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Break from life
Last Updated:
2024-02-24 07:58:00
Morgan AshI hope everyone is enjoying the story so far. I would love to hear feedback!!
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A Marriage of Convenience Wine
I stared at the text on my phone from James, sipping wine straight from the bottle. “We need to talk,” I repeated the words under my breath, “I’m tired of talking, James Wood,” I took another large swig from the bottle, sitting it harshly on the counter. The thing I’ve learned about James is he loves to talk when it’s trying to convince me to stay in our loveless marriage, but the second I start asking the hard questions; he shuts down. He doesn’t want to talk anymore. He wants to make demands, and old Rosa would have fallen at his feet at the opportunity to show him that I was all in. “Years,” I spoke through gritted teeth to an empty, “Three years I spent falling at your feet. And for what?” I raised my voice at the ceiling.I paced the living room of my condo gripping the wine by the neck of the bottle. I’d switched from my scrubs to fluffy pajama pants and a tank top, which had quickly become my essential nighttime routine now that I wasn’t living with James. For three year
Last Updated : 2024-02-25A Marriage of Convenience Run (James POV)
My sleep was plagued by images of her. And it was a fucking tragedy that I’d never actually seen my wife’s body. I tried to imagine what she looked like standing in front of her mirror, wine spilled all over her chest. The thought of running my tongue along the curves of her breasts crossed my mind more times than I could count as I lay staring at my ceiling. I don’t know what the hell is happening. When Rosa agreed to go to lunch with me, I thought things would be awkward, but she squashed that feeling almost instantly. The ease at which she joked with me and held a conversation was admirable considering I couldn’t conjure up an actual sentence. Ever since that day in the hospital, I haven’t known how to act around her. And now, I’m more certain than ever she holds the key to bringing Onyx back. The moment our lips touched; my body came alive. Her taste was intoxicating, and I could feel the walls that held Onyx prisoner bowing and bending in my mind. When she admitted
Last Updated : 2024-02-25A Marriage of Convenience Vacation
The moment the sun hit my face as I stepped from the plane; I knew I’d made the right decision. It’s been so long since I’ve taken a vacation, and never have I visited Bali. The breeze is warm and carries the scent of the ocean. The soft sound of waves is so alluring and wraps around you like a cashmere blanket. Something about it is just putting my mind at ease. It’s like an instant weight was lifted from my shoulders. “Just wait until you see our place,” Chris elbowed me in the side, wagging his brows. The boys loaded up the car that was awaiting us at the tarmac. They’d opted for a jeep-like vehicle with no windows or doors. The sides were open, allowing the warm breeze to lash against our skin as we drove towards the villa. “Is that a smile, Rosie?” Shawn lifted his glasses, winking at me while driving. “My smile is not that rare,” I shook my head, feeling my cheeks flush from embarrassment. Have I really been that obviously miserable as of late? Chris’ hands gripped
Last Updated : 2024-02-27A Marriage of Convenience Dare
“This is stupid boring,” Chris groaned, thudding his head backwards onto the sand. “I think you need to learn the art of relaxation,” I tilted my head to the side, lifting my glasses to stare at his dramatics. “You woke me up at the ass crack of dawn so that we could lay here and bake in the sun like a chocolate chip cookie,” he groaned. “Has he always been this dramatic?” Shawn joined the conversation from my other side. “Yes. You were always just immune to him and his ways. Distance has made you see the truth.” “Y’all are just rude. I’m going for a swim,” Chris jumped up from the sand, running at full speed towards the ocean. “What do you think so far?” Shawn propped himself up on his elbows, making his incredibly toned abs look even more defined. “About what?” I was thankful for my sunglasses because he’d surely see me staring at the pure dedication he puts into the art that is his body. “This trip. How does it feel getting away from life?” he sat up, taking a drink
Last Updated : 2024-02-28A Marriage of Convenience Too late
