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Chapter 1
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Melissa pushed open the door to the bespoke coffee shop, she had found this little gem on her first day in the USA, and she loved it.
A smile on her beautiful face, she had put on make up, her green eyes highlighted by pale brown eyeshadow, framed by mascaraed eyelashes and winged eyeliner, the slightest hint of blusher and a similar lipstick to match her eyeshadow.She was tall and slim and her tailored black business skirt suit, was impeccable, the skirt fell mid thigh over tanned stockinged legs, making her long legs look even longer highlighted by black heeled shoes.Her light green blouse with tiny white flowers on brought out the green in her eyes, her auburn hair, was normally straight and had been teased into beautiful curls, that fell to elbow length.Melissa looked up to the menu, she loved to try out different flavours of coffee, some were nicer than others, the peppermint coffee was truly disgusting, she did however like the roasted hazelnut coffee, as she scanned the menu her eyes fell on a nice sounding coffee‘Black Cherry Coffee, with whipped cream and black cherry sauce, that’s sounds delicious’ just as Melissa had decided to have that, the guy in front of her turned around.She gasped quietly. ”Wow. That guys gorgeous.” He looked like a Greek God and was the very definition of tall, dark and handsome, he had hair that fell to the top to his shoulders, a small full beard and moustache, he was wearing a vest and jeans, his tattoos on his arms were fascinating, and his muscled bicep showed he worked out.Quietly he said “Take a picture it will last longer.” He gave a stunning smile, displaying very straight white teeth, his blue eyes were a deep blue almost black.Turning her head away knowing she’d been caught staring Melissa took a great deal of interest in the freshly made food that was now in the display cabinet in front of her.She could feel his eyes on her. She knew she’d caught his attention. Men were playthings to her. She loved the attention but when a guy wanted to get serious she called it off, feelings made you vulnerable. And in her life she wanted to be successful, I mean sure she loved her father, her half brother, and her step mother, but that was different, she had always been around them.As the barista turned towards her, he smiled, “Hi again, What can I get for you today?”Hoping to catch the good looking Greek God off guard she said “Can I have a Black Cherry Coffee please?”She saw his eyes widen slightly as he waited for own coffee, “Nailed it.”As she paid for her coffee, and paid extra to pay it forward as she always did so at this coffee shop, she moved to the side to wait for her coffee, the Greek God lookalike spoke softly “We don’t get many Brits in this part of Indiana, you here for business or pleasure?” Looking deep into her eyes as he said the next part “Or both?” Smiling slightly Melissa replied “I don’t mix business with pleasure. It quickly gets messy.” The barista brought them back down to Earth“Order number 14” holding out a single coffee Melissa reached forward and took it. Taking her eyes off the Greek god, she smiled at the barista and walked towards the door. Pulling it open and left the coffee shop.Walking towards the car park with keys in hand, she walked towards her black Porsche Boxster, clicking the button to unlock it, when a hand suddenly tested on her arm and spun her round.There was Mr Greek God himself, slightly out of breath, “I want to take you out to dinner, what do you say?”This was a first, she’d never had a man run after her before, removing his hand from her arm, he steadied the two coffees he was holding in the tray, with his other hand, she reached into her bag and pulled out a business card. Handing it to him and said “My details.” Before getting into the car and putting her coffee in the cup holder, before she reversed and drove out of the car park.Looking down at the black business card he could see it had her name and number on it in gold letteringMelissa Hartford555-4129Walking in the opposite direction to his own car, he knocked on the window and the passenger door opened, sliding into the passenger side he handed the coffee to the driver, his identical twin brother Brock.Raising his eyebrow Brock asked “What the hell Blake? Where’d you go with the coffee? What’s that?” As he tried to reach for Melissa’s business card, Blake pulled it away and slipped it into his pocket.“It’s mine, that’s what it is.” Blake said with a smile. Shrugging Brock started the engine and drove away. Walking in through the door, of Hartford Industries, Melissa bumps into a young girl, at the marble reception desk because the girl wasn’t watching where she was going “Oh no. I’m sorry.” Melissa said, getting a handkerchief out of her bag, to wipe the girl’s shirt.“Oh my god! You’re so clumsy, as if. My daddy will hear about this. Do you know who I am?” Turning away she walked towards the elevator. Placing her cup on the top of the desk, “Hi Elaine, any messages?” Melissa asked the cheerful blonde haired woman. Melissa liked Elaine, she was a woman of around 55 she was honest, straight forward and she worked really hard. Handing Melissa a post it note Elaine smiled, “The girl who just got on the elevator, her name is Nancy Kettleman, she’s here for a job interviewRelated chapters
