Shadows Of Temptation

"You married my uncle for his money, right?" he questioned, staring at Naomi coldly.

"I married Colbert because I love him. Why can't you accept that, Andres?" She returned, trying to match up to his energy. "You left me, so I moved on."

"You moved on because I left you?" he asked, searching her eyes.

"Yes. You left the country without telling me. For a year I heard nothing from you, so I moved on," she said firmly.

"And then you married my uncle like every cheap slut would have done," he fired.

She slapped him. "You have no right to speak to me like that," she warned. "Get out of my house. Colbert is not here."

"You're so unbelievable," he said and turned to go. He walked to the door and turned back to face her. "Do you know you look like you have been starved of sex? Now, you want it badly."

"You are disgusting," she sneered.

"You're just like a snowflake, Princess, beautiful and unique and with just one touch, you'll be wet," he said with a sexy ruthless voice.

He could see it in her eyes. He knew when a woman wanted him. It would definitely show in their face. He realized her nipples were standing too. It was obvious she missed his touch, his kiss and him in her. "Come to me," he commanded with a husky voice that no woman could resist.

And before the word 'Jack Robinson' she ran and jumped on him.

They began to kiss. Mouth against mouth, lips against lips.

Her hands drew off his shirt.

He carried her to the bed and dropped her on it. She turned him over. He removed her shirt as they continued to kiss. They rolled over. She unzipped his trouser. She turned him over again and sat on him. He unclipped her bra and tossed it to the floor.

He smiled, as he felt her hair, "I want you in my bed every morning and night. Your delicate body naked in my bed, everyday," he said huskily.

"I'm your uncle's wife," she reminded.

"That man is nothing but a monster. His ex-wife can testify to that," he said, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Then he continued to kiss her. He turned her over and began to place wet kisses on her neck. Then he continued to her chest, and down to her navel. She gave a very tiny moan. He unzipped her trouser and kissed her there.

She touched his hair. "Andres," she called out softly.

He raised himself and looked at her. "Any regret?"

"No... no regrets. I just wanted to say be quick," she muttered.

He touched her left breast and pressed it. He lifted himself and moved upwards. "Your pink nipples have turned very hard. They are so beautiful." He licked her nipples with the tip of his tongue and teased it. He bit it hardly, causing her to let out a moan.

Immediately, a car honked.

"Shit!" she exclaimed, sitting up. "Colbert is home. Dress up, Andres."

She quickly wore her shirt.

Andres dressed up as quick as possible.

"You have to hide," she pleaded.

"Don't panic," he said, calming her down. "Let's go downstairs."

They went downstairs.

The door's bell rang. Naomi rushed to the door and opened it. "Welcome back, Colbert," she said, and kissed him.

Andres watched them from where he was seated. Jealousy evident on his face.

"Andres," Colbert called out as he approached Andres. "When did you return?"

Andres stood and they both hugged. "I returned yesterday."

"That's great. I see you have met my wife," Colbert said, pointing at Naomi before noticing her trouser was unzipped. He thought she must have been getting ready to leave the house before Andres arrived. He had warned her never to leave the house without his permission.

Meanwhile, Andres stared at Naomi. He began to remember how he had proposed to her, not knowing his dad had plans of sending him abroad to further his studies. He made a lot of millions and came back a year later to marry Naomi and take her back with him. Unfortunately, he heard that she was already married to his uncle. He became so angry and left the country. He believed that she married his uncle because of his money and didn't wait for him because she saw him as a Papa's boy who was going to do anything for his dad, just to make sure he secured a place in his father's will.

Colbert was a billionaire, a well known billionaire. But now, Andres was a self-made billionaire. He established his own business and became very popular and even richer than his Uncle. He was the richest billionaire in town. His dad saw how big of an entrepreneur he was, his visionary leadership and business acumen and made him the CEO of his company. Andres wanted to reject the position since he had his own company, but he didn't. His company was abroad and in a few other countries but not here. He needed a reason to stay back here and keep his eyes on Naomi.

"Andres?" Colbert called out, interrupting his thoughts.

"I've met her," he said fiercely. "Isn't she old enough to be your daughter?" One thing about Andres was that he was always bold enough to speak his mind.

Naomi looked tensed.

"C'mon Andres, age is just a number," Colbert said. "Naomi, get us something to drink."

"Isn't that the maid's-"

Colbert's phone rang at once. He glanced at it. "Excuse me, dear nephew," he said and walked away.

