Chapter: Chapter 39Lexi’s eyes are locked on Gabriel. I look at Gabriel and see the most beautiful smile on his face as he smiles back at Lexi. My mom walks in at that moment and is clearly in awe of the radiant smile in Gabriel’s eyes.“You’re awake, princess,” Gabriel says, his voice choking with emotion. The sight tugs at my heart, and the corners of my eyes well up with tears, which I manage to hold back.Lexi smiles back, and it seems like she wants to say something, but she can’t speak as she hasn’t talked in hours. I think she needs water, so I stand up, which seems to bring her attention back to me.“Mum,” she calls out, her voice hoarse.“Hold on just a second while I get you some water to drink,” I say.She nods in response and turns to my mom, pointing to Gabriel and trying to indicate something to her.I bring the water to Lexi’s mouth, and she slowly gulps it down. Once she seems okay and refrains from taking more, I understand that she has had enough.Her eyes return to Gabriel. “Oh, the pr
Last Updated: 2024-08-03
Chapter: Chapter 38A doctor and a couple of nurses rush past me into Lexi's room. I follow them, my heart in my throat, but as I step inside, they stop me."Ma'am, you have to step aside so we can do our work.""No, that's my daughter in there," I protest, trying to push my way inside. But I see my mom coming out of the room, probably told the same thing."Jasmine, let the doctors do their job," she says, pulling me into a hug. Tears stream down my face as I sob, "I can't lose my girl.""You won't, Jas," she reassures me, her voice steady. "She means the world to you as much as she means to me. We won't lose her."The tears continue to flow as I think about the years I struggled to have a child to save my marriage with Maxwell, and now, when I finally have Lexi, she's at the mercy of the doctors.I pull away from my mom's embrace and start pacing back and forth in the hallway. It feels like an eternity waiting for the doctor to come out and give me the results about my daughter.Every second drags on as
Last Updated: 2024-08-02
Chapter: Chapter 37Jasmine’s POV As the plane reaches cruising altitude, I focus on Ryder's kind gesture to distract myself from the gnawing anxiety. Despite our brief encounter and Gabriel's coldness, Ryder's concern feels genuine.Why was Gabriel at my house? What does he want? He made it clear that he doesn't want anything to do with me, so he should stay out of my life.I lean back in my seat, taking a deep breath. The hum of the plane is oddly comforting, and I allow myself to relax just a little. My thoughts drift back to Lexi. I grip the armrest tightly, feeling tears welling up. I say a silent prayer, determined that she's coming back with me to Chicago.Flight attendants come around with snacks and drinks. Absently, I take a cup of water and sip it, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I can't afford to break down now; I need to stay strong for Lexi.The plane lands smoothly. As soon as the seatbelt sign turns off, I grab my bag and head for the exit. The airport buzzes with people, but I barely
Last Updated: 2024-08-01
Chapter: Chapter 36A puppy no more than a few weeks old, sits at my kitchen door, looking up at me with big round eyes. Its soft gray fur and tiny pink nose melt my heart. I bend down to pet the little creature, feeling its soft fur and tiny heartbeat. Where did it come from? And how did it get here? I wonder. Then, I feel a presence like a shadow hovering around me; someone is here, I guess. As I cautiously look up with the puppy in hand, the scorching sun pierces into my eyes. I look at a gorgeous man, shirtless and standing, looking at me with a smirk. I take my time to look at him; his body is dripping with sweat like he's been working in the soil. His hands are covered with mud.He's ruggedly handsome, with a strong jawline and piercing gray eyes. His smirk grows wider, His muscles are fully on display, and his abs are what every woman dreams of. He gives a small cough, and that seems to bring me back to the present. He might think I'm drooling over him, but in reality, I'm shocked to see someone
Last Updated: 2024-07-06
Chapter: Chapter 35I knock on the door, and I hear a shuffling from inside. A voice says, "Come in." I take a deep breath, calming my nerves, and turn the door knob. I open the door and walk inside. He stands at the window with his hands in his pockets, gazing out at the city view."Good day, sir," I say, trying hard to steady my voice so it won't betray my nervousness."Good day, Ms. Ross. Good to have you grace me with your presence." He gestures to a seat. "Have a seat.""Thank you, sir," I mutter, making my way to the seat. He gives me a once-over look, and I feel small under his gaze.He removes his hand from his pocket and approaches me. Despite his age, he looks fit and accomplished in his late forties. I admire his achievements and the person he has become."How long have you worked at LPI?" he asks, looking at me intently.I lower my gaze and reply, "Two years.""And what was your job position when you first got employed?" he asks, his eyes still fixed on me.I look at him, unsure how to answer
