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Alone 37
Three weeks later Ashlynn's POV: Gage is slowly secluding himself, and it makes me sad. His grandmother is still at the hospital and each day her chances of getting past the heart attack decrease. He's also been figuring out the whole Iris situation, which I still don't know what it's about. He was gone for a week, apparently in South Korea, but that only gave him a new lead that she's currently in Iceland. So he's been busying himself with that. He rarely sleeps. Alex has put me in charge of bringing Gage his meals. I'll go in there to give him his breakfast and he'll be in the same clothes as the day before and his appearance just screams tired. Today I won't let him hide himself anymore. I grab the tray full of breakfast foods and a glass of orange juice. Tori gives me a small wave as I walk past her and up to Gage's office. A few of the maids give me small smiles as I walk by and I return them. The guards who are walking through the house look stoic as ever. I keep my head
Alone 38
Gage's POV: To say I was furious is an understatement. Once I got Ashlynn to relax I laid her on my couch, and she's currently playing a game on the small tablet. I'm at my computer looking at the background check of her so called parents. They are still living in Peoria, Arizona. They've been caught for possession of drugs and driving drunk, but nothing that has convicted them to prison. I continue to dig through their file, and I'm shocked at what I find. I make sure that what I'm reading is correct before I message Vince to look into it. "Are you stressed?" I look up at Ashlynn who is looking over at me, the tablet now laying on her chest. "Just work stuff," I shrug off. "I'm almost done. Just have to get everything prepared for a meeting tomorrow then we can head downstairs." "Alright," she says and grabs the tablet. "If you're lying I'll punch you." "Okay," I chuckle as I switch tabs on my computer. I focus my attention back to the Iris case, and I'm able to pinpoin
Alone 39
Alex has set the jet to leave at 8:00 in the morning, leaving me with only seven hours to sleep before the plane leaves. Really only about five to five and a half before I have to start getting ready. We are taking a group of ten men who will be on ground and then five who will be tech. Vince is staying home, per mom's request. He's pissy about it but I side with mom on this one. Considering that tomorrow is Friday, I still have to call the brothel and tell them that Ashlynn won't be there. "Go to sleep," Ashlynn says and I roll my eyes. "I could say the same for you," I reply and she grins before taking a sip of her hot chocolate. "I don't have to be somewhere in the morning, you do," she retorts and sets the mug down. "Will you tell me why you're up now?" "Anxiety?" I say, although it sounds more like a question. "I just want to find her and give her what she deserves." "Can you tell me what she did?" She asks hesitantly. "The Iris I knew was a mentor to me. I just wan
Alone 40
Ashlynn's POV: "Elliott is on the mission too," Kylie says as we sit on my bed. She was given the day off for some reason, so we are just relaxing in my room before I work tonight. "I'm scared. I know we aren't really anything yet, but I've grown to care for him." "I don't think the mission is a dangerous one," I say, trying to calm her nerves. "They just have to find one person. They should be back soon." "Are you scared? For, you know, Mr. Cutler?" She asks and my cheeks flush. "I know he can handle himself," I say and tuck my hair behind my ear. "Besides, why do I need to be scared?" "There's obviously a connection between the two of you," Kylie scoffs as if what I said was dumb. "We both like each other, that's it really," I shrug. "No labels yet? Shame," Kylie sighs before she starts to smirk. "Can you imagine how cute your guy's baby will be? Blonde hair and hazel eyes!" "What!" I choke out. "What do you mean kids? We have only kissed a couple of times, so
Alone 41
"Wait, that's Gage?" I ask as Nicole shows me a picture of a little boy in the bath with a stack of bubbles on his head. He's holding two yellow rubber duckies and has a large smile on his face. "I think he was three in this. My mom had just gotten him the two rubber ducks and he was obsessed with them," Nicole smiles. We continue to flip through the photo album and I can't help but take pictures of a few of the photos. "He's in a little suit!" I exclaim as I see the picture. Gage is probably six or so and he is in a black suit and tie. His arms are crossed tightly over his chest and his lips are forming the biggest pout. "This was his first time wearing a full suit," Nicole tells me. "It was for my sisters wedding. He was the ring bearer and he didn't want to wear it. He cried for a few hours before the wedding. I managed to bribe him with suckers, so it worked out in the end." "It sounds like he was stubborn even as a kid," I smile and she laughs. "You would've never m
Alone 42
