**Valerie**We both turned to see Lucas standing there, looking ravishing. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body.Today, he was wearing a pair of dark, fitted jeans that accentuated his well-muscled physique. The first three buttons of his crisp, white shirt were open, revealing a generous amount of his chiselled chest. I rolled my eyes at the urge to flatten my palm on his chest.A feeling of déjà vu washed over me as my eyes shifted to the toned forearms that his rolled-up sleeves exposed. This moment right here felt like it had happened before—me, Lucas, and Frances. We were…"Mind if I join you guys?" He asked, snapping me back to reality. His voice was husky, his gaze fixed on me and a sly glint in his eye. He ran a hand through his perfectly messy hair, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to gleam in the dim light of the club. I swallowed hard and looked away, my thighs involuntarily clenching at the memory of the last sex
Chapter 96:**Lucas**Today is my lucky day. Fate had pushed us to meet at the bar. Well, it's not really fate since I've been following her around and watched her enter here, right?Yes, it is. But I'll just call it man-made fate.After waiting for about an hour, I'd just walked into the bar and spotted her. Those seductive gray eyes will be the end of me. From the first time I saw her in daylight, I knew there was something about her… special, beautiful…But how could I have guessed that she was somehow Ashley?Ashley was perfection—thick and curvy. And Valerie? Wow, Valerie literally knocks the air out of me.I had been indirectly trying to point her in the direction of the truth all night, making subtle references to her past. Maybe she'll finally remember.She'd not believe me if I told her, so I wanted her to figure it out herself.My eyes remained on her as I watched her think of a response to give me; Why did she leave that night?My Val looked like she wished the ground would
Chapter 97:**Lucas**Just then, I could feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out and checked the caller ID—Detective Mike. Then I sighed, my eyes shifting back to Valerie. “Sorry, I have to take this.”She nodded, and I made my way outside the club to the parking lot, where it was quiet."Mr. Stone, it's Detective Mike.”“I know,” I replied. “What's going on?”“You're off the suspect list for Layla's murder,” he confided.“Really?” My brows furrowed in surprise. “That was fast.”“Yes, your alibi was confirmed, and new evidence came up.”"What kind of evidence?” My tone was dripping with a mix of surprise and curiosity. “Did they find the killer?”"Well, it seems Layla might have taken Valerie's car from the party without permission,” he explained. “We found a witness who says Layla was intoxicated and arguing with someone earlier that night."I cocked my brow at his statement, but I didn't respond to it. Taken without permission? Isn't that stealing?"I see.” I nodded. “An
**Lucas** I stood there for a while, contemplating whether to interrupt the session or keep moving. And neither of them noticed my presence. These two… When did they… Finally deciding to interrupt, I cleared my throat. Once. Twice. Then Calvin spotted me first. His eyes widened, and he immediately broke the kiss. “Mr… Mr. Stone?” He stuttered. “What are you doing here?” Frances equally turned to look at me, her cheeks turning red as she tucked a stray hair behind her ear and then adjusted her blouse. “I could ask you the same thing,” I said to Calvin, an amused chuckle leaving me. “When did you two…” “Tonight,” replied Frances with a small roll of her eyes. “And now you're spoiling the fun,” she grumbled, wrapping her arms around her chest. I cocked a brow, surprised. And my eyes shifted to Calvin. “What did I miss?” “Uhm, sorry. I wanted to keep a watch on you. To drive you home in case you're drunk this time.” His lips twitched slightly to imply his meaning. “Thanks for kee
**Valerie** I swallowed. “Crazy details about what?” I knew what he was talking about. “How does she know what happened on the ship that night?” Must have been the question in his mind, since that prank. “Your friend…” he began. “She's in her own world.” He paused and sucked his teeth. “She clearly believes that she knows what happened on the night my ex-wife died.” “She does?” I echoed, trying to keep my voice casual, but I could hear the slight tremble in it. “What do you mean?" "Valerie..." He hissed, and I could see his jaw tighten. “I like you. But don't play dumb with me," he gritted out, his voice rising. "The details you sent to Karen...the specifics…” My expression was innocent, but he glared at me like he could see through me. Like he could see the lies from my eyes. “The details about what?” I widened my eyes, feigning ignorance. I knew that I was pushing it but I couldn't help it. He rolled his eyes, and I could tell that he was on the brink of losing it. “The deta
**Third person** The air in the Harrisons' dining room was filled with the aroma of roasted vegetables, grilled meat, and other delicacies. Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Harrison sat at the head and foot of the table, respectively. While Karen and Adam sat across from each other. "So, sweetheart," Mrs. Harrison began, her voice laced with concern as she turned to face Karen, "are you absolutely sure you need to leave?" Karen, her gaze fixed on her plate, toyed with her fork. "I'm certain... I just need some space. To breathe, you know?" Mrs. Harrison exhaled heavily. "But you'd attend the charity gala before leaving at least. Won't you?” “When's that?” Karen asked. “Saturday.” “Uhm, well.” Karen seemed to contemplate for a moment before she replied, “I don't know yet.” Mrs. Harrison gave her daughter a pleading look, causing Karen to groan in resignation. “Okay, fine. I'll attend.” Mr. Harrison, who had been observing Adam with a hawk-like intensity throughout the conversation, final
**Third person**“I'm not going to repeat myself. Who are you?” Mr. Harrison’s voice boomed. He began moving towards the curtain slowly, the gun still clutched tightly in his hand.Beads of sweat trickled down the sides of Adam's head as he watched his father-in-law advance. Should he just jump out right now? And say what?What explanation could he possibly offer this gruff, imposing man for his presence in the study? Panic clawed at his throat.Adam ground his teeth, trying to bite down his rising anxiety. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to stay calm. When Peter Harrison finds him, he'll just blurt out the first explanation that comes to mind.Suddenly, a loud CLANG echoed from downstairs. Peter froze, his gaze flickering between the concealing curtain and the door behind him. His mind raced, struggling to pick a side—stay, find out who was in his study and confront him, or go down and check the source of the commotion.Another deafening CLANG shattered the silence. With a
**Valerie**Saturday night,My eyes caught my parents, and I felt the air knock out of my lungs. Mrs. Harrison, my mother, was looking as elegant as usual. She was wearing a sleeveless ball gown, her hair styled into a fringe and ponytail, and her arm locked onto my dad's.My dad, ever the charmer, was laughing with a man I recognized. He was one of the big investors at the Harrisons' company.I could imagine what Dad was saying to the man. ‘We’re on the verge of a revolutionary breakthrough, and with your support, we can make it happen.‘ It was his typical way of luring new investors or encouraging old investors to invest more.Then suddenly, his eyes met mine. I reached for a glass of wine from a passing tray and gulped everything at once, the liquid doing very little to calm my frayed nerves.“Are you okay?” Lucas, who was standing beside me, asked.I tore my eyes from Peter Harrison, my gaze sweeping across the room, taking in the grand ballroom shimmering like wonderland. It was
**Third person** Valerie dragged her heavy eyes open. She blinked a couple of times to clear her vision. The smell of drugs and antiseptic and hospital filled her nose. Beside her, Lucas sat with his eyes closed. Almost immediately she jumped up on the bed. “Let me go,” she shouted, startling Lucas. He climbed the bed and pulled her into his arms. “It's okay, you're safe now,” he whispered softly, planting kiss after kiss on her hair and forehead. Valerie relaxed into his embrace, her racing heart finally calm. A tear slipped from his eyes and he wiped it. He'd thought he'd lost her. “I'm sorry I couldn't keep you safe. I should have anticipated it, I should—” “It's not your fault,” she cut him off gently. “It's not.” Tears trailed down her own cheeks and she sniffed. “What happened to Matthew?” A muscle ticked in Lucas's jaw, he felt Matt had an easy fate after everything he did. "Dead." Valerie let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, her body shaking with relieve
**Third person**“Let's move, slowly,” Matt murmured in Valerie's ears, his hot breath fanning against her skin. His eyes were still locked onto Lucas—who was practically shooting daggers at Matt with his eyes."Matthew, please," Valerie whispered back, her voice trembling. "You don't have to do this. You can still let me go."Matt's jaw tightened, his chest heaving with desperation and anger. "Do you really think I'm stupid?" he hissed. "You want me to let you go? I should just allow you to run into his arms?" He questioned in a mocking tone.“Drop your weapon and surrender,” the police announced again but neither Valerie nor Matt paid any attention. “Best believe that if I do that, then I'll shoot you from behind before you get to him,” Matt added. The chilling sensation in his voice sent a shiver down Valerie's spine.“Man to man,” Lucas began, his voice almost a growl. “What would it take for you to let her go? Anything at all… name it. Even if you don't want to spend a single da
**Third person**It took Matthew half the time it would normally take to get to the bunker. He parked his car at a safe distance before running over to the location. And with each step he took, his mind raced, his heart pounded with anxiety. He couldn't afford to lose her now that he was so close. They'd literally be leaving the country today. Valerie please be there, please be there, Matt murmured, his legs moving faster.A half-relieved sigh left his lips when he reached the entrance and saw that the door was still locked—She was still here. His trembling fingers sifted through his bunch of keys, his breath gaspy and he wiped the sweat on his forehead with the back of his palm.Matt unlocked the door and then pushed it open forcefully. His eyes blazing with anger and anxiety found Valerie immediately. She was curled up at a corner, her cheeks stained with tears and her hands and feet shaking."What have you done??!" he growled, his voice venomous.She frowned in confusion, even th
**Third person**Matt seemed to ponder for a moment before he exhaled deeply. Then he moved over to the table and picked up a small knife. He began cutting the ropes. His jaw clenched at the red mark the ropes left on her skin, a pang of guilt coursing through him. He'd done this to her, he thought. “Do you need me to get you anything from the store?”Finally untied, Valerie examined her free hands and legs, a sense of relief and determination washing over her. “No, thanks.”