Last Updated: 2024-07-05
Chapter: Chapter 34Jasmine's POVWhat business do I have with her that she gives me the middle finger? I watch as she sways her hips and goes into the hotel I'm coming out of. I guess she wants to see Gabriel. I couldn't care less, my mind is focused on getting back to my office. I can't afford to be absent from the meeting, especially since the CEO will be there. This impression of me not being at the office isn't a good one. I hail a cab, give him my location, and luckily, he speeds off. My mind is racing, thinking about what just happened. I've always had my doubts about Ryan, and he's succeeded in driving a wedge between me and Gabriel.I know I have no explanation to give Gabriel; I've been caught in a compromising situation. I blame myself for getting carried away with the quest for clients. This was a setup, and it was a smooth one. I was gullible to fall prey to Ryan's scheme. But the question remains - who could be responsible for the setup? This is still a mystery to me.A lone tear slips down
Last Updated: 2024-07-04
Chapter: Nadine 00145Nadine's POVThese past few weeks have been the best of my life. Shawn knows Logan is his dad, and it’s been a smooth ride. He sticks to Logan's side all day, and Logan, being the doting father, has no other obligation than to satisfy his son’s desires.Our dates are magical, and we’ve been on so many more since then. Logan spoils me silly, making every moment feel special. During one of our outings, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and I couldn’t care less about the label because I knew he wanted to woo me—that’s how he puts it.Logan’s family is eager for us to bring Shawn around so he can get to know his father’s side. I see pure love in their eyes as they bask in Shawn’s presence. Later, I find out that the blonde Logan pointed out at the restaurant with Chris is Lucas’s girlfriend. I feel a flush of embarrassment when I remember how I wanted to march up to her and stake my claim on Logan. Thank goodness I didn’t do that! I turn to Logan and playfully smack his chest. “Ouch!” h
Last Updated: 2024-12-05
Chapter: Logan 00144Logan's POVI can’t get enough of Nadine. She’s like a soothing balm for my aching heart, and after giving her multiple orgasms, I feel like I’ve been on one hell of a ride.I want every part of her to bear my mark, so no man dares to come close to what is mine. I trail kisses over her body as she slowly opens her eyes. “No, not again, Logan,” she murmurs, feeling my erection pressing against her.I can’t count the number of times I’ve had an erection just from kissing her, and each time, it leads to amazing sex—an explosion of pent-up desire finally released. “I need to see my boy,” she whines, making her way toward the bathroom.I smile as I watch her. I want to see my boy too, but I dream of us being a family, all under one roof. Waking up each morning with Nadine by my side, peppering her with kisses and sending her into ecstasy before I head off to work. I imagine my son jumping up and down on my bed, trying to wake us up. The picture brings a smile to my face.Suddenly, I real
Last Updated: 2024-12-05
Chapter: Nadine 00143Nadine's POV.He pulls away and asks me a question I wasn’t expecting. Things are moving faster than I thought, but I know we’ve been avoiding our feelings for too long. We’ve both suffered in denial.“Go on a date with me,” he says softly, his eyes searching mine for a reaction. But I know I’m ready to take that leap of faith for us.I smile warmly, letting him see just how open I am to his request.“Of course, yes.”The smile that lights up his face is beyond ordinary, it’s captivating, pulling me in like a spell. He draws me closer and kisses me gently, and I savor the bliss that washes over me. Then it hits me—I need to call Rosa to let her know I won’t be home tonight.There’s no way I’m leaving here; I just want to stay in his arms all night.He notices the shift in my mood and asks, “What’s wrong?”“I need to call Rosa.”“Oh, how’s our son doing?” he asks, watching closely, testing if I’ll show any vulnerability.“He’s fine, but he wasn’t too happy with us leaving so suddenly.
