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 The tub is a sight to behold, all sleek and designer, with dancing lights and a fancy rain shower head. Andrei leans over the tub, filling it up, and then he's adding some expensive looking bath oil. The bath fills, and the oil erupts into a fluffy, pink-hued foam, releasing the juicy scent of ripe strawberries and blueberries. I hover in the doorway, my arms wrapped around myself, wary eyes scanning the scene before stepping forward, my eyes lingering on Andrei's physique, admiring him. Oh no, I'm staring. Stop staring. Why can't I stop? He's just so… put together. Unlike me, a hot mess. I take Andrei's hand, our fingers intertwining, and he pulls me in. It's electrifying, the charge between us almost tangible. My senses are on high alert, my heart racing as his hands slide down to the tie of my robe. With a gentle tug, he undoes the knot. “Release that lip, Brielle. I want to be the one biting it.” I release my lip, but my tongue darts out, moistening
Brielle's POV. I leap from the bath tub, water sloshing all over the place. Seriously, how did my mom manage to find the Carter estate? That woman's got some crazy tracking skills. Panic sets in as I scan the bathroom, unsure what I'm searching for. I spot the towel rack and react on instinct, snatching a towel and hastily wrapping it around my dripping body. Andrei's just sitting there, in bathtub, looking at me with that “what the hell's going on” expression on his face. Well, that's not gonna cut it, is it? We're in deep trouble here, and all he can do is stare at me like I'm speaking gibberish or something. The voices, muffled but still clear, continue to seep through the bathroom door and I know, I just know, that Mom's in there, arguing with Paul. She's like a pit bull, that woman, stubborn and determined as hell. I pause trying to make sense of the words. “I apologize, ma'am, but you must leave.” Mom's voice is sharp and pointed, as she fires back at Paul. “I
Brielle's POV I stare at her, my mouth agape, unable to form the words to protest. Mom's eyes seem to read my doubts, and I falter. “What?” she asks. I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. “I don't know, Mom. This just feels sudden.” Mom's gaze doesn't waver. “We need to go, Brielle. Now.” “It's… It's you demanding that I leave. I mean,” “I'm not demanding, Brielle. I'm protecting you.” “Protecting me from what?” “From here. From him.” Paul's presence has disappeared. I'm thankful for the privacy he's afforded us. “Brielle, I'm tired. Tired of all the excuses, the lies, the evasiveness. I'm still trying to understand what's going on between you and Andrei, and why you're so unwilling to tell me the truth. Every time I ask, you give me the runaround, like there's something you're not telling me.,” “Mom, I swear I've never intentionally lied to you. I know I haven't been completely open with you, but that's because… I didn't know how to explain everything. It'
Brielle's POV “Hand it over. I want to see the contract. Every word. Every clause. And then I'm going to make sure it's destroyed. Nullified. Gone. You're not manipulating my daughter with some shady agreement.” What am I supposed to do? Mom's so mad, and I don't blame her, but Andrei's not the villain she thinks he is. Being her only daughter, she's naturally protective. I appreciate that. But sometimes, it's like she doesn't see me, doesn't see the woman I've become. “I'm not leaving this place, Andrei Carter, until that contract is shredded, and my daughter is free from your grasp. You're not controlling her life or manipulating her future. Not while I'm still breathing.” Andrei's eyes flicks to me for, a second. What's he thinking? Is he mad? Disappointed? Or is it something more? He's still not saying anything. Just standing there, all stoic. It's infuriating. Can't he see Mom's freaking out? A little reassurance would be nice. “Mom, can we step aside for a minute
Brielle's POV. “Were Edna and Helen already planning to come?” I mutter to Andrei. “Informed them I was back on my feet again. I didn't think they'd take it as an invitation.” “I'm not sure what's more embarrassing, my outfit or my hair…. I'll go change into something more suitable." I turn to walk away, but not before catching Andrei's gaze. His nod was brief, but that smirk and spark in his eye? Totally unexpected. What's he amused about? My cheeks heat up as I dart into my bedroom, feeling a surprising wave of nostalgia. Who knew I'd miss this space? I slip into a sunny yellow floral dress that falls just above my knees, towel-dry my hair, and pull it back into a neat bun. I feel refreshed and renewed. *** As the stars begin to twinkle above, the Carter estate transforms into a hub of laughter and reminiscence. A reunion party of sorts has taken over the grounds, with Edna, Helen, and Mom at its epicenter… I watch, fascinated, as they laughed and chatted like old
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