It had only been three days since he had received the news about the loss of the shelter, but to Charlie it felt like a century ago. And each new moment was a mixture of anguish and dread that, at any moment, someone would appear demanding that they put more than 70 helpless animals in the middle of the street, so that the new owner could take possession. Oliver, Vivian's husband, and the lawyers Morgan had made available to help with the case were doing the best they could, but... As unfair and outrageous as it was, it had all been done within the law and therefore not there seemed to be a lot they could do. She had even floated the idea of them running a petition with signatures from people in the surrounding community to try to convince bank officials of the site's importance, but the lawyers didn't seem to think that would be of much use. There didn't seem to be any salvation for the shelter after all.That's why she had decided to go to Morgan's office that day, to say that she w
“Oh, look who's here…” her former stepmother clucked her tongue, with a venomous smile, “If it isn't little Mrs. Sullivan... Did you come here to ask your husband to buy you a new crib...? Or maybe another nasty little animal for you to play with...?“What are you doing here, Samantha? Charlie jumped to his feet immediately, feeling anger burn in his throat.“Oh, you don't know…” Samantha laughed mockingly, placing the bag she was carrying on the extremely comfortable coffee table. “I tend to visit Morgan often. We are so close...“ If you think I believe your lies? “Possessed, Charlie approached her, finger in the air“ So, she's sorely mistaken. You better tell me what you're doing in my husband's office right now if you don't want me to call security to kick you out!“And you really think you have the authority to do it? “ Samantha sneered, through clenched teeth.“Of course I have! I'm Mrs. Sullivan, in case you forgot. “ Charlie smiled, full of confidence, being more than pleased
“It's okay now, darling…” he promised, going to sit with her on the nearby couch and wrapping his arms protectively around her once he'd snuggled her into his lap, “I'm here… I'm not. I know what happened, but she won't harm you, I swear... I would never allow...His words, which were clearly meant to comfort her, actually served no purpose other than to revive what Samantha had just told her, turning her old insecurities almost into reality. Eagerly, she tried to cling to the memories of the two of them entwined in bed, laughing at home, taking care of the animals, or any other memory that could prove to her that they were a couple and not an adult responsible for a reckless teenager... However, everything what she managed to do was remember the scolding she received from her grandfather in childhood, when she ended up doing something wrong and almost drove him, as he used to scream, almost crazy, with his thoughtless actions. From the punishments she received from her teachers at sc
There was something wrong with Charlie and not even the urge he was feeling to make love to her was able to stop him from noticing it.And he had nothing to do with the insanely hot way she was starting to command him. He was just loving it, there was no other way to describe it. But he knew his wife. The way her touch felt anxious and the way her sweet brown eyes were scattered made it very clear that there was something more behind her desire, just like the day they had made love in the car, in the middle of a deserted road. , but still running the risk that someone could see them. On that occasion, however, Charlie herself had told him that it was because of the need to feel that everything was going to be okay; the yearning for closeness. But even if she didn't explain it, it was very clear on her face from the start. But not at that moment.Despite knowing that something was wrong, he couldn't read that mix of revolt and determination in her face, as he held on to her shoulders s
"I can't wait, so…" Charlie murmured, but he could hear that strained edge to her tone that made it very clear that whatever was wrong, it wasn't fixed yet.“Now…” placing his index finger under her chin to make her look up at him, Morgan tried to ask again, “Are you going to tell me what's wrong?“ There is nothing wrong. “Charlie denied, looking away, although the bitterness in his expression has him worrying even more “I just got hot seeing you in the office, that's all...“Well, I'm glad you find me so irresistible…” he joked, to try to lighten the mood “But, I guess we shouldn't just ignore the fact that meeting Samantha upset you…” when she didn't tell him. he answered nothing, instead he just hid his face against his chest, Morgan felt the anxiety start to take over him “Are you upset because she came all the way here? Because I swear, Charlie, I made it very clear to her that she shouldn't show up here in person and only communicate with me through the lawyers. I don't know wh
Planning and printing everything needed for the petition took Charlie all night. For which, if she was honest, she was even grateful. It wasn't like she was going to get much sleep, being agitated and upset like that, anyway.Fortunately, Morgan seemed to be as busy as she was and, also thanks to her efforts to avoid him, Charlie had managed to get away from him even when her husband returned home and, even though she asked him not to, left a plate of fresh food and hot outside your room. And as much as that care still made her heart melt, now a part of her felt nauseous. Not because Morgan was always ready to help her, but because she always needed something. When, in all the time they'd known each other, had she helped him with anything or given him anything? She had never paid for his college, offered him a roof over his head, or set up a sham marriage just so he wouldn't lose out on an inheritance. Morgan, on the other hand...That was why she would do anything to make that petiti