Last Updated: 2024-12-05
Chapter: Logan 00142I can’t believe what I just heard. My heart leaps with joy, pounding so hard I feel it might burst from my chest. “I’m right where I should be,” she whispers.It feels surreal. “Say that again, Nadine,” I urged, my face lighting up with happiness.“Oh, stop, Logan,” she replies, covering her face with her hands.Unable to contain my excitement, I scoop her up in a bridal carry and head up the stairs.“Drop me! I can walk by myself!” she laughs, but I can’t help my joy as I carry her with happiness.“Where are you taking me?” she asks, laughing.“To my bathroom. Remember that day you had your bath here?” She nods her head against my chest, a playful smile on her lips.I can’t seem to have a bath without thinking about that day. I kick the door open and step inside, gently lowering her to her feet under the shower.As the warm water cascades around us, I slowly start to remove her clothes, then peel off my own until we are both naked, feeling the heat envelop us.I take a moment to ad
Last Updated: 2024-12-05
Chapter: Nadine 00141He moves his hand down, sliding my pants aside, and finds my clit with his fingers. I shudder, arching my back as he continues to press deeper. He adds another finger, fucking me with it, but it doesn’t come close to satisfying the longing that’s consumed me for years. No amount of self-control can hold back the desire that surges through me.His fingers alone can’t quench my thirst. All I want is his dick inside me, filling me, while my clit clench around him.He slams into me with all the raw power I remember from our first night together, igniting a fire deep in me.That night is etched in my memory, and each time I use my toy, I picture him, as I thrust in and out reliving the raw connection I feel that reckless night.As he drives deeper, sensations flood back, every gasp, every moan, every brush of his skin against mine. I remember the way he looked at me, his eyes dark with desire, as if I were the only thing that mattered in the world.I think of how desperately I craved him
Last Updated: 2024-12-05
Chapter: Nadine 00140"Nadine," he calls my name, and my knees go weak. I can’t help myself; I lunge at him, pressing my lips to his. He swings into action immediately, without hesitation, as if he’s been waiting for this moment. What does this man do to me? He kisses me back, matching my intensity, pouring as much desire into the kiss as I do.I know this man. His presence etches itself into every part of my being. I can’t stay sane without him. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the damn truth. He owns me, and I’m sure he feels the same. My encounter with Chris is a wake-up call, reminding me to hold on tight to what I have. Rosa’s words echo in my mind, even if she thinks I didn’t hear: I shouldn’t let a good man slip away.“Oh, Nad,” he whispers, his hands roaming over my body, cupping my butt. I wrap my legs around him, keeping our lips locked.He carries me to the couch, laying me down gently before finally pulling away.“What the hell, Logan?” I snap, frustration bubbling up like a child denied th
Last Updated: 2024-12-04
Chapter: Chapter 125Julie’s POVFinding one mate should be a blessing, but I'm left heartbroken and shattered into pieces over Ryder.I have not been there emotionally ever since Ryder was injected. I doubt I'll recover from it.I can't stand looking into his face and knowing that I haven't gone to check on him ever since the incident happened.I wouldn't want to see the hurt and pain that he will be going through. It would break me even more.I know I can't keep avoiding Ryder forever. The guilt of not being there for him weighs heavily on my conscience, and I can't bear the thought of adding to his pain by staying away.I know something isn't right. Ryder isn't a member of this pack, which explains why I haven't come in contact with him even once.To top it all off, he is Xavier’s friend. My brother is a lot of things, and sometimes I doubt his loyalty to this pack because most times he speaks ill of Alpha Kessler.To be honest, Alpha Kessler has been nothing but good to me and my brother. He provided v
Last Updated: 2024-04-25
Chapter: Chapter 124I'm startled. "For fuck's sake, I just had my bath, and you're engulfing me in a hug. I'm sorry to say it makes me feel dirty again," she says softly, gently moving her away from me.I look at Cara in shock, wondering what could be going through her mind to behave in such a manner. But her voice is somber as she asks, "Don't you like it here?"I stare at her in disbelief, wondering what she means by "don't you like it here.""Care to explain, ma'am?" I ask in a mocking tone.She stomps her feet like an erring child. "I'm not joking, Lyra. Don't you like it here?"Then it occurred to me that she thought I was serious when I said I would go back to Northville to continue what I started there. She truly believes I'm considering leaving."Please don't leave us again, your time away from us was hell, and Kessler might not admit it, but it was torture for him not to have you around."I swallow hard, feeling the weight of her words. I didn't want to go through that route, of feeding her the
Last Updated: 2024-04-24
