AUDREYThe place where Gabriel brought me was absolutely stunning. It was a log house—a very exquisite log house erected by the bay, and I couldn’t believe they were still inside the estate.The living room was by the fireplace. It was a little freezing tonight, so Gabriel lit up the hearth, and he would let me sit on the couch and provide me a blanket.“Better?” he asked as soon as he was done with the fire.I nodded and smiled. “Who uses this place?”“Only a caretaker.” He grinned, and he settled next to me. “I asked him, and we’ll be staying here tonight.”“It’s well maintained.” I looked around. “Thanks for taking me here.”“There’s no need to thank me.” He slightly brushed my cheek. “I wanted to bring you here anyway.” He stared back at the fireplace. “Audrey?”“Hmm?”“I don’t think I can take you out of my sight anymore.” He flashed out an amused smile, but for himself. “I never wanted anyone. It was always you.” He shifted his gaze at me, and then he took my hand. “Stay with me
AUDREY“So, you bought all our properties? The vineyard? The land? How about my mother’s house, Gabriel? Is acquiring it a part of your plan, too?”“At first. I won’t lie to you about that, but that’s when I didn’t know it was your mother’s, and it now belongs to you. I’m just going to help you take it back.”I bit my bottom lip nervously. “You really wanted him to go bankrupt, didn’t you?”“Don’t worry. None was taken by force. You should know now that your father pretty much liked gambling. He gambled but lost everything to some people I sent myself. I’m sorry if it had to be that way.”I felt my body weaken in every revelation he just proclaimed. For some reason, I didn’t know how to take it. I wasn’t there when all of it happened because I ran away, but Samuel and Anton suffered along with the fall of the family businesses. I wouldn’t know what to say to Anton if he found out.He’d be angry with me, and I would lose him forever. He may not be the best brother or be as sympathetic
AUDREYGabriel brought me to the bed, but I sprang instantly and pulled him with me, then I rolled over him, so I was on top of him. “I will do it this time,” I said. “At least, a little of what I can do.”He chuckled in amusement. “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”Hastily, I started unbuttoning his white dress shirt, but then he caught my hand.“Are you really sure about this, Audrey? We don’t have to.” There was a frown across his eyebrows.“I’m sure.” I lowered my head on the curve of his neck, and I began kissing him, running my tongue on his skin, just like he did it on me. He breathed heavily, groaning, and his hands moved all over me, and I couldn’t get enough. Gabriel then tried to slip his hand on my jeans and started unzipping me, so I sat on the top of his crotch, feeling his already hard nine-inch cock, then stripped myself. He held my gaze with his enigmatic gray eyes. I couldn’t read his expression either. I let my brassiere fall off, exposing my bare torso in fro
GABRIELI had imagined these particular scenarios with Audrey in the past months when she started working for me – a very much willing and spread-out Audrey on my bed when I would finally claim her body. Her sapphire eyes pleading with me, her hair falling on my face when she rides me, and those fantasies could never compare to reality. My gorgeous angel was staring wide-eyed at me in wonder in the morning. I rolled over the bed.“Good morning, beautiful,” I murmured and brushed my lips on her forehead. “How many times have I wished to wake up next to you.”She giggled. “Good morning. Technically, I woke up next to you once.”I moved my mouth to her rosy cheek before I slid my hand to her jaw. “You weren’t naked before,” I teased, and she laughed once more. The noises she made last night were fucking sexy, and the sound alone made my cock swell and harder than it ever was, and I was hard again now.I took her soft, sweet lips in a lingering kiss, and my tongue feverishly tangled with
GABRIELExclusive still had a reputation for interviewing well-known individuals, so I still had to make a positive appearance for my brand.“Exclusive is lucky to have the pleasure of having you here, Mr. Stark. First of all, thank you very much for inviting us here,” Carla began.I nodded. “You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure,” I answered.“As much as possible, we aim to build a good relationship here between Exclusive and Stark Apparel, so we are going to make this a fun day for everyone. Are you ready, Mr. Stark?”The only fun I will have today is when this is finally over. “Sure, Carla, Whenever you are ready.”“Okay. So…” She shifted her leg to the other side. “Everyone already knows that the Stark family is one of the elites of Manhattan, but we never really saw the real face of Gabriel Stark, and this is a great opportunity to see a side of you that we have not yet seen. You play tennis, too, Mr. Stark. Is this another of your dreams that have yet to come true? Becoming a tennis
GABRIELCEO OF STARK APPAREL INC., GABRIEL STARK, OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES HIS GIRLFRIEND, AUDREY HOPKINS, IN A MAGAZINE INTERVIEW. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT HER?GABRIEL STARK DATING HIS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT.STARK APPAREL’S CEO AND PLAYBOY, GABRIEL STARK, FINALLY FOUND LOVE IN THE OFFICE!Those were the most searched titles on several news sites one week later when this month’s Exclusive issue was released. I picked up the magazine with the bold letter E and my picture on the cover. But Carla couldn’t be more outrageous. She deliberately wrote about the non-fraternization in the magazine, questioned an ethical workplace at the end of her article, and mentioned NSFW. I couldn’t believe she would go that low, but I couldn’t care less about myself. I didn’t want to offend Audrey this way. It was partially my fault.But I guess that’s for the better. People would talk about what they want nonetheless. They would forget eventually. I just couldn’t bear any secret affairs anymore. Coulson and Du
