he tapped his lips, "Say please here." His voice, a husky whisper, deepened with longing. She gulped, finding herself in the spot. The girl glanced out, conflicted. She didn't want to even imagine what would happen if he caught even the shadow of Giovanni.

She looked back at him. Reluctance seizing her features before she finally leaned in. Nate straightened up, eager to feel the pressure of her lips against his.

And then her lips touched his, stirring something tender yet intense inside him. She pressed her lips harder, feeding his primal needs. His hold around her tightened, his lips began moving against hers, wanting more of their intimacy. He wanted her to let go of her hesitation, her shame, everything that was holding her back from enjoying this moment. He wanted her complete surrender, every ounce of her attention consumed by him.

Whereas one arm held her firmly in place, the other slid up to the back of her head. His fingers dug into her hair, pulling her closer as he claimed the kiss, deepening it with raw intensity. His manhood reacting to her mindless touch. He would make sure she felt him long after this kiss ended. He wouldn't be the only one thinking about their kiss. These two days were going to be pure agony without her. He hated to admit it, but he had gotten addicted to her. Addicted to teasing her, kissing her, sleeping with her.....how will he survive without them?

If only he knew the trap he was walking into the day he sucked on these lips.

She pushed at his chest, craving air. Registering her desperation, he broke their kiss and inched away. She gasped for air, struggling to recover from the haze he dragged her into, while he watched her. Her flushed, swollen lips, her dazed blue eyes, the rise and fall of her chest testified to the intimate moment they had stolen from the world. This moment belonged only to them.

Without looking away from her, he undid the child lock and pushed the door open. Sunlight poured in, tracing delicate shadows across her face, making her look even more mesmerizing. His control was slipping away.

"Go now," he ordered, his voice laced with a steely edge. The hunger in his eyes warned her against dallying. She tore her gaze from his, stealing a quick glance outside before gripping the back of the seat and slipping off his lap. A wave of fresh air washed over her senses as soon as her feet set against the cold ground.

"Take this," he handed her the bag.

"Bye," she said without missing a beat. She was way too eager to leave his presence.

"Excited for the excursion or just thrilled to escape me?" he asked, lifting a brow, though his voice carried nothing but teasing amusement.

She bit down on her lip, hesitation gripping her features as she searched her mind for an appropriate answer.

"Naive little thing," he murmured, smiling to himself. It was so easy to ruffle her feathers. How she even managed to be so naive in this world was beyond him.

"Go," he finally delivered her from her misery with a nod towards the building entrance. Breaking their eye contact, she spun on her heels and started towards the building. He stayed back, his gaze following her before she disappeared into the building.

"Fuck! What are you doing to me, Seraphina Diaz?" he sighed, his head tipping against the seat. Something wild rages to life inside him every time her innocent eyes locked with his. She was all over his head, and he was all over the place.

Sera helped set up the tents.

"Loop it first before hammering it down," Mrs. Hartley suggested, perched in a nearby chair. Sera looked at her, smiling.

"You know how to do this?" she asked, doing as suggested. A nostalgic smile lit up Mrs. Hartley's wrinkled face.

"My husband taught me. We've embarked on countless journeys through the wild," she told her. Sera could see love shining in her eyes.

"That sounds so romantic, Mrs. Hartley," Sera gushed, awed. What could be more romantic than discovering nature together? This was an ultimate date for her. Mrs. Hartley's smile deepened with pride.

"He would make me crowns of wildflower and call me his queen. I still have them with me," she reminisced, her eyes glistening with bittersweet tears. Mrs. Hartley

had passed away some years ago.

"He really loved you," Sera said, happy for her.

"I was not the best choice for him,

but he still chose me. He loved me like a woman can only dream of

being loved," Mrs. Hartley reminisced, causing an ache of longing inside Sera's heart. She also wanted to experience that kind of love. To have someone who would choose her over and over again. Just the mere thought triggered a giddy sensation through her body.

"We barely spent a night without making love," Mrs. Hartley shared. Heat rushed

to Sera's cheeks. She lowered her head and began digging deeper into the

ground as the older woman droned on.

"On our first night, I got so scared after seeing his thing. I bolted out of the room and locked him in," she reminisced before barking out a laugh. Sera bit down on her lip as a thought swirled in her head.

"Did it..did it hurt?" she asked hesitantly, shame burdening her lashes. Mrs. Hartley didn't seem to notice that.noveldrama

"It does. At first, it feels like being torn in two, but if you're with the right person,

even the pain turns into a sweet ache," Mrs. Hartley coached.

Sera gulped. The answer didn't offer her the comfort she was seeking.