Chapter: Chapter 123She has this contemplative look like she's debating whether to tell me something or not. But trust me, I won't accept a no for an answer.And I have no intention of pressuring her. I move closer, gently squeezing her shoulder. She places her hand on mine, acknowledging my presence. Her gaze seems distant, and she fidgets with her nails, a sign of nervousness. Zach and I are great, but whenever I'm on my period, I notice he gets that look.It's like a switch flips, and suddenly, there's this tension in the air. I try to brush it off, but it's hard not to notice.She pauses as if trying to piece together her thoughts. I wonder if he always wears that expression as if he wishes I were pregnant instead of menstruating.Finally, I grasped the issue. But I must choose my words carefully, so as not to hurt her, because it's one thing to open up, and another for your heart to find solace from that vulnerability."So, you mean he expects you to be pregnant, and seeing you menstruating means yo
Last Updated: 2024-04-24
Chapter: Chapter 122Lyra’s POVWatching Kessler walk out the door, I have mixed feelings about everything that has happened. I rest my hand on my chest, trying to still my racing heart. The scent of my arousal fills the room, and I blush, knowing he can suggest hot, steamy sex when he returns. He knows I want him, and the feeling is mutual. The thought of the kiss lingers in my mind as I drift off to sleep, clutching the pillow tightly.I have a rather nice sleep with thoughts of Kessler resting on my mind. His presence in my life helps take away the thought of Ryder trying to get rid of me. I wake up the next morning feeling refreshed yet apprehensive. The events of the previous night play in my mind like a movie reel. I know I have to confront my feelings about Kessler.Sunlight pierces through my room. The last time this happened, Kessler was in the kitchen cooking breakfast. With that thought in mind and a smile on my face, I make my way to the kitchen, hoping to see him there. I am disappointed when
Last Updated: 2024-04-23
Chapter: Chapter 121Kessler’s POVI don't like it when Lyra stays mad at me. I didn't know she was going to take the role of godmother to Annie's baby. Given what Annie had done to her, I had my doubts. So, I followed her to her room to be sure she'd stop being mad at me. When she complains about her leg, all I want is to massage her legs and make her feel better.Her moan makes my member twitch in my trousers; I can sense she wants me. There's no doubt I want her, but I want my time with Lyra to be special again. Dang, I can't think straight when I catch a whiff of her arousal. With hurried steps, she heads into the bathroom. I can tell she is embarrassed; she takes her time in there. But when she steps out in her towel, all I want is to take her right there and make her scream my name.She looks at me, surprised to see I’m still in the room. I need to take control of my emotions; I want her as much as she wants me. With a smirk, I walk closer to her, noticing her expectant gaze. I run my hand through he
Last Updated: 2024-04-22
Chapter: Chapter 120When Kessler called me "Sunshine" and mentioned there was something else, my curiosity piqued. I could sense his uncertainty, but I leaned in, asking, "What is it?""I know she did many things to you that she wasn't proud of," he began. "She said it before she passed away—she couldn't look into your eyes and ask for forgiveness."I nodded slowly, trying to grasp the significance of Kessler's words and where he was leading this conversation."Annie wants us to be the godparents to her baby," Kessler said hurriedly, as if the words were burning on his tongue. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, a smile spreading across my face. Playfully, I smacked him on the chest and teased, "Is that what was taking you forever to say?"Kessler chuckled, a weight lifted off his shoulders. "Yes, I wanted to make sure you were okay with it.""Of course," I replied with sincerity. "We'll be great godparents. But you hurt my feelings, Kessler, for thinking that I would say no to being the godmoth
Last Updated: 2024-04-19
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Fifty EightJosh’s POVI shut the door behind me, and the sound rang in my ears like a blow. I’m left standing in the hallway, my heart feels heavy with Harper’s words. I can barely breathe, the air thick with the realization that I’ve lost her—truly lost her this time. I lean against the wall, running a hand through my hair, trying to collect my thoughts. How did it get to this point? How did I let everything spiral so far out of control? All I wanted was to protect her, to make things right, but all I’ve done is push her further away. My mind races back to every moment, every decision that led us here. The anger, the jealousy, the lies. All of it is crashing down on me now. And Nolan… Damn it, Nolan. The thought of him with Harper, the betrayal—it makes my blood boil. But I can’t even blame him entirely. I’m as much at fault as he is.I’ve been a fool. I let my pride and fear dictate my actions, and now, I’m paying the price. I thought I could control everything, but I was wrong. I couldn’t c
Last Updated: 2024-09-13
