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
“Bait? What exactly do you mean by that, Brielle? You're not seriously considering putting me in harm's way just to catch a criminal, are you?” “Liam stole from our company while I was responsible for overseeing everything,” “Oh, hell no. There's got to be a smarter way to handle this, one that doesn't involve me being the scapegoat. Why not involve the cops? Let's come up with a plan that doesn't put my neck on the chopping block. I got my own stuff to deal with, like the fact that Liam ghosted me without explanation.” “It happened while I was supposed to be keeping an eye on things. Andrei made it clear that I had to make sure Liam didn't mess up, but somehow he managed to pull a fast one on me.” Ivy's curiosity is piqued, and she sets down her drink to listen. I explain to her that Liam and Andrei don't get along, and that's why he took the shares. I don't want to go into too much detail. Liam has said some pretty nasty things about me and Andrei in the past. He talke
His eyes meet mine, and it's like he's snapped out of a trance, and I'm doing everything possible to not look at Eva, who's has her arms wrapped around him. My heart's pounding. Hard. Andrei tries to call out my name, but before he can even finish the first syllable, I'm turning on my heel and heading back towards elevator. I'm trying to keep it together, but inside I'm a mess of emotions, and it's taking everything in me not to just break down. The elevator doors start to slide shut, and I see Andrei bolting towards me, but it's too late. The doors shut with a satisfying ding and I let out a long breath. Desperate to put some distance between me and the hot mess that is Andrei and Eva, my hands are shaking as I turn the key in the lock, sealing myself safely in my room. I plopped my ass down on the bed, take my shoes off, undo a couple of buttons on my shirt. My toes curl and my palms dig into the mattress, holding me up as I brace myself for the inevitable. His words are
“How's your life going as Mrs. Carter?” Ivy asks, her eyes meeting mine through the rearview mirror as she smooths on a rich, berry-wine lipstick.I laugh, but there’s a nervous edge to it. Even with all the bravado, I can’t shake the jitters I’m feeling about our little scheme “Mrs. Carter life's pretty crazy. Ivy it's chaos. One chaos after another." Ivy and I are twinning tonight, decked out in floor-length, black, glittery gowns that twinkle under the lights. Her own gown takes things up a notch with a daring, high slit that shows off her toned leg.“Here's the tea, Brielle,” she expertly seals the lipstick and tucks it away, “You and Andrei are like two different planets orbiting each other. Yeah, sometimes it's all rainbows and sunshine, but other times, it's like a freaking asteroid belt.”Her analogy is spot-on, and I nod, recognizing the truth in her words, as we drive through the city.“Three years,” Ivy says with a grave sincerity. “That's the timeline, Brielle. If things
Andrei's POV. 'Liam, you son of a gun.' “Must be using all my money to throw a party like this,” I think to myself, glancing around at the extravagance on display. I wave off the valet's offer to park my car, preferring to handle it myself. After all, I'm not officially on the guest list, but that hasn't stopped me from showing up. Liam's a master thief, and those shares are the key to sabotaging Carter Industries. I won't let that happen – the stakes are too high. With Brielle's unpredictable plans, I'm counting on her and Ivy to get it right. Our sole objective is securing the shares. Once that's done, we can put this ordeal behind us and head home. Upon entering the ballroom, I accept a flute of champagne, only to be met with a jaw-dropping spectacle. There’s Brielle, twirling around the dance floor with some random bloke. She's got her arms around him, laughing like she hasn't got a care in the world. I wonder if this is all part of the plan to retrieve my prop
Andrei's POV There's loads of work at the office, but I don't spend much time there today. I grab my keys, and I'm off, very quickly. As I exit my office and stride down the corridor, Sarah’s voice echoes behind me.“Sir, you have a meeting at one o’clock,” “Cancel it.” I don't break stride as I continue on my path to the elevator. “Sir?” I pause, my jaw tightening as I consider her. She's loyal, efficient, and good at her job. But she doesn't know what I'm dealing with right now. “Cancel the meeting, Sarah,” I repeat “We'll reschedule.” She nods, a slight dip of her head that conveys her acquiescence. I’m already moving again, my focus fixed on the exit. Just as I’m about to round the corner, a flurry of footsteps alerts me to the fact that Sarah is hot on my heels. What gives? Thought I made myself clear back there? As I pivot to face for the second time, she halts in her tracks, her expression urgent, "Mr. Adams was just here, Sir." "Mr. Adams?" I echo, m
Andrei's POV Brielle's slumber is a fragile thing, her breathing steady but uncertain. And standing over her, his brow furrowed with concern, is Doctor Corey, a man whose appearance seems almost too stereotypical for the seriousness of the situation. “How's she doing?” I ask. He meets my gaze, his expression serious. “Her condition is troubling.” I take a step forward, “Troubling? What does that mean?” “The sedative should have worn off by now, but she's still showing signs of grogginess. Whatever she may have been drugged with was stronger than we initially thought.” “Stronger? What does that mean for her? Will she be okay?” “It's difficult to say with certainty. We'll need to monitor her closely and run some more tests. There's a chance that the sedative could have left some lasting effects, but it's too early to say for sure.” I take a deep breath, my gaze flitting to Brielle's sleeping form. “The blood work is underway, Mr. Carter. We should have results by tom
Brielle's POV I attempt to deflect, my words tumbling out in a sarcastic rush. "Oh, great. Because what I really need right now is you stripping down in front of me. That's exactly what'll help me focus on finding Ivy." I force a dry tone, trying to conceal the flutter in my chest. I cross my arms, adopting a defensive stance, and meet his gaze with a challenge. "This isn't helping, Andrei. We need to focus." “Liam's got his issues, but harming Ivy isn't on his radar. Trust me, I've known him long enough. The police will track her down, they're working around the clock. And if it turns out Ivy's playing both sides with Liam, she's out. They'll both be singing to the cops.” I gasp. What? No way. Andrei can't be serious. He cocks his head to the side, a wicked smile spreading across his face. “Trust me, I've done this rodeo before. I protect my business at all costs.” Ivy's in trouble… again. And honestly, I'm not surprised. She's never exactly been the poster child for selfl
Brielle's POV Final chapter. “Fine,” Jeremy voice cracks with restraint, the single word drawn out in a reluctant admission. I'm low-key freaking out, my heart racing with anticipation. He's just about confessing. “I'm the one who orchestrated the whole thing. I snatched Brielle's parents right from under their noses, ripping them from their picture-perfect lives. i'd kidnapped her, held her captive against her will, and drained your bank accounts. But here's the kicker, Andrei… you're too little, too late. The police are already en route, and they're coming for you, not me.” I take a deep breath, my eyes burning with determination. “No way, Jeremy. I won't let you pin Jamie's murder on Andrei. He's innocent." He narrows his gaze at me, “You know, for a hostage, you're awfully opinionated.” I sneak a peek at Andrei, and his 'I've got this' expression makes me feel like everything's gonna be okay. I mean, Jeremy's still being his usual, awful self, but with Andrei's ca
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