The rest of the day, Mira avoided me like I was the damn plague. I saw her around the office twice. While I was conversing with one of our editors, I saw a bouquet of flowers—two dozen red roses—being delivered to her office. I watch her from a distance, through the glass. Mira takes the roses and reads the card as she walks to her desk. Her lips curl into a smile, and she shakes her head.Levi is doing what Levi does best. However, he doesn’t realise that Mira isn’t like every other girl he’s used to wooing. He doesn’t know that Mira doesn’t like roses. Her favourite flowers are blue orchids. She favours sweets over chocolate any day…Haribo, to be precise. When it comes to having the upper hand, I’ll always win because I know Mira better than I know myself.“Mark,” I call for my assistant, and he comes running over to me. “I need you to do something for me…” I place my hand on his shoulder as we walk and give him precise instructions on what I need him to do for me. “You got all of t
DevinFour days.That’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen Mira properly. As much as I love Megan, I honestly cannot wait for her to go back home. I’m fucking exhausted. Her visit was only supposed to last a week, but now she’s moved things around to stay three more days. I’m due to fly to Italy for the conference with Mira in six days. That’s the only thing that’s keeping me sane right now. Two days alone with Mira. I’ve missed spending time with her, and after the emotional talk we had, I’ve been bursting to see her. The way she was crying damn near wrecked me. I don’t want to be the reason she sheds a tear.Levi is spending less and less time here. I can only assume he’s with her or hauled up with his idiot friends.Speaking of friends, I need to see Logan. I met up with him briefly after I came back, but it’s been one thing after another since then. So much has happened in a month. I feel like I’ve been back a year already.
Mira and I glare at Levi, who winces. I know for a fact, that Mira just delivered a swift kick to his shin. “Yes! I’ll make reservations immediately.” She jumps up to her feet, kisses me, and walks off with her phone.“Levi, what the hell?” I grit irately.He shrugs indifferently. “What? What's the big deal? It’s just one dinner, brother.” He turns his attention to Mira, who has sunk back into her chair, deflated. Levi drops a kiss on her temple. “I’m going to shower real quick, and then I’ll take you home, okay?” Mira nods wordlessly.The moment Levi leaves the room, she looks at me. “Can you get us out of this?”I shake my head. “No, she’s like a dog with a bone. I’ve been vague about you over the years, and it's not helped her curiosity. It’s better to get it over with. When Megan sets her mind to something, she won’t stop till she gets it.”Mira sighs, “Great. Exactly how I want to spend my Saturday night—being interrogated. Should I expect the Spanish inquisition?”I rub my foreh
MiraWhy, oh why, did I agree to come to this dinner date? Seriously, what the hell was I thinking? As if meeting Devin’s girlfriend wasn’t bad enough. I’m sitting here bearing witness to them slobbering all over each other. Devin’s deliberately provoking me, and like the fool I am, I’m taking the bait. I’m not playing these stupid games with him. What’s the point? Yes, maybe we’re succeeding in making each other jealous, but then what? Is he going to leave his girlfriend and business partner of five years and be with me? I don’t think so. I can’t explain what this magnetic pull is between us. I like Levi, and I’m having such a great time with him, and despite what Devin seems to believe, we’ve not actually slept together… yet.After what happened between us at my place, we’ve not really had the opportunity to go further. When he convinced me last night to sleepover at the penthouse, I was apprehensive about Devin’s reaction, b
We got to the club just after ten. Wyatt, Lex, Logan and a couple of Wyatt’s friends partying up in the VIP lounge. “Fucking hell, peach!” Wyatt exclaims, taking my hands and looking me over. “You look unreal. If I weren’t gay, you’d be in my bed tonight.”I laugh when he spins me. “I’m in your bed most nights.” “Don’t you forget it, you sexy betch.” He expresses with a wayward grin and kisses my cheek. “Hold it, am I seeing things? Is that Devin and his girlfriend?”I nod, glancing back at said couple and resist the urge to roll my eyes. “Yes, Megan wanted to come along.”“Are you okay?” He asks considerately, leaning in to speak in my ear over the loud music. I nod and gesture toward Levi, standing behind me.“I’m trying not to let it get to me. Wy, she referred to herself as his future fiancée. I almost lost it.” Wyatt pulls his head back, his brown eyes searching mine. In the darkness and neon lights of the club, his usual brown eyes almost looked black.“You’re joking?” I shake
DevinI did it.I finally caved and kissed her, and my God, what a kiss. That taste I’ve been desperately longing for since the last time we kissed came rushing back to me. I hadn’t known just how much I’d been truly yearning for her. The heat of her mouth against mine, the breathy moans, the way she caresses her tongue languidly over mine. It makes me want to combust.Nine whole years of yearning poured into one mind-blowing kiss. It wasn’t one of anger or hunger, despite the frustration between us. No, it was a kiss full of so much emotion, too many unspoken words. I could have kissed her forever, but much to my dismay Mira pulls back, ending the kiss, leaving me a stupor. I peel my eyes open and look down into her flushed face. Her soft, plump lips parted, and she’s panting softly. I search her eyes and can’t place the meaning behind her startled expression. “Dev, why did you do that?”“Why? I’ve been wanting to do that for n
I walk over to her and smile, “Morning, Tinks.” I greet, brushing a kiss on her cheek before taking the small suitcase from her and carrying it back to the car. I can feel Mira watching me while I hand the case to the driver, and he packs it in the boot. Meanwhile, I open the door for her and gesture for her to get in. “Shall we?”Mira nods and gracefully slides into the car. After closing her door, I walk around the car and get in the other side. Mira looks at the coffee cup with her name on it sitting in the cup holder and looks over at me. “You got me a coffee?” Mira questions, surprised. I nod and pick up my cup.“I got us coffees. You forget I know firsthand how cranky you are when you're caffeine-deprived. You turn into a little Tasmanian devil.” I tease her with a smirk and take a sip of my coffee.“Shut up. I do not!” Mira protests affronted, peering at me, all wide-eyed and beautifully flustered. I chuckle, pleased by her reaction.The drive to the airport was forty minutes.
