Emily's eyes fluttered open, her vision filled with Lucas's stubbled jawline. Their limbs were a tangled mess, her leg hooked over his hip, his arm pinned beneath her. Soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over their intertwined bodies.
"Merry Christmas Eve, you octopus," Emily mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep. She attempted to extricate herself but only managed to tighten their embrace.
Lucas chuckled, the rumble in his chest vibrating against her. "Merry Christmas Eve yourself, spider monkey." His free hand traced lazy circles on her back. "I think we've outdone ourselves this time. I can't feel my left arm."
Emily snorted, burying her face in the crook of his neck. The familiar scent of his skin - a mix of cedar and something uniquely Lucas - filled her senses. God, how ha
As Lucas mixed batter and the bacon began to sizzle, Emily poured two steaming mugs of coffee. She breathed in the scent, savouring the moment.Fuck, when did domesticity start feeling so damn good? she wondered, watching Lucas flip a pancake with practiced ease. The sight of him, all tousled hair and relaxed muscles, stirred something warm in her chest."What're you thinking about?" Lucas asked, catching her stare.Emily sipped her coffee, buying time. "Just... how nice this is," she admitted softly.Lucas set down the spatula and walked over to her, his movements fluid and deliberate. He stood behind Emily, his warmth enveloping her as he pressed a gentle kiss to her shoulder."It is nice, yes," he murmured agai
Emily strode into the gleaming lobby of Mitchell Financial, her heels clicking decisively on the polished marble. The usual receptionists and junior associates greeted her with warm smiles, used to seeing the fiancée of their star Ryan Mitchell."Evening, Ms. Carter," called out Janice from the front desk. "Surprising Ryan?"Emily flashed a tight smile, her stomach fluttering with anticipation. "You know me, can't stay away." She made her way to the elevator, mind racing. It had been weeks since she'd seen Ryan outside of hurried dinners and distracted phone calls. His big merger was finally wrapping up and her massive project was finally done and dusted - time to celebrate and reconnect.The elevator dinged open on the executive floor. Emily's heels sunk into plush carpeting as she approached Ryan's corner office. Muffled sounds filtered through the heavy oak door. Was that...?Emily's hand froze on the doorknob. A woman's breathy moan. Rhythmic thumping. "Oh fuck," she whispered.
The clink of glass against the marble countertop echoed through Sophia's cozy kitchen as she poured a generous glass of ruby-red Merlot. Emily's mascara-streaked face stared blankly ahead, her eyes puffy and red-rimmed."Fuck it," Sophia muttered, setting down the glass and grabbing the entire bottle instead. She pressed the cool glass into Emily's trembling hands. "You need this more than I do, babe."Emily's fingers curled around the bottle's neck, her engagement ring noticeably absent. The weight of it felt both comforting and dangerous - a lifeline and a weapon all at once. She took a long swig, relishing the warmth as it slid down her throat."I can't believe that bastard," Emily choked out, her voice raw from crying. "After everything we've been through..."Sophia perched on the kitchen stool beside her, placing a reassuring hand on Emily's shoulder. "He’s a fucking idiot, Em. You deserve so much better than that cheating asshole."Emily's mind raced, replaying the horrific scen
Emily stared blankly at the TV, a week after the break up and her third day in a row wearing Sophia's oversized pajamas. The bottle of wine on the coffee table was already half empty.Sophia bustled into the living room, keys jangling. "Alright, Em. Enough wallowing. We're going out tonight."Emily groaned. "I don't think I can face people yet. My mascara's probably fused to my face at this point.""That's why showers exist, honey." Sophia plopped down next to her. "Come on, a few drinks will do you good. Get you out of this funk."Emily's stomach churned at the thought. But Sophia's determined look told her resistance was futile. "Fine. But I'm not wearing heels. Or anything that requires a bra.""Deal." Sophia grinned. "We'll hit up The Iron Horse. No one there gives a shit what you look like."As they got ready, Emily caught her reflection in the mirror. Christ, I look like death warmed over. But maybe that was fitting. The old Emily had died the moment she opened that office door.