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Smiling back at Elaine, as she handed Melissa some papers, she picked her bag up and what was left of her coffee, and took the private elevator that went directly to her office.Stepping out, Melissa noticed her office door was unlocked. Walking in, she saw her father Shane Hartford.Shane Hartford was a self made billionaire, he had revolutionised the world of digital photography in mobile phones. He never lost his accent, his first wife Chloe had died during childbirth, and he had worked three jobs as well as coming up with his idea all while raising Melissa, he was her hero. Tall, with broad shoulders, short spiky salt and pepper hair, he worked out a lot and regardless of his 50 years was very fit for his age.He met his second wife Suzanna Bass when Melissa was 8, they married within a year and had her half brother Ryan Hartford-Bass a year laterSuzanna and Melissa always got along like mother and daughter. They were extremely close, even after Ryan was bor
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6 HOURS EARLIER“Where’s Shane?” He asked clearly irritated. “Busy. I can help you with anything you need, seeing as my father made me CEO.” Melissa sat behind the big mahogany desk, offering her hand out for Colin to sit. Sitting down he appeared uncomfortable, “My daughter text me.”“Ah you mean the daughter that barged into me, making me spill my coffee only to then berate me in my own office building, and when I offered up a handkerchief to help her clear up the spil on her shirt she walks off, only to then accuse me of lying about being CEO and try to flirt with my father to get a job. That daughter?” With each word Colin spoke he got redder and redder eventually he looked like he would burst.“I didn’t know this.” He stuttered out. “Is there anything she can do to make it up to you? We’re trying to get her into the world of work before she takes over my business.”Melissa steepled her fingers a habit she’d picked up from her father when he was about to give bad new
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“Hello Melissa,” the words dripped from him like honey. Taking a seat on the stool next to hers at the bar, she quickly glanced in the mirror behind the bar.The restaurant had a real Italian feel, it was owned by a Tony and Maria Rosetti, they were first generation Italian immigrants, they had four children, and they had at some point or another worked in their parents restaurant. Tony was working tonight, he loved to cook authentic Italian ingredients, always making everything himself from scratch. The food was out of this world and was one of Melissa’s favourites.Maria was waiting on tonight, she approached the couple who were talking quietly “Ciao Bella, Melissa, you look beautiful tonight.”Melissa smiled a genuine smile “Ciao Maria, how are you? And Thank you.”The older lady was starting to look her age, she had grey streaks in her black hair, her brown eyes twinkled in the low lighting of the restaurant, her flowered dress and apron had been her favourite, but n
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The evening had turned to inky blackness, the stars were out. The night was amazing. With her hand in his he pulled her to the car park, “Where are we going?” Came the voice from behind him,“There’s somewhere I want to take you. I don’t want this date to end - yet.” Blake said unlocking his black Toyota hilux, opening the door for her she climbed in. For some reason she wanted to go with him.“What’s the address?” Melissa started to get worried, Blake smiled a goofy smile, “You’ll see. Was all he said mysteriously.Turning on the radio, a familiar song came on Shania Twain - You’re still the one.“Looks like we’ve made it look how far we’ve come my baby.” Slipped from Melissa’s lips, she loved this song, it was one of her favourites. And Melissa could sing, she wasn’t up to Shania’s standard but her voice was nice.Blake’s head turned in her direction, “Wow, you have an amazing singing voice.” Melissa felt her face heat up. She hadn’t meant to sing, but unfortunately
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"What? They've only just sent it to us? Sorry Sam I know its not your fault, It just the International Business Awards is the biggest awards ceremony in the entire business industry. can you RSVP via email, please? I will be going so won't need a plus one, and I will have the fish. Thank you, Sam."Melissa was annoyed she had always wanted to go to the IBA but had never been invited her father went and was often awarded Businessman of the Year and CEO of the year, her father was a fantastic boss and really cared about his employees often giving them 2 weeks off over Christmas.She always aspired to be just like him, and often followed in his footsteps, but with her own hard work. She had always tried her best and started in the mailroom at her dad's company weekends. Ringing Sam she waited for the connect "Sam, can you take some messages I will be out of the office for three hours, please take any messages and can you please ring Vinnie, I don't know what time I will be back t