MiraMy heart is at war with my mind. The way Devin whispered he wants me was enough to break down every barrier, every single one of my defences and surrender to him willfully. My heart beats waywardly when I’m around him. The way my body trembles at his very touch is proof enough that he has the power to unravel me to the point that I won’t have the resolve to put myself back together again. My head is screaming at me to stick with Levi because it’s uncomplicated, and when it comes to an end, it won’t hurt as much. However, my heart is pulling me toward Devin.Oh God, what do I do? Do I go with the voice of reason or follow my heart and face getting burned again?After we arrived at the hotel to drop off our luggage, Devin and I ventured out to explore the beautiful city of Rome. The sun is beaming; the city buzzing. We agreed to put a pin in the conversation we had on the plane and enjoy our time in Rome without making it awkwar
Two months later. Thursday afternoon, a livid Mira storms into Devin’s office. “Devin King!” Devin frowns and looks up at her, confused and a little scared, while she stomps over to his desk. “What are you full naming me for? What have I done now?” “Did you tell your dad I was moving to Singapore with you before the baby is born?” Mira questions furiously. Devin blinks and opens his mouth to speak while Mira places her hands at her waist and glares at him, waiting for a response. “I may have mentioned it.” “Oh, you did, did you? I didn’t realise agreeing to marry you would come with the consequence of you making decisions on my behalf!” Mira snaps hotly. Devin raises a brow and stands from his desk. “Mira, for God sake, I’ve been trying to have this conversation with you for two weeks straight, but you keep evading it.” Devin grouses, walking around his desk and stepping closer to his angry fiancée. “My dad asked me what our plans are if we’re going back to Singapore in a couple
EpilogueTwo weeks later.Devin King and Mira Evans stood in front of their respective families, both looking as fretful and tense as each other. Each member of the family watches and waits with the curiosity of their news.“Well…” Noah Evans— Mira’s dad urges. His brown eyes were darting from his daughter to his best friend’s son standing before him.“I’m pregnant.” Mira blurts out suddenly. Devin groans low behind her when everyone in the room, save for Ayla, goes stock-still.“Why do you keep doing that?” He utters to her quietly behind his hand. Mira shrugs helplessly and turns her attention back to everyone in the room gaping at her.“Come again?” Her father questions, his dark brows fusing together. “Did I just hear you correctly? Did you just say you’re pregnant, or am I having some sort of stroke right now?”“You’re not having a stroke, Daddy; I’m pregnant,” Mira says, chewing on her bottom lip.“Who is the father?” Kate, Mira’s mother, qu
Devin disappears inside, leaving me out on the terrace. I stood there trying to picture myself living here. I just couldn’t see it. Yes, we have a company here that I could potentially work at but living in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, you don’t know anyone. I’ll feel lost here. I mean, it’s a beautiful place, it’s clean, and the people are kind, but I know I don’t belong here. I want our baby to be born in the same country as its parents were. I want it to grow up around family. I don’t know how Devin and I will figure this out, but I truly hope we do for the sake of our baby, if nothing else.I’m lost someplace in my mind when I feel Devin come up behind me and hear him whisper in my ear. “Come with me; I have something to show you.”I follow him through the apartment toward the elevator. “Where are we going?” I ask curiously, and he smiles, lacing his fingers with mine.“You’ll see.” Devin pushes the button to the roof terrace, and I smile. He’s got that wi
“Damn baby, it’s nice to be missed by you,” Devin murmurs against my lips, and I suck on his bottom lip.“You saying you haven’t missed me?” I question, looking up at him through my lashes.Devin cups my face in his big hands and gazes into my eyes, his lips brushing mine when he speaks. “Like you wouldn’t believe.” A wicked smile. “I hope you’re not too attached to that dress.”I match his smile, sliding my hands under his T-shirt and raking my fingertips over his abs, revelling in the feel of every bump and ridge and the way his muscles spasm under my touch. “I have two more, just like it,” I affirm, dragging my index finger up the length of his erection over his light blue jeans. “Now, are you going to keep talking or are you going to take me home?” Devin makes a slow hissing sound and rocks against my finger, his cock demanding further attention.“Keep touching me like that, and I’ll fuck you in my car.” He groans, pressing a kiss to my rosy lips. I squeeze my thighs together when
