The car's headlights are still on, glaring right at us. Andrei, who's supposed to be confined to a wheelchair, turns to face the headlights with a look that could kill. I turn my head to see who is behind the wheel, and the answer is all too clear: it's Eva. She's gripping the steering wheel tight, her eyes wide with shock. Andrei rises to his feet, a single-minded determination in his eyes as he storms towards the car. With one swift motion, he yanks open the driver's side door, revealing a petrified Eva behind the wheel. She's frozen in fear, her eyes darting between Andrei's furious glare and the two perfectly formed limbs supporting his towering frame. I shift my weight, propping myself up on my elbows, my own disbelief mirrored in the shock on Eva's face. It's impossible, yet undeniable—the man we thought was confined to a wheelchair is standing before us, whole, broken. Eva finally steps out of the car, her movements stiff and awkward, her eyes never leaving Andrei'
Eva just keeps on butting in, trying to act all concerned and meddling like she doesn't have anything to do with the mess we're in. “It's good to see you've made such a miraculous recovery, Andrei.” “I don't wanna talk to you right now, Eva. Not after what you pulled back there…" Andrei snaps. “Everything that happened was an accident. I never intended for it…" She begins, trying to justify her reckless driving, but Andrei isn't having it. He briskly ushers me into the front seat of his car, shutting the door firmly behind me. Through the side mirror, I can still see them, their mouths moving in a frenzied back-and-forth. Eva is clearly trying to explain herself, but Andrei looks like he's not buying a word of it. It's a relentless back-and-forth. Andrei is in such a hurry to get away that you'd think the ground beneath him was on fire. Eva tries to keep up, matching his pace as they argue, she won't let go, determined to get her point across even as Andrei continues
Brielle's POV It takes a moment for me to work up the nerve, but eventually, I find the words. “How did the miracle happen?” “It wasn't a miracle. I worked for it… I put in the time, the effort, the pain, I pushed my body beyond what it thought it could do, and I walked again…" My eyes wander, drawn to the source of my confusion and doubt. They land on Andrei's legs, and I think to myself, 'How the hell did he manage to do all that PT without me knowing,' “Don't gawk like that. It's distracting.” Andrei snaps. He keeps his eyes trained on the road, the muscles in his jaw clenched as if he's biting back a harsher response. I get the message loud and clear, and I quickly shift my gaze away. I take a deep breath, the air in the car suddenly feeling stifling as I struggle to find the right words. “It's… um, it's really amazing, Mr. Carter… It's hard to believe that you were confined to a wheelchair just a few months ago, and now… now you're walking.” “Thought I clarified it, M
Brielle's POV It's Andrei's turn to laugh, and he's just daring me to come at him. “I cheated on you? Really? You don't believe a thing I say, do you? What's the real issue here, Brielle?” “You hurt my feelings, Andrei Carter. By impregnating your ex-girlfriend, you've shown that you don't respect me or our union, so let's put an end to this." "Thick as a brick, stubborn as a mule... those traits really suit you, Ms. Monroe. I've tried to get through to you, to explain myself, but you're as deaf as a stone to reason. You'd rather cling to your misconceptions than actually try to understand." “Understand what, exactly?” I retort, my voice rising with frustration. “You're telling me that I'm supposed to believe you didn't sleep with your ex when she's claiming you did? Am I supposed to accept that this baby just appeared out of thin air? Like some divine intervention or something_" “I never slept with Eva,” Andrei grits out, his jaw tightening with each word, "Not once, not ev
Brielle's POV Good lord, I think I may have gotten myself into a mess with Andrei Carter. Gone is the sweet, injured guy in the wheelchair, and in his place is a man who's making my heart race and my knees shake. He's got charm and strength that's making me second-guess myself. I'm starting to think that I bit off more than I can chew with this him. I catch his gaze and my heart skips a beat. The intensity of his stare sending a thrill through me. His hair is tousled up, a stark contrast to the polished CEO look he usually sports. He's not playing around, that much is clear. “Andrei, I have got to hand it to you” I say, trying to keep my cool even though my heart's racing a mile a minute. “You've done a complete 180 in the past day, and, I'm totally lost trying to figure out who you even are anymore. It's like you're a whole different person.” “Brielle, This is nothing but a bit of risqué conversation between two consenting adults.” He smiles, his fingers gesturing leisurely
Brielle's POV “I'm making good on that deal of hours. You said let's wait until Mr. Carter can stand again, and here I am, standing on my own two feet. And you, my dear, are losing yours.” He tuts, shaking his head as his hands rest on his waist. He's all, “Aw, too bad for you,” with that pitying look in his eye. “Andrei, That was nothing but a playful joke, and I certainly did not anticipate that you would take my words so literally. I had no intention of being 'eaten alive,' as you so colorfully put it.” “I promise, Ms. Monroe. My intentions are purely pleasurable.” Pleasurable? I freeze, my mind racing as I try to decipher his meaning. What the hell does he mean by 'eating me'? I think to myself. 'Is he talking about, like, performing_' I briskly shake the thought off. “Out with it, Andrei,” I snap, “No more playing games. Talk straight already.” “No pretenses, Ms. Monroe – I'm a diagnosed psychopath. I… I have a complete obsession with sinking my teeth into the fle
