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...Anderson already made a decision but it wasn't about Renard's request, or terms. He wasn't going to be a victim of his cunning brother's trick. He knew in every aspect that Renard was right, he would lose either way if he chooses to keep Katherine or not. He had decided to let her go. Maybe if Renard was half as capable as he was to handle Horatio's or if he already lost interest in being CEO, then he would have considered his options. But Anderson loved his work. And it hurt him to know that he still wanted Katherine. Just the imagination of her body sent him into a fit of rage. He hated himself for it. She fuckin wanted to use him! She lied to him and played with his feelings without a shred of remorse. Anderson was hurt. He would have loved to see her carry out her motive and laugh to her face in denial. He wanted to hurt her too, at least half as much as she was hurting him. "What is the destination, Mr. Riecke?" Troy, his driver asked. It was then Anderson realized tha
...Anderson rested the glass into his cupped palm before returning his gaze to the platform, watching the dancers swirl their waists while seductively staring at him. The red lights illuminated their naked bodies, covered by only a transparent silk dress. Everything bare could be seen as they thrust their hips forth and back. Anderson glanced down at himself and up at the ladies again, emptying his glass of alcohol halfway. This time he didn't see Katherine, but he wasn't getting an erection either. Katherine didn't have a body like that, she was fleshier. At the thought, Anderson recollected the day she tried to pole dance for him, it was a scene he would not forget anytime soon.Of course, she failed but it was a beautiful sight. And he was even happier thinking he was the only one who brought that slutty side out of her, thinking that she was his personal bad girl. But she was James's, and probably a few other guys' too. She acted all prim and proper during their courting year
...Katherine returned to the kitchen, "were you able to reach him?" Madeline questioned. "Uh yes. He's at the headquarter and just finishing up with some paperwork, he sent apologies for not taking your calls. He's just really busy." "This late?" Madeline grimaced then sighed afterward, "at least he's fine. Jude is going to check up on him there."Katherine breathed out, relieved by how slickly her lie went. How the hell was she supposed to tell Madeline that her son was in a strip club? And wasted?It was totally unlike Anderson. Katherine could only imagine what he was doing at that moment. Probably getting actioned by a stripper and--She shook the thought off, gulping the hurt in her chest. He's changed so much. Could she even confront him about it? So what if he chooses to get laid? She can't keep getting jealous and hurt over his inability to stick with the rules! They're only married on paper after all, he doesn't owe her his faithfulness anymore. While he was having the
....Anderson's hand reached for his ringing phone and grasped it from the nightstand. A groan passed from his mouth as he swiped to receive the call, his other hand moving to hold his head splitting with an ache."Yes?" He spoke gruffly, almost irritated. "Anderson?" His eyes flung open in an instant and he withdrew the phone from his ear to glance at the caller, his senses fully returning. "Oh, hi Mom," he returned the phone to his ear, his tone lighter. "Son, Are you still in bed?" "Um," Anderson glanced around, his eyes squinting, "I guess." Madeline breathed out, "I see you stayed up at work really late last night. Are you sure your okay, honey?" "Yes, I'm fine," he rubbed his face, taking the wet towel off. "Alright. I expected you to give me a call back after I called you like a gazillion times. Your wife and I were worried last night." "My wife?" "Yes, Katy! I'm glad you're fine though. You should give her a treat for making her worry." "Yes, Mom. I need to go get r
....//Thanks for coming out with me *wink*//Katherine released the phone from her chest to stare at the text from Gabriella, before sending a reply. //Thanks for inviting me.//She turned to her other side, skimming through the net as she thought of her day with Gabriella, for the past two days they'd hung out and Gabriella had been nothing but nice to her. It's been two days of her recklessly spending Anderson's money and she was already sick of it. It wasn't her lifestyle and for two days she had tried to fake it. He was yet to confront her but she was certain he was already aware of her spending spree. Why wasn't he coming to talk to her about it? She had barely even caught sight of him these past few days. The one time she did, he casually walked away like he hadn't even seen her. Like she was suddenly inexistent. Glancing at the time, she realized she's been asleep for a few hours and it was noon. Katherine moved to lie upward, staring at the chandelier, wishing Trina was
...."Here you go. Thank you for the extra days, I hope it wasn't a lot of trouble for you?" "Not at all. Anything for your convenience." Hope smiled, burying her lips inside her mouth. "It's perfect now. You can check it right away if you want and--"I believe you, Hope. You'll get your balance soon." "Okay. I have to leave now, I'll give you a call when I receive it." "Right now? I already ordered a drink for you." "There's no need for that, thank you though. That is very kind and thoughtful." "Are you avoiding me on purpose?" Jude asked, dropping the folder to stare fully at her. "Because I feel like you are." "I'm not," she denied, "I just don't think there's anything for us to talk about anymore." "There's always something to talk about. So many things. We haven't seen each other in years--"Look Jude, I just don't want to do this anymore, I'm sorry. My stay here is only for another two months and after that, I might not be coming back again. So, you see? We'll go back to
