Ella watched the water from the Seine flow languidly, shimmering under the glow of the moon. There were not many stars and the sky looked like a giant black blanket; gloomy just like her heart.
Jonathan had driven her out here without a word as if sensing her need to be alone, but she knew that by now he would've called Dylan already to inform him, the ever loyal P.A that he was. It felt so good watching the Seine and the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower from the Pont des Arts other wise known as the lovers’ bridge, where lovers come from around the world to swear eternal love to each other, a promise that would later be locked in the love locks that were smattered on the bridge, it sounded so appealing but absurd at least to her.I'm so pathetic, she sniffed.She couldn't tell her feelings from the other which seemed to make her life complicated. She used to hate Dylan so much but somehow that special feeling had slowly made a spot for itself"My dear welcome back!" Ella was engulfed in a bear hug by Idad as soon as the door flew open, it felt so good to be held with such love and affection it was something she really needed and she couldn't be more grateful. Ella didn't realize how much she missed the old woman. "How was your trip? Did you enjoy yourself?" Idad pulled back, her eyes dancing with mirth waiting for Ella's reply.It had never occurred to Ella how hard it would be to try to get Idad off her case and she wondered how long she'd have to pretend to be thrilled until she could get to her room where she would lick her wounds in private. Thinking back, she actually had fun but then that one night ruined everything. After her fitting reply to Dylan's confession, the ride back to the hotel was suffocating. She had stubbornly refused to speak to him even now she just wanted him to disappear.She snapped out of her thoughts as she realised that Idad was waiting patiently for her reply so
"Thank you." Dylan murmured, clutching the handle of the mug Idad had dropped infront of him. He brought the steaming mug up slowly to his lips and took a sip of the black liquid gazing out the window, he couldn't see much because of the torrential rain pouring outside. Idad wouldn't let him be, told him she didn't believe the charade they were putting up, she grilled him of every bit of truth; the reason they got married, his revenge, and all that happened in Paris. Idad listened to him, didn't judge him and she'd shown him so much support he didn't think he deserved it."If all of what you just told me is true and that you really love her then you shouldn't just tell her, you have to show her. You know Dylan; we women want to be wooed not just seduced. You have to make her see it."Dylan looked impervious then but the thought had crossed his mind but he didn't know how to go about it.For the first time in his life Dylan felt afraid, afraid that
"Ella!" Ella twisted from her chair on the board walk to see Lani waving and smiling. A huge grin broke off on her face as she bolted, reaching for her friend. "Oh my God Lani! How?..what are you doing here?""I had no idea I was coming to see you my friend." They were both grinning from ear to ear and were so caught up in their happy reunion that they forgot about the guys."Thanks man." Dylan slapped Bryan on the back."Any time bud.""I on the other hand can't seem to let this opportunity pass by without enjoying a moment of it." Dominic said mischievously."So you and Lani eh?" Dylan eyed him knowingly."Yeah, he took his sweet time." Bryan said in mock irritation before going over to the girls and announcing that they were going into town and to come along if they wanted to."Welcome to Putrajaya, the garden city." Bryan announced chirpily the moment they got out of their cars. Lani and Ella smiled at each other, both D
It was almost ten in the morning and the sun shone bright, evidently marking a beautiful and fun day. They met with the guys thirty minutes later.Bryan produced a large loaf of bread which he shared amongst them to feed the hungry fishes in the river.Ella laughed with mirth as the fishes fought to be fed, each trying to jump higher than the other. The sound of her laughter was music to Dylan's ears it made his heart constricted at how utterly happy she looked right then, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, her face glowed and her cheeks were tainted with colour, those luscious lips of hers were a sight to behold and he wanted nothing but to swallow her with his kiss. Ella had turned right at that moment, and it was too late to look away. Her heart leapt a mile, that feeling they say is the most wonderful when you look at him only to find him already looking. Ella’s tongue darted out to lick her lips as she managed a nervous la
The sun was already dipping back into the horizon by the time they got back to the house. Ella’s legs sunk into the wet grass with each step she took at the same time, her heart hammered furiously across her chest for some reason she couldn’t understand, maybe it had something to do with the fact that both men were standing together; the best friends who now hate each other after one betrayed the other. But Ella wasn’t one to judge and Jason’s reason for going after Savannah was solely his own business, she wouldn’t take advantage of their friendship by demanding he tell her everything.It really wasn’t the fact that they were both standing together that made her heart hammer she realised with a jolt, they both seemed to be in what looked like a heated argument which in every sense of the word was bad.Their exchange came to an abrupt halt when they realised she was there. Ella looked between the two men, Dylan was still in
