♥ Chapter 25 ♥

Damien Darkmore.

I'm in my office, analyzing some tests, when my cell phone rings. I see Kael's name on the screen, and a wave of curiosity washes over me. Furthermore, I answer immediately, knowing that if he's calling now, it's because something important has happened.

''Speak up, Kael.'' I answer, keeping my voice firm but friendly.

''Magnus kissed Yara,'' he begins bluntly. '' And she kissed back.

My eyebrow rises, and a smile forms at the corner of my mouth. This is interesting. Finally, something is happening.

'' But then she ran off, realizing what she'd done. Magnus says she told him she doesn't love her son of a bitch husband.

I give a short, almost ironic laugh.

'' So we need to move the plan forward. '' I say, my mind already calculating the next steps. If she's starting to give in, then we have a chance. And we can't waste it.

'' I'm already moving forward. '' Kael replies, with his characteristic calm.

''What am I missing?'' I ask, interested to know what Kael has already set in motion without my knowing.

''Magnus got tired of waiting,'' Kael explains. ''He's ordered me to speed up the process of divorcing Yara. I'm at the office now, I've already called Lorenzo. I've asked him to be her lawyer. Likewise, I've also sent one of my investigators to keep an eye on Ronan. We need proof to justify the divorce.

I smile again, this time with satisfaction. That's what I like about Kael: he's practical, efficient, and always one step ahead.

'' Excellent. '' I say, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. ''The quicker we act, the better. Once we have enough proof, he'll have no choice but to sign the divorce.

'' I agree. We require something solid against him, something that will make him want to sign the papers without a second thought. '' Kael continues. ''I'm taking care of it. The investigator is already on the case.

'' Good. '' I reply, already wondering how we can use all this to our advantage. What about Yara? Does she know anything?

''Not yet,'' says Kael. ''And it's best that it stays that way for now. When we have everything ready, we'll talk to her about everything.

I pause, considering Kael's words.

''We need to take it easy when we talk to her about this,'' I say, my tone softening.

''Yes, you're right,'' Kael replies. ''When everything is settled, we'll talk to her.

'' And Ronan? '' I ask. ''Do you think he'll fight for the divorce?

'' Maybe. But he'll lose as soon as we show him the evidence. '' Kael says firmly.

I nod, even though I know Kael can't see me. I trust his judgment, I always have. We've been in this together since the beginning, and I know he'll do whatever it takes to make sure we get what we want.

'' Right, keep me posted on progress. '' I say, getting back to work. ''I can help with anything you need. I'm at your disposal.

'' Of course. I'll keep you updated. I have to go now, I'm not coming home any time soon. We'll talk to her as soon as we get back to our mansion. '' Kael says.

'' Right, we really need to talk to her. Now get to work.

'' See you later, brother.

I hang up the phone and turn my attention to the exams in front of me, but my mind is racing. Yara... Finally, we're close to freeing her from Ronan and bringing her to our side. She deserves so much more than the life she's leading. And we... Well, we can give her everything. Safety, comfort, and, above all, freedom.

I adjust my posture in the chair and take a deep breath. Each of us has a role to play in this game.

What she feels now may be confusing, but once Ronan is out of the way, everything will become clear. Yara will understand that she no longer has to live in fear and that there is a better life waiting for her with us.

I go back to work, but I keep the phone close by. I know there will be more calls and more updates. And each one will bring us even closer to our goal. Every step taken, every move made... Everything will lead us to her. And when it does, Yara will be free to be ours.

And there's nothing Ronan can do to stop that.

I return my attention to the exams when my cell phone rings again. This time, I see Magnus' name on the screen. I answer quickly, curious to know what he has to say.

“Have you heard?” he asks bluntly.

''That you're tired of waiting?'' I reply in a slightly amused tone. ''Yes, I know. Kael told me just now. He's already on the case.

'' Yes, he told me he's already taking care of things. '' Magnus confirms. ''I want everything to be resolved as quickly as possible. I can't stand this situation any longer.

I let out a short laugh, knowing exactly why Magnus is so impatient.

''After tasting her lips, you can't wait any longer, can you, brother?'' I tease. ''You're the luckiest one of us. You managed to kiss her, while Kael and I didn't even come close.

Magnus laughs on the other end of the line, a light, almost mocking laugh.

''Soon you'll have the chance to taste those inexperienced lips. '' he comments, with a tone that mixes satisfaction and expectation.

I frowned, surprised by the information.

“Is she inexperienced?” I ask, curious.

''Yes, very inexperienced. '' Magnus replies, with a more serious tone. ''I had to do my best not to devour her right there.

I cross my legs on the chair, taking in what Magnus has just said.

'' So that means that Ronan's bastard never kissed her? '' I ask, intrigued by the new revelation.

''Yes, that's what I thought.'' Magnus confirms. Maybe he never really touched her.

I stay silent for a moment, absorbing the information. Yara was never really touched by Ronan. That changes everything. She's even more precious than we imagined. I can't wait to have her as our own.

''This is better than we expected,'' I say, my mind already formulating new plans. ''Our sweet Yara is pure. I can't wait to hold her in our arms.

'' Exactly. That's why I want Kael to hurry. The sooner we get Ronan out of the way, the better.

''Don't worry,'' I say firmly. ''We're all committed to this. We're going to get what we want, whatever it takes. And even if she doesn't want it, there's no escape. She's already ours.

'' Good. '' he replies, his voice laden with determination. ''Keep an eye out for anything new. I'll make sure Kael has everything he needs to speed up this process.

'' Of course. One more thing, brother.

'' What is it?

'' As I told Kael, we need to talk about this calmly. When she gets back to the mansion on Sunday night, we'll tell her everything.

'' Do you really think that's necessary?

''Yes.'' I reply, seriously. ''We'll show that we care about her. We'll pretend that if she wants to refuse, we'll cancel everything. But actually, we're not going to cancel anything.

Magnus laughs on the other end of the line, a deep, satisfied laugh.

'' That's my brother. All right, we'll talk to her on Sunday night. It pisses me off that she's still at that son of a bitch's house.

“You're not the only one,” I mutter, feeling the anger boiling up inside me.

'' I'm off. Have a good job, brother.

''You too.

I hang up the phone and stare at the blank screen for a moment. Anticipation courses through my veins like a drug. We're so close now—so close to finally having Yara on our side, away from that bastard Ronan. He doesn't know what's waiting for him. She doesn't know what awaits her. But soon, they all will.

I put my cell phone away and turned my attention to the exams in front of me. I try to focus on my work, but my thoughts keep returning to her. Yara is sweet, inexperienced, and soon ours. Every decision and every move we make has a clear objective: to free her or to possess her. And no one will stand in our way. Not Ronan, not anyone.

I press my lips together, feeling the determination harden in my chest. We're going to get what we want. And nothing, and no one, is going to stop us.