"What are you doing, Andres?" she cried out.

"I'm trying to save you from that terrible man. I see how he's treating you. He has no value for you," Andres said quickly.

"Can't you see you're getting me into trouble?" she asked faintly.

"Just tell me you want to be with me and you'll be free from his grip," Andres said.

"I love Colbert, Andres. He was here for me when you weren't," she replied cautiously.

He walked to her and held her by the waist. "Lies. Your eyes tells me a different thing."

Her heart raced. Andres was drop-dead handsome and he knew she couldn't resist his charms. She couldn't in the past and she couldn't now.

"I have no reason to lie. Can't you see I'm happy?" She questioned. "Colbert is a wonderful-"

He bent down and kissed her lips. She tried pushing him away but he overpowered her. She surrendered to the kiss and kissed him back, matching his intensity.

"Take care, bye," Colbert said on the phone. He was loud enough to alarm Andres.

Andres heard him and stopped the kiss. He quickly went back to the couch and sat down.

Colbert returned. "Business calls. Very annoying when it's the wrong timing," he said.

Andres was not scared of anyone, especially not Colbert. However, he had a level of respect for Colbert, because he was there for him when his father wasn't. But Andres hated Colbert for the way he treated women. This time around, it was his woman and he wouldn't let Colbert treat her like he treated other women.

"Women are just so lazy. Always want to live on men's wealth. I will tell you this because you're a self-made billionaire like me, unlike James who got his wealth from our dad's inheritance, never find yourself a wife like mine. Go for a hardworking woman."

Andres couldn't help but wonder why Naomi married Colbert. It was obvious Colbert didn't value or love her.

"Andres son, let's have a drink," Colbert offered. "Why are you standing there, Naomi? Bring us something to drink." Naomi who was still recovering from the kiss she shared with a tempting Andres, began to walk away.

Naomi, with her captivating presence, possessed a cascade of midnight black hair that flowed gracefully down her back, framing her delicate face. Her eyes, deep and soulful, held a melancholy beauty that spoke of untold stories. The sadness within them added a mysterious allure to her persona. The shape of her finely arched eyebrows mirrored a subtle elegance, accentuating the intensity of her gaze.

Her lips, full and gracefully curved, seemed to carry an unspoken poetry, leaving a trace of enigmatic charm in every smile. The contour of her chin lent a delicate strength to her countenance, hinting at a resilience beneath the surface. Naomi's body, a harmonious blend of curves and grace, moved with an effortless poise that drew Andres' attention without demanding it.

The color of her skin, a radiant and warm hue, added to the overall allure, enhancing the contrast with her dark features.

"There will be no need for that," Andres said as he stood. "I came to see you, Uncle. To check up on you. I have a meeting with a business client in an hour."

"Thanks for checking up on me, Andres," Colbert said. "I'll see you off."

He walked Andres out of the house and to his car, where his driver and bodyguard stood with a black umbrella. "I have a feeling Naomi is cheating on me. I have a business trip this weekend. I would like you to keep an eye on her for me. If you suspect anything, let me know," Colbert said.

"I'm now in charge of Dad's company. What makes you think I will be free during the weekend?" Andres asked, trying not to show his eagerness to accept his uncle's proposal.

"Oh, I didn't think about that," Colbert said. "How about you check your weekend schedule? If you are free, you let me know."

"Alright," Andres said. "I doubt your wife will be cheating on you. She wouldn't dare cheat on you, because I saw how scared of you she was."

"I just have to be sure. If she's cheating on me, I will teach the bastard she is cheating on me with a big lesson, and deal with her," Colbert threatened.

Andres didn't feel threatened at all.

"Okay. See you next time," Andres said. His bodyguard opened the car's door for him and he got into his Ferrari Enzo.

His uncle waved at him.

Andres put on his black eyeglass as the driver drove off.

Naomi watched them through the window. Immediately, Colbert turned and their eyes met. He had a horrific look on his face. Naomi, scared and panicked, turned away.

"Where have you been?" Andres dad questioned, as Andres approached him.

"I don't have to report everything to you," Andres said, and continued going inside.

"You do realize, if I hadn't sent you abroad, if I had left you to play your silly romantic games, you wouldn't be what you are today?" James said harshly.

"Do you also want to take credits for my hard work? Gosh! Sometimes I wonder if you are my biological father, because we have nothing in common."