" Exactly. " Morgan agreed, elated " So if one day the caterpillar needed to cross a river, what would be better: crossing the river and risk drowning? Or accept the butterfly's help and fly with it?“ Isn't there an option to wait a bit, until she grows wings? Charlie grumbled, not wanting to budge.“ Of course, but this option will not always exist. “ she could almost see him shrugging in that pragmatic tradesman way “ What if the caterpillar needs to find food on the other side of the river? So she could wait. Realize? In extreme situations, she will need to accept help or she may end up taking unnecessary risks.“Or it may never become a butterfly and become known among the other caterpillars for being dependent on others. “Charlie snorted, regretting saying it on impulse the moment her words left his mouth.“Did anyone say that to you? he questioned, his voice taking on a dangerous tone."I thought we were talking about hypothetical stuff…" Charlie sulked, still not wanting to ta
“If you want advice, you better get off my land right now. “ Samantha said, looking around the office with an expression of pure disdain “I have a lot to do on my newest investment and I don't want any filthy animals getting in the way...Still with her body totally paralyzed by horror, Charlie could only stare at her former stepmother, unable to even blink, which seemed to be making Samantha immensely satisfied. Behind her, Jack and Vivian remained impassive, regarding the woman before them with pure contempt, but not looking as affected as Charlie felt.“ Isn't it a little unethical to come up to us and ask us to leave immediately, when you've just given us the news of the purchase? Vivian asked, her voice surprisingly cool and controlled.“ I think you still don't understand what's going on here, my dear... “ Samantha laughed, approaching the three with an amused smile “ This place doesn't belong to you anymore. And if I want, I can even have my lawyers fine you for trespassing on
“Do you really think so, Morgan? “ she purred, playing with her cleavage already almost completely open “ I think you are so controlled… I bet you could resist me for years and years. So I think it would take more than just a dress... " Undoing the ties at the back of her back, she let the fabric slide to the floor, leaving her in just a pair of tiny panties before his smoldering gaze " I think I would need to be naked in front of you…” Closing the small distance between the two of them, she caressed his bare chest “I would need to touch you…” Charlie moved her lips over his teasingly “I would need to kiss you. ..But her words were interrupted when he pulled her into one more eager kiss, digging his fingers into the flesh of her ass without any qualms, making her gasp.“You're wrong, Charlie…” he growled against her lips, his green eyes almost completely black with desire “You just need to exist. But do not worry. You're about to find out exactly what I'm talking about...Before Char
"Something tells me so..." Wanting to tease him a little more, she rose on tiptoe to overcome the several inches of difference in height between the two of them, pretending to kiss him on the mouth, but deflecting to his side. cheek at the last second, pressing her lips there chastely like she used to when she was younger “But if I can make a special request, I want you to teach me how to make your family's special cupcakes! “ she asked moving away from him with the feeling of long duty when noticing the frustrated and longing expression on his face." Your wish is an order. “He grunted, moving to the area of the worktop where the ingredients were and motioning for her to stand beside it. “First, we have to mix the cocoa powder with the oil, eggs and sugar. “ he explained, picking up a new bowl to put everything in it.“Can I move? “ she offered, sticking her side to his, when she saw him reach a nearby fuê." At ease..." he took a step back instead of passing the bowl to her, indicat
“Be nice to Aunt Vivian, okay? Charlie asked his children, making sure their scarves were securely wrapped around their necks, before they got into their godmother's car.“Okay, Mom. “ Patrick immediately agreed, visibly excited to spend the entire night playing video games, as Vivian always allowed.“What do you and Dad need to do alone on your wedding anniversaries that you can't do with us? “Very unlike her brother, Poppy huffed, crossing her arms over her chest suspiciously.Narrowing his eyes a little in the direction of that stubborn little girl, Charlie snorted when he heard Vivian having a fit of laughter inside the car. She hated to admit it, but even though she was still 9 years old and the carbon image of her father physically, Poppy had inherited her entire personality, which most of the time was a source of pure pride for Charlie, when she saw her smart and smart little girl. determined in action... But at times like this, when she just wanted to have a moment alone with