“What have I done?” I ask, my mind racing to recall any wrongdoing on my part. But nothing comes to mind, and I find myself at a loss to explain his reaction. “You gave Jeremy half of the newly acquired shares in our latest deal? What the hell possessed you to do that?” “Andrei, I'm at a loss for words. I have no idea how this could have happened, and I am just as shocked as you are, hearing this.” Andrei restless. He seems mad. Really mad. I try to reason with him, “I swear I don't have a clue how that happened.” “I Can't make sense of this, either. I mean, I entrusted you with this responsibility, and now you're telling me you don't know how this happened? You've been managing this project for a while now.” “You think I'd lie to you? No way.” “But it certainly it defies all logic and reason that you could be so oblivious to something like this happening under your watch. I mean, Jesus Christ, Brielle. Get your shit together.” Andrei's not buying a word of what I'm sayin
I bite down on my lips, thinking of the right words to come up with Mom's glaring at me, demanding answers, and I'm coming up with nothing. “Brielle, I never thought I'd have to say this, but I am beyond disappointed in you.” The words cut deep. “Why you would keep us in the dark like this? We were planning a surprise for you and Dad, Brielle. A family trip, just something to bring the whole family together. But now, I can't even comprehend what you're telling me.” I swallow hard, trying to gather my thoughts. “It just sort of happened. One minute I was living my life, the next I'm married. I know it sounds crazy, but it's the truth. I don't know how to explain it any better than that.” “How could you go ahead and marry someone like that? Money? Is that what it is? Did you marry some rich guy for his money?” “No, no. Not that.” I shake my head,“ There was a contract saying I had to be someone's wife, and I couldn't go back on it. I never meant to keep this from you, I ju
Brielle's POV “Just trying to appreciate the finer things in life, Andrei. Like that fine-ass butt.” I admit feeling my face heat up. He chuckles, clearly enjoying my unabashed admiration, “that's… Probably the most creative compliment I ever heard and the way yours fills out that robe is criminal, Brielle.” I suppress the urge to turn around. This mutual butt appreciation is getting ridiculous – or ridiculously entertaining. He scans the room, gathering his belongings. Meanwhile, I stand there, a robe-clad without any to change into or not to talk of clothings to put in a box and yesterday's clothes that are so last season — literally. Just when the silence is about to get deafening, Andrei breaks it with a casual suggestion, “you should shower first.” My mind whirs. I’m thinking, Geez, how do I break this news to him without making it super awkward?” The last thing I want is to be standing there, naked, with no clothes to put on, while he just stares at me like I’ve gon
Brielle's POV I'm deliciously spent, my senses sated. Andrei executes a brief, yet vital, wardrobe adjustment, then turns around, patting his back invitingly, “Okay, up you go.” They say “there’s a first time for everything”, and today I’m getting my inaugural piggyback ride—. Courtesy of Andrei. With the grace of a seal gliding onto an iceberg, I slide my bare rear off the table, leaving behind only a warm imprint of my departure. I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on tight as he firmly grasps my thighs, lifting me up. With his support, I hop onto his back. “Comfortable?” He asks. “Mhm, perfect.” Our journey begins with a trio of solid thuds, Andrei’s feet hitting the floorboards of the pavilion as he descends. The night air is refreshingly still and quiet… except for the sound of my nervous laughter and Andrei's steady breathing as he navigates the stairs. His usually steady gait falters, his foot catching on some unseen obstacle, and my weight threatens to send him
Brielle's POV He leans in again, His mouth hovering over my breast, “How many white lies have you told?” “One.” He pulls back, “Think again.” I knit my brow trying to focus, to pull my scattered thoughts into some semblance of order. It's a futile effort. I'm still drowning in waves of pure ecstasy. Andrei's lips close around my nipple, and I moan at the sudden sensation. He releases all too soon, again. “Two lies, baby” he purrs. “The first, when you said you never fucked yourself.” His words ignite a thrill that courses through my body, culminating in a sweet ache between my legs. “And the second when you denied ever having fantasies. Now, are you ready to confess them to me… and be rewarded?” His grip on my hand slackens, freeing my fingers to roam. He’s upon me, his mouth latching onto my nipple. Sensation overwhelm my ability to think as His tongue swirls and dances, only to pull back again, letting my nipple pop out of his mouth with a wet plop. I writhe be
