Shivers licked down my spine at her words, and I tried not to consider the implications even though the thoughts in my head were beginning to spin wheels. Not like I didn't have my own doubts back then, but I didn't invest in it. Why had Sofia left Jared many years ago? Why had she rejected him des
(JARED’S POV.) I paced about the room restlessly. More officers had arrived at the scene over time and the place was brimming with them. Perhaps, that has something to do with the fact that I’d suggested Michael Langley was a likely suspect in everything. The officers seemed to be talking all at th
I dialed the contact I’d been given. He was supposed to be the best freelance security personnel in the country. Well let’s hope he lives up to the hype now, I thought aloud. “Yes?” his gruff voice cut through the line after a couple of rings. “Am I speaking with Fletcher? I have a little job for
(ARIELLE’S POV.) The air felt cold and the floor underneath me rough to touch. I couldn’t tell how much time had passed since Denzel picked me up. He’d put the blindfold back on. At some point, we’d switched locations. For some reason, he didn’t feel comfortable with the dock. But I could still sme
(ARIELLE'S POV) The figure’s face was obscured because of its posture, but I could sense the fear and vulnerability emanating from them. My heart clenched painfully in terror and desperation. Was that my son? Was Maverick really the one in there? As if watching me even without being in the room,
(JARED'S POV) The docks were a battlefield—cops on one side, Fletcher’s men on the other, weapons drawn. Gunfire erupted as enemies emerged from the shadows, but they were no match for our trained force. I crouched behind a crate, my mind only on Arielle. Was she here? Was she safe? When the gunf
Too many questions. No time for answers. Michael, face grim, asked, “Who do we go after?” I shot him a look, voice cold. “You're seriously asking me that? This is never a question. We're saving Arielle first!” We tore across the water, the engine’s roar drowning out everything else. Oliver’s ma
(ARIELLE’S POV.) I froze in shock at the sound of the gunshot and for moments afterwards, the sound rang in my head, blocking off every other sound. Denzel’s eyes were filled with dark hatred even as he fell into the ocean. And I could imagine that they’d haunt me for a very long time. I tried to
(JARED’S POV) The next day, I pulled out of the hotel's driveway, Arielle and Ashley chatting away in the backseat. The atmosphere was lively, with Arielle's infectious laughter and Ashley’s bright smile. I was glad to see Arielle so carefree, even on a day like today. Ashley's presence was a bless
“Okay, how about… the bartender from that rooftop dinner we went to?” “Arielle!” Ashley exclaimed, feigning offense. “Seriously? A random bartender?” I shrugged. “Hey, you never know. Besides, you said it yourself that he was your type.” She rolled her eyes and didn't say a word. I continued the
(ARIELLE’S POV) I halted, my mind going blank. Pregnant? Ashley? It felt unbelievable. The Ashley I know would never let a man knock her up without marriage, she was that uptight. My eyes darted from her beaming face to the hand she was now placing on her stomach. “Pregnant?” The word escaped my l
(ARIELLE'S POV) “Surprise!” She exclaimed, her face beaming with smiles as she stepped fully into the room, pulling a small suitcase behind her. My jaw dropped, and my eyes widened. She looked tired from her trip, but her radiant smile masked it well. “Ashley, what are you doing here?” I asked, st
(ARIELLE'S POV) Back in my room at the hotel, I sat in front of my phone that was placed on the bed’s dashboard, waiting for my mom to answer the phone. Excitement coursed through my system like an unending river, and I couldn't wait to share the good news with my loved ones, my mom topping the cha
“I won’t be long in the shower,” he promised as he dashed into the bathroom. I picked up my phone and found a couple of missed calls from Michael Langley. A little frown crossed my face until I realized he might’ve worried after checking on me at my suite. I didn’t owe him any explanations of cours
(ARIELLE’S POV) I was awake—eyes closed, but very much aware of my surroundings. I could feel the gentle early morning breeze dance over my skin as it traveled across the room. The warmth of Jared’s skin against mine, his spring arms wrapped around me like a second blanket, brought back very vivid
(MICHAEL’S POV) I was on a zoom conference call with my strategy team back home when my phone rang. Normally, I’d just ignore it and let it ring out until whoever it was on the other end got the message. But when I looked at the caller ID, I thought better. “Jared. Is everything okay?” I asked my
“That bounce in his step? You’ll only ever find it in a man who’s in love. And you.. your skin has a different glow this morning. Plus you arrived an hour late for our appointment,” Ellen finished with a shrug. “Morning, Dr. Keystone,” Jared nodded as he walked into the room. “Good morning, Mr. Sm