I’ve been staring at the damn screen of this phone for at least five minutes. I can’t take my eyes off the picture on the forum… even if my throat is so tight it burns or my chest feels heavy.
It’s a picture of Angelee and that restaurant owner on their date yesterday. And they seem to be kissing.I’m feeling like crap.Hah. I can’t stand this.I abruptly throw my phone on the table and lean back in my chair, closing my eyes and sighing deeply. My head is throbbing so much that I haven’t even gotten to the gym for a workout. I feel like I’ve been slacking off over the last few days, especially since Mike returned. My head has been a mess since then.Of course, it’s my fault. I should have known from the start that things would turn out this way. Getting involved with Angelee would cost me dearly, and I paid the price.Now I’m here, so hungover that I can barely focus on my work; my chest is heThe photo this time isn’t really compromising, but just as Tyler predicted, they used the angle to create the perfect narrative. Even though a kiss doesn’t seem like something relevant — and something that only concerns my private life — the stalker attached an interesting detail when publishing it,[Angelee making out with her best friend’s now ex-boyfriend].These simple words are enough for people to start making absurd assumptions. Some replies related it to Laura’s pregnancy, and others accused me of being the reason she’s a single mother now, assuming that Tyler is the child’s father.And from the satisfied smile on her face, she seems to be happy with the theories.By now, it’s clear who’s responsible for these photos, but... I need proof. So I don’t even sit down to start work; I just walk quickly to the I.T. technician’s floor. And when the elevator doors open there, I start getting
My eyes widen slightly... “What do you mean?”Julian gives a discreet, cocky smile. “You know what I mean.”My face heats up even more, and I look away, trying to move my face, but Julian’s hand still holds it tenderly. His low, husky chuckle at my reaction sends shivers down my spine and attracts my eyes again. “You’re adorable, you know.” He brushes his finger against my lips once more, using its tip to make a small gap between them. “It makes me even want to ignore that you lied to me.”“I didn’t lie to you.” My voice comes out low and weak.“Yes, you did. First, you said that man’s kiss was better than mine — and then you said he didn’t touch you. One way or another, you lied to me, you naughty girl.”I look at him again, finding some amusement in his expression, in the smile that threatens to break out at the corner of his lips... But his ey
Julian’s words don’t hit me like a punch, but they steal my breath and wet my eyes. It takes me a few moments to understand what he’s saying… that he’s telling me to belong to him.He doesn’t rush me, doesn’t move, or even blink… He just looks me in the eye, waiting for the answer that has disappeared from the tip of my tongue.I take a deep breath, looking at our intertwined fingers, the way my hand seems to fit perfectly in his, even though it’s so small and delicate. I return my gaze to him, to his intense green eyes that shine with something that takes me apart.Noticing that my silence lasts longer than expected, Julian stands up without releasing our hands. He moves closer, decreasing our distance until our bodies are only a few inches apart.I lift my face to keep looking at him, almost hypnotized by the way I reflect in his eyes.Julian brings his other hand to my face, fitting my cheek in his p
“I’m firing her today.” He says, turning to me, interrupting the thoughts that made me smile — a smile that leaves him confused. “What?”“Don’t do that,” I say, catching his surprised and confused eyes; there’s doubt all over his face. “You can’t fire Laura now… If you do, I won’t be able to prove her involvement in the stalker problem.”Julian crosses his arms, drawing my eyes to his tempting muscles… Hah, I hate that I can’t ignore it.“Do you have a plan?”“Yes, I do…” I open my lips to say that, in fact, this photo is Tyler’s plan to get Laura, but my phone buzzes in my pants pocket.Julian’s eyes are on me while I look at the reply that Tyler sent me at this very moment, almost like it were a sign from the universe, and I smile at the text,[Haha, it looks like someone fell for it…][Can you come over today? I’ve had another petty idea.]“Anyway, don’t fire her yet, please,” I say, still finishing sending Tyler a reply… When I look up, I find Julian’s serious expression, his teet
“A plan?” Julian’s eyes shine in an understanding that makes me regret playing with his expectations, and then he adds to me, “I see… when you said you had a plan, that’s what you were talking about.”“Before I explain everything, how about ordering something? I don’t want to disturb your lunch.”Julian clenches his teeth, probably swallowing petty words. It’s funny how he’s always composed but seems on edge now. I never imagined he was the jealous type; it’s like he has so many facets yet to be uncovered. But, well, it doesn’t matter… I feel like I could love them all.“Just a double American,” Julian says plainly, without looking at the menu, and I order the fastest choice — a Club Sandwich.Tyler moves away to prepare the orders, and Julian brings his face close to mine to whisper, “What are you up to behind my back, little girl?”“I told you the photo wasn’t what you thought it was,” I mumble, shifting restlessly in my chair, feeling his cologne intoxicating me. “We had a theory a
I stare at the door of Angelee’s apartment, waiting for them to open it. My hands are in my pockets, and I hold my present for tonight in closed fist.Ever since I heard Tyler’s plan, my mood has been shit. Well, it’s a good plan, so I kept quiet. But of course, that doesn’t mean I like being pushed around like this.Heavy footsteps sound on the other side, and I let out a harsh breath through a gap between my lips when the door finally opens. Mike doesn’t seem surprised to see me; his phone is pressed to his ear, listening to something on the other end of the line, someone passing on a report or something like that.With a nod, he invites me in, heading back into the apartment.I close the door behind me, with my eyes scanning the place, settling on the corridor — at the end of it, where Angelee’s room is.“Still working, Mike? Don’t you think you need a break?” I say loudly, teasingly, and get a roll of the eyes.“I wouldn’t have to work that much if you just returned to your Vice P
The atmosphere in this club is something I’ve never felt before. When I went to that kinky club, it was very chaotic, but this one is calmer. Despite the purple lights and neon glowing in the comfortable darkness, I feel comfy sitting on the big round couches surrounding the large table that, just as I asked Julian, is the best place for everyone to observe us.But now, it makes me a little nervous.I bring the mocktail to my lips, feeling the fruity taste and the cold relieve my dry mouth; I hope it also eases some of my anxiety, but I wriggle restlessly on the red couch and feel something inside me.“Are you sure this club was really the best choice?” Tyler asks, looking around with his arms open over the couch. “Isn’t this an exclusive place for high society? I don’t think Laura has the clout to be here.”In fact, she doesn’t.Laura was born in New York, but her small family lives in the suburbs. I know thei
I fidget restlessly, breathing deeply while the dildo vibrates inside me, and I look around, relieved that my moan has mixed in with the loud music, but it doesn't last long because my skin is prickling, every inch of it seized by an icy sensation that makes me shiver.My trembling hands reach for the mocktail, and I swear my body is as cold as the glass. I drink the whole thing in one gulp, which surprises the people around me, who believe there's some alcohol in it, but I just want to relieve my dry throat and forget this feeling.But,huh... Damn.I can't.I close my eyes tightly, slamming the empty glass on the table and leaning back against the couch. I hug my body, trying to control the desire that's consuming me, but it's in vain because the sensation is so good that I catch myself letting out a hot breath through the gap in my lips."Are you all right?" Cathy asks fearfully, but I don't dare open my eyes and face her. I don't even dare move; any movem
“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