The smell hit Emily like a freight train - stale beer, cigarette smoke, and something distinctly mechanical. Her nose wrinkled involuntarily."Jesus, Soph. Are you trying to get us killed?" Emily muttered, eyeing the leather-clad patrons.Sophia just laughed, leading them to the bar. "Two rounds of five shots. Your strongest stuff," she told the bartender, slapping down some cash.Emily's eyes widened. "Are you insane? We'll be on our asses before midnight.""That's the point, babe. Now shut up and drink."As the bartender lined up the shots, Emily felt eyes on her. She tugged at her dress self-consciously, wishing she'd worn jeans instead.Sophia leaned in close, her breath tickling Emily's ear. "Stop fidgeting. Every person in this joint thinks you're smoking hot."Emily snorted. "Yeah, right. I look like a librarian who took a wrong turn.""Trust me," Sophia said, grabbing the first shot. "You're turning heads. Now let's get fucked up and forget about that cheating bastard."Emily
Emily raised her shot glass, the cheap tequila sloshing dangerously close to the rim. "Another round for us ladies," she announced with a crooked grin. "Care to join, mystery man?"Lucas' eyes crinkled with amusement as he regarded the two women. The dim bar lighting cast shadows across his rugged features, making him look even more intriguing. "Isn't it a bit odd, drinking with someone old enough to be your father?"Emily's heart skipped a beat. Fuck, he was hot for an older guy. She tried to keep her cool, but her cheeks flushed traitorously.Sophia, ever the wingwoman, jumped in with a smirk. "Odd isn't the word I'd use. More like... intriguing." She winked at Emily, who rolled her eyes.Emily managed a shy smile, her gaze locked on Lucas. The tequila had loosened her up, but she still felt a flutter of nerves. What the hell was she doing, flirting with this guy? But after the week she'd had, she deserved a little fun."Age is just a number," Emily quipped, raising her glass. "You
Emily popped the caps off two beers, the familiar hiss and sharp scent filling her small kitchen. She handed one to Lucas with a coy smile, then hoisted herself onto the countertop."Cheers," she said, clinking her bottle against his. As Emily sipped the cold beer, she began unlacing her boots, hyper-aware of Lucas' eyes on her. The hem of her dress inched higher, revealing more of her thighs. As she bent to pull off her second boot, she felt Lucas move closer. When she looked up, he was standing between her parted knees, his piercing blue eyes locked on hers.Her heart raced. Fuck it, she thought. I deserve this.Without hesitation, Emily reached up and pulled Lucas into a searing kiss. He tasted of beer, his stubble was rough against her skin. As his strong hands gripped her waist, drawing her to the edge of the counter, a small voice in Emily's mind whispered a warning. But the heat of Lucas' body and the intoxicating rush of desire drowned it out completely.Lucas' lips crashed
Emily gasped as he tore the delicate fabric of her thong away. Her head fell back, exposing the pale column of her throat as Lucas' fingers slid inside her. Pleasure coursed through her body, igniting every nerve ending."You feel so good, baby girl," Lucas growled in her ear, his hot breath fanning across her skin. Emily's hips rocked against his hand instinctively. Her mind reeled, overwhelmed by sensation. This was reckless, desperate. But after the betrayal and heartbreak, she craved this raw connection."Please," she whimpered, not even sure what she was begging for. More? Less? To forget? To feel?Lucas curled his fingers, hitting a spot that made her cry out. "That's it, let go for me," he urged.Emily clutched at his shoulders, nails digging into taut muscle. The coarse hair on his chest scraped her sensitive skin as he leaned in closer. "Fuck," she hissed through clenched teeth. Heat coiled low in her belly, building to a crescendo. Her inner walls clenched around his fing
As Lucas mixed batter and the bacon began to sizzle, Emily poured two steaming mugs of coffee. She breathed in the scent, savouring the moment.Fuck, when did domesticity start feeling so damn good? she wondered, watching Lucas flip a pancake with practiced ease. The sight of him, all tousled hair and relaxed muscles, stirred something warm in her chest."What're you thinking about?" Lucas asked, catching her stare.Emily sipped her coffee, buying time. "Just... how nice this is," she admitted softly.Lucas set down the spatula and walked over to her, his movements fluid and deliberate. He stood behind Emily, his warmth enveloping her as he pressed a gentle kiss to her shoulder."It is nice, yes," he murmured agai
Emily's eyes fluttered open, her vision filled with Lucas's stubbled jawline. Their limbs were a tangled mess, her leg hooked over his hip, his arm pinned beneath her. Soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over their intertwined bodies."Merry Christmas Eve, you octopus," Emily mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep. She attempted to extricate herself but only managed to tighten their embrace.Lucas chuckled, the rumble in his chest vibrating against her. "Merry Christmas Eve yourself, spider monkey." His free hand traced lazy circles on her back. "I think we've outdone ourselves this time. I can't feel my left arm."Emily snorted, burying her face in the crook of his neck. The familiar scent of his skin - a mix of cedar and something uniquely Lucas - filled her senses. God, how ha