One week later "You're taking it because I bought it for you. Also, I could never fit into it," Kylie says as she hands me the pink bag. "I think it'll look great on stage too." "I don't want you to buy me anything," I tell her as I hesitantly take the bag. "Lingerie is expensive too." "Just take it and try it on," she rolls her eyes and shoves the bag all the way into my hand. "Go!" I roll my eyes as I take the bag and go to the small changing area at the club. Kylie wanted to see what it was like so she tagged along tonight. What I didn't know was that she bought me a new outfit to dance in. I take out what's in the bag and gasp at the color. It was a dark burgundy color that I just fell in love with. It's a two piece set that is very strappy. The top has the normal triangle lace cut to cover my boobs, but straps go from the band of the bra and around my boobs to make them look like they are larger. The waistband of the lace bottoms have two straps that rest high on my wa
Alone 43
Gage's POV: When I got home from the club last night Ashlynn was fast asleep. I had to carefully take her out of my car and take her to her room so she can sleep for the remaining of the night. I did get a couple hours of sleep before my day begun, right at 7:00. Alex has organized everything for today so I can have as much leverage as I need over her. She's not getting away this time, and I'm finally giving her what she deserves. "Boss, we have the family," one of my men says. They click a few buttons on the tablet they're holding before they show me the love video footage from a small living room. The family is kneeling on the ground, tied up and blindfolded. The oldest two are obviously her parents and the boy that is with them is her brother. That's only the beginning of my leverage. "We've also got access to all of her bank accounts and money is ready to be transferred. Along with the men who discovered her hide out here in New York. They discovered she was hijacking some of
Alone 44
"She stays downstairs, no one sees her unless I okay it. Understood?" I tell my men, wanting the meeting to be over so I can go to Ashlynn. Yesterday's events were exactly what I needed. Now that they are done I can take Ashlynn to the movies like she wanted me to. She doesn't have to work at the club tonight, mainly because I said so. Felicity got a girl to take Ashlynn's shift, much to Ashlynn's dismay. She doesn't like how I treat her at work per-say. She said I favor her, which I know I do. I have every right to, and my employees know better than to go against what I say. In the end Ashlynn did tell me she's excited and that she's choosing the movie. "Alright we need to keep tabs on the groups who Iris sold information to," Alex says as he stands up. "We already were watching a few of them, but others are new to us. Also, we need to make sure we prepare for the arrival of Hayato and his men. They'll be arriving in four days and will be staying in the guest house next door. Qu
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Alone 75
"Morning angel." Gage mutters against my cheek before he placed a soft kiss against it. "Morning." I reply with a smile. "It's your turn to give Addie a bath." "I think it's your turn." Gage replies as he buries his face into his pillow. "Gage, get your ass out of bed. We have places to be." I say and push the blankets off of me. Lily's dance competition is today, and since it's Sunday it's starting at ten. We have to be there earlier to make sure Lily is ready for when she needs to go on stage. "I'll be getting Lily and Roland ready." I tell him. "If you're not out of bed by the time I'm done showering, I'm literally going to kick your ass." "Yeah, yeah." he mumbles and I just roll my eyes before I go to the bathroom. I set the water to the temperature I want it to be at before I get in. I turn my back towards the shower head and close my eyes as the water hits my body. After a moment I open my eyes
Alone 74
Ashlynn's POV: "I'm nervous," I admit as Alex and I are behind the large doors. "Believe me when I say Gage is too," Alex responds. "He's been paranoid for the past week." "I'd never leave him, he shouldn't be worried," I respond. "And he'd never leave you, so you shouldn't be worried," Alex replies. "It is normal to be nervous on your wedding day, hell I was shaking." "Is it scary to be in front of everyone?" I ask. "When you see Gage it'll seem like it's just the two of you in the room," Alex tells me. "This day is going to go just as you want it to.""I'm sweating," I admit. "The music needs to start." "Patience is a virtue," Alex teases and I can't help but smile. "Shut up," I mumble and Alex just chuckles. "Thank you for doing this. Ya know, walking me down the aisle." "I'm honored you asked me to. You're like my little sister Ash
Alone 73
"Dad, hurry up! She'll be awake soon!" Lily rushes me as I stack the pancakes on the plate. "I'm going," I chuckle at her impatience. It's been almost two years since I've adopted Lily. Today is currently Ashlynn's birthday and she's turning twenty-six. We've been dating for two years, but I've really wanted to propose to her for a while. Lily decided to concoct a plan because Lily has a gift for Ashlynn too. "Finally, lets go," Lily says as she holds the papers in her hands tightly. I grab the breakfast and we head up to my room. Ashlynn is curled up on the bed with Loki and Thunder. Thunder is another dog, Lily somehow convinced me that Loki needed a friend right before her first Christmas here. But now the damn dogs love to sleep in my room."Loki, Thunder," I whisper and the two dogs look over at me. I pat my leg and they both jump off the bed. Good, I didn't want them begging Ashlynn for her food. "Thank god she's s
Alone 72
