Cameron paused at the entrance when he saw her. There she was, standing in his living room and staring at an abstract painting hanging on the large wall, her back to him. “I didn’t believe it when they told me you were here.” There was no denying the annoyance in his voice.
Hadley spun around, a small smile on her lips. “Is it such a surprise that I am?” She closed the distance between them. “I thought occasional visits are expected of partners, people in love…”He had a blank expression as he plopped down on the sofa. “Why are you here?”“I think you know why I’m here…”He held her gaze. Those innocent-looking brown eyes were anything but innocent. There was something about Hadley that had his guard up, but he couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Whether it was the perfect smile that was permanently on her face or those eyes that were clearly masking a deeper emotion. “Hadley…”“Cameron, you went on to have a child by an ordinary girl…” ThereScarlett peered out of the window as the tall iron gates opened up as she approached. There was security at the entrance. "I'm Scarlett Knowles, Mr. Gray...""Mr. Grayson is expecting you," the man responded with a smile.She felt her heart racing; he was expecting her. The thought made her insides churn. She drove past the massive water fountain at the center of the compound, surrounded by nature, a flower garden, and a greenhouse.She drove a distance before the large mansion came into view. It was a mansion with a large garage and outbuildings with extensive landscaping lights.From what she could make out, the grounds were expansive, with woods circling the building. It was private and exclusive, a perfect place to relax in. She cleared her throat as thoughts of her and Cameron locked inside, alone in this house filled her mind. She couldn’t think of things like that; she was here for Levi. It had been a long week without him.When Ca
The day he asked her to come over to his house, the thought had been conceived out of a naughty plan in his mind. There were many things he was unsure of about Scarlett, but one thing was certain: his desire for her. He couldn’t understand why it burned so brightly, but he knew he would do anything to get her in his bed again.He knew the moment she walked in, he had prepped everyone for it. Stayed up all night thinking about her, watched her drive in, and even smiled in amusement when she got out of her car and took a moment to look around.Everything he had done, everything he planned to do was with one intent and purpose: to get her into his bed. He was rock hard in his pants. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t wearing any figure-flattering dresses. It didn’t matter that her cleavage was hidden away under the brown sweater she had on, that he so badly wanted to slip his hands under. Heck, he was crazy for her even in those baggy jeans, and he couldn’t understand w
She glanced at his bare chest as they walked side by side. It was really hard to sit through breakfast with him sitting close, his upper body unclad, not to mention all the sexual innuendos he was dropping and his intense gaze. She barely made it through.So when he said he was going to show her around, she thought he would at least put on a shirt over those strong arms, cover up those rock-hard abs and muscles. Look away, Scarlett! She pulled her gaze away and resumed listening.“This is the living room,” he gestured around. “You can tell, nothing much happens here. I rarely use this part of the house.”“How long have you lived here?” She asked.He thought about it. “Ten years, since I left home. Of course, I’ve had it remodeled over the years, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave...” He paused. “The house is to me like the bat cave is to Batman,” he said with a chuckle.She chuckled at the reference.He extended a hand to her.
Lucious sauntered into Cameron’s office. He was momentarily stunned to see Scarlett there, but he didn’t let it show on his face. “Mr. Grayson, you have that interview slated for..." he peeked st his watch, "4 p.m. this evening, which is approximately two hours from now. The studio is downtown, so you might want to leave now.” Cameron groaned. Lucious had a wide smile on his face. “Do it again,” he wanted to say, but he stopped himself just in time. “Normally, I would go on a rant and complain about the interview and ask why you didn’t tell me beforehand. But then usually, you would have a ready explanation of the date and time you told me about the interview and how I readily agreed to it.” Lucious’s smile deepened. “Accurate as always, Mr. Grayson.” He walked up to the chair across from Cameron and plopped down on it, crossing his legs. He exhaled. “So, what’s this interview for? Don’t tell me it's about another shirtless magazine cover.” Scarlett swallowed. There were many of
Scarlett’s eyes widened in surprise when the elevator doors opened, maybe more shock than surprise because there was nothing strange about Tess in the elevator. Cameron was just about to enter. Also, it wasn’t that much of a shock that Anika had tagged along. “Hello, Mr. Grayson,” they greeted in unison. Scarlett shut her eyes and massaged her temples. Anika could not hide the excitement in her voice. “Hello,” Cameron greeted and nodded in their direction. “Hello, Scarlett!” She smiled at them, “Tess, Anika, lovely day, isn’t it?” Tess stared at her in amusement. Scarlett cursed silently when Cameron glanced at her. Lovely day, isn’t it? Who did she think she was? The British royal family? Maybe she should take it up a notch and ask them about the weather? What next? Howdy? She stood erect, slightly behind Cameron. She was carrying his briefcase and the tab in her hand. Cameron, on the other hand, had his hands in his pockets as he stared ahead, oblivious to the giggling