Mira“Devin?”I wander through his penthouse apartment, awe-struck. It’s stunning. Open plan living room, with gorgeous crystal chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows with an incredible view. I trail my fingers along the dark grey marble island in the kitchen as I walk through. I go up the spiral staircase to the bedroom situated on the first floor. No sign of him anywhere. With a sigh, I walk over to the window and look out at the breathtaking view of Singapore stretched out before me.“Hi.” I jump and gasp when I hear a deep voice burr in my ear. “Welcome home.” I smile and sink against him when he wraps his arms around me. By home, he means his embrace, where he claims I always belong, not the apartment itself.“Mm, it’s so good to be home.” I lament, tipping my head back when his lips descend on my neck, licking, kissing and nipping at my flesh. My clothes start to come off, one item at a time hitting the floor until I’m nake
“I beg your pardon?”“My other boyfriend. Battery Operated Boyfriend. BoB.” I explain with a giggle when his face relaxes, and he curses.“You just killed my post-orgasmic bliss with your shenanigans, Evans. If you were here, I’d take you over my knee and give you a good spanking for teasing me like that.” Devin grumbles light-heartedly and gets up out of his bed. A light goes on, and he sets me down someplace. “Wait there. I need to clean myself up.” I grin, watching him move around. His firm and muscular bum comes into view, and I sigh lustily.“I really want to bite that bum of yours, King.” Devin’s laugh echoes in the bathroom. He leans over to look at me.“I’ll bite you back, Evans,” Devin utters, and picks his phone up.“Wait, wait! Let me see that hot body; I’m going to need it for visual purposes later.” I demand, and he flips his camera to face the mirror in the bathroom and flexes his muscles for me. Oh, hello, beefcake.“Oh, by the way, how would you feel about me coming ou
Mira“Peach, what’s up with you?”I sigh, staring at myself in the full-length mirror. It’s been a week since Devin left to go back to Singapore, and I’ve been miserable every second since. I force a smile on my face and pretend I’m fine, but the truth is, I’m not. I miss him. I miss his presence in my life. I miss his touch, his kiss, his smell. We haven’t talked about what our separation meant, but he still calls me to check how I’m doing. I’ve been overly emotional lately since everything that happened with Scott. I burst into tears all hours of the day. I’m mostly healed physically; emotionally, not so much, but I’m getting there. I’ve had a couple of sessions with my mother, which has helped.“I’m fine, Wy; I just don’t feel like going out. So you guys go ahead without me.” I state, turning to face him. Wyatt walks over to me and pulls me into his arms. I sink into his warmth and close my eyes. “You miss him, don’t you?” I nod wordlessly.“He’s not going to be back for months. Me
I pace the corridors at the hospital impatiently. Waiting for them to examine Mira. Everyone’s here, both our families, Wyatt, Lexi and Logan, all waiting to get the all-clear that she’s okay and not suffering some sort of internal bleeding or head trauma. I couldn’t be there because our families don’t know about us. Ayla’s the only one with her.“I want answers!” Uncle Noah barks furiously down the phone. “That lunatic almost killed my daughter again because you failed to inform us of his early release. He was serving a sentence for attempted murder. How could you let him out notifying none of us so we can protect her!” He shouts, pacing back and forth. “We’ll see about that. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. Don’t you worry.” He grips and hangs up the phone. “Incompetent piece of…”“Honey, please calm down.” Aunt Kate tries to soothe him by rubbing his back. He utters something back about needing air and walks off.“Sweetheart, get your hand seen, too. It’s really swollen.” My mothe
DevinI glance down at my phone for the millionth time waiting for Mira to text me back, but she doesn’t. I got no answer from her call either. I’ve got this dreadful feeling in my gut, and I can’t shake it. She always responds to my texts, so why isn’t she replying.Me:‘Baby, everything okay?’ I sigh and bite my lip anxiously. Levi walks into the kitchen, and being the spiritual person he is, picks up on my unease and frowns. “What’s up with you?”I scowl at my phone and shake my head. “Something’s wrong. Mira’s not answering my texts or calls.”Levi opens the fridge and takes out a bottle of water. “She’s probably busy, or you’ve pissed her off again.” He utters, taking a long sip and licking his lips.I pin him with a firm look, and he rolls his eyes. “I’ve not done anything; we’re perfectly fine, thank you very much. When have you known Mira not to answer texts? Even when she’s angry, she sends something scathing back.”“If