I felt my heart rate quicken. What was he doing here? And in my room.... “Don’t scream,” he whispered as he released the hand he held over my mouth. Anger floods my veins as I slowly turn around to meet searing forest green eyes. It’s so funny to me now that the tables have turned. I can see it shining back at me in those eyes. Desperation. But it hardly brings me peace. If anything, it’s guilt. Though I have nothing to feel guilty for. James was the one who chose Marina over me. Over our marriage. He chose indifference when he could have just chosen me. I’m forced to focus on the steady rise and fall of my chest, because every breath feels as if there’s not enough oxygen in the room. I blink, trying to diffuse the stare off between the two of us, “What are you doing here?” “The question is what are you doing here?” James retorts, never breaking eye contact. A heavy breath escapes through my nose as I shake my head, “The last time I checked, I don’t have to tell you wha
Last Updated : 2024-02-29A Marriage of Convenience One kiss
I searched James’ face for the ‘but’. For the lie. For the deception.... But it’s not there. “Why now? Why all of a sudden are you so willing to change your mind?” There was a part of me, despite seeing the truth mirrored in his eyes, that just couldn’t believe it. There was a catch. There was always a catch. His fingers ran through his mess of hair, and for the first time since we’ve been in here, I took in his appearance. He was in a suit, but the undershirt had the top few buttons popped, showing off his toned chest. The only time he’d ever done that was when he was stressed. His hair was a mess, most likely from running his fingers through the strands hundreds of times. A light stubble dotted his otherwise normally clean-shaven face. The man in front of me wasn’t the James I was used to seeing. “You want honesty, Rosa?” he huffed out a humorless laugh, “I don’t fucking know. You said something about this pull that you felt when I woke up in the hospital. You called it lo
Last Updated : 2024-03-01A Marriage of Convenience Sharks
“Were you taking a shit or something?” Chris groaned as we climbed into the car. I rolled my eyes, trying to shake the feeling of James watching me. I knew he was. Even now, when I’d asked him to leave, he hadn’t. It was strange how that one kiss made me so hyper aware of his presence. I knew it was a bad idea. Letting him in, even if it was only for a moment. But I’d longed for so long to feel his lips and body pressed against mine. It was better than my wildest dreams. He tasted sweet and spicy, almost like one of those hot tamale candies. Reaching up, my fingers trembled as I touched my still swollen lips. His taste still lingered in my mouth. “Earth to Rosa,” Chris snapped his fingers next to my ears. At some point we’d started driving away from the villa, but my mind was still so preoccupied with James that I hadn’t realized it. “What?” “Did you hit your head while you were in your room or something?” Chris narrowed his eyes. “Give it a rest,” Shawn glanced in
Last Updated : 2024-03-02A Marriage of Convenience Tortured (James POV)
I watched from the window as Rosa pulled away with Chris and Shawn. Letting her leave after that kiss damn near killed me. I could feel Onyx tugging at the restraints in my mind. Fuck. I’m more sure now than ever that Rosa is my mate. But how do I bring him back to me? And how do I get her to see that she’s mine. I’ve spent the last three years royally fucking up any chance I ever had to be with her. Hell, I don’t even want to be with me most days. Stuck in this constant fucked up loop of anger. I’ve been running in circles since the attack. Trying to find the person who orchestrated the demise of my pack has proven to be nothing short of infuriating. But now, Rosa’s in the mix. How does she play a part in my life with Marina? And how am I supposed to tell Marina to move out... I know she’s my mate. We felt the bond before the attack. She was there first. She’s my only tie left to my old life, and I’d just offered to throw her to the side for a chance with Rosa. It’s all
Last Updated : 2024-03-03
Latest chapter
A Marriage of Convenience The letter
“Did she complete the task?” Marina speaks through gritted teeth as James walks me back inside the warehouse blindfolded. He didn’t bother zip tying my wrists, as I was being cooperative. “Flawlessly,” James purred, and I heard a relieved sigh fall from Marina’s lips. “What is with that necklace?” I question now that we’re no longer at the bank. Not only that, but James’ mood tanked after three separate people asked for photographs with him as we left the bank, so I didn’t bother asking on the ride home. “Nothing that concerns you,” Marina snapped, and I heard her step closer, grabbing James and planting a sloppy kiss on his lips. The act was intentional to grate on my nerves, and I wanted to claw her eyes out. I wasn’t jealous any longer, but it still stung having your failures rubbed in your face. “My father thought it concerned me,” I interrupted their make-out fest, causing James to let out a groan, “I don’t remember you talking this much.”“My talking didn’t seem to bother y