AUDREYI untied the lacy ribbon but halted when I saw Gabriel cocked his head and tense up. His gaze instantly drove me crazy. I had spent a fantastic night and made love with a man already, but his stares could still make me edgy. Or perhaps, of course, I never stripped in front of a woman with my lover in the same room. I let the robe fall on the floor anyway, with my eyes still locked on Gabriel’s. My heart pounded in my chest, and his gaze did not waver enough to make my knees weak.Francesca instructed me to sit on the white sheets. She asked me to pose where my back was still visible and with my chest forward. She told me to let my arms loose so I wouldn’t block my torso and then oriented me to have one of my legs spread forward. I watched her set up her camera, asked her to stay still, and snapped a picture.I made a few different positions where some photos had my breasts exposed but made sure my private part downward wasn’t visible, and in some shots, she asked me to lie on m
AUDREYI phoned Charles’s number immediately as I meant to speak to him anyway about the house—to tell him I would finally pay the debt. However, I couldn’t believe the most ludicrous scenario I couldn’t quite imagine.“Listen, Audrey. I didn’t know what to do.” He sighed in frustration and spoke as if he was hissing. “He came to my uncle’s office in person. I didn’t know they were that close. He found out I was going to New York, and my uncle told your father we met recently, so…”“So you brought him here. God, Charles!” I shoved my hands in my hair. “You know I ran away from him.”“I know, but he just won’t leave me alone,” he said tightly and exhaled again. “Come on, Audrey. You’ve just got to talk to him, okay?”“What does he want from me?”“He didn’t say.”“Look. Tell him I don’t give a damn about what he wants from me because the last time I came home, he called my mother a whore,” I ranted angrily, and the pain he caused me I was trying to heal was fresh again. “Don’t you want
JULIA I came to Le Grandi at exactly seven as Henry instructed. I was already guessing that he and his brother were up to something—and this beautiful lilac dress Adam sent to my apartment was the indication. This was going to be our first official date. We had been fighting all our lives because of endless misunderstandings after all. I realized that Adam and I were always in a situation neither of us could stop. This time, fate brought us back together.Excited and nervous as well, I proceeded to the main entrance. The door attendant greeted me with a wide meaningful grin as if he was expecting my arrival. The lights abruptly shut off the moment I stepped inside, then a single spotlight flashed on.My palms caught my mouth instantly when I found Adam standing next to an elegantly arranged table with candlelight, a floral centerpiece, and linen drapes. He was dressed in an impeccable navy-blue tuxedo, holding a bouquet of white roses. Two violinists stood behind him, playing a soft r
He kissed me as he continued to pound inside me. He looked at me as if I was the most desirable woman he’d ever seen. There was no one else I could want this bad—only him.It was already nine o'clock in the morning when I woke up, and Adam's arms were still wrapped around my waist. Though incredibly exhausted and sore, I felt great for the first time in years. His face buried in my hair. We were having sex nonstop, and if it weren't for my exhaustion, he probably wouldn’t stop.“What time is it?” Adam whispered, finally awake.“It's nine.”“Then, I'm late.” He gave me a tender kiss on my forehead, then swiftly stepped out of the bed. Still undressed, he walked straight to the bathroom, letting the blanket fall on the floor, revealing his round, full butt I’d been gripping with my palms all night. He was ridiculously sexy. I couldn’t get enough of him. My insides were beginning to flare up again.He disappeared into the bathroom for several minutes, and then he came back dressed in a t
ADAMI have to tell Bianca now.Damn it. It wasn't that hard. I could just let them take my site in Thailand, ask her parents to sign the transfer papers, and it’s all done. I just couldn't find the right time because I didn’t want to make a scene. I knew Bianca too well, and I knew that it wasn’t going to end well.I had to, though. Immediately. I couldn’t wait to get Julia back, especially with my possessiveness issue. I was always jealous. I wanted to keep her by my side and shove all those men away, even if it's my brother who was now dragging Julia to the dance floor.I clenched my fists.“Don't you want to dance?” Bianca said. She fucking couldn’t stop holding me in public. “Or do you want to get back to the suite?”“Bianca, please...” I moved her hands away from my neck. “Don't.”She sighed and drank another shot of red wine.“When are you going to stop making this harder for us? Hmm? Or maybe I could just tell Dad to let us get married right away? Isn't that what you wanted fo
