The week seems to pass slowly. I feel like an eternity has already unfolded before my eyes, but it's only been a few days since this hell began.My clumsy hands searched for the pack of cigarettes, and I remember of trying it for the first time when I entered high school, when my mother spent more time in the hospital than at home, before I even knew about my father's existence. From then on, I smoked in secret — one of the habits I gave up on for Eric, who said he hated the smell… Even though he didn't know that this tiny, seemingly insignificant weapon was constantly on my lips.The feeling of putting it back into my mouth after so many years is both exciting and frightening. But I light it and take it in deeply, leaning against the terrace railing.The nicotine brings relief to my frayed nerves and a sense of nostalgia that inflates my lungs. The smoke that I expel causes a slight burn to my eyes, yet it appears to carry the burden that has been placed upon my chest.The view from
… My angel, you're everything to me; the air I breathe, the reason my heart beats… And I don't know what will become of me if I spend one more instant away from you. I hope you can forgive me because I can't imagine my future without you. — Absolutely yours, Eric.Letting out a loud, rueful grunt, I crumple this damn card within my fingers…Hah, I can't believe he's doing this to me.How is Eric able to write such empty words, after everything he did to me…? After impregnating Laura!… Laura.My eyes follow Laura's desk, and I notice that her expression is furious like her trembling lips. I can see the flames of hatred burning in her eyes that always seemed so innocent.I take a deep breath, turning my eyes to the delicate flowers, the white petals that smell so sweet, but cause me nothing but a screaming anxiety… an urge to run away, to simply disappear…Especially when everyone around me seems simply delighted with the attitude of my thoughtful boyfriend, without ever imagining the
I never considered myself a lonely person. Eric and Laura have always been there for me, as have Julian and my father. But this Friday, when I find myself without the people who, for years, have been my pillars, I feel loneliness creeping up on me like a shadow, enveloping me in a cold embrace. Even my apartment feels empty and cold without Daddy's radiant presence, who's traveling for work and isn't expected back yet.But I did consider knocking on Julian's door and asking him to stay with me today, but this is a day when he usually meets with his flings. We're only a few steps apart, and the desire to see him is just shouting inside my head. However, since he brought me home after our brief kiss, an uneasy silence has settled between us. I could see regret shining in his eyes, along with uncertainty. And this inexplicably hurt me. I take a deep breath, staring at my room that has too many memories in objects, with picture frames on the bedside table. Pictures with Laura, Eric, and
My body is on fire.Our lips only part for a breath to fill my lungs, but soon our mouths are together again and our tongues intertwine in a slow, enveloping pace… with an intensity that I never imagined be possible.Julian's hands are exploring every inch of my skin, but it doesn't seem like that's enough because he's constantly trying to find out more about the parts of my body. And I want to get rid of all these clothes as soon as possible. I want him to get rid of his as well — which is why my nervous fingers search for the buttons of his shirt, without breaking the kiss.I unbutton the first ones, allowing his cologne to get even stronger. And I can't help but caress his collarbones, which are bulging from the workout. I bite his lip, tugging slightly as my fingers search for the next buttons.Julian grunts against my lips and moves them apart, sliding his mouth down my chin and even lower, to kiss my neck. I inflate my lungs again and tilt my head back, allowing him to leave a w
I opened my heavy eyes, taking a few moments to get my brain to work. I blinked a few times, noticing that I was in my empty room — and the bed was equally empty. Even though the memories of my moment with Julian were still fresh in my mind, and I could still smell his cologne impregnated into my skin, Julian was not beside me. And if it weren't for the traces he left on me, I would say that it was all a dream. An extremely sexy dream. Hah… I really did… I had an orgasm with Julian underneath me. It wasn't exactly sex, but it was more than anything I've ever done. I touched him too… and I never imagined there could be something… so big. Although I have never touched Eric's, I have a brief sense of it… and it doesn't come close to being that big. Besides, it was intimate and really exciting, unlike doing it alone. Maybe it was even better because of Julian's appearance and touch, which seemed to bring electricity to my body… And the way he got rough… Argh!Once again, Julian lodges h