Brielle's POV “I'd taken his crap before, no problem. He'd kick my ass, I'd take it. But watch him hurt a three-year-old?” That chuckle, that creepy-ass chuckle, is making my hair stand on end. Andrei's got a lot to say, needs to stop drowning in that drink and talk it out with me. Perhaps if we can get to the root of whatever’s got him so twisted, we can cut it out, get him right again. I screw up my courage, trying to keep my voice from cracking as I ask, “What happened next?” “I lost it. Charged at him and slammed him to the ground. I had him in a tight chokehold, crushing the air out of him. His face turned purple, eyes popping… Killing Archibald wasn't the plan. Just wanted to put the fear of God into him… In a wild twist, he managed to grab a blade and… Carved himself a nasty gash.” Andrei scrapes his thumb along the side of his neck, “This is where he sliced himself. Fucker cried assault. Tried to put me away for attempted murder.” “And Helen?” “Was locked up a
Brielle's POV He gives my earlobe a sneaky little nibble. Damn, if that doesn't stir up something inside me, “Why rush when the journey is half the fun, hmm? We've got lines to run, not lips to lock.” So glad Andrei's here to suck the fun out of… everything. What would I do without him? I'm two seconds away from giving him a good shove, just to knock him off his game. “What?” he asks, that infuriatingly smug smirk still slapped across his face. I purse my lips, cross my arms, “You're really asking 'what'? Like you don't know exactly what you're doing?” Andrei whips out a sheaf of papers from his back pocket, "Shall we begin?” I narrow my eyes, “You expect me to jump right into this after all your little games?” He chuckles, shrugging one shoulder in a charmingly nonchalant gesture. “It's all part of the rehearsal.” “Part of the rehearsal, huh?” I retort, “So that little earlobe nibbling number was in the script? I must have missed that memo.” He laughs," I figure
Brielle's POV My heart stutters, “What?” I try to speak. The words wouldn't come out. Not one single word is showing up to the party. Wearing a sidelong smirk, Andrei jerks his head towards the elevator, “she's been tapping her foot impatiently. Shall we give the poor thing some attention?” Nodding, I swallow my regret. Why didn't I just say something? “I'm intrigued, Brielle. This demure side of you is… unexpected.” He plunders the guest room closet, digging through piles of high-quality linens, designer clothes, and expensive accessories. it's basically a carbon copy of his own — super luxurious. I stand back, curious about what Andrei's searching for. My nerves are still on edge, which is… ridiculous. “Guess, I'll coax them out of you. Every last one.” My curiosity spikes, “How?” “All in good time. Shall we get you into something a bit more… refined?” The robe he hands me is a stunner — bold red, V-neck, and flowing long sleeves, all accented perfectly with
Brielle's POV. Drying soap bubbles speckle Andrei's hands as he meets my eyes, “What's so fascinating?” “It's your charm, Mr. Carter, that's got me in a stare.” His mouth curves into a sly, upward tilt, “You're not so bad yourself. Maybe we can stare at each other for a while and see who cracks first.” Deep down, I'm thinking, 'Seriously, Mr. Carter? Are you not seeing this ensemble?' Perhaps he's just trying to be kind? Yeah, that must be it. After completing the dishes, Andrei takes a moment to dry his hands before wandering over to where I'm sitting, his pace leisurely. I stare at his bare feet, my brain momentarily fixated on the sight. “Why no shoes, Mr. Carter?” “Walking barefoot is like a yoga practice. Builds up the balance, strengthens the soles, and gets you in touch with Mother Earth.” I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. How much of that is actually true, I wonder? He reaches out and takes my hand, pulling me gently into his orbit. And suddenly, my focus shifts from An
Brielle's POV. Andrei’s sweatpants could have fit two of me—and the kitchen sink. He’s a big guy, but these pants were made for a grizzly bear on a beer bender. If I didn’t cinch the drawstrings tight enough, I’d be wading in a sea of fabric, wearing a tent masquerading as sweatpants. I’m halfway through adjusting my shirt when I catch a glimpse of my him in the kitchen. Oh, dear lord. The man might as well be wearing oven mitts for hands. I reach for a bottle of water, partly because I’m parched, and partly to cover up the fit of giggles that’s about to erupt from my lungs “You okay, chef?” I ask, trying to keep a straight face as I watch him fumble with the spatula. “Yeah, sure Brielle.” He scratches his forehead, and I can practically see the sweat beading up. Poor baby's never looked so stressed. “Sure you've totally got this, Andrei?” I survey the chaos, raising an eyebrow at the egg-astrophe. The shells are scattered everywhere and there's a bowl of what appears to be e
Andrei's POV Can’t bear to see Brielle cry. It tears me up inside when she’s hurting, and I don’t know what to call that feeling. It's something profound. Something so much stronger than just basic empathy or sympathy. I'd take a beating any day over seeing her hurt. “If you're willing to spend the rest of your life behind bars, Andrei, then you'd better have a plan for how I'm supposed to move on without you. How do I live without you by my side? You'd better have an answer because otherwise, I won't let you take that step.” “Jail for life? You're jumping to conclusions.” She shoots me an incredulous look. “Are you seriously gaslighting me again?” I laugh, the sound a little rough around the edges. "I'm talking forever with you, Brielle – but not the kind that involves parole officers or therapists' couches." Her head cants to one side, Her gaze skewers me, a sharp, pointed thing that demands an answer. “Andrei, do you honestly believe that talking to someone about our