Olivia’s POV:Brandon tilted his head as my lips meet his aggressively and cupped my jaw with his hand to pull me snugly and comfortably as he ducks lower. Not that I’m surprised or complaining. Pushing his fingers into the underside of my hair, clamping me to him possessively and taking immediate control.I have a severe weakness for this man dominating me the second kissing is involved. Weirdly, as in life, I hated it whenever he exerts his authority over me at any other time. He’s an alpha male, though, and in this, I don’t want his submission.Right now, I want him to devour me. He’s most impressive when he is in control. He makes me feel desirable and addicted when he overpowers me sexually. Damn.He kissed me softly at first and then opens his lips to tease mine with them and traced my tongue with his. Sensations are swirling, making me dizzy and giddy all at once. Waves of flutters rush from my head to my toes, and my body responded quickly.Brandon kissed me tenderly rather th
Olivia’s POV:Unfortunately, he tried again and this time I was prepared to control myself. Brandon tilted his head and cupped my jaw with his hand to pull me snugly and comfortably as he ducked lower. Not that I’m surprised or complaining. Pushing his fingers into the underside of my hair, clamping me to him possessively and taking immediate control. I have a severe weakness for this man dominating me the second kissing is involved. Weirdly, as in life, I hate it when he exerts his authority over me at any other time. Before I took over the hotel, he was the alpha male and I don’t want his submission.God. He makes me feel desirable and addicted when he overpowers me sexually.He kissed me softly at first and then opened his lips to tease mine with them and traces my tongue with his. Sensations are swirling, making me dizzy and giddy all at once. Waves of flutters rush from my head to my toes, and my body responds quickly.“The movie tonight is ‘The Godfather’” Brandon pulls away, a
Brandon left his apartment with a cool attitude, but as soon as he closes the door behind him and ensuring that Olivia won’t follow him----he rushed to the stairs and saw Alice leaning on his motorbike. She had her car parked a few feet away from it. If Olivia would peek through one of the windows, she would definitely see them. Like a thief, he snatched the woman to the corner where Olivia’s view was blocked by the roof.His blood boiled. “What are you doing here?”She smirked at him and challenged his glare. “I’m supposed to ask you, Brandon. I wasn’t informed about this little shenanigan with Olivia. What? You’re operating on your own now? Are you pushing me to side now?”“Alice,” his tone lowered, he couldn’t risk arguing with her right then and there. “I’m sorry. It was a spur of the moment. I was about to text you but I was driving. Baby.”“Hmph.” Alice placed her arms across her chest in haughty derision and surveyed the building he came from. “Brandon, you took her here. You n
Olivia and Brandon’s private meetings became more frequent over the weeks. He constantly visits her office and that gesture brought gossips among hotel staff. The flowers for her arrived rarer and whenever they do, Brandon makes sure the staff recycles them as décor for the reception desk.There was even a time when Olivia heard some of them talk about her personal life in the pantry and that brought her back to her senses. If the people are talking, that means she’s no longer in control of her precious ‘work-life balance’.It’s five minutes before six in the evening. The nightshift staff had logged in for their shift and those who work in the office have left one hour ago to be with their families. Even her secretary left an hour ago. Olivia is a firm believer of ‘what you can do for today, do not leave for tomorrow’. She had no intentions of working too late that night. Since having Ethan in custody, she tries to be home before his bedtime so she could spend more time with his nephe
Olivia’s POV:This morning, however, in the cold light of day with a headache and fuzzy brain, waking up by his side, all my doubts and fears dive right back in. We didn’t have s*x. I told him I’m not feeling well and he was okay with it----all night was just cuddles. I know I had to indulge myself for the last time.Harvey was right. I shouldn’t forget who he is and what he could do. I have to be smart and keep my heart shielded until I figure it out if this thing between us can work. There is a lot at risk.Though Harvey did not say it directly but I could put two and two together, Brandon Pembroke is still an outsider in my life, an enemy under that pretty face. I haven’t given him cause to show it yet. He is on the charm offensive because I’m something he wants. Of that I am sure. When the novelty wears off, or I give him a reason to be mad, then we shall indeed see who he is. The genuine proof of whether I can trust him will be when I disobey him and make him angrier than hell.
