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“Is he really Bruce's brother?” Pamela asked in a whisper as DJ led the way to his apartment.“Why didn't you ever mention that he was made to perfection? He is so fine!” Pamela drawled on her last word. Her eyes traveled up and down DJ's bare back to the slim of his waist that disappeared into faded denim jeans.Ashley couldn't deny that the sight was entertaining and like Pamela, she couldn't stop looking.“Behave!” She chided Pamela through gritted teeth.They reached DJ's front porch and he stepped up and held the door open for both women. He directed them to his living room and offered them seats.The house was warm and welcoming. The interiors, typical of a single man but neat. Simple furniture; a centre bear rug, sitting a small centre table. A large TV and few artificial flower vases here and there at strategic locations. He had three paintings on the wall; a popular basketball player, an intricate piece of painting to which Ashley couldn't interpret any meaning to and a woma
“What was all that?” Pamela's tone was teasing as she and Ashley drove away from DJ's house.“What?” Ashley feigned ignorance. She expected Pamela to drill her after her whole fidgeting episode with DJ.“All that fumbling and stuttering.”“I didn't stutter.” Ashley corrected with a defiant edginess.“I saw the way you were looking at him. You think he's hot!” Pamela accused.“No. I don't.” Ashley said, her gaze intent on the roads ahead. “And I wasn't looking.” She stated firmly.Pamela's eyes grew wide with knowledge. “You like him!” Pamela's high-pitched accusation filled the car.“No, I don't.” Ashley repeated her clipped response. “I told you, he's Bruce's brother. It's not gonna work.”Pamela shrugged. “Well, if that's the case, can I have him after all this is done? I think he's super hot!” Pamela's voice had taken on a dreamy tone.“You wouldn't dare.” Ashley warned.“Ah! Gotta! You like him!” Pamela exclaimed with excitement. She wiggled her eyebrows at Ashley who purposely ig
The call made DJ stop to look behind him. His guess wasn't as good as it gets. He had expected Bruce, coming over to taunt him like he did at every other gala event, but was entirely stunned by the female figure that approached them.“What are you doing here?” DJ asked, completely shocked by the presence before him.“I should be asking you that. I would have never thought I would be seeing you here tonight.” The feminine voice responded.“If I had known you would be coming here, then we could have come here together.” She added.Ashley tightened her grip around DJ's hand, a reminder of her presence . They had not disengaged from their dance stance and DJ grasped the hint.“Well, this is my fiancee, Ashley. We came together.” He said, introducing them for the first time. He wouldn't have come with her even though he knew she would be there.“Oh, Hi.” Sonia greeted, extending her hand to Ashley. Her eyes danced over the length of Ashley as she processed DJ information.“You were at my h
Everyone turned their attention to Pamela who was head bent, smoothing her palm over her dress as she moved closer.She looked like she dressed herself up in less than five minutes and was fixing tiny details she may have skipped.Ashley shook her head. Pamela was never one to bother about impressing people.“What took you so long?” Ashley asked.Pamela lifted her head and her expression morphed into a grin.Her eyes darted across the faces in the small group in observation and she was pleased to see the flash of surprise across Rachel's face.“Had a bit of a car problem on my way. But I'm here now. I didn't miss much, did I?” Pamela asked, grinning widely. Her gaze briefly settled on each face.“You should have called.” Ashley told her.“I didn't want to bother you.” Pamela smiled with gratitude.Pamela turned to DJ. Her eyes appraised the length of him. “You look good. Now I can't figure out which of you is finer. Shirtless or the tux.” Her tone was light, playful with an underlying
Pamela laughed as she reminisced on the event of the evening. They were still standing by the door in front of Ashley's house and DJ had just left after dropping both women off.“Did you see her face! It was a rock!” Pamela remarked amidst hard laughter. Ashley smiled. Pamela's laugh was infectious. Pamela seemed more excited about all of this than she was. Ashley could have thought that Pamela had personal vendetta with the Leon's if she hadn't known better.“Her head was going to blow off with steam when I asked for Bruce's wife and mentioned Lilian.” Pamela slapped her hand on her things as she laughed.Ashley chuckled. “I had not expected that stunt you pulled. It was a perfect shot. Rachel abhors hearing anything Lilian. She fears that topic. Same thing happened when I was at her house questioning her.” “Oh she should. After everything that she has done, she should live in overwhelming fear.” Pamela said.“Come inside.” Ashley urged, turning to open the front door as the laugh
Ashley was taken aback by Paul's question. Why was he asking? Did he know Pamela? How did he know her? Had he discovered her secret? She peeled her gaze filled with certainties on him. She was unsure how to respond to his question. What if he was baiting her, trying to confirm his suspicions? What if she said the wrong thing? “Ashley?” Paul called gently. His eager eyes anticipated her response. “I don't understand.” She declared. “My mother had mentioned her doubts that you lost your memories. I didn't want to believe her. But this… You bring Pamela here? Why? To taunt me?” His tone accused her. Ashley found herself lost in the maze Paul had created with his words. She couldn't decipher where the conversation was coming from, neither did she know where it was headed. “Pamela is my assistant. We met on my trip.” She told him their fabricated story. “She's quite efficient so I took her for the job.” Ashley explained. “You didn't know her before now?” Skepticism and disbelief l