I let the running water flow continuously as I washed my hands, letting myself cool. I looked up and then looked at my reflection.What are you doing, Julia? Haven’t you had enough of this? Why did I have to be caught up in this situation all the time? I shook my head, then took a handful of water and wet my face.“You're marrying him?” a deep, dangerous voice abruptly spoke behind me. I looked back in the mirror and found Adam’s perilous stare. He was seething.“Do I need to get your permission?” I asked as I continued to dampen my cheeks.“Is that true what he said out there?”“Why does it matter to you?”“It does matter to me,” he said tightly. “You said you wanted me, but when I didn’t answer, you’re already running to Henry?”I dried my face with a napkin, then I faced him. “Then what is your answer, Adam? No matter what we do, we can’t be together.”“But you can't marry him.” He grasped my shoulders, shaking his head.“What made you think that I will? Now, please leave me alone
JULIALouis ushered me to his table, and since I was already aware that Adam will be right next to us, I prepared myself not to look surprised when I see him with his ex-wife-slashed-fiancée. Why was our world so close? Why did I have to see him in every corner of the world?His answer to me last night was clearer than diamonds. He was not going to choose me. He would not break up with Bianca because they had a deal. There was no way he was going to cut their deal because his company was at stake. I was getting pissed with myself already. Should I talk about it with Henry?As expected, Adam and Bianca were there—only a few feet away from our table. Damn it, and she was wearing the same shade of dress as I was, but her hair coordinated more with her dress than mine.I almost wanted to scream. I tried not to look at them, but damn, I couldn’t help it. Adam was wearing a matching suit, and he was fine-looking as always. Unfortunately, they looked so good together. I did not want to appea
JULIAI didn’t go to the site with Luke the next day. I stayed in my room, and fortunately, I needed to make gazillion calls and check the paperwork for the new hotel. I had breakfast and then ate lunch by myself. Luke and Adam would be working together at the site until the next day. My boss did not call, so I guessed it was fine.It was five o'clock when I finished the paperwork. I was suffering from a backache, but I still needed to prepare for the awards night in the evening. Henry hadn’t called yet, but I was preparing for the event anyway.I opened my suitcase and unfurled the only dress I could bring. It was a strapped, long, crimson-red dress. The neckline was a low V cut. I only wore it once, when Claire celebrated her twenty-first birthday. I would match it with my nude heels.I did not care if I look pretty in front of Henry, unlike before. However, he deserved a friend to be with him, and I didn’t want to embarrass him. He might be expecting an award, and I would be walkin
JULIAThe meeting began in the afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton—the hotel we had checked into along with the staff. Adam came, and fortunately, his fiancée didn’t. I was so nervous since he didn’t even reply to my message.What if ignoring it was his answer?Luke enlightened us about the contract, and then we were now officially in business with Cavendish Enterprises. They both signed the deal and sealed it for legalization. Adam’s company was going to be our contractor for the establishment of the new Hotel B in Los Angeles.As stated in the contract, they would be in charge of the resources, workers, and structural design. Adam initially showed Luke the plan for the new hotel, but we were still going to discuss it precisely with the whole team. My new boss still needed to meet Adam’s architects and designers when we return to New York.“It’s a great pleasure working with you, Mr. Cavendish.”“It’s mine as well. Thank you, Mr. Alejandro.” Adam shook his hand, and then the members of our
The door attendant took her cashmere-made cardigan as she and Adam entered the restaurant. She whispered something in his ear while she was slipping her hands on his arm. Adam smiled slightly at her. My heart suddenly felt like a bomb that was going to explode at any moment.“Cavendish said he was traveling alone,” Luke spoke, “but he brought the blonde. This is interesting.”I rolled my eyes at Luke, heaving out a sharp breath. “Really now?”He chuckled, noticing my boredom. “No, seriously. You're so defensive. Who wouldn't notice her long legs?”“What is wrong with you?” I slapped his shoulders unintentionally.“Aw...” He grabbed his shoulders. “What? I was only joking.”“It’s not a good joke. Er… sorry about that. I almost forgot that you're my boss.”“I'm just so glad Jake isn't here. Sit next to me, Julia,” he instructed.“Why?”“Just do it. Cavendish’s fiancée's with him. Sitting next to me would look like you're my date.”“You are clearly having fun with this.”He laughed. “Why
JULIAThese are the important documents we need for our trip to LA. Have you tried calling—” A knock from the glass door interrupted Luke from finishing his sentence. His secretary was standing at the meeting room door.“Excuse me, Mr. Alejandro. There's a visitor in the lobby, and he said it’s important. It's actually for Ms. Taylor, sir,” Ms. Craig informed.“For me?”Luke frowned as he gazed at me. “Expecting someone?”I shook my head. “Did he say his name?”“Oh, his name is Henry.”Henry. How did he know where to find me? “What did you say to him?” I queried. “We’re in a meeting.”“Ms. Craig, we're about to finish here,” Luke prompted. “Tell him to wait five minutes.”“Yes, sir.” She left.“It's okay, Luke. I could just meet him outside.”“Julia, it's eleven fifty-five. Take a break. Come to my office when you get back. And oh! Please contact Cavendish. I’ve got to tell him something about this project.” Luke grabbed the binders and stood up. He held the door open. “Julia?”“Oh, t