“I'll be back soon.” He gave her a warning look. “Don't try anything stupid.”She nodded vigorously. “I wouldn't dare.”Satisfied, Matthew turned around and headed out. Valerie had her timid and innocent mask on, until the moment Matthew was out of view.She squeezed her eyes shut and then began counting from one to fifty in her head, giving Matthew enough time to leave the premises. Even with her eyes closed, she could hear the locks click behind him.When she was done, she sprang to her feet, her eyes desperat
**Third person**Eighteen hours had passed since Valerie's disappearance.Lucas stood in the center of his living room, surrounded by computers and anxious faces. His team of experts, handpicked from the best in the business, worked tirelessly to track down any lead on his woman.But so far, neither his team nor the police have been able to come up with anything tangible. There was also no signal from the tracker in Valerie's necklace. Either her kidnapper knew that the necklace was bugged and got rid of it, or they were under water, in a bunker, or somewhere that'll block the signal.One thing for sure; he'd find Valerie and he'd find her soon. Even if it meant turning the planet upside down. She'd be found.News about her and disappearance was all over the media and there was a huge cash prize for whoever brought relevant information on her whereabouts. Lucas ran a palm across his exhausted face. Deep lines creased his forehead, and his jaw was set in a rigid clench. "Broaden the
**Third person** It was almost as if Valerie disappeared just when Elliot blinked. After dismissing the woman who'd come to talk to him, he looked up but he didn't find his boss. Damnit! He'd clenched his jaw and quickened his pace, his hand instinctively resting on the gun holstered at his hip as he rushed outside. Eyes scanned everywhere around but there was no trace of her. "Miss Thorne?" he called out, his mind racing. “Ashley?” He called louder. “Valerie?” There was no response. Immediately, he dialed her number… once, twice, thrice… until it was unreachable. He'd rushed over to some passersby to ask if they'd seen her… There was nothing. Shit! Just then, his phone started ringing. Elliot pulled the device out and stared at the screen, his throat suddenly feeling dry as he registered the caller ID—Mr. Stone. He took a deep breath and then pressed the answer button. ***************************** Valerie's eyes fluttered open, her gaze was blurry and unfocused. She tri
**Third person**Valerie's blood ran cold as she stared at the picture attached to the message. It was a picture of a small boy, no more than two years old. The fact that he was a spitting image of Lucas Stone had goosebumps erupting all over her skin—same blue eyes, jet-black hair, nose, lips, jawline…Val's heart rate increased. Her son was truly alive?“We’re heading to the hospital; Mr. Stone said we're meeting him there?” Elliot asked, his hands already on the ignition.Valerie nodded absent mindedly and he started the car.She felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as she stuck her head outside the window. Breeze hit her face but it did nothing to calm her. She knew that she had to lose Elliot, and fast. As the car moved through the city, she spotted a convenience store up ahead and made a split-second decision. "I need to stop and get some water," she said suddenly.Elliot frowned and glanced at the bottle of water sitting in the middle of the car compartment.
**Third person**Valerie's smile broadened into a full-blown grin. "Oh, don't think it's unfair if justice isn't served for your lover's sister."Karen frowned, her eyes narrowing. "My lover? What do you mean?" What did this have to do with Victor, she hasn't even heard from him, Karen wondered.Valerie locked her eyes onto Karen's. "Victor, your bodyguard... the one you've been fucking.” She paused to study Karen's face—she didn't look so confident anymore. “But you killed his sister."Karen's face drained of blood, her eyes wide and her lips parting with shock. Valerie continued, "The young lady who took care of Nathaniel Scott."Dread coursed through Karen, her mind shifting back to the night Nathaniel was killed. He'd been with a woman, and when Adam killed Mr. Scott, the woman witnessed it. Karen had to silence her.A small smile found its way to Valerie's lips as she studied the horrified look on Karen's face. "So now, does it finally ring a bell?"Karen's eyes stung with tears
**Third person**Valerie woke up to a wet sensation on her clit. A shiver coursed through her spine, her nipples hardening.The sensation continued, and she was forced to open her eyes. She wiped her heavy eyes with the back of her palm and then looked down between her legs, where the source of the heat she was feeling came from. Lucas, with his head between her thighs, looked up, his tongue still whipping her sensitive clit. “Morning, babe,” he murmured. Valerie blinked a couple of times to clear her eyes. She arched her back and she cried out in pleasure when he slipped a finger inside her. “W-what are you doing?” She managed to ask between moans.He smiled and looked up at her again, with those dark, desire-filled eyes. Her cheeks flushed as she noticed her pussy juice rubbed all over his mouth and its surroundings. “I've always dreamed of waking you up like this,” she murmured, his voice rough.Lucas slipped another finger in her and began pumping, his tongue returning to her c