Bruce was boiling with rage when he pulled Rachel to a corner and forcefully yanked her arm around to face him. It was hard for him to keep his anger contained and when he had her cornered, he exploded. “What the hell is wrong with you? Can't you control your senseless anger? Are you trying to ruin everything that we've worked so hard for? What was that for!” His angry breath fanned her face. Rachel was startled by Bruce's fist of rage directed at her. Her eyes stared at him in astonishment. “Didn't you hear what she said?” Still stunned by Bruce's reaction, her voice was surprisingly calm. “What did she say? She had only asked about Lilian. Was that enough for you to bare your canines and want to claw out her eyes like a dog?... In front of all that many people? God dammit, Rachel!” Rachel's eyes welled at the hurtful words Bruce was hurling at her. Her heart bled and pain ripped through her. “It's a sensitive topic for both of us. I mean, I hated the way Pamela raised the t
Rachel slid to the ground and the tears she had been keeping at bay, flowed. She was losing him. She could feel it. That strange woman had come into her life to ruin her peace. She cussed and swore at the day Ashley entered their lives, completely forgetting she had once ruined another's peace. She was overjoyed when she heard about Ashley's sudden disappearance. Even DJ didn't know where she went, and she assumed they had broken up. She thought Ashley would not return. She thought that the problem was gone. Her hopes and joys dropped when she saw Ashley again, standing by DJ at the gala. She didn't know why, but she was certain that Ashley was trouble. She smelled it. Trouble neither she nor Bruce would want, only, Bruce didn’t want to see it. He didn't want to listen to her. Instead he was scolding her. Nothing hurt her more and she cried. Rachel was used to having her way. Used to Bruce taking her advice. Used to be in control. She felt bitter losing that control. Never ha
Ashley was very supportive to Bruce. At least it seemed that way and Bruce bought every bit of her act. She helped him. From offering advice to ensuring the right location for the event was picked, down to decorations, she helped him.“I can't thank you enough, Ashley. You've been more than a big help to me.” Bruce said in a soft low tone, his gratitude, deeply ingrained in his voice.“It pains me that you won't be attending the exhibition after all the effort you've put into it.” He added.She smiled with regret. “Me too.” She murmured and her eyes gleamed with subtle mischief. Because deep down, she wasn't sorry. It was just how it was meant to be. She'd be away on the day his feet would slowly begin sinking down, deep into the mud pool she had prepared for him. Her alibi was too convincing. No one would suspect her.And on the D day, like every fashion show, low background music, dimmed lights, and a runway stage, the models filed out, clad in the new designs intending to wow the
“Sorry I kept you waiting.” Ashley apologized as she stepped into her office. Bruce stirred, his eyes gleamed with admiration as he watched her walk in and round her table to her seat. “It's fine. I didn't tell you before coming. In such short notice, I can't blame you.”Ashley scoffed and rolled her eyes without getting noticed. Bruce could easily fool any one with his courteousness, making someone believe he was well mannered and considerate. Anyone but her.She forced a smile. “You're not a stranger. I can always make time for you.” She didn't miss the proud glint in his eyes. He felt important.Idiót! Two can play this game of pretence. Only this time, Bruce was getting beat at his one game.“Thank you.” Bruce said sheepishly.She smiled and darted her eyes to the man seated beside Bruce. He understood the cue and immediately introduced the man.“He is with me. He is Alex, my designer.” Ashley nodded her greeting to Alex before peeling her eyes on Bruce.“Yes. Straight to busin
TWO WEEKS AFTER THE EXHIBITION Ashley poked her head through the door to Pamela's office. Her brows knitted as she stepped inside. “Why are you doing that?” Ashley asked Pamela who was standing by the workstation in her office, head bent and intently focused on the mass of material, sweat beads sat over her forehead and temples as she worked on a delicate fabric of beads. It has been two weeks since the success of their fashion exhibition and they have been swamped with orders on the newly launched line. It was more work than ever, more success than ever and more money than ever. The fame of their brand had spread quickly all over London and everyone in the world of clothing and designing wanted to be associated with Ashley and ‘The Knox fashion world’. Pamela snatched her handkerchief from her pant pocket and swiped it unethically over her face. She raised her head to look at Ashley. “They've got their hands full at the atelier. Mrs Maxwell brought in a late request but she's o
