He's kissing me. My drunk brain slowly processed the thought that it actually took me a full minute to realize what's going on. By the time I did, I was already under a spell and tearing my lips from his seemed next to impossible. My eyes fluttered close when his lips began to move rhythmically against mine, coaxing me to move my lips and join the flow. My will to push him away melted like a candle. All the reasons I still have with me left my body and I began to respond to him hungrily.As though my hands had minds of their own, they freely clung to his neck.His lips moved gently at first, then it grew deeper. His tongue invaded my mouth. Without inhibitions, I opened my lips and fought with his tongue.It feels so wrong and yet so right. I never imagined doing this to any man except to him.Even with my clothes still on, I could feel the strong warmth of his body pressed on my own. Down there I could feel something hard pressing on my thighs. A tiny little shiver ran down my spin
Sometime later Lucas stirred from the bed. "Bella?" He called her name. Recalling how she spelled the name in her drunken state brought a rare smile to his usual poker face. He waited for her to respond and when she didn't, he lifts his head so he could look at her only to find her peacefully sleeping with her cute little mouth slightly parted open.He swallowed deep and hard as his hot gaze survey her delicate countenance. Her high cheekbones were tainted in red and her cute small lips swollen from the aftermath of their passionate love making. She's effortlessly beautiful even in her sleep and her state of undress made the temperature inside the room feel like a sauna."Lovely," he mumbled under his breath, brushing the tip of his fingers on her smooth porcelain skin. He can look at her forever and not feel tired at all. Lucas thought to himself with a sudden jolt in his chest.Something inside him had been awakened tonight. It was an emotion he couldn't name because it was the fir
It wasn't the warm morning sunshine peeking through my glass window nor the sound of soft footsteps outside my room cutting through my deep slumber which had woken me up. But the warm and hard object poking my thighs brought my awareness back into reality.With the remnants of sleep I still held to, I wiggled back to dreamland, wishing to continue the dream where I left off. But the 'thing'as I call it still pokes my thighs and it feels as though it had only become larger with my resistance.My sleepy brain couldn't guess what it was and after a few wrong guesses I finally gave up. Returning back to sleep sounds more fun than trying to guess what it really was; however before I can even step a foot into the portal of slumber, warm muscled arms enclose me in a tight embrace.A scream almost tore from my lips in panic and alarm. My eyes snap open to look at the man holding me in his arms.It was Lucas!I should have been swept with relief seeing his face but the sight of his peaceful co
Turning to Lucas, my already wide eyes stretched even wider, "You should leave right now." I breathed. Panic and alarm swell inside me like an air balloon. "They shouldn't see me like this, especially with you in my room.""I couldn't. I'm butt naked." He replied, wickedly amused by how terrified I look."Go pick up your clothes and leave the room quickly." I order under my breath , stressed out by his lack of concern."I have no other way to go to my room except the main door." Lucas crossed his arms in front, and leaned back on the headboard in a comfortable position. "Besides, the view here is far more interesting here than inside my room." He added, his eyes twinkling as they skim through my body. When I followed where his gaze had stopped, I caught him looking at my breast which had spilled out of the blanket covering them."Pervert!" I gasp, hugging the blanket higher to my chest to cover my exposed body part. Something that resembled a groan and a chuckle emerged from his thro
"Even my ass," I bit back glumly and I closed the door in his face. However, before the door can entirely close, Lucas inserted himself in between and forced himself in. He tailed behind me, feeling at home in my room after spending just a night and acting as if he owned the place. He did own it though but my room is my private sanctuary, he has his own."Stop following me," I lashed at him, unable to tolerate his presence anymore after what he did this morning."I'm not following you." He replied. A childish grin playing across his enigmatic features."Yes, you are.""This is my house. I have the right to be here." He responded smugly."But this is my room. You have yours."Lucas nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. " You will be late for work if you don't move now." He told me and found himself a comfortable position on the large Victorian sofa."You are avoiding the topic." I accused him. The irritation in my tone was outright."I'm not." He said. His lack of concern irritated me f
"I can't believe I've just met the notorious Lucas Nicholas Alexander up close." Samantha spoke suddenly while driving the sleek Lamborghini smoothly across the spacious highway. From reviewing the pointers of today's meeting in my notepad, my attention switches to hers in a snap. "He's nothing like the man I heard people talk about before." She continued without tearing her gaze off the road.Every nerve in my body abruptly awakens by the mention of Luca's name. Samantha wasn't the expressive type, she'd never been vocal in her thoughts and opinions, but for the first time since meeting her, I've finally seen this side of her. It intrigued me even more to inquire further about the man. "What was Lucas actually like before you met him?" I quietly ask her."Based on people who've been in close contact with him, they say he was cold, calculated, arrogant, and never really paid any attention to anyone around him." She explained, pausing a little bit to step on the brakes when the traffi
