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
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
LUKECambridge was nothing more than the place my father threw me to spend the next three months of life. It was where I’d lost everything that shone brightly before my eyes, and compassion was shredded from me. But to deal with everything once more, I should at least enjoy myself in every possible way. I’d booked a suite at the Ritz Carlton, where I was leaning on the bed, entangling my fingers in a woman’s hair, devouring my shaft.She was teasingly sliding her tongue around my tip. “Mm… you’re perfect.”I groaned. I pushed her head down as she pressed her lips to cover my entire length. Over the past three hours, I’d bent her over the table and fucked her relentlessly.It was satisfying, but in the next few days, I’d have to find someone else.She took me in her mouth again. The pleasure was building up in me; my legs stiffened, and my body was telling me to let go. I slightly pushed her head to move her away, but she didn’t move. She went down deeper and sucked me harder. I scowle
SCARLETA few weeks agoI was always lonely. I’ve never been happy. How about you? Are you lonely? By the way, what happened with your date? – ErickaNo. I’m not. Forget about my date because she’s a fucking liar and the thing I hate the most are fucking liars – JaxMaybe you need to try and understand that they have their reasons – ErickaHe did not respond after I sent him those words. Jax clearly said he wasn’t into crybabies and had no remorse over his actions, and I believed him. He fucked different women every week—like an endless loop.I lied to Jax about many things, but I couldn’t seem to let him go. He was fun to talk to. The late-night phone calls were getting hot, and he knew exactly what I needed. He knew exactly how to make me too damned wet. The sound of his voice was delicious enough to make me aroused. I imagined Jax as a very, very attractive man. How much more would he affect me if I saw him?It’d been several months since I joined the social media app. Mom came by
SCARLET I still couldn’t get over the thought of Luke being here in Cambridge. I’d been debating with myself whether to show up and introduce myself formally, but how could I? I couldn’t ask Mom for his number. I didn’t know where he lived. However, I was more concerned about what I would feel if I saw him. I would certainly have mixed emotions. I’d heard Thomas assigned him to a new business project in Cambridge, and he would stay for three months. It would be enough time before I graduate in two months. I badly needed the help of someone with IT expertise for my thesis. Luke had been an IT genius during his Harvard days. I frowned at my wristwatch. The Uber came at last, after fifteen minutes of waiting. I dragged my suitcase along with me and stepped into the car. To my irritation, my phone rang the moment I settled in the car. “Good evening, Miss Scarlet Carter?” The driver greeted me. “Your destination is JFK airport?” “Yes, thank you.” I drew out the phone from my pocket. Ja
LUKEThere were many reasons why I shouldn’t listen to Dad’s inconvenient request, and I was pretty much having a great time before he called. I could understand his attachment to Gene. My stepmother was one of a kind and the sweetest thing that had ever happened to our lives. I couldn’t list everything she’d done for us. She was a mother to me. Period.However, Gene was enough. I didn’t like the idea of having a little sister. If it were a brother, I’d give it consideration. In addition, giving out even the slightest part of my property that I worked my ass off for to a stranger was quite ridiculous. But since Dad asked nicely, I had no choice but to do it. Lastly, picking up this new little sister wasn’t that hard, but engaging in extra family matters was never my thing.At the airport, I didn’t see her right away. She was hard to remember. I’d only seen her once before. All I could recall was the skinny girl with mesmerizing brown eyes.On the other hand, it was astonishing how tim
SCARLET Since I had nowhere to go, I went to the reception and tried to book myself a room, but there was already a reservation under my name. Luke might have had it prepared for me—or maybe Thomas. Luke was no gentleman. Certainly, he was nothing like his father. If only I knew he was a jerk like this, I wouldn’t have fantasized about him for the last six years.I dragged my suitcase with me and stepped into the elevator as soon as I got my key card. Good thing my room was a suite. I freaking needed a good bath.First, I dug into my suitcase and laid out the only dress I could ever bring. A Burberry crimson backless dress with a hem two inches above the knee and a pair of Christian Louboutin silver stilettos. Fortunately, I also got my charms and my ruby necklace. I touched the gem with my finger and briefly admired its beauty.I wasn’t greedy, and I’d never imagined myself wearing these extravagant things before Mom’s marriage. It’s not that I desired any of it, but when Mom marrie
SCARLETI was almost ready to head out of the suite, but my throat dried up, so I walked through the suite’s minibar. To my satisfaction, the liquor cabinet had a full range of beverages and my favorite bottle of Château Lafitte. I grabbed the bottle and poured myself a glass.I shut my eyes and took my first sip of the wine’s heaven-and-earthy taste. I ran my tongue over my lower lip as the bittersweet liquid ran down my throat. I was pretty much having ‘me’ time when the door suddenly gilded open, and the sexiest man I knew marched into the room.Luke came back, and my precious glass of wine splattered on the rug, and the glass shattered into pieces. It’s like he brought a storm with him.“Don’t you ever knock?” I bent down and picked up broken pieces of glass.“This is my suite. Get up here.”What? I even walked around naked earlier, used his bathroom, and he’s saying this was his personal space? No wonder everything was provided. I wouldn’t have come here if I knew. I ignored him
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