"If your brother was still alive, I would have disowned you and put all my hopes in him," his dad snapped.

"Jesus Christ! Stop it, dad! What do you want from me?" Andres asked angrily.

"I want you to get married," James proposed at once.

Andres laughed out loud. "Are you for real, dad?"

"I am," James retorted.

"No, you're not," Andres said firmly.

"Your brother would have agreed immediately. You are so insensible," James mocked.

"Stop comparing me to Chad," and as quick as he said that he walked into the house.

James looked around and sighed. "Scumbag of a son."

X

Charlotte knocked on Andres' room door. "Son, can I come in?"

"Come in, mum," he said.

Charlotte entered the room and sat on the bed. "Your dad and I have found a lady for you. She's the daughter of Richard Brandon."

"You guys have no right to choose a partner for me," Andres snapped.

"Why don't you at least take a look at her picture?" Charlotte asked, showing him a picture. "You may like her."

Andres pushed the picture away fiercely and screamed, "I don't want to. Goddamn it. Can't you leave me alone?"

Charlotte muttered sadly, "I'm sorry, Andres. It's all my fault, I shouldn't have bothered you." She stood up.

"Oh God, I didn't mean to act in such a way," Andres apologized. "How do I make it up to you?"

"Go on a date with Penelope Brandon this Saturday."

Andres remembered he had to be over at Colbert's house with Naomi during the weekend and he really wanted to be there. He wanted to be with Naomi, making love to her not on a date with a stranger. He swallowed.

"I will have a date with her, then," he said, not wanting to disappoint his mom. He loved his mom so much and he was ready to do anything for her.

Andres remembered he had a business meeting with his client. "Shit! How could I have forgotten? I have a business meeting with Charles Winters," he stood up immediately.

"I will leave you to dress up," his mom said and left the room.

Andres quickly changed into a black suit, wore a perfume, brushed his hair and left the house.

He got into the car and the driver drove off.

They arrived at the Thorne Global Holdings. Thorne Global Holdings had a stunning 30-story global tower.

The driver opened the door for Andres Thorne and he got out of the car and walked into the building. He took the elevator and arrived at the 22nd floor where he would be having the meeting with Charles Winters.

He entered inside the office.

***

Sitting at the head of a gleaming conference table on the 22nd floor of his corporate tower, he delved into a high-stakes business discussion with Charles Winters. The room exuded an air of authority as he effortlessly commanded his attention.

"As you can see, Mr Charles, our expansion into the Asian market is imminent," he stated with confidence, gesturing towards the presentation on the screen.

His partner nodded in agreement, his expression a mixture of approval and contemplation. Everyone had always been in awe of Andres sharp business acumen and his knack for turning ventures into gold.

The meeting came to an end.

"Andres, I trust your plan. It is a very smart one," Charles said, as they shaked hands. "Partnering with your company I must say, is the best decision I have ever made."

Andres nodded. "Of course," he said.

They said their goodbyes and Charles left.

Andres sat in his office, thinking about Naomi. After eight good years, he finally saw her again. She had become more beautiful than before. Her black eyes had fear in it as she stared at him in disbelief, after she had opened the door for him. She must have never expected to see him again. Her melodious voice when she said 'hello', was unforgettable. Her eyes were pale and her hair was in a rough ponytail. Andres could tell Colbert used to beat her up or do crazy things to her. Colbert never trusted women. He had trust issues with women. He had been through four divorce with his four wives. He always assumed women were cheaters from birth. And he looked down on women who had nothing to offer to the table but sex. Naomi's charming smile did well to hide her pain but Andres couldn't be deceived.

Instead of returning her greeting, Andres decided to pour out his mind to her. Eight years ago, he had a great relationship with his colleagues and friends. And he loved women. All women. He enjoyed their company but he was very choosy about who he became involved with. It sounded corny but he was looking for the one woman he could spend the rest of his life with and with whom he could have the family he craved. His social life was active but he rarely took things further than friendship.

The scars of the past had deep roots. Back then, his parents' marriage was falling apart, their relationship was failing. He was determined not to settle for second best, not to repeat their mistakes. He'd thought he found his ideal woman when he met Naomi but she had dumped him for someone richer and more upwardly mobile. He'd learned the lesson. And the padlock round his heart had never been opened again. He had planned it would stay locked until he met Naomi again and found out the reason she had dumped him. If not, he would bitterly regret not having children but better that than raise them in the kind of broken and sad home he had endured.