Brandon glanced down at his phone lighting up in the center console of his car and sighed as Alice’s name flashed on the screen. That air of irritation and anxiety mingled together and pushed solidly to the surface. He was running late as it was, which he hated like crazy, but he knew for a fact that whatever she wanted, he would give in to.Alice just had a way of getting under his skin, even when she was being as infuriating as in the past months, and try as he might, he had no willpower when it came to her. Hitting his dash connected to his phone, her voice rang around the car's interior as soon as he pressed it. He was on his way to a client meeting.He used his car because he knew he had to. Olivia didn’t want people to see him parked whole night and whole day in her townhouse. This was his last meeting for the day. And he looked forward to fulfilling that promise to Olivia tonight.“Brandon…? Are you there?” She was slurring badly, most likely way too drunk.His temper rose inte
Olivia’s POV:Best friend?A female best friend?I’ve known Brandon for some time now and we’ve talked about an array of things, work-related and personal but this friend never came up. Until now. My gut tells me I have to meet this friend. Of course, I couldn’t and wouldn’t impose that on Brandon. We don’t exactly have a label to begin with, right?I was almost ready to cut off what we have this morning. Now that this special friend showed up, maybe I’d have a better reason to end things with Brandon. It’s always easier to put a blame on someone than explaining why you are scared to trust and allow people inside your carefully crafted wall.I padded through the townhouse in my fluffy slippers. I realized my stomach is grumbling so I decided to make my way to the kitchen and fix something. I have two staffs here who take care of everything for me and Ethan. As I did so, I noticed that the house needed more stuff for the boy and made a mental note to browse the internet for essentials
“What was that?” Brandon frowns at her, anger well hidden beneath that cool and calm exterior in which he excelled.“I had a few drinks…or more, that’s what.” Alice shrugged nonchalantly. “You found me, yay.”“Alice, this sh*t is getting old. What’s the problem?” Brandon tugged her with him by the hand, turning away without waiting for more of a response. His manner is all hostile, even if he seems fine to the untrained eye. He’s mad at her, that’s clear.When they got outside into the night air, Brandon lets Alice go to walk ahead to the car, she almost stumbled clumsily. Catching her heel on an uneven paving stone. He guides her to the car silently, in a controlled manner, his face deadpan. Alice can sense the distance between them. Her nerves are gnawing at her, mood wary, skin tingling with apprehension that something is off and different this time. She knows that lately, they haven’t exactly been getting on.For weeks now, there’s been a coolness between them, but right now, besi
Olivia’s POV:I’ve been walking for what feels like hours, in a small town of Santorini. Before leaving New York, I was faced with a problem. I had Greece on top of my head. I was always fascinated by the blue seas and marble houses. Maurice and Ethan couldn’t leave the country because they don’t have a passport yet and so my instinct kicked in and I phoned Harvey.[That’s your problem, Liv?] He asked me like it was not a problem.“Hmm, you are right. Maybe I should forget Greece and settle for a nearby state.”[You have a private plane, Olivia. Meredith owns one. She’s s sucker for travel and it’s high time you enjoy that privilege as well. I’ll call the pilot. He is Meredith’s trusted air person and I’ll have all the necessary clearance arranged. As for the passport, I’ll take care of that too.]“T-that’s possible?”[Of course. I will call you with an update. It will take me maybe thirty minutes.]Hmm, perks of the rich and powerful. Harvey was true to his words. He arranged everyth
Olivia’s POV:I’ve mulled around my room for the last few hours, sitting on my bed and absolutely doing nothing. I finished what I could finish at work and brought the other work home. Brandon was nowhere in sight.“Of course, he’s not here. If he were, he wouldn’t want to bump into you.” I muttered under my breath. “You’re crazy, Olivia.” I’m trying hard not to get frustrated with the feelings inside.I went home in haste.Maurice knocked on my door. She smiles my way with a warm, affectionate look, and I catch myself smiling back, despite my current state. I left the door open and I couldn’t care less. My mind was drifting some place else. I’m both angry and upset----a mix of both and it’s never a good sign. Losing control over my emotions is not good in my book.“Hey, can I come in?”“It’s open, isn’t it?” I huff churlishly and then internally chastise myself at the crushed expression fleeting across her face. I am so used to being prickly with people around me nowadays that I for
Olivia’s POV:Last night was a bummer for me. The last time I slept this awful was the night after I had my entire family arrested. I know I shouldn’t be feeling this way given the blur of my relationship with Brandon. We kiss, we touch and we like each other, I am very sure about that but labels are important too.And now that an important person in his life showed up---my gut keeps on pushing me to be nosey. Honestly, I would care less if we maintained that professional barrier up between us.But I can’t let my emotional issues get in the way of my day to day life. I have to leave the comfort of my home and show up at work. But first, I need a run. The townhouse where I decided to live has a park nearby notorious to runners in the morning and I feel like I needed the endorphin boost.I washed up, got dressed and grabbed a smoothie in the kitchen as a pre-run energy booster. I also checked on Ethan who was snug on his small bed. Maurice was already up and nodded at me when she saw my