A Marriage of Convenience Not the first time I've faked it
James white knuckles the steering wheel. My normally relaxed husband is glancing around every few seconds as if the boogeyman might step out of the shadows at any moment. If only he realized he just needed a mirror. “Are you paranoid?” I wring my hands in my lap. Noticing the raw skin around my wrists, I tugged the sleeves to the cardigan James gave me before we left. Couldn’t have anyone at the bank seeing the marks left behind by my dear husband. Though he told me if anyone noticed, we like it rough in the bedroom. My stomach recoiled at that thought, but I nodded in agreement. The job was simple. Go to the bank, smile, pretend that we’re a loving couple, and get the contents of the lockbox. I’d done this dance with him many times in the past, I just never imagined I’d be back here.“Why would I be paranoid?” he snapped.“You just keep looking around. Checking the rear and sideview mirrors,” I purse my lips, “I doubt anyone is looking for me.”“I’m not taking any chances.” His
A Marriage of Convenience Memories
“I’ve brought you clean clothes. There is a basin shower through that door.. Which stays open,” James carefully sat a pile of clothes down beside my leg, pulling a knife from the breast pocket of his suit. He looked like his normal self. His hair was messily pushed back in that effortless style he was famous for. The five-o-clock shadow that painted his jaw yesterday is gone, and he’s wearing another one of his expensive suits.“I’m going to cut you free and you’re going to walk straight into that room, clean yourself up, and then we leave. Got it,” his hardened eyes were on me, and I was taken back to a time where I’d seen this man’s true colors for the first time.“Rosa!” James’ shout echoed through the house. I was downstairs in the kitchen preparing a nutritional shake for Marina. “ROSA!” His voice was harsher as he called my name for the second time, and I grabbed the shaker, shaking it as I rushed up the steps, taking them two at a time. “Yes?” I whispered, my voice meek as I
A Marriage of Convenience Don't be a hero
James disappears for the evening, but not before dragging Shawn’s limp body back to the pole opposite of me, and zip tying his hands to it. Hot tears have streamed down my face, as they had for the last few hours. Or maybe it had only been minutes. Time strapped to this pole, with the only light being the flickering one in the corner, is relative. Shawn must have one hell of a concussion from the accident for the following two blows from James to have kept him out this long, and fear grips my heart. Does anyone realize we’re missing? For all they know, Shawn is taking time off, likely with my father covering for him unknowingly after what happened at the restaurant and no one would be looking for me outside of James, and he’s the reason I’m here. Maybe Chris, but he’s been in a constant state of drunk since finding out about us being werewolves, so I doubt it. If he’s called, he’s not worried yet. In the past, I’d go days without responding to anyone, and now I’m kicking myself
A Marriage of Convenience Almost (James POV)
Rosa looks so…. Pained. Her eyes shimmer with so many emotions, I don’t know which I like best. Fear or anguish. Probably fear. The thought of her at my mercy gets me off, and if Marina weren’t watching, I might give Shawn a little show with my sweet wife. “James,” her voice softens, and I almost fall for the act. I’d actually started to fall for her, beyond the wretched mate bond. “Why are you doing this?” She sounds so small right now, but the reality is that she’s of the Red bloodline. Her namesake makes me sick, and no matter how much the bond pollutes my mind, she’ll always be the enemy. Rosa’s father took everything from me. My family. My pack. My friends. It’s all gone because he was bitter and jealous. The reality fucking hurt, but it was as if everything slowly snapped into place. Marina was right about everything. I squatted down, keeping an eye on Pierce. He might become a problem with Onyx locked away, back in a cage. He’s been fighting to come back to me, but he’s
A Marriage of Convenience What's his life worth to you?