“How do I look?” he asked as he walked up to her. She bit her lower lip as her gaze traveled up and down. What was she going to answer to that? That he looked as hot as he always did? So hot that she was bothered, so hot that she could feel her core throb in reaction, her nipples poking through her dress. She tucked her hair behind her ear and exhaled, “Smart as always…” He closed the distance between them, a small smirk crept up on his lips, he leaned forward and lightly brushed his fingers against her face. She sucked in a breath, “You say that, yet you’re eye-fucking me in public?” “What! No!” Her cheeks reddened. His smirk deepened, “Don’t hold back, Scarr. I’m counting on you not to…” “Mr. Grayson!” They turned around to see a middle-aged man with dark hair cropped short, dressed in a navy blue suit walking towards them. He had a pleasant smile on his face, “We are ready for you…” He announced, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. “Give me a minute,” Cameron r
“Mr. Grayson, shall we continue?” Mr. Smith asked, putting an end to his pleasant daydreaming.“Ye...Yes, of course.”Mr. Smith flashed a wide smile, interviewing Cameron would see his career flying off the charts; he couldn’t miss it. “Pay no heed to the prompter if you don’t like the answers.”He nodded. He wasn’t going to look at the prompter, but that didn’t mean his eyes wouldn’t wander to the sexy woman standing across from him.Scarlett tried to stand impossibly still. Maybe if she wasn’t moving too much or doing too much, Cameron would not be ogling her like she was chocolate chip ice cream. She had lost count of the number of food metaphors she had used to describe herself because of Cameron’s intense staring.A small smirk crept on his lips when he saw she was standing still, her hands behind her back. Not even that strict teacher pose could do anything to quell the desire and hunger he felt for her. Heck, she could be squatting
Scarlett’s whole frame turned rigid. She sat unmoving and stared straight ahead as he got into the car from the other side. It was hard to wrap her head around it; she had just kissed Cameron, full on the lips, quite reminiscent of their first night together in Paris. She had resisted his advances when every part of her was in disagreement, and now, in one slight moment of weakness, in an unexpected place, she had given in to his kisses and enjoyed it. Every bit of it. She had rubbed onto his crotch like a crazy sex maniac. Maybe she was. Who wouldn’t be?Cameron bit down on his lower lip as he got into the car, a grin forming on his lips. It was beyond anything he had imagined. Every imagination he had to the build-up of this moment paled in comparison to having her lush in his arms, her lips pressed against his, a thigh resting on his hips. He gawked at her, amusement on his face. He enjoyed it. The tiniest regret he had was that they were in public and that he hadn’t tak
Lucious arrived fashionably late, as always, for Mrs. Grayson’s birthday celebration. Through no fault of his own, his flight had been delayed. He rushed in when the party was already underway, grabbed a glass of champagne, and blended in with the merry crowd. His eyes searched the room for familiar faces, and then he spotted her: Scarlett Knowles.She looked beautiful in the blue and white floral dress she was wearing. He rushed towards her, grabbed her shoulders from behind, and exclaimed, “Hello, Scarlett!”She turned around sharply, her eyes widening in excitement. “Lucious! You got here late. I was beginning to think you wouldn’t come anymore!”He rolled his eyes. “I had the most hectic flight, you won’t believe it…” He let out a big exhale and fanned himself with his hands. “The flight got delayed, and we encountered some difficulties on the way here. I should have just listened to Mr. King's advice and flown private…”Scarlett gave him a knowing gaze. “Mr. King, huh?”Lucious g
“Happy birthday to you...” Everyone's voices rose together in a slightly off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday."Belinda beamed, glowing as her family and friends sang together for her. They were all gathered at a hall in the resort. Her birthday celebration was a small, cozy event. At the end of the rendition, everyone stepped forward to personally wish her a happy birthday and hug her.Her husband, Mr. Grayson walked up to her, beaming with smiles. He opened a jewelry box and revealed a diamond necklace. “I had one especially made just for you, there’s only one special gem, just like you...” He leaned close and kissed the top of her head.There were a lot of "aww's" from the crowd.She shut her eyes. “Thank you, my love.”Her grandchildren, Loretta and Levi, had brought gifts for her: handmade cards and letters. It was the cutest thing. Levi’s gifts were mostly illegible scribblings, while Loretta’s were more meaningful, but she loved and appreciated every one of them.Cameron and Va
Vanessa walked into the lounge, her hands folded across her chest, “Cameron! Cameron!” She yelled aloud as she walked in.He rolled his eyes, “Nessa, it says relaxing lounge for a reason,” he gestured towards the sign at the door.She glanced at it and back at her scruffy-looking brother, “Yes, I can see that it clearly says relaxing lounge and has a no alcohol policy so what’s that about?” she pointed at the half-full bottle of whisky by his side.He exhaled, “Does it matter? We bought out the whole place. The rules don’t apply anymore.”She walked up to him, “I don’t think that’s how rules work, but you’ve never been one to abide by any rule ever, so I can’t say I’m surprised.”He groaned, the last thing, okay maybe not the last thing. The second to last thing he wanted to hear was his sister’s bickering. The last thing was definitely his mother's voice chiding him for something, “What are you here for, Vanessa?”She gave him a long look. He lay on the couch, his hair overgrown, spo