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Fifty SevenJosh’s POV Greg's face pops into the room, and my blood boils instantly. What the hell does he want now? My anger surges, as I seethe, “Can you fucking leave? I’m having time with my fiancée.”Greg opens his mouth to protest, but one look at the fury in my eyes makes him hesitate. He glances at Harper, then back at me, before finally taking a step back, and retreating into the hallway.I can feel Harper’s eyes on me, questioning, unsure of what to make of the situation. The unease between us deepens, and I can feel that something is about to break, something that might be beyond repair.I turned to Harper, my eyes searching hers, desperate to find some sense of hope.“I feel something strong for you, Harper. Please, let's start all over again, I promise to be the man of your dreams, the man who wakes up every morning just to see your face.”Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I could feel the mucus in my nose threatening to spill over. This level of vulnerability was something I had n
Last Updated: 2024-09-13
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Fifty SixI hurried to the doctor as the door opened, my heart racing with hope. “How is she?” I asked, desperate for good news.Amelia and Axel stood close behind me, their expressions tense as they awaited the doctor’s update.The doctor took a deep breath before speaking. “She is stable for now. We’ve run some tests and carried out x-rays on her brain, considering her condition and the memory loss. It seems like she’s beginning to recall bits and pieces. It’s a positive sign, but we need to be cautious. Memory recovery can be unpredictable, and it’s crucial to provide her with a supportive environment.”I nod, taking in the information. “So, there’s hope she might regain more of her memories?”“Yes,” the doctor confirms. “There’s potential for her to remember more as she recovers. The process can be slow, and we’ll monitor her progress closely.”I held my breath, waiting for more information.“The tests show no severe damage,” the doctor continued. “Her brain activity is normal, and there ar
Last Updated: 2024-09-13
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Fifty Five Josh's POV Seeing Harper with Greg ignites a surge of fury in me. It’s like déjà vu of what happened between Harper and Adams. The sight of her arm linked with Greg’s is unbearable.I almost stormed over to them, ready to yank her away from Greg, but Axel grabbed my arm, pulling me back. I had intentionally cut our Atlanta trip short after overhearing Greg's plans to take Harper to a club. Harper, I trust, but I don’t trust Greg at all. He’s involved in shady dealings with women. There are rumors about him drugging them and then using his father’s wealth to cover it up, making it look like the women were at fault. I can’t let Harper become another victim.As I struggle to control my anger, I watch helplessly as Greg, with Harper in his arms, heads for the ground floor. The panic in Axel’s voice only adds to my frustration. I know Harper’s health is the priority right now, but the sight of her with Greg makes it hard to think clearly.Axel’s firm grip on my arm is the only thing keep
Last Updated: 2024-09-13
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Fifty FourAfter a warm bath, I collapse into bed, finally feeling the exhaustion. The weekend is a welcome break, and I spend it relaxing and doing nothing in particular.Amelia visits and excitedly talks about her relationship with Axel. I'm happy for her; it seems like she’s finally found love.But as Monday approaches, I dread seeing Josh. His silence over the weekend has only made me more anxious, reminding me of how he acted before our trip to Atlanta. No matter how much I try to think about something else, his face keeps popping into my mind, along with the unsettling dream I had about him.I can’t seem to shake these thoughts, and it’s clear that Josh still has a big impact on my life, even when he’s not around.Monday arrives, and I drag myself out of bed, feeling the weight of the day ahead. I get dressed quickly and head to the kitchen for a brief breakfast, trying to brace myself for what's to come.At work, I bury myself in tasks, especially preparing the report on everything that h
Last Updated: 2024-09-13
Chapter: Chapter One Hundred And Fifty ThreeI find a space and settle in, pulling out my headphones and plugging them in. As the music starts, it helps calm my racing heart a bit.I wonder if things will be awkward between Josh and me now. His new behavior is confusing, especially when my whole body is still craving his touch.Relaxing back into my seat, I glance at him frequently, but he never turns to look at me. It feels like this is going to be a hell of a ride.I try to focus on the music, letting the rhythm fill the silence between us, but it’s hard to ignore the tension. My eyes keep drifting back to Josh, hoping for any sign that he might look my way. But he stays engrossed in his tablet, completely detached.I take a deep breath, forcing myself to look away and focus on the window. The clouds outside blur as we ascend, and I try to clear my mind, but it’s no use. This is going to be a long, torturous ride, I think to myself, trying to shake off the ache in my chest.I don't think I've ever been in a situation where I
Last Updated: 2024-09-13