Disapproval and distrust registered in her soulful black eyes whenever she looked at him-which wasn't often as her gaze was usually fixed on some point behind his shoulder or down at the floor. Andres had thought it was guilt, guilty conscience. Concerned for her well-being, he was determined to save her from Colbert. Whether he could ever win her back was another matter entirely. Since Colbert trusted his wife to him, to watch, he was going to use that opportunity well. He was going to make her realize that she wants him more than she had ever wanted him and that she also loved him. Andres was supposed to hate her for what she did to him, and yes he did. But after seeing her, all he wanted was to take her to bed every now and then. He wanted her on his bed, every single day. He wanted to wake up to see her beside him. Perhaps, he had ulterior motives.

He was going to have a date with Penelope but that wouldn't stop him from spending his weekend with Naomi. Whoever Penelope was, she had better not come in his way. He was very certain that even if he gives in to marrying the so-called Penelope or any other person, it would be nothing but a wrecked marriage. He would never love her. He would never love any woman like he loved Naomi. She was his other half.

He wished he knew the reason Naomi dumped him for his Uncle. She knew it was his Uncle and she knew he disliked him because of the pathetic things he did. Then, why did she marry him?

Locking up the door, Colbert slipped the keys in his pocket and walked to the bed where Naomi laid. His face a ferocious mask as he stared at her. He took off the blanket she was wrapped in. Alarmed, Naomi screamed and moved to the end of the bed.

"How dare you cheat on me?" Colbert snarled.

She wondered if he knew she almost had an affair with Andres.

"I warned you not to step out of this house without my permission, didn't I?" he questioned fiercely.

She nodded. "I swear to God, I didn't leave the house," she cried.

He walked closer to her and dragged her by the hair. "Do not ever lie to me, again. I hate liars."

She cried. "I'm not lying."

He slapped her and slammed her head on the bed.

She cried as she moved away from him. He stood there looking like a monster.

"After everything I did for you, you decide to cheat on me," Colbert said, climbing the bed. He moved closer to her and held her neck. "If I ever catch you cheating on me, I will kill you and that bastard. I warn you."

"Colbert, please you're hurting me," she cried. He took his hand off her neck. Naomi breathed out heavily.

"If you value your precious life, don't ever dare to doublecross me. No one will save you, not even your lover," he warned.

"Take off your clothes and lie down," he commanded.

She took off her clothes and laid down, fear written all over her. She was shivering. It was bad news for her that Andres was back. Back in her life. He was her temptation, her weakness. She had to steer clear of him. She had to guard herself from him, if she didn't want to be in trouble. She believed Colbert was suspecting she had an affair with Andres. She hoped never to see Andres again, but she knew it was impossible. Andres was back and he was never going to leave her be.

Colbert chained her on the bed as usual. He took off his belt and whipped her. He watched her cry. The more her cries, the more he whipped. He took of his clothes, went to the cabinet and poured himself a glass of whiskey. He glanced at her naked body. He spread her legs wide and continued to sip his whiskey. He dropped the glass on the table. He climbed on the bed and fucked her, while she sobbed. Once he was done, he pushed her to the side and slept off.

Sleeping in chains was pain for Naomi. Seven years of her life did she live in pain. Although, it wasn't like this during the first two months of her marriage to Colbert, but then, things changed. One day, Colbert came home drunk, he beat her up and tried to rape her but she pushed him away. She cried and left the house. She crashed over at her friend's house. The next day, she came home. Instead of meeting a sober Colbert, she met a monster. He beat her up again and almost strangled her to death. He accused her of spending the night in her lover's house. He accused her of cheating on him and from that day onward, he started locking her up.

Naomi cried until she fell asleep.

The next day;

Naomi woke up to see Colbert sitting at the edge of the bed. He had removed the chains he bound her with. She stretched, her whole body ached. "Good morning," she said with uttermost fear.

He turned to face her. "How was your night, my love?" he had an evil smile there on his lips. He was a psychopath.

"Fine," Naomi dared not say otherwise. She sat up.

"I will be travelling tomorrow," he informed her.

She was the happiest whenever he travelled. This was one of her favorite news from him. At this moment, she was nothing but the happiest.

"And I will have someone here to keep an eye on you," Colbert added. "Who knows what you have been doing behind my back? Who knows what you have been up to, during the days I travelled?" He said, with a smirk on his face.

