“Excuse me, Mr. Adams...” The Manager raises his hand, attracting everyone’s attention. “How exactly are we supposed to prove this? Aren’t our years of work enough? I’ll tell you for myself, for example, I’ve had years of management in this company, and I’ve been involved in countless projects since J’O Tech opened its doors. Mrs. Wells also participated as a team leader in the big project, and Ms. O’Neil... well, she’s also proven her skills through hard work.”
“Yes, that’s right, you certainly have.” Julian puts one hand in his pants pocket and straightens his shoulders, looking even bigger and stronger. “But I’m sure that even you, Roy, have never handled a project like this.”Julian presses another button, and my heart, which had barely calmed down, starts pounding again. My breath also becomes sweaty from the anxiety that makes me shiver and dry my sweaty palmsI hold the back of Julian’s neck with my small hands, which, even together, don’t completely encircle his neck. I search for air while he thrusts his fingers faster with a frantic rhythm that makes me seal our mouths, already looking for a gap between his lips to slide my tongue inside.What I find, however, is his tongue coming for mine — and the light rubbing and intertwining of our tongues makes me moan deep in my throat.Julian increases the pace even more, now going so deep that his hand is crashing into my groin, making the hollow sound dangerously loud. He’s hammering his hand against my pussy, slamming his fingertips into my most sensitive spot.I pull our mouths apart, searching for air, but he pulls my lip with his teeth, his other hand firmly on the back of my neck, forcing me to kiss him again, with even more intensity, now in a quick intertwining that makes the sensation of his tongue even softer and pleasing.Heat is threaten
I take a deep breath, leaving the room first, fixing my skirt and hair, even though I’ve already done it at least three times. The sound of my heels echoing down the corridor seems louder and uncomfortable, especially as I press my legs together, afraid that Julian’s pleasure will run down my thighs.I push open the restroom door, my heart beating quickly from the adrenaline, but when I finally enter the room, with the door closing behind me, my feet freeze on the floor.Sarah is washing her hands, her head down, so serene and composed that I feel out of place. I fix my hair again, afraid that something will give away what I’ve just done.She finally looks at me, but I can’t read her thoughts through her expression. Her intense silence disturbs me, perhaps because the sound of falling water reminds me that there’s something inside me that can also flow.I breathe deeply, walking slowly across the room, escaping Sarah’s gaze tha
Julian’s past is quite a mystery. I know he was born into an old, traditional, and extremely wealthy family, and he has many siblings, but I didn’t meet any of them. They seem to have been fighting for more than a decade, but apart from that, I don’t know much about it. I didn’t even know Julian had an older brother.“I thought Julian was the eldest,” I say in a soft voice, drawing my father’s eyes to me.“He is now.” Daddy lowers the frame, positioning it in the exact place it was before. “Jack passed away twenty-four years ago.” He sighs, with his shoulders tense. This subject clearly affects him deeply. “A year after this photo.”My chest tightens, and my legs go weak. I sit in the chair slowly, gasping for breath... “What happened?”I don’t know if I should ask... if it’s right to relive such painful memories, but realizing that I know so little about my fath
My phone buzzes inside my pant pocket, but I make no mention of picking it up because I know exactly why they’re calling me so much; I have a meeting in a few hours, and I should be going through all the papers instead of standing in front of this jewelry store, looking for the most beautiful diamond I can find.I run my hand through my hair, messing it up a bit, but I don’t care — the clock is ticking, and I have no idea how I’m going to do this. My fingers dig into the blonde strands, and I close my eyes tightly, with Angel’s worried face appearing in my mind every time I close them, bringing that damn cold in my stomach with it over and over.I almost didn’t stop Angelee from saying. I almost let those words slip past her soft tongue that would invite me in for a kiss later... But I had to because, from the moment she tells me, we can’t go back.I knew it ever since I crossed that line with her... When I tasted her kiss, he
“Kristen.” Her name brings a bitter taste to my mouth. “It’s been a few years since we last saw each other.”She gives a cocky smile and approaches me, leaning on the counter and giving me a view of her breasts. The way her gaze lingers on my body makes me uncomfortable and brings back not-so-pleasant memories. “How’s Mike?” Her soft voice hides her true intentions very well. Kristen has always been one to put on masks to disguise what she really wants to say... no wonder Michael’s parents wanted her in the family.“He’s fine.”“I hear business is doing great.” She runs her open hand across the counter glass, looking at the jewels displayed under her palm. “So well that even Mr. O’Neil can’t keep ignoring it.”I frown, and her smile widens even more, now satisfied.“They’re still hoping that Mike will regret the stupid decision he mad
The meeting went off without a hitch, except for the anxiety that was bubbling fast through my veins. My discomfort was so visible that every time I loosened my tie a little more and adjusted my collar, Amelie, Mike’s secretary, offered me a glass of water.When it’s finally over and everyone gets up, I feel weak. Sweat drips below my shirt even though the AC is on. I pinch the top of my nose, trying to relieve the pressure in my head, the threat of pain that crossed it and made me clench my teeth.Mike stands up, saying something to Amelie, but I don’t pay attention; I’m so absorbed in my own conflicts that I can’t understand a word he says. She smiles at him... in fact, she laughs softly, shaking her head as she takes the papers from his hands. A subtle smile also reaches Mike’s lips, and his eyes shine as bright as Angelee’s.They’re really so alike... no wonder I believed the words of that sixteen-year-old girl I&rsq
I always wondered if I would be able to do this... to be a father, to make things right, to compensate Angelee for all my absence. I’ve done my best all these years; I’ve cried to see her cry, and I’ve smiled at her happiness. I felt her pain like it was going through my chest, and I swear to God, if it were possible, I would feel each and every pain in her place. I would gladly trade it... I wouldn’t think twice and suffer in her place.But my hands were always tied. Powerless, guilty.Because of my family, she suffered — her mother suffered, and I’m to blame for that. I didn’t know it, but that doesn’t clear my guilt... it’s something I’ll carry forever. And I don’t mind having it, I really don’t. That’s my martyrdom.There’s no way I can lay my head on the pillow with a clear conscience, knowing that she’s probably crying silently in the bedroom. There’s no way I c
Finally, the pointers of the clock turn completely around, indicating the end of the day that seemed too long. Everyone starts to get ready to leave, and I also get up, holding my bag and approaching the door to Julian’s office, with stares at me, but I don’t let them stop my hand from knocking on his door or from opening it when I hear his voice reaching me from the other side.I open the door and poke my head into the room, seeing Julian straightening his suit and fixing his hair. His green eyes light up as they meet mine, and a smile immediately appears on his lips.Julian walks over to me, his hand already sliding along the curves of my body, brushing across my lower back and up to my waist. He pulls me into his body, decreasing our distance until my chest collides with his.“What are you doing?” I ask, trying to hold the silly smile that threatens to take over my lips.He raises his eyebrows, pretending to be surprised, “I
“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