The return drive to our building was considerably quiet. The streets of New York City were busy, and the traffic was crazy, so it took us a little longer than expected. Sometimes, when we stopped at traffic lights, Julian would look at me until the red light turned green. I know this because, even though I kept my eyes locked on the people walking on the sidewalk, I could feel his gaze on my skin, warming me as if I were under the sun.When we reached the parking area of the building, I noticed how Julian's hands held the steering wheel with firmness, veins running down his skin, and how he sometimes relies on just one hand to push the car into its spot.As the car finally stops, Julian reaches out to grab the bags before I can do so, and I'm amazed at how easily he picks them up; his hands are so big they don't seem that many. At my obvious expression of surprise, he gives me a subtle smile that brings even more butterflies to my belly.I quickly get out of the car, allowing a breath
Julian's breathing becomes heavy, and I hear him grunt deep in his throat. He's pressing my body closer to his, and takes my lips again, leaving me breathless during the intense kiss that, without even noticing, causes me to sit up in bed and arch my body. My back sinks into the mattress and Julian stands over me, one arm resting just beside my head.His other hand explores my leg, moving up my thighs as he licks my lips with his tongue. With a husky voice, he adds, “Do you want me to fuck you that badly?”I nod frantically, feeling my heart pulsing so fast it feels like it's in my throat. Julian's low chuckle is delicious and sends chills to my entire body.“Then say it.” He commands with his lips against my neck, and his voice reverberates through my sensitive skin.“I want it…”“You want what?” Julian laughs deep, and that makes my body shiver again and flinch. However, Julian's hands held me tightly, keeping me fitted between his legs and under his big body. “Say it in all the rig
An intense shiver runs through my body the moment Julian bites the inside of my thigh, withdrawing his thumb completely from my wetness, leaving me with a feeling of emptiness that makes a disappointed grunt escape from deep in my throat.Julian's husky laugh makes me bite my lip hard. “Is it good, Angel?” He murmurs against my skin; I can even feel his husky words reverberating through me.I nod desperately, longing to feel him again, and to my delight, I feel the tip of a finger slide down my clit, wetting itself at my entrance, moving up and down all over my pussy, as if this torture is fun.And it probably is because the wicked smile doesn't leave Julian's lips.“I'm going to put a finger…” He murmurs again, and just as he said it, I feel the twinge of the finger enter me slowly, bringing a sharp pain that makes me try to close my legs. But Julian's other hand pushes my knee, making me open my leg. “If you can't take one finger, you won't be able to ride my cock.”I let out a gru
“Jackie, Lizzie, stop running like that… you could get hurt!” I shout, putting my hands on my waist. They are laughing, hiding their smiles behind their little hands. But despite this, they go running back down the sandy beach, making my heart rise to my throat.They grow up so fast! Two years and seven months ago, they were so small in my arms, and now they’re running around our house in Nassau, their blond hair ruffling in the pleasant wind.Just as we promised, we created a little tradition in our family; every year, during our wedding anniversary, we bring the children with us. It’s the second time they’ve been here, and this time, we’ve decided to invite the people closest to us to enjoy this paradise.“This place is really wonderful!” Cathy says behind me, stroking her big belly. I look over my glasses and quickly take them off. “Seriously, I really appreciate you inviting me... I’d really go mad
As soon as the meeting is over, I feel my tense shoulders relax. My head is throbbing, a pain that has haunted me since last night when I received a call from my father.Apparently, his retirement has been announced. He will continue as chairman for another six months just to organize everything until his departure.The problem is that he still hasn’t announced a successor. The board is desperate because of the options, as none of them have the necessary qualifications to be the group’s new chairman. Of course, that’s just a sadistic strategy to get them on their toes and accept Dominic O’Neil’s desire.Apparently, my half-brother is taking victory for granted, telling everyone that he will be my father’s successor and that the group belongs to him. With the news of Father’s retirement reaching the knowledge of the media, it won’t be long before he finally names me as the new chairman.When I accepted Dominic’
The doorbell jangles, announcing my arrival. And as always, the moment people look in my direction, without interest, almost by instinct, their eyes widen, and the whispering begins. After all, I am a supermodel. My face is all over Times Square. I don’t have the luxury of privacy, of an anonymous life.Still, why am I here?My blue eyes meet the owner of this place; he’s distracted by another customer, smiling easily.My stomach twists, and I feel suddenly nervous.The whispers reach his ears, and he looks at me. It takes a few seconds for his face to show a reaction, but soon, the smile rises to his eyes, following me while I cross the coffee shop to the table at the back.I sit down and hide my face behind the menu, my cheeks burning for a reason unknown to me.Dammit, I look like a teenager. It’s not like it was the first time I’ve woken up in a man’s bed after a few drinks. And it certainly wasn’t the first time