"You locked me up," she said with a low-pitched voice.

"Did I?" he asked.

He was nothing but a cold-hearted old man.

"Who knows? Perhaps, your lover must have broken into my house, then."

"I don't have any lover," she struggled to say. There were shrivelled tears in her face.

He sighed. "You're so good at lying. I wonder why I married you in the first place."

Then why couldn't he divorce her and let her be? Why was he keeping her? Why was he punishing her?

"I helped your miserable life. You were nothing but a miserable woman when I met you. A miserable woman who was in danger. Who needed help. Everyone neglected you. Who helped you?"

She didn't know what to say.

"Who helped you?" he screamed. His voice could shake or bring down buildings.

"You... you," she cried out.

"Yes, me," he said. "If it wasn't for me, you know what would have happened to you, right? You owe me your life. You may consider me a monster, but we both know who the monster is."

She would never forget that day. She would never forget the incident.

He stood up. "I have to get ready for work. Don't forget to take care of yourself, honey. If you're bored, sleep. If you want to go out, ask the guard to give you his phone to call me. You take permission from me. If I accept, my guard will take you to anywhere you want to go," he explained. "Now, give me a smile."

She gave a wan smile.

"Good. That's my girl," he said, nodding. He moved to her and kissed her cheek.

There was a mixture of hatred and fear in her eyes. She hoped that one day, all of this would be over. The threats, the pain, the secrets, everything would pass away.

She watched him leave the room. She wondered who he hired to spend the weekend in their house, just to spy on her. Was it necessary? She had no phone. No source of communication with the outside word. So, how could he suspect her of cheating on him? Perhaps it was because of Andres. After yesterday's incident, it seemed like his distrust for her, increased. If she saw Andres again, she would avoid him. If he eventually gets her attention, she would tell him straight in the face that she doesn't love him and that she is a married woman who has moved on, and that he should do the same. She would tell him she wasn't a cheap slut who was ready to be having an affair behind her husband's back. But, Andres always believed whoever was with Colbert was a cheap slut.

Immediately, she heard the door bell ring.

She managed to stand up. Washed her face and applied make-up to hide her bruises. She put on a long robe and went to answer the door. Once she reached the door, she wondered if Colbert had left already. If he had left, then definitely the person at the door was none other than the person she hoped never to see. She became alerted.

She opened the door. She gave a sigh of relief when she saw it was Colbert's son, Bryan.

Bryan had his father's blood running in him. Many times, he tried to rape Naomi but she managed to escape him. One time, Colbert caught him and threatened to kill him if he ever tried it again. After then, Bryan hated Naomi and kept spilling trash to his father, making his father suspect Naomi the more.

Bryan looked around. "Why do you look scared? Are you hiding your lover in here?" he asked, keeping a suspicious look.

She folded her hand. "What are you doing here?" Naomi asked, looking at him with disdain. "Colbert warned you never to come here, didn't he?"

"Where did a tramp like you, get the guts from?" he asked approaching her.

"Don't come near me, son of a bitch!" she snapped.

With the look on his eyes, he was ready to strangle her and make up a wild story.

"Bryan?" Colbert called from behind.

"Dad," Bryan said, scared. He regained his composure. "I came to... I came to..." he cleared his throat. "I thought you had travelled."

"Not yet."

He swallowed hardly. "Okay. I wanted to make sure Naomi wasn't cheating on you," he said and as quick as possible, he left the house.

Was he the one Colbert was talking about? Naomi wondered.

"Go back upstairs," Colbert said at once.

Once she went back to her room, Colbert went outside.

Bryan was still there.

"I warned you never to show your face here, didn't I?" Colbert asked.

"I wanted to catch her red-handed for you, dad. I have this goddamn feeling she is cheating on you, just like mom did," Bryan explained.

"It's my business, not yours. I will take care of it," Colbert said vaguely. "Now, get out. And don't come back here, again. If you have something to say to me, wait till I come to the office."

"Okay dad. Your wish is my command," he said, with a smirk and left.

You're not supposed to be my son, Colbert thought. Perhaps, you and Andres were exchanged in the hospital.

Bryan and Andres were born the same time, day and in the same hospital. But they never got along. Bryan failed as an entrepreneur. His dad had given him a job in his own company, he was nothing but a flop. Unlike Andres.