Cameron bit down on his lips, liking the way she called out his name softly. It made him rock hard. “I want to bend you over right now, right here, and make love to you until your body shakes in excitement. I’d like to hear you cry out my name as you beg me to make love to you, knowing no other man will ever give you pleasure like I would, knowing it will never be enough…”Scarlett let out a small squeak. He spun her around until she was facing him and pulled her close. Her breasts were pressed up against him, almost spilling out of her dress. He stared at them with a burning look of desire in his eyes.Jaxon was fuming where he stood. Somewhere in the middle of the song, he had stopped pretending like he wanted to dance. He just stopped and stared at them. His hands were clenched into fists. Cameron’s hands were roaming, whispering into Scarlett’s ears, and she looked like she was enjoying it, every bit of it. Her eyes were shut, and she was leaning into Cameron. She had no fear for
It was going to be fun, alright! Cameron gulped down two more shots, loving the burn of the liquid as it trickled down his throat. This was what he needed. He turned around to leave. Jaxon finalized their order before he left.Cameron was only halfway towards Scarlett and Hadley when a familiar song came on the speakers. He stopped in his tracks to listen, his lips curling into a small smile. He looked up to meet those bright blue eyes staring at him with flushed cheeks. He knew exactly what she was thinking about at the moment. He walked up to her and grabbed her, “Shall I have the first dance, Scarr?”Scarlett looked around in worry.Hadley opened her mouth in protest, “Cam—”“Oh, it’s only an old-fashioned dance, love,” he cut in. “It will be good for us, remember?” he used her exact words against her.Hadley frowned.“What the hell, man?” Jaxon protested when he saw Cameron was holding hands with her.Cameron spun around to face Jaxon, still holding onto her. “Oh, it’s only a danc
As they got out of the car, Hadley leaned forward, cupped his cheeks, and kissed him, “This will be good for us.”Cameron stared at her hesitantly.“I promise.” She leaned into him, grabbed his hand, and put it around her waist, “You’ve been stuck up all day, overthinking, worrying...” She pulled at his cheeks, “You’re beginning to have worry lines. You’re in need of a good rest…”He gave her a look.She burst into soft laughter, “Yes, you need rest and you’ll rest later tonight. You’re also in need of some fun. I don’t think you have enjoyed any bit of our trip here. You can’t keep wallowing in your problems, let loose and let’s party!”He glanced at the neon flashing sign; it read Club Dazzle. They had driven a long way to find the club. Apparently, it was a hotspot for tourists. He could easily blend in without being noticed, and maybe that was what he needed. A night without Scarlett, a wild night drinking and dancing might just be enough to stop thinking about her. He hardly beli
Jaxon peered into the room with a frown on his face, “Are you sure the petals are enough?” he asked.The young brunette girl nodded, “There isn’t a lot to work with here. The twin-sized beds don't really help..."” She trailed off.His frown deepened, “Have you checked with the staff? Are there no available rooms?”She nodded, “This resort is fully booked by the Graysons. The neighboring lodges are fully booked at this time of year. The nearest hotel room is two hours away…”Damn you, Cameron! Jaxon cursed under his breath. His plans to take Scarlett to bed were getting frustrating each and every day. He hated sleeping next to her yet unable to touch her. She usually slept with her back to him and a blanket covering her head. It was like she was taking extra care to get further away from him as she possibly could. There were no other rooms available, and he had no car to make the two-hour journey.He had to improvise and make do with what he had. He couldn’t continue to hold back, it w
Cameron stepped out for a walk, and this time he truly needed the time alone and the fresh air. He needed to settle with his thoughts and clear his head. He had walked for a long distance, without his phone or his headphones, and then a thought hit him, Levi! He had been so caught up in his life falling apart; he hadn’t given his son much thought. He walked straight to the suite he shared with Ms. Sharma, and to his amazement, Scarlett was there.She stared wide-eyed at him when he walked in. She was sitting on the bed, with Levi in her arms. Ms. Sharma was giggling about something she said; she stopped when she saw him.Cameron took in her appearance. She was wearing a pale pink robe, her hair was tied up in a messy bun atop her head. Her suite was not far from Levi’s, so she had probably made a quick stop. He had hoped to catch her alone since the first day he spotted her at the airport. He had memorized a long list of questions he hoped to ask her when he did, m
Hadley stared at her reflection in the mirror, her blonde hair styled to perfection and cascading in waves down her back. She reapplied her bright red lipstick and admired her reflection in the mirror. She had on lacy lingerie that left next to nothing to the imagination. Of course, it was bright red lingerie. Red was Cameron's favorite color, something she had learned only a few hours ago, which was pathetic. But she wasn’t going to put herself down, not today. Today was great, she and Cameron had gotten a lot closer. She had half-expected him to push her off when she started kissing him earlier, but he didn’t. He let her, all of that in front of Scarlett. She would be dumb not to get the message that Cameron was hers and hers alone.As if on cue, the doors opened, and he walked in. He froze and stared at her. For some unexplainable reason, she was unnerved by his piercing stare. She had done this a couple of times. She was a model, being seductive was her job. S