In a very short time, the bathroom had already been taken over by Sawyer's furious growls and meows, who was trying at all costs to escape the water from the bathtub and the comb that Morgan ran along the length of his fur, throwing more and more fleas into the water at every turn. new pass.“ I really need to talk to Charlie about the stray dogs and cats that are roaming the complex... “ Morgan panted slightly, trying to keep the little beast in her hands under control “ If, even taking medicine every month, you managed to get infested like this way walking around, then those who live on the street must be in a serious situation..." Daddy? “ Poppy's scared voice interrupted him and he turned his head to see his children in the bathroom doorway, fearful “What are you doing with Sawyer?“It's okay, honey. “ He soothed her, moving a little to escape the slash Sawyer had nearly landed on his face, though there wasn't much he could do about his already torn arms. “What happened is, Sawye
" And now we put the frozen peanut butter inside the dough..." Morgan instructed his children, helping them to sink the peanut butter balls into the chocolate dough with their little fingers " And no sticking the licked finger of Get back in the dough, Poppy. “ he warned his daughter, without even looking in her direction “I'm watching you.Hearing her little girl's characteristic snort, the same one that made her sound even more like her mother. Stifling a laugh, he finished helping Patrick finish the cupcakes, moving in time to catch his sister in the air, at the same moment that she had just jumped onto the stool he had positioned below the counter, so that they could could cook together with him." Daddy! “ Poppy complained, struggling in his arms as hard as her tiny five year old body would allow. “I can get off the bench by myself!“But not without getting hurt. “ he stole a kiss on her cheek, making her huff again, before sitting her down in one of the chairs at the dining tabl
“ Samantha, for God's sake! “ Anthony growled under his breath, although everyone could hear him clearly “ Apologize at once or you will be thrown out of this house!"Charlotte…" she began, her expression contorted with rage as if she was straining to say those words "I'm sorry…" Whereby? Charlie raised an eyebrow in her direction, seeming to be enjoying the moment deeply.“For being rude, honey. “ Samantha opened a big forced smile “ I promise that this will never happen again, from now on.“ That's true, because I'll make sure you don't! “ Morgan swore, determined “ Now get out of here! I want to speak with Charlotte alone!“Mr. Sullivan, she's still my daughter... " Anthony looked like he wanted to protest, but his scared voice made that sentence absolutely pathetic.“The same daughter you were mistreating a moment ago! “ Morgan snarled, making him flinch immediately “Now get out!“Of course, Mr. Sullivan... " Samantha nodded, her blue eyes cold and angry " Why wouldn't we, as par
Morgan didn't know why he was there. Or rather, the truth was, he shouldn't be there. And that in every sense.There was a lot of work to be done and a lot of paperwork to be signed in his office, like every other day of the year... But still, perhaps for the first time in his life, he had found it difficult to concentrate. That's because the image of Charlotte Manson jumping into a fountain across from him the day before wouldn't leave his mind. The more rational side of him tried to argue that it was just because she was a poor young girl with clearly terrible parents that she couldn't stand up for herself and needed help. Therefore, as soon as he finished work, he could visit her in the most proper way possible, like any normal person would. But not.Instead, he had left the office early for the first time in years "maybe, again, for the first time in his life", just so he could see Charlie again and get rid of that nagging feeling that had been plaguing his chest all morning. Whic
All the books and scientific articles Morgan had read about babies during Charlie's pregnancy said that in order for her son to sleep well, it was important to create a calm and quiet environment at nap time. However, his wife wasn't very good at it.“You spend the whole day soiling your diaper and throwing up…” he heard her play inside the suite's bathroom, with the sounds of wet kisses filling the room “How can you smell so good?Hearing her daughter's contented cackle, Morgan couldn't help but smile, even though she knew all that fussing would make it take Poppy much longer to fall asleep. But, well, she was Charlie's daughter, so obviously she wasn't a simple bottle, a dark room and a little white noise that would magically dampen the infinite energy she had inside her.Hearing his son give a long yawn, Morgan turned his attention to Patrick who, after a relaxing bath and having changed into his pajamas, was clearly ready for bed, very different from his twin sister. Feeling his h
"Well...that depends..." he commented, shrugging." Like this? She raised an eyebrow, confused.“ It depends on whether you like it or not. “Morgan smiled, stroking her cheek." What? “ Charlie gasped, shocked “You mean...?“ Over the past few months, I've thought a lot about what you've told me about your dream of raising your own pets, beyond the shelter animals. But it would be a bit difficult to do that in an apartment. “ he said, making her eyes widen even more “ So I decided it would be a good idea to look for a new home for us: a spacious house where you can welcome as many animals as you want and make our family even bigger. “ Morgan approached her, biting her cheek to stop herself from laughing at her stunned expression. “And this was the house that I thought most fit what you had described to me. So what do you think? Should we look a little further or could this place become our new home? I particularly think Matilda would love to be able to run around without having so man