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Inhaling a deep breath, Melissa made her way through the throng of people, she had just about made it to the bar when Mr and Mrs Robins and their daughter Anita stopped her.Mr and Mrs Robins owned a hardware business, they probably made enough each year that they were comfortable, Melissa hated and their horse faced daughter, she wasn’t really horse faced Melissa called her that because of her braying laugh and her ability to make people feel uncomfortable. They also behaved like they had money to burn, and that Anita was a debutante.“Melissa, darling.” Anita called out to her, Melissa fixed her business smile in place and walked two steps in their direction.“I was just telling mother and father, I said there’s Melissa, she’s alone, I wonder why? Then mother said that you hadn’t got a boyfriend and you’d remain a spinster you’re whole life. And I said that Melissa should find someone like my Kevin.” Taking a breath in to come out with the next part, Melissa politely said
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The awards would start in about an hour, slowly very slowly Melissa started to relax. Scanning the room she saw Jackson.Jackson White and his family were self-made like Melissa and her family, Melissa liked Jackson they did business regularly and he often accompanied her to business events as her plus one.Jackson White was the epitome of an underwear model, he had tanned skin, short spiky blonde hair and big brown eyes, Melissa had once been set up on a blind date with him by her loving father, a merge with Hartford Industries would be good for White and Co, there was one small snag to them getting together, Jackson is gay, and had a long term boyfriend called Julian who adored Melissa as much as she adored them.Jackson was a fair distance away from Melissa but she could see that he was deep in conversation with a guy. Looking around the auditorium she saw a man he was talking to Anita, Melissa almost spat her bourbon out, 'Holy Crap is that Blake?' Turning his back towa
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EARLIER THAT EVENINGBrock pressed the button on the alarm with a satisfying click, letting him know that the car was now locked. Walking through the double doors and into the auditorium, he made his way to the bar, "Whisky on the rocks please." Pulling slightly at the black bowtie, he wasn't used to wearing a tux. He wore suits every day at work, but those were different. They were properly tailored, grabbing the whisky he headed to the table and placed his drink on the table with a satisfying thud.Looking around he could see various people who he knew, Kevin Green was bearing down on Brock and fast. Brock shuddered visibly, he didn't usually hate people usually he was quite personable, but Kevin had one of those faces, he knew Kevin from high school, he was a slimy little weasel, he remembers what Kevin did to his ex-girlfriend.He remembers Kevin asking Elle if she'd like to go to the prom knowing that Elle was with Brock, then he remembers her saying no and Brock and h
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After meeting with his lawyer Shane was armed with all the documentation he needed. He got in his car and drove to where they holding Blake. Getting out Shane met with his lawyer. “Mr Hartford. Are you sure you want to do this?” The small man, dressed in an expensive suit and thick rimmed glasses asked. “Mr Lawerence.” Shane turned and looked him straight in the eyes. “If I’m wrong about this guy I want to know. And I’m fairly good a judge of character. I can also tell when someone is lying which is why people hate to play poker with me.”“Then why didn’t you pick up on it when you first met Mr Milligan.” Steve Lawerence asked as they walked towards the entrance. &n
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WARNING THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS REFERENCES TO ALCOHOLISM, ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AND SUICIDEIN A CABIN Two men are having a conversation. “What the fuck have you done?” The older of the two asked. “I’m tired of waiting for Melissa. She’s getting further out of our reach.” The younger one said. Slamming his fist on the table the older guy picked up his ringing phone. “Hello. Yes. Yes. Alright.” Hanging up the phone he turned it off. “You could have killed Melissa!&rdqu
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LATER THAT EVENING.“Dinners ready.” Blake called to Melissa who had had a nap and a shower. Walking down the stairs with damp hair falling around her shoulders and her face Melissa could smell the scent of baked trout, her mouth salivating at the thought.An hour later with full stomachs Blake and Melissa retired to the couch with a full bottle of Malbec both slightly tipsy.“So I gotta know.” Blake considered for a minute asking Melissa what she saw in Brock. But quickly changed her mind.“What was young Melissa like? Party girl? Nerd? Or were you miss Popular?” He smiled as he said this.“I was very studious, but I wasn’t a nerd, I wasn’t popular either.” Melissa made a face like she was remembering a bad incident. “I was just normal. My turn now.” Melissa squealed with glee “What was Blake like as a teen?”“I was
