“You guys can continue to settle in appropriately. We will have a brief meeting at 03pm, so until then, study up on the project and make your own considerations, write down any ideas you have — I want to hear from each of you.” I say, receiving only a few quiet confirmations and nods.Going to my desk, I take a deep breath, wanting to disappear behind the partition. But my new workstation forces me to face all the team members.Taking a deep breath, I try to ignore the hostile stares that I know are on me, burning my skin. Especially Laura’s.I glance at Sarah, the woman with medium-brown hair, so elegant, that seems to be a natural part of the corporate world. Behind the lenses of her glasses are sharp brown eyes, so severe that they appear to judge every inch of me. Sarah has been with the company for at least four years, and her commitment is simply enviable. There are even rumors that she will be promoted, and there's no doubt that she belongs in the management position. It's as i
No… There’s no way he’s flirting with me… Right?I cough, feeling the piece of sandwich get stuck in my throat, so I take a sip of my coffee, trying to relieve the distressing feeling and this embarrassment…“Well… I'll let you enjoy your lunch…. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me, okay?”“Right, okay, thank you…” I give a forced smile and avert my eyes, feeling my cheeks heat up.I try to eat as quickly as possible. Maybe it will give me indigestion that will haunt me for the rest of the day, but it feels strange to be under this man's eyes all the time… especially when we're complete strangers.Even though he has dated my best friend, I have not met him… Actually, I didn’t even know which of the ex-boyfriends is he. Laura has a serious problem with man… she has terrible taste. They're usually very attractive, but always turn out to be problematic guys.I remember her coming crying to my house saying that her last boyfriend broke up with her without saying why, that he j
Indeed, I wish this was some kind of nightmare… I even pinch myself to make sure I'm not asleep and, to my complete dismay, it's nothing but reality.That damn bouquet of white roses is so big that there are easily hundreds of flowers squeezed into the arrangement, practically overflowing; there are even some petals loose at the table.Julian stops, noticing my reaction… and his eyes follow the same path as mine, finding the bouquet that draws his attention too. Honestly, I feel my heart stopping right now. I can't believe that, once again, Eric has sent flowers to my office…When he sent it that first time, I simply ignored his messages. I saw no reason to answer, especially since I made it clear that there's absolutely nothing between us anymore.And if that's not reason enough, Laura is pregnant with his child! This should be more than enough for him to stop this pathetic and empty expression of affection. Because if he really had loved me, he wouldn't have done what he did. I kno
“Eric?” My voice comes out faltering, and I hate myself for sounding so weak at that moment. “W-What are you doing here?”“Is that all you have to say after keeping me waiting for half an hour, Angel?” He approaches with a gentle expression and an equally meek tone — one that, for some reason, makes me feel anxious…“I didn't even know you were here.”Because if I had known, I would have called Julian to go with me.“You blocked me from everything… This is the only way I can talk to you.” He stops in front of me, closer than I would like, to the point where he allows me to smell his cologne mixed with the sweat that, honestly, is making me sick.“I did this precisely so you would stop contacting me... I was clear when I said that things were over between us. So, what are you doing here?” I cross my arms, as if that would somehow protect me… But to my misfortune, I forgot that my clothes are entirely different from what Eric is used to imposing on me.Even though my blouse doesn't have
I consider myself a controlled person… someone who doesn't get carried away by emotions… But all this is shattered when it comes to Angelee.And now… right now… I'm about to destroy this kid's face.“What?” I hear Eric’s voice sound sharper, and I move my gaze that had been following Angelee's back over my shoulder to look at him, right into his eyes.I straighten my posture, putting one of my hands in my pockets because otherwise I really will go to jail for assault. Gritting my teeth, I try to control this intense desire to give in to the beast in me, blinded by feelings that even I cannot understand.Honestly, from the day I first laid eyes on him… I didn't like him. His eyes sparkled when saw her, and always had a stupid smile on his face, trying to win her over little by little. Yes, he seemed like a nice guy, but I just couldn't like him, and I never understood why…When Angel suddenly agreed to date him, I avoided them at all costs… I simply knew that something was wrong, but p
I can't believe what Eric did. I'm so angry and scared and… furious! Even when we parked in our building and Julian brought me to the front of my apartment, holding my shoulders, I could feel my body shaking. And even though the door is here, in front of me, and the key is in my hand, I find myself unable to open it.Looking at Julian, I notice his soft expression, his green eyes that glow intensely with something I cannot understand. He's standing beside me, waiting for me to enter the apartment. But my hesitation is getting his attention, I can tell by the way he studies my face, my frowning lips, and my cold body. I know I shouldn't bother him any more than I already have… for putting him in this big mess, but…“Julian?” I say softly, surprised that I’m able to call his name. “Can I stay with you tonight?”I think my question has him surprised because I see how his eyes widen slightly. And I immediately regret it, feeling an intense chill take over my chest. I open my lips to say t
Lying in Julian's bed, in the silence of the night, with him beside me, is… arousing. My heart is beating so fast, and the thought that he might hear it's making me even more shy. Still, I'm with my back to him, listening to the sound of my breathing and his, heavy and rhythmic. “Julian?” I call him softly, without moving a muscle.“Hum?” He mumbles, and I seal my lips tightly, feeling my heart beat even faster.I turn to him and, when I open my eyes, I see that his are open too, in a darker shade than normal, so deep and intense that it certainly baffles me.“Can't sleep?” He asks hoarsely, keeping his gaze on my face, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was completely red. Fortunately, it's too dark for him to notice the effect he has on me.“No.” My voice comes out weak and faltering. I struggle to look away from his lips, away from his face. I'll surely die if this continues.“Come here.” He puts his hand on my hip and pulls me tight, bringing our bodies together so easily that I
The feeling of having Julian inside me is a mix of intense pain and pleasure. His firm hands on my hips, pressing me down, making me take everything deeply, makes me shiver and collapse on his chest. I feel him throbbing inside me, along with a grunt that escapes close to my ear….“Relax, babe….” His hands go to my thighs, stroking, trying to comfort me from this terrible pain that's spreading through my body.Something is dripping down between my legs, I can't tell it's my arousal or the blood of my virginity. But I'm shuddering… it feels like I'm being torn in half.“Relax…”“Don't move.” I growl between my teeth, digging my nails into his shoulders, grumbling with a mix of instant regret, “You're too big...”I hear him chuckle softly, “And you're taking everything. What a greedy pussy.”His hands go to my ass again, which strokes with gentle, circular touches.“Look at me, Angel.” I obey immediately, and see his smile widen, “What a good girl, so obedient… it's hard to resist.”I b
“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