My lips part, my eyes widening as the familiar voice steps out of the shadows. I stare into emerald, green eyes that I’ve found solace in so many times over the last few years. Eyes that have looked at me with so much emotion that I feel like I’m drowning. Eyes that have stared up at me from between my legs. Eyes that have pinned me beneath a lust filled haze. Eyes that shine with amusement now at the pain that marred my features. “Surprise, sweetheart,” James steps closer, his expensive, French loafers echoing through the room like a haunting drum.Thud. Thud. Thud. Have you ever fallen onto your back when you’re swinging so high on a swing? You make it to the top, only to have your butt lift from the seat, and you free fall to the ground. The impact steals your breath away, making your vision darken around the corners. Twenty seconds pass and you still can’t breathe. A minute and you’re finally staring up at the sky, inhaling the oxygen that you were once robbed of. That’s how
A Marriage of Convenience Unbothered
That. Bitch.I’m thankful to Shawn for the surge of confidence when it comes to cursing because I should have known.“Happy to see me?” Marina’s voice coos from across the large space.“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me….”Marina huffs out a laugh, rolling her eyes, “What happened to Mrs. Goodie Two Shoes?”Shawn’s fingers grip mine tightly, “When James finds out what you’re doing, he’s going to finally get rid of you for good.”I want to cry.Marina snorts out a laugh, “Oh, you poor, stupid boy. James isn’t coming to save you,” she shrugs, “Either of you.”Her smug attitude is grating on my nerves, and I desperately wished that I hadn’t been a coward all this time and showed her what I was capable of prior to being strapped to this damn pole.“It’s pathetic that you couldn’t face me without crashing a car into me tying me to a pole.”She walks closer, her sharp features illuminated by the flashing light in the corner. Marina was beautiful in an unconventional way. She reminded me o
A Marriage of Convenience Chained up
My head swims with pain and confusion. I’m slumped over, I know that much, but I can’t find the strength to open my eyes or lift my head. Each time I try to circle back to how I ended up like this, it’s empty. My shoulders ache, but I can’t move my arms to relieve the pain, and my leg is damp and throbbing. “Rosa,” Shawn croaks out, and I force my eyes open, wincing when a flickering light in the far corner assaults my eyes. Forcing my head from side to side, I don’t see him, “Shawn, where….”His fingers brush against mine, and I realize in that moment that I’m tied to something. A pole most likely, given the cool metal against my wrists. “Are you okay?” his voice is gravelly, and I hear the wince he tries to hide. “My head is killing me, and I think my stitches busted. You sound like you’re in pain.”Shawn lets out a low chuckle, coughing as the noise slips from his lips, and I realize what a stupid question that was. A tear-filled smile pulls on my lips, “Okay, I get that was
A Marriage of Convenience Losing my mind(James POV)
‘You were a fool to let her stay with the football player,’ Onyx snarls, his voice lethal. The sound of it bouncing off the inside of my already aching skull, and I just want to tune him out.Déjà vu smacks me in the face because I’ve been here.Onyx isn’t a normal wolf. He’s an Alpha with an untamed side of him. We didn’t spend long together before the attack that left him locked away, but for months, I wasn’t myself. I was Onyx.He’d taken over my body, leaving me locked away, and fighting every moment of the day.I feel him now, his strength, pushing to the forefront. Without Rosalind, I’m going to be overpowered before too long.‘Rosalind made it clear she needs space. If we want her to come back to us willingly, we need to give her that.’‘Who said anything about willingly?’ the low growl that rumbled through my head sent shivers down my spine.Onyx would find no issue taking Rosa as prisoner.I dial her number again, my call log filled with her name only, but it goes straight to