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THE NEXT DAY.“I’m sorry baby. I forgot I’m supposed to photographing the governor and his family. It’s supposed to be an all day event. Until about 10pm.” Brock said guiltily.“What’s the point in being here if I’m going to be alone?” Melissa asked trying her best not to sound whiny.“I’ve spoken to Blake. He will take care of you. I trust him to keep you safe. I trust him with my life. He’s going fishing, and you can go with him.” Brock said plainly.“Fishing? I wouldn’t know where to start.” Melissa said as Brock got out of the en-suite.“Well bows a great time to learn. Listen Blake’s taken time off and closed his bar so I can work and so that one of us can always be with you.” Brock explained gently.Melissa pouted for a brief moment before realising he was right. Blake had put his business on h
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Melissa stood up getting ready to leave. “There’s really no talking to you. I came here in good faith to make you aware of what was happening as you don’t care.” Blake ran and grabbed her hand pulling her into his chest causing them both to fall on the floor.Blake looked into her eyes as Melissa lay on his chest. Putting his hand on her cheek a very loving and caring gesture he moved his head up towards hers and kissed her again, this time though she brought her knee up between his legs connecting with his genitals.Blake howled in pain. Sucking at his teeth he howls “Again?” Melissa extracts herself from the floor, and runs to the door.The hot sting of tears in her eyes. She fiddles with the lock as she hears Blake get up.She ran down the stairs, her heeled boots clump clumping as she went.She could hear the pit pat of Blake’s feet as he chases her. “Melissa, honey w
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A FEW DAYS LATER“This is soooo relaxing.” Melissa crooned as the masseuse rubbed oil into her back.At the same moment Brock’s phone rang. Adjusting his towel around his waist he got up and took the phone call into the hallway. Melissa allowed herself to think back on the previous days events. “Babe? Babe? Come on wake up.” Melissa shook Brock’s shoulder. Opening a bleary eye Brock looked at Melissa. She was showered and dressed. Wearing black skinny jeans, and a red cashmere sweater, her hair was tied up in a high ponytail and she had make up on. Brock jumped out of bed and in the shower. Showering and dressing in record time he grabbed the keys to the Porsche and they went to the car. Brock snapped his belt in the drivers side, and started the engine, pulling out of the parking lot, before driving off to his and Blake’s apartment. “So you sure you want to do this alone?” Brock asked.
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After a little while the doorbell went getting up off the couch Brock got up and walked over to the door. Melissa sat on the couch, her head hanging and tears falling down onto her lap. Gritting his teeth knowing he feels helpless to stop this Brock opens the door. “Mr Milligan?” The detective asks. “Yes. Come in. Miss Hartford is in the living room.” He steps to the side and in the detective walks past him, taking a seat on the opposite couch to Melissa. Shutting the door Brock follows him and sits next to Melissa taking her hand that’s now in her lap. “Can you take me through tonight’s events?” He asks. Melissa nods and starts to recall everything that has happened, including the phone call, the detective writes everything in a notebook. “Ok. I’m going to bag all the stuff and take it to the forensics.” Sliding on a pair of latex gloves, he disappeared into the bedroom. After a few minutes,
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Grabbing the phone Brock could see that this has pushed Melissa over the edge. He grabbed the detectives card and typed in the number. The voice came out down the end of the phone as if he’d just been woken up “Yeah?” “Hi it’s Brock Milligan, I don’t know if you remember the break in a Melissa Hartford’s place.” Brock said into the phone. “Yeah. I remember. What of it?” The voice said no longer full of sleep. “There’s been a development.” Brock said putting his arm around a now shivering Melissa and guiding her into the living room. “On my way.” The detective said before hanging up. Brock pressed the red button to cancel the call. And sat Melissa down next to him on the couch. “Baby, you okay?” He asked worried that this would be a tipping point for Melissa, knowing that even the strongest of women would find it difficult to cope, with everything that happened. “Y-yeah.” She said haltin
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Melissa awoke to bright sunlight streaming through the glass windows. The warmth felt nice on her skin. Rolling onto her side she opened a sleepy eye, she had a sudden feeling of dread, as she saw a tie that was not Brock’s, and a memory of last night came flooding back, Chris, she remembered the way his hands felt on her body, and the way he felt inside her, for a brief second she smiled then she felt an arm drape across her. That feeling of guilt gnawed away at her insides. She’d cheated on Brock. A single tear ran down her face as she realised this fact. She was in her own world thinking of what to say to Brock how to redeem her relationship when a voice, thick and scratchy from having just woken up, startled her. “Good morning babygirl. Not too stiff I hope.” The voice came from behind. She immediately turned over, and was met with Brock’s smiling face, an eighth of an inch of stubble, and very messy hair. Bro
