In the eye of the Storm

e ones I've already got," Baxter muttered to himself with a smile as he finally ste

her infectious laughter, the sparkle in her eyes, the red and fluster of her cheeks all re

ble to shake the image of the mysterious woman – th

hesitated, realizing he didn't get the chance to know her last name. "Well, you'll figure it o

hinking, Baxter?" Sebastian's voice cam

iously consi

ty. "It depends on what you find out, Seb. Make it quick, so I know

a rush especially after the meeting with your father this morning, but don'

ber asking for your opinion. I just need you to get the job done and revert

the phone. He knew better than to argue further with Baxter when he adopted that tone.

is mind consumed by thoughts of his bunny. Initially, he ha

ouldn't shake the image of her, the way her gaze held a captivating blend of both sad

be curious about her. He needed to understand why she carried such profound sadness in her eyes and the fear that had quic

a sharp knock on Baxter's doo

e back later in the day. I'm too tired for whatever it is you've g

in and getting to the point. "Baxter, I've

son, but you decided to show up at my place at seven in the

idn't exist before six years ago." Seba

n confusion. "What do yo

of her past beyond the last six years. It's as if she appeared ou

bastian hesitated for a moment before responding, "I was able to dig up some information, but it wasn't easy, or

orbed the gravity of Sebastian's words. Who was

listened intently to Sebastian's findings. Seb took a deep breath before continuing. "Well, it seems that Daphne Collins is actually Daphne Blackhaurt. Six years ago, she chang

nt of impatience creeping into

re you able

ld, her grandfather was arrested and tagged as the Reaper, an infamous serial killer in Texas back in the lat

d the gravity of Sebastian's words. "So, s

way. She left Texas when she turned nineteen, try

you can take someone like her as your bride, even if it's just for a year, no matter how desperate you are. If this gets out, it won't be bad for just

line of his face. "Baxter, I understand the need for a bride and soon, but have you considered the consequences? Taking s

s. It was the smirk of a man who welcomed challenges with open arms and reveled in the thrill of

er declared, his voice laced with a steely resolve. "If she's managed to hide he

t makes you so sure she'll still agree to it? I mean, this is LA-ever

les was a city of secrets and broken dreams, where everyone seemed to be running

self," Baxter asserted with a confident n

o dissuade Baxter. "But, Baxter, think about the repercussions. You can't just ignore the risks.

. "Enough, Sebastian. I've weighed the risks, and I'm willing to take

pressing down on him. But then, with a resigned si

is determination clear. And as the sun rose higher in the sky, casting