It took a year before we could really enjoy some time alone on a honeymoon, but I have to say that it was really worth the wait. Julian made sure that our first day in Nassau, at our new beach home, was special and unforgettable.First, he invited me on a yacht ride. Going down to the deck was itself a memorable experience. This place is simply breathtaking, and the private beach is so beautiful that I couldn’t help but imagine my daughters playing in the sand. The thought made my chest warm. I already consider this place a second home.To my surprise, Julian prepared a wonderful breakfast while the 65-foot yacht cruised along the coast with everything you could wish for — fruit, bread, juices, coffee, and ending the tour with a glass of wine in one of the cabins. Fortunately, the sound of the sea drowned out my moans enough for us to enjoy some sex on the high seas.After the tour, it was lunchtime, and Julian took us to Paradise Island. He chose a luxuri
They say the Bahamas are paradise on earth, and I couldn’t find a better word to describe this place. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.As soon as we arrived at Nassau airport, a car was waiting for us. The weather is really nice here, even though it’s winter. Although I like snow, it’s nice to feel the warm weather enveloping my skin... I wish the girls were here… the cold makes them so sensitive.Thinking about them makes me feel a bit down. My heart squeezes, and I try to think that it’s only for two days and that soon they’ll be in my arms again, but still, I miss them. It’s an almost unbearable feeling. I wonder how they’re doing, if they miss us, and if they’re crying right now...But I know that Julian and I need this. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a real honeymoon, which we haven’t had before. Some would think that it’s a shame to celebrate it after so long, with the
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤ“How are you feeling?” Julian asks for the first time since we got on the plane. The trip to the Bahamas doesn’t take long, about three hours, but we’re reaching our destination soon.“I’m fine,” I say, taking Julian’s hand in mine. I stroke the white-gold ring on his finger, but I’m still lost in thought.“You seem to have a lot on your mind.” He says, studying my face.“A little.” I give a nervous smile and shrug. I thought I’d be scared to see Laura, to hear the words she said to me that day, but I didn’t.”“What’s bothering you, then?” Julian’s question makes me raise my eyes again.“More than being afraid of Laura, I was afraid of losing the people I love again,” I confess, noticing that his gaze softens. “Losing you, our daughters... I couldn’t bear it.”&ldquo
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤㅤFor the past seven months, I’ve wondered what happened to Laura.What happened after she left by the stairs? What happened to her twisted mind?I knew that she had been temporarily arrested for trespassing and assault, but Julian and my father tried hard to keep the details away from me. Perhaps that’s why the subject never really seemed a closure to me.Unfortunately, as much as I fought against it and didn’t want to admit it, for the last seven months, that day has tormented me.When I held my daughters in my arms for the first time, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let Laura get to me. And I really tried to deny it, to convince myself that it was enough just to let go and focus on my family — but I couldn’t, and I hate myself for being weak to that extent.Finding out that Laura would spend her time in a mental institution wasn’t really a surprise. I knew there was s
— JULIAN ADAMS (POV)[...] Seven months later.ㅤㅤI sigh deeply, massaging the top of my nose. Ever since I heard the verdict of Laura’s trial, I’ve been feeling uneasy.Many months have passed, and I still remember how I felt when I saw the building security cameras… and how I threw up, feeling stupid, weak, and furious.I’ve never felt so impotent in my entire life.But what really put me out of sleep was what happened the day Angelee woke up in the hospital... when Laura also decided to break into the J’O Tech building. I still get chills remembering that night.It’s been a long time since Laura was fired, but for some reason, her credentials worked. In the end, we really had to restructure the entire I.T. department, which resulted in a mass layoff that only didn’t make it into the media because of damage control.Laura got crazy when she knew that her plan to harm Angelee and my
My eyes take a while to adjust to the brightness, but slowly, the blur goes away. I move my hands, feeling a weight on one of them.I blink a few times heavily, looking down carefully because I still feel a little dizzy, and see that Julian is sitting in an armchair next to the bed, holding my hand.He senses my movements and slowly opens his eyes, looking directly at me, taking a few moments for him to understand that I’m wide awake. When reality hits him hard, Julian’s eyes widen and glisten with tears.He doesn’t say a single word, just leans in, taking my hand in both of his, enveloping it in his warm palms, something I’ve really missed over the last two weeks. He rests his forehead on our hands, his tense shoulders immediately relaxing.“You really scared us, you know?” Julian grumbles, then looks up. I can see the deep, dark circles under his eyes. “You’ve been unconscious for two whole days!”Sudde