“The guests have begun to arrive.” Pamela said in a breathless tone. She peeked through the large curtains hiding them behind the stage.The past weeks have been so busy for everyone at the office.The fashion exhibition day was upon them and as Ashley had instructed; nothing was to go wrong. Being an evening event, Ashley had spent the whole day ensuring that the hall and everything else was in place.“Good! And the models?” Ashley asked Pamela. “Don't leave that there.” She instructed one of the handymen. “Put that by the side.” She turned just as Pamela responded to her question.“All ready. Just a few finishing touches… You should go get ready. Change your clothes.” Pamela advised Ashley who looked tired and was drenched in sweat. She looked at her friend with compassion. Ashley had barely sat the whole day.“Sure.” Ashley responded. Her eyes roved around one more time, checking to see if there was anything out of place. She didn't want anything to go wrong. “Go oversee the model
Ashley and Pamela exchanged looks. Fear filled their gaze. Had DJ heard them? Why did he call them out that way? “Who would pay?” DJ asked, walking into the kitchen to join them. He was still panting slightly from his run. Ashley's and Pamela’s hearts raced as they passed each other fearful looks. They were so engrossed in their fear of being caught that they missed the tease in DJ's voice. “Um…” Ashley fumbled. “If I had known you would come here to bother my fiance with work problems, I would have never told she was with me, Pam.” DJ said, walking to the freezer helped himself to a bottle of cold water. He paused, clinging onto the fridge handle, noticing the tension reeling from both women. “Is everything alright?” His eyes scanned them. “No. We were just talking about work. There are a couple of pending payments to be made.” Ashley explained. “Yes. I'll get the invoice for you to sign.” Pamela said, moving away to get her bag. “See what I mean? You don't give her any break
“You?”“Me!” Pamela grinned jovially and walked past Ashley into the house.Ashley's brows knotted with confusion and her eyes shone with surprise as she closed the door. She hadn't told anyone that she was at DJ's. Pamela didn't even know she met with DJ. “Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?” Pamela strode inside, making herself comfortable, settling on the sofa.Ashley grinned inwardly at the thought that Pamela wouldn't be so comfortable on that couch if she knew the things she and DJ had done there.“Ashley!”Ashley jolted. She shook her head bringing her mind back into the room. “How did you know I was here?” she asked, moving to join Ashley on the couch.“You didn't return after your meeting with Bruce. I got worried, so I texted DJ and he told me you were here.” Ashley furrowed her brows. “When was this? Have you seen him?” She was curious. She hadn't seen him since the morning and she didn't know where he was.Pamela's brows knitted. “Uh, I texted him last night and he
True to his words, Ashley barely got any sleep. DJ had woken her up in the middle of the night so they could move to his bedroom where he took her to intense pleasurable heights. Not once, but over and over again until they were both drained and spent.She fell asleep right after. By morning, she was pleasantly exhausted and was sleeping like a baby. A deep peaceful slumber that she hadn't noticed when DJ slipped out for his routine morning run.A distant ringing infiltrated her euphoric dream. The sound grew louder and closer with each passing moment, before Ashley realized it wasn't her dream but reality.She stirred, fluttering her eyes, blinking lazily and tiredly, the weight of sleep heavy in her eyes. She didn't want to wake up yet, but the ringing was not relenting.Who would ring so early in the morning?She groaned, irritated at the persistent disturbance. She exhaled, flipped her eyelid open and sleepily looked around her. This wasn't her room. Every corner of the room had
Ashley, nestled on top DJ, was enjoying the feel of the satiating aftermath of their heated passion. She placed head comfortably on his broad chest, idling tugging on the hair on his chest.“You're so hairy.” She commented.“You don't like it?”“I like it. It gives me something to play with.”“If you want something to play with,-”“I'm good with this, thank you.” Grasping his lewd tease, Ashley quickly cut him.DJ chuckled. “Spoil sport.”“Your mind is so dirty.” Ashley remarked with a smile.DJ's chuckle deepened. “Don't tell anyone my secret.” He said in pretend seriousness.Amused, she shook her head against his chest at his naughtiness and snuggled into him.DJ sighed with satisfaction as his finger trailed the hollow length of Ashley's spine.She sensed him smiling and she propped herself on her elbow to look at him.“What now?”“Nothing.” She lifted one brow. “Then why are you smiling like that?”DJ adjusted himself to accommodate her positioning. “I'm happy.” He responded wit
Ashley returned to her table to find DJ waiting for her. Sonia trailed behind her, her face an angry storm that no one seemed to notice.DJ's impatience was evident in his expression. “Are you done?” It was clear to Ashley that Bruce and DJ may have continued their brawling in the absence of both women.“Yes. She turned to Bruce. “I'll instruct Pamela to send you a mail regarding the presentation.”Bruce nodded. “I'll be seeing you soon.” His words carried an underlying meaning, aimed at irking DJ .“We should go.” DJ said through clenched teeth, already taking quick long strides away from them.Ashley packed her bag and briskly followed DJ.“I'll see you at home, DJ.” Sonia called after them and Ashley passed her a glare.“Slow down. I'm almost running after you.” Ashley was breathing heavily.DJ slowed down, then paused, and waited for her to catch up with him. Just when she stood beside him, panting, clutching her chest and trying to gulp more air, DJ scooped her into his arms an