Emily squinted against the harsh sunlight reflecting off the pier, her head pounding with each step. The salty sea breeze did little to ease her hangover as she and Lucas approached the quaint cafe, its weathered wooden sign creaking in the wind."I need caffeine. Stat," Emily muttered, her voice raspy.Lucas chuckled, his hand on the small of her back. "I think we all do after last night."As they entered, Emily's eyes immediately locked onto Ryan, sitting at a corner table. Her stomach clenched, a mix of residual anger and unexpected nerves."Let's get this over with," she whispered to Lucas, steeling herself.They made their way over, the floorboards groaning beneath their feet. Ryan stood, his usually impeccable appearanc
Emily felt a warm, strong presence behind her as Lucas' hands settled on her waist. His breath tickled her ear as he leaned in close."Was that Ryan?" Lucas asked, his voice low and tinged with concern.She nodded, turning to face him. "Yeah. Apparently, he's decided that crashing my work event is the perfect way to apologise for being a world-class asshole."Lucas' blue eyes narrowed. "What did he want?"Emily sighed, running a hand through her carefully styled hair. "He wants to meet for brunch tomorrow. You, me, and him." She paused, gauging Lucas' reaction. "I told him we'd go.""Are you sure about this?" Lucas asked, his brow furrowing.Emily shrugged, feeling suddenly draine
Emily's heart raced as she surveyed the transformed gallery space. Soft lighting illuminated abstract paintings and sleek sculptures, while the clinking of champagne flutes and murmur of voices filled the air. Her navy dress swished around her legs as she made final adjustments to a floral arrangement."Bloody hell, we actually pulled this off," Sophia whispered, sidling up next to her.Emily grinned. "Don't jinx it. The night's still young."Her gaze drifted to Lucas, looking devastatingly handsome in his matching suit as he chatted with her parents. A familiar warmth bloomed in her chest."Earth to Emily," Sophia teased. "Stop eye-fucking your man and help me with these gift bags."Emily snorted, grabbing a stack of g
The lighthearted moment was shattered as Emily's dad sighed heavily, his expression turning grave. "On a slightly less amusing note, Em, Ryan turned up at our house earlier."Emily froze, her chopsticks clattering to the table. The room seemed to shrink, closing in on her as she stared at her father, heart hammering against her ribs. "Why?" she managed to croak out, her mouth suddenly dry."Looking for you," her dad replied, his brow furrowed with concern.Emily's mind raced, a cold sweat breaking out across her skin. What the fuck did Ryan want? Why now, of all times? She could feel Lucas' eyes on her, could sense the sudden tension in his body."Did he say what he wanted?" Emily asked, fighting to keep her voice steady. She didn't want to give Ryan the satisfaction of
A week later…Emily's eyes blurred as she stared at the spreadsheet, numbers swimming before her. She blinked hard, rubbing her temples. The clock on her laptop mocked her - 11:37 PM. Yet another late night at the office."Fuck me, I'm going cross-eyed," she muttered.Sophia's head popped up from behind her dual monitors. "Same. I swear these design mockups are multiplying."A soft knock at the door made them both look up. Lucas stood there, arms laden with takeout bags."Dinner for the workaholics," he said with a wry smile.Emily's heart did a little flip. Seeing him still gave her butterflies."You're a l
Her hips bucked wildly as the most powerful orgasm of her life tore through her. Emily clenched and pulsed around Lucas, milking him for all he was worth. She felt like she was shattering into a million pieces, coming apart at the seams.'Holy shit,' she thought hazily. 'Is this what dying feels like?'As the tremors began to subside, Emily collapsed onto the bed, gasping for air, Lucas sliding out of her as she fell. Her limbs felt like jelly, her mind blissfully blank. All she could do was lie there, savouring the lingering aftershocks of pleasure.Lucas' lips brushed her forehead, soft yet firm. "Let me look after you," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.She nodded, unable to form words as the ache between her thighs intensified. Luc
Emily gasped as Lucas firmly pushed the plug back inside her, sending waves of pleasure through her body. Her legs trembled slightly as she adjusted to the fullness."I'm going to spank you again, baby girl," Lucas said, his voice low and commanding. "But this time, I want you to hold those pretty ass cheeks open for me. Keep yourself nice and exposed."Emily's heart raced at his words. Fuck, he knows exactly how to push my buttons. She reached back with both hands, grasping her cheeks and spreading them wide. The cool air on her most intimate areas made her shiver."Like this, Daddy?" she asked breathlessly, arching her back to present herself even more fully.Lucas growled appreciatively. "Perfect. Such an obedient little slut."