"Done preparing? The meeting will begin in five minutes."From looking at files in my hand, my eyes shifts to Samantha's direction. "I thought I still have an hour left?" I ask her with a puzzled look in my face."The Chief Financial Officer wants to begin early.""And they didn't even ask me if I'm not ready yet.""They didn't want your opinion. As it's the CFO's order, we have no say in it." Samantha explained. "I'm warning you in advance, the conference hall will be a battlefield once you step inside.""That's terrifying." I mumble under my breath, thinking I won't be even surprise if someone throws an egg to my face inside the conference hall since everybody seems to hate me."You're more terrifying to them. They hate you because you scare them."Samantha briefly glance at her wristwatch before shifting her eyes back to me. "Four minu
Scarlet wasn't easily put off though. Instead of retreating, she held her stance and grab the chance to worsen the situation. So in her calm, calculated tone, she began. "I remember you, woman." She said the words while looking in Sam's direction. "You've once worked here in the company, aren't you? If I'm not mistaken, you've been charged with money embezzlement and have been imprisoned for a year."Gasps and murmurs filled the room.Remarkably, Samantha remained calm and composed on her seat. "You've had an excellent memory, Miss Ross." She told Scarlet in the same polite manner she'd been using earlier. "However, you didn't get the facts straight. If I was guilty of charge as you claimed it to be, I won't be seating here in this very conference hall."Scarlet's face heat up in humiliation. "Don't talk to me like that. "I'm still your boss.""I do respect you as the Chief Finance Officer, Miss Ross
"Are you still leaving?" Lucas asked me after a moment of pause. Sadness shone in his eyes. At that moment he looked like an adorable puppy melting my heart. "I have important matters to attend to, being the CEO of AA Cosmetics," I replied, my tone apologetic. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. "If only I don't have to attend to my responsibilities then I could just stay. However, I will lose not only millions but the company I worked hard for if I don't take care of it. I have responsibilities that I can't neglect."He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I understand," he murmured under his breath, his eyes never leaving mine. "But will you come back?" he asked, hope shining in his eyes. I paused, taking a moment to gather my thoughts."I promise I'll be back in a month," I told him, trying to give him some reassurance. "I won't let our time together end like this." Lucas cleared his throat. "What if you find someone else while you're away?" he asked, his brows f
I gazed at the necklace in awe, tears fell down my flushed cheeks. Hastily, I wiped it away before the child could notice and inquire about my tears. I didn't want Niall to witness my sorrow, fearing that he might feel the same way. It was too painful for me to bear.I took the necklace from the velvet box and held it up, admiring its beauty carefully. The child is so thoughtful, remembering to give me a gift. It makes me more guilty to explain to him that I'll be gone from the house and will probably never return.Gently, I put it around my neck. The cool silver chain rested against my skin, the stones creating a dazzling display of color in the soft light of the room. It was the first and probably the last gift I received from him and I will forever treasure it."It looks perfect on you, Mom." he said softly, his eyes shining with pride. "I knew you would like it."I reached up to touch his cheeks and whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Niall….This is so beautiful. I
When Sam and I parted ways, I didn't head straight home, wanting to have a moment to myself. Deep in thought, I realized that with my twin sister gone, I have to go back to my old life as Arabella Angelstone, the CEO of AA cosmetics to fulfill my responsibility.It's been a long time since I've handled the company on my own. But with everything finally back in its place it's clear that I have to take over.I experienced a twinge of sadness thinking about leaving the Alexander mansion and saying goodbye to the cherished memories and loved ones I hold dear. Lucas and Niall, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. Although Niall may not be my biological child, as my twin's son, he feels like my own.I had a strong desire to remain in the mansion, creating more memories with Niall and Lucas. Sadly, I couldn't find a valid reason to stay. The relationship between Lucas and myself is unclear. I am unsure of where I stand in his life and know that one day he will find the woman he w