Alice’s POV:I don’t know how to respond; but I know I’m happy. I also know he did the right thing. Olivia will never suspect we’re lovers and I can be around them. Watching over my property will be easier than when I’m at a distance lurking like a shadow. However, I will not show Brandon that I loved the idea.“T-that’s awesome.” I managed to say. “I’ll take a cab. Thank you.” Not waiting for a response, I unclip my belt and slide out quickly. As expected, Brnadon moves to catch me across the center console, but I’m quicker. Dodging his outstretched grasp and leaving his door open, I move fast along the grassy edging to the road.I’m an expert in heels on all terrain and I want him to be desperate to have me back in the car. I tuck my head down, determined to walk. He catches up to me quickly, easy strides for someone with legs like his. I don’t hear him approach and inhale sharply at the sudden warmth of hands on me as he catches me by the waist from behind and pulls me back to a ha
“What was that?” Brandon frowns at her, anger well hidden beneath that cool and calm exterior in which he excelled.“I had a few drinks…or more, that’s what.” Alice shrugged nonchalantly. “You found me, yay.”“Alice, this sh*t is getting old. What’s the problem?” Brandon tugged her with him by the hand, turning away without waiting for more of a response. His manner is all hostile, even if he seems fine to the untrained eye. He’s mad at her, that’s clear.When they got outside into the night air, Brandon lets Alice go to walk ahead to the car, she almost stumbled clumsily. Catching her heel on an uneven paving stone. He guides her to the car silently, in a controlled manner, his face deadpan. Alice can sense the distance between them. Her nerves are gnawing at her, mood wary, skin tingling with apprehension that something is off and different this time. She knows that lately, they haven’t exactly been getting on.For weeks now, there’s been a coolness between them, but right now, besi
Olivia’s POV:Best friend?A female best friend?I’ve known Brandon for some time now and we’ve talked about an array of things, work-related and personal but this friend never came up. Until now. My gut tells me I have to meet this friend. Of course, I couldn’t and wouldn’t impose that on Brandon. We don’t exactly have a label to begin with, right?I was almost ready to cut off what we have this morning. Now that this special friend showed up, maybe I’d have a better reason to end things with Brandon. It’s always easier to put a blame on someone than explaining why you are scared to trust and allow people inside your carefully crafted wall.I padded through the townhouse in my fluffy slippers. I realized my stomach is grumbling so I decided to make my way to the kitchen and fix something. I have two staffs here who take care of everything for me and Ethan. As I did so, I noticed that the house needed more stuff for the boy and made a mental note to browse the internet for essentials
Brandon glanced down at his phone lighting up in the center console of his car and sighed as Alice’s name flashed on the screen. That air of irritation and anxiety mingled together and pushed solidly to the surface. He was running late as it was, which he hated like crazy, but he knew for a fact that whatever she wanted, he would give in to.Alice just had a way of getting under his skin, even when she was being as infuriating as in the past months, and try as he might, he had no willpower when it came to her. Hitting his dash connected to his phone, her voice rang around the car's interior as soon as he pressed it. He was on his way to a client meeting.He used his car because he knew he had to. Olivia didn’t want people to see him parked whole night and whole day in her townhouse. This was his last meeting for the day. And he looked forward to fulfilling that promise to Olivia tonight.“Brandon…? Are you there?” She was slurring badly, most likely way too drunk.His temper rose inte
Olivia’s POV:This morning, however, in the cold light of day with a headache and fuzzy brain, waking up by his side, all my doubts and fears dive right back in. We didn’t have s*x. I told him I’m not feeling well and he was okay with it----all night was just cuddles. I know I had to indulge myself for the last time.Harvey was right. I shouldn’t forget who he is and what he could do. I have to be smart and keep my heart shielded until I figure it out if this thing between us can work. There is a lot at risk.Though Harvey did not say it directly but I could put two and two together, Brandon Pembroke is still an outsider in my life, an enemy under that pretty face. I haven’t given him cause to show it yet. He is on the charm offensive because I’m something he wants. Of that I am sure. When the novelty wears off, or I give him a reason to be mad, then we shall indeed see who he is. The genuine proof of whether I can trust him will be when I disobey him and make him angrier than hell.
Olivia and Brandon’s private meetings became more frequent over the weeks. He constantly visits her office and that gesture brought gossips among hotel staff. The flowers for her arrived rarer and whenever they do, Brandon makes sure the staff recycles them as décor for the reception desk.There was even a time when Olivia heard some of them talk about her personal life in the pantry and that brought her back to her senses. If the people are talking, that means she’s no longer in control of her precious ‘work-life balance’.It’s five minutes before six in the evening. The nightshift staff had logged in for their shift and those who work in the office have left one hour ago to be with their families. Even her secretary left an hour ago. Olivia is a firm believer of ‘what you can do for today, do not leave for tomorrow’. She had no intentions of working too late that night. Since having Ethan in custody, she tries to be home before his bedtime so she could spend more time with his nephe