Ella was confused. It was no surprise that Dylan had married her because his grandfather wanted him to get married or else he’d be disinherited, what was Jason trying to imply? ‘’He didn’t marry you because of Don Fernando, he only did that to spite me because he knew it was the only way he could get back at me for getting involved with Savannah.’’Savannah.Oh God. Ella looked visibly sick at the possible meaning of Jason’s words. She shut her eyes and drew in a sharp breath the thought of it alone squeezed the air out of her lungs.‘’That’s not true.’’ It came out barely a whisper.‘’It is Ella.’’ Jason said. ‘’I’m sorry you had to find out this way but I couldn’t let this guy continue to deceive you as he’s been doing all this time so as soon as I found out I didn’t waste even a second and I rushed here.’&rsquo
Dylan bounced right out of the door and into the night, his shoes making squishing sounds as he threaded on the wet grass. He was angry at Jason for speaking too soon, and angry at himself more for not stopping him, he wanted to tell her everything once he'd won her heart by then it wouldn't matter anymore, it would just be one silly plan he had which was both stupid and immature. Ella would never look at him the same way if not worse, she'd never really had the best opinion of him to begin with and the thought was killing him.He balled his fists as he got closer to where Jason stood talking to Dominic and Lani. Dylan swung his fist and Jason staggered back until he was on his back on the wet grass as Dylan pummelled his face continuously until blood leaked from the corner of his mouth."Stop this nonsense right now!" Dylan's raised fist froze mid-air and Dominic took that opportunity to pull him off of Jason, all three heads turned to her as silence e
Ella didn't care much for what was going on around her at that moment not even when Bryan disappeared into the cockpit to speak with the pilot, all she cared about at that moment, was getting away from there, from Dylan and everything else that may remind her of his betrayal. She sniffed suddenly, her hair mussed, nose red and eyes blotchy from crying. She sat curled up on the plush seat of the jet. Ella glanced up as Bryan re-entered, he went over to the bar and poured a drink."Would you like something to eat or drink?" Ella said nothing in response and looked away. She remained silent for a while until finally she said in accusation. "I'll bet you're pleased with what happened, you must be cheering him on for what he did." Bryan's gaze snapped up sharply, his mouth turned down in a frown. "You might think me a lot if things because i'm friends with Dylan and I know you might not believe me but i'm not proud of what he did." Ella suddenly regre
CHAPTER FIVEA Year Ago...Claire was two hours earlier than she'd hoped to be but no matter, she'd just wait it out. She adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag just as the lift opened at the second floor."Claire you're late." Charity's tone was reproving but Claire rolled her eyes and ignored her."Please, i'm two hours early." Charity was her friend and room mate."And why are you hanging out here? Shouldn't you be working?"Charity pointedly ignored her but then her eyes lit up suddenly and that meant she's got mischief up her sleeve."No I don't wanna hear it.""Come on, I've got this awesome dress I would like you to try on.""Try it on yourself.""I wish." She sighed wistfully. The thing charity was worried about the most was her size, she fretted over the fact that she couldn't fit into all the cute little dresses and jeans she's always wanted.Claire ran her fingers on the silky-smooth fabric. The dress wa
CHAPTER FOURThat tiny feeling of doubt lingered through the next morning, it suffocated her to the point that she thought she couldn't breathe. As she slipped back into her uniform, work was the last thing on her mind right now. She could feel Dimitri's heated gaze boring into her skin and knew he was awake. "You plan on sneaking away like a coward?" he drawled.Claire wasn't sure she'd wanted to sneak away. God she had no idea what she wants right now, her feelings were all over the place. Must be PMS or something. When she swivelled around, she sucked in a sharp breath as she saw his member proudly jutting up and she felt hot all over. Sex right now would mess up her already messed up mind so she forced her gaze to his face. Right now, she couldn't decipher what he was feeling at the moment. he wore the mask of indifference perfectly."I wasn’t actually...""Don't feed me that Crap about what happened between us last night being a mis
CHAPTER THREEThey were quiet, each lost in his own personal reflection. Claire just wants to lie down somewhere and forget this day but Dimitri won't let her, he's persistent and she couldn't decide whether she like that or not. "Do you remember the first time we met?" How could she forget?"I thought you were the most beautiful woman in the ball room. You took my breath away then, and you take my breath away standing in that cute little uniform." he caught her face in his palms and stared deep into her eyes.Claire couldn't tear her gaze away even if she wanted to. His feelings were so intense it ignited a fire deep within her very soul. "I feel the same way about you as I did when I first met you and there's nothing you can say or do that'll make me feel otherwise." Claire swallowed hard and in one breath said, "even though I was once an escort?"Dimitri shook his head. "No one is perfect darling, your past doesn't define the woman yo