"Gage, where's Ashlynn?" Lily asks as I drive towards the hospital. Today is the day that I get to take Lily home. We just left the orphanage, all her belongings are in the trunk and she's strapped in to her booster seat. "She has to do some work, but we'll see her later," I tell Lily. "Where are we going?" Lily asks. "We're going to see my grandma, your great grandma," I tell her. "She's sick so she has to stay with the doctors to get better." "That's sad," Lily says and her bottom lip pouts slightly. "Can we get her a present? Presents always make me feel better." "You can pick out anything you'd like," I say, turning right. "Gage," she says and I glance in the rear view mirror to see her looking at her lap. "Are you okay Lily?" I ask and she nods her head slowly."Since you adopted me you said I was a part of your family," Lily says quietly. "You are Lily," I tel
Alone 71
Gage's POV: "Are you sure this is what you want to get Lily? I mean I'm sure she'd appreciate a dinosaur puzzle or something," I say as Ashlynn walks down the pathway of kennels. The dogs are all coming to the fence and sticking their noses through the little holes. "Oh I definitely want to get her a dog," she responds. "The only question is which one?" I groan as she goes up to a fence full of little puppies. I'd rather have a dog than a puppy. She grins as she squats down, putting her hand against the fence so they can all smell it. After she plays with them for a few minutes she continues walking but she abruptly stops. A large dog is sitting in the corner of his kennel, his head is downcast. "Oh goodness he's adorable," Ashlynn sighs as she goes to the fence. She makes some noises with her tongue, which gets the dogs attention. "Hi buddy, come here." The dog hesitated before it came to the fence and quickly
Alone 70
"Gage you took soooo long!" Lily exclaims, dragging out the "o" in so as Gage walks in with Reagan and Charolette. "I drew something for you. Look!" "Thank you Lily," Gage says as he takes the drawing of the dog Lily made. "Can I talk to you for a second?" "Uh oh am I in trouble? Are you not gonna come back? I promise to be good." Lily says and you can see the worry in her eyes. Her bottom lip starts to quiver as she holds back tears. "Come here," Gage says and squats down so he's closer to Lily's level. Lily jumps off her chair and runs into Gage's arms. She wraps her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder. Gage holds her tightly and closes his eyes. "You've done nothing wrong Lily." "Are you gonna leave me?" Lily whispers and Gage pulls apart from the hug and grabs her small hands."I'm not going to leave you Lily," Gage says. "I've been talking with Miss Reagan and Miss Charolette a lot about you
Alone 69
Ashlynn's POV: I'm scared. I never really communicated with Lily, but with what Gage asked me today, I need to get to know her better. Today has just been a day full of shocks. He loves me. Gage loves me. I was not ready for him to say that. I'm not mad, but boy was it surprising. I can feel my cheeks heating up just thinking about it. Goodness! Maybe the shower is too hot actually. I've been standing under the burning water for more than a few minutes by now. I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around my body and my hair. I go to my room and look through my clothes to figure out what to wear. If I'm meeting Lily I don't want to be wearing a dress, what if she wants to play? I need to find a nice pair of pants. I know Gage is going to dress down, so I will a little, but not a lot.I finally pick out a pair of black jeans and I find a cute white top, and I pair it wit
Alone 68
It's nearing the middle October and I've never had such a calm period with my business. I have a feeling that it won't last like this for long, but I'm taking it while I can. Everything in regards with Lily's adoption has been going smoothly. I'm going to announce it to my siblings tonight, seeing as I kept pushing it off. "Why are we all in your office?" Vince asks as he lays on the couch. I can see dad roll his eyes but not say anything. Jenna takes a seat in the chairs and her hand instinctively goes to her stomach. She's a few months pregnant now and she has a small baby bump. "Oh sorry I'm late!" Ashlynn runs into my office, almost tripping over her own feet. "I got caught up with some cleaning." "It's fine," I tell her as she walks over to me. I lean down and kiss her cheek as she grins up at me. "Hello? You gonna answer my question, or are we just going to sit here?" Vince speaks up."You're an annoying prick, you
Alone 67
"Are you sure I shouldn't wear a suit? I feel like I should wear one," I say to Ashlynn as she rolls the sleeves of the black long sleeve shirt she picked out for me. "You are meeting a little girl, not a business partner," she smiles and her hands cup my cheeks. "You need to look like a dad, not a lawyer." "I've never felt more terrified in my life," I admit and lean down to rest my forehead against hers. "It's okay to be scared. I'll be right by your side," she comforts me. "Besides, you get to meet a beautiful little girl today that you want to have as you daughter. It's okay to be scared about becoming a parent." "Do you think I'm ready for it? You know, parenthood?" I ask and she lightly presses her lips to mine for a few moments."I think you are completely ready, you just need to trust yourself," she states. "There's still time before everything finalized as well. Right now you are just meeting her."