When we reached home, the first light of dawn pierced through the dark sky. Lucas and I quickly went to Niall's room to check on him. Finding the little boy peacefully asleep relieved my anxiety. Afterwards, we headed straight to bed, craving a few hours of rest.The night had been intense, unforgettable. While Lucas drifted into a deep slumber, I stayed awake, observing the steady rhythm of his breathing, thinking I'm going to miss him when I'm gone.I tried to push the thought out of my mind but I couldn't. My time in this house was limited. I couldn't stay here forever, this isn't my home. Eventually, I would have to go back to my old life as Arabella Angelstone, a businesswoman accustomed to being alone.I gently brushed a strand of hair away from his face, feeling a pang of regret. But if Lucas were to express a desire for me to stay, I would consider it. But the reality was, that was not an option as he harbored no feelings for me.I couldn't find the courage to confess my feeli
"I have a gun, Bella. If you make so much as a scream, I'll kill Niall next door."I froze, my heart sinking to the pit of my stomach "No you won't." I gasped, "He's your son.""Do you think I won't kill him?" Her laughter filled the air with chill. "I once killed you… I won't hesitate to get rid of my son for the sake of revenge.""You're evil!" My teeth clenched."Is that a compliment?" Alexandria giggled. "Turn around, I want to witness the fear in your eyes when I get rid of you."I obediently did what she told me. She was wearing a servant's uniform, and concealed her hair color behind a brunette wig. No wonder no one noticed her sneak in, she blended well with her disguise."You won't get away with this." "Oh, really? I've done this before Bella. I was never caught and I'm sure not this time."Her lips curled into a smug smirk. "Lucas will take time to return, by the time he reaches here, you'll be dead."Shock reverberated through me. Panic threatened to consume me, but I ref
Three days later.I took a deep breath and strode inside the study, clutching the DNA result which arrived from the lab this morning.What I have to say to Lucas would change everything.As I approached him, I noticed a furrowed brow and a slight hunch in his posture. He was completely engrossed in the papers scattered across his desk, and seemed oblivious to my presence. It was as if the world around him had faded away, leaving only the task at hand to capture his attention.I didn't want to interrupt him, but what I have to say can't wait.""Lucas."With a lift of his gaze, he met my eyes. His frown, which had been etched on his face just a moment prior, vanished in an instant."Is there anything you need?" he inquired, rising from his chair and striding purposefully in my direction.I shook my head and handed him the envelope which I had already read."A DNA result?" His frown returned and he unfolded the paper. As he finished reading, a look of indescribable shock washed over his
"I just want to talk to you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I know you're angry with me, but I think we need to clear the air.Ms. Hamilton crossed her arms and shot me a murderous glare. "And why should I talk to you? You slept with my fiancé.""No, we never slept together. I lied to you because I was envious of your relationship and I wanted to destroy it but after I learned you're pregnant I felt guilty and wanted to correct my mistakes.As the conversation between us started to heat up, Peterson finally got in between."Alexandria is telling the truth, Lily....Nothing happened between us!" He exclaimed, his thick brows almost meeting halfway in frustration.Peterson continued on, " She made everything up! She lied to everyone, trying to ruin my reputation!""I cannot believe what you have done," she said, her voice trembling with anger, her eyes never once leaving my face.I took a deep breath, aware of a countless pair of eyes watching us like a freak show. "Ms. Ha
As I walked down the stairs, I felt the soft rustle of my cocktail gown brushing against the polished wooden steps. I had spent hours getting ready for this moment - carefully applying makeup, curling my hair, and choosing the perfect dress - all to impress Lucas, who was waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase.He looked up as I approached, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You look stunning," he said, his eyes drinking in the sight of me. "Absolutely breathtaking."I couldn't help but blush at his words, feeling a rush of excitement and anticipation fill me. "Thank you," I mumbled.Lucas took my hand and led me towards the door, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, his voice low and husky.I nodded, feeling a sudden burst of confidence. This was it - the moment I had been waiting for. With Lucas by my side, I knew anything was possible.As we stepped out into the night air, I felt his hand slip around my waist, pulling me close. "You
"Eros was so worried about you, Bella. He thought you're dead.""Oh my god. I felt so terrible. " I bit my lower lip. "How was he doing?" Sam took a deep breath. "Well, before I explained to him what had happened to you, he was utterly devastated. Somehow he was relieved to know you're doing fine.""Phew... I hope he understands that I can't just show up without knowing the situation there first. I wouldn't want to spoil our plans by revealing to Alexandria that my memory has returned.""Don't worry Bella, Eros understands. In fact he said it's better you stay here for a while until Alexandria is caught."Feeling a pulsing ache in my head, I begin to gently rub my temples. "She's as elusive as a fish," I mutter to myself, "I wonder where we should even start looking for her.""You don't have to search for Alexandria. Eventually, she will come to you to finish on her own accord."I raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What exactly do you mean, Samantha?"She leaned back in her chair, tak