CHAPTER TWOSix months ago..."Is my hair okay?""The just-had-sex hair suits you perfectly agapi mou, every man out there will be envious of me." Claire punched his arm playfully."I'm serious Dimitri! I'd die if anyone knew what we just did.""It's not something to hide, we're getting married in a month." he kissed her slow and sweet, pulling her even close until she could feel him against her.She giggled as she pulled back. "We should get to the party before it ends.""You can’t blame me I can't get enough of you."She can't get enough of him too. God how much she loved this man who makes her more happy than she'd ever been in her life. Tonight, Dimitri's going to announce to everyone that they're going to get married.Dimitri took her hand in his as he led them both to the garden at the Stavros mansion in Athens, Greece the guests mingled together while servers went around with snacks and drink. A buffet table stood a
A STAVROS PASSIONTHE STAVROS BOOK 1 MARICRUZ ROSALESA STAVROS PASSIONFirst editionCopyright © 2019 by Maricruz Rosales All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or here after invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. All incidents are pure invention.CHAPTER ONE"Welcome to New York Mr Stavros." the bright-eyed, round-faced chauffeur said cheerily as he
CHAPTER SIX "Why didn't you tell us about it?"Dominic looked away from the window of his water front apartment to his mother, she was holding a brown envelope."I don't want to talk about it. " she was holding the envelope that confirmed his biggest fears, he couldn’t have children of his own.It was a boating accident seven years ago and Dominic was never the same ever since."Your father and I are worried about you. At least come spend some time with us and let us keep you company. " "I'm fine mom, there's nothing to worry about. " She wasn't convinced though. He had bags under his eyes as if he hadn’t been sleeping and there were a couple of empty cans of beer littered on the table. Dominic was stubborn and nothing either of them could do to make him change his mind.These past three weeks were the most miserable weeks of his life. Clara's betrayal had cut deep. There were times in these past three weeks that he'd thought of running to her and
CHAPTER FIVE"You look even more beautiful than I did on my wedding day." Anastasia Magnus gushed as she did the finishing touches on Clara's make up.Clara smiled. "Now you're just buttering me up.""Dominic is doing enough of that already." Anastasia wagged her brows at her friend." I didn't think this day would ever come." "Yeah, well it is here so put that glum look away. You will not get the same drama as my wedding day. " "I know. I'm just being silly. Am glad you're here Ana.""It is time!" Clara's mother ambled into the room with a dazzling smile on her face. "You're glowing my dear.""Thank you mom." her mother allowed herself a good cry before they finally left the room.Clara was being escorted to the limo which will take her to the church where she'll be getting married when a taxi suddenly pulled over in front of the Contas' house and none other than Mark, her ex boyfriend came out of it."You have cheated me Clara.
CHAPTER FOURThe past few days had been hectic, what with all the preparations for the wedding that they didn't have time to see each other. Today was her first ultrasound and Dominic was coming to pick her up himself. She saw his car round the corner which led to his parents' house and stopped in front of her. He got out of the car and came to where she was standing and kissed her full on the mouth. "You look lovely. " "In this?" Clara was wearing one of her mother’s old dresses which she'd mended the other day. It was old and unappealing, how could he possibly think that she looked anything but a homeless person."You look beautiful in anything."He opened the car door for her and she got in before hopped in the driver’s seat. "Make yourself comfortable, the doctor will be with you shortly." the nurse informed them before exiting the room."Do you want a boy or a girl?" Clara asked.Dominic kissed her knuckles as
CHAPTER THREE"Dominic! we were just talking about you" his mother cried as soon they stepped into the room. "Mom, dad, this is Clara Wilson... my wife. " The table went silent and the only sound heard was the clatter of fork slipping from the table to the ground. "Since when?" his dad asked."My dear son, come up stairs will you?" his mother spoke after a long silence. Clara felt so exposed under their scrutiny. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable, i'll be right back." Dominic gave her hand a reassuring squeeze."What is this I hear about you being married to that girl Dominic?"His mother was the first to demand."I hope you know what you’re doing son." his father said."I know that I should've told you all sooner but I couldn't wait.""Marriage is not some game you can play anytime you feel like it." His mother said."There's only one reason why he could possibly want to get married, and so out o