....Katherine emptied her cup of fruit punch, her waist skillfully swaying to the slow music that took over the atmosphere while she conversed with Hope. "He asked you out?!" She asked over the song, offering her palm to Hope who twirl her around as carefully as she could. "Yeah, he said he likes me and wants us to be more than friends," Hope emphasized with an expression that depicted glee. "Ooooh, I'm happy for you. So you guys are dating now or what?" Katherine asked. She didn't bother trying to tame her dress that had started to fly around again, her main focus was to have a good time and she was going to do it unprovoked. "Nope, told him I'll think about it." "Well, you like him too. Why didn't you just say yes?" "I'm not gonna just say yes the first time and besides, I'm doing some thinking." "I hope that thinking leads to a big fat juicy yes." Hope giggled, "speaking of juice, do you care for a refill of your fruit punch?" "Yes please," Katherine grinned. "Please get
....Katherine sighed, her gaze on the ceiling. It's been an hour but there was still no sign of Anderson and she was uneasy. She had decided to go to bed at first and ignore the fact that he was out there beating the shit out of a freak. He deserved it anyways, but Katherine couldn't sleep with that thought lingering in her head. Two hours went by with Katherine still tossing and turning on the bed. When a knock sounded on her door, she sat up in anticipation until the guest spoke. "Katy, it's Trina." She didn't mean to be disappointed but she was. Why wasn't Anderson showing up? "Come in, Trina," she ushered. Trina walked in with a tray that contained her dinner. "I brought your dinner." "Is Anderson not back?" "He returned an hour ago, but he simply instructed that I fix your dinner and went to his room." "He's back?" Katherine frowned, wondering why he didn't show up in her room. He usually does. "Is he hurt?" "A little cut on his lips. He said not to be disturbed befo
"When did you arrive?" Jude asked after handing her a cup of coffee. "Two hours ago. Would have arrived earlier but there was a little trouble with the flight." "I hope it was nothing serious. You're okay, right?" "Oh, not at all. And I'm fine," Hope smiled. Jude lowered his gaze to the ground like there was something interesting there and an awkward silence fell between them. "How have you been?" Hope broke the silence. He started with a slow repetitive nod, "Good. Really good. You?" "Same," Hope nodded. "I was driving to Dad Xavier's to pick up Katy's kids, so I thought I'd stop by and say hi since I was close. You'll be at the party, right?" "Yeah, I'm all dressed up for it." "Oh good," Hope breathed out, wrapping her palms around the mug. As much as she didn't like how silent they were, she expected it. It's been seven years and she suddenly appears in front of him without a word. She had hoped to ask him to accompany her to Xavier's or probably expected him to su
*** _*Six_Years Later*_ *** Renard's fingers caressed the package as he spoke on the phone to his mother. "Ugh, Mom! I told you I'm not going." "Just this once, Renard. It's not like you attended the previous ones. How long do you plan to distance yourself? They're your niece and nephew!" "Do you have to keep calling me every year for the same thing? I have work to do, if I slack Anderson wouldn't take it lightly. You know how he is. I can't stand him," Renard fused. "Even Marcus will be there, you think you're the only one who has work to do? Besides we both know Anderson wouldn't trouble for missing one day." Renard grumbled, taking the gift off his thigh. "If I go this once, will you stop calling me concerning it?" "I'll give you a break for the next two years." "Four," he bargained. "Three years. I can't believe we're bargaining this! It's not even supposed to be this serious." "You're making it serious, Mom. Like I don't care about my brother, I mean I send gif
***"Careful," Anderson cautioned, his palms resting on her bare baby bump. They both giggled as she successfully sat on him, her weight falling on him. She touched his chest to support her balance, and Anderson quickly adjusted to the weight. Katherine began moving her waist in circular motion and riding him slowly. Amidst the waves of pleasure, Anderson's eyes remained plastered on her, fearing that she might fall and ready to grasp her if she did. "Do you really have to do this?" He asked, guiding his hands to her waist. "Yes," she answered. "Relax and enjoy. I'm fine," she said, leaning slowly to kiss his chest. Anderson threw his head back, the pleasure slowly grasping him more than he could control. "About Marcus-Anderson sighed, "is that what this is about?" "No," Katherine denied, moving her hands to his chest and teasing his nipples with her fingers. "Fuck Katy, this is so goddamn good," he groaned and she smiled, loving how she gained control of him in a short space
***"200 meters is just perfect, if there are any changes I'll let you know beforehand," the client stood up."Please do, sir," Leila stood up with him. "Until then, we'll have the garden ready for you and yours " He smiled, "Perfect. If you're available, please attend." With that, he slipped an invitation card into her hand. "Oh," Leila hesitated, "I'll see what I can do." After a handshake, Leila picked up her stuff and walked out. In her car, which she managed to get back with her earning, Leila made a happy dance. She was elated and above all, she was glad she was finally doing something that would make her boss pleased with her again. After losing a rental deal a week back, Leila had tried to make up for it. She noticed Jude's unwillingness when she asked to be in charge of this project, but he eventually handed it to her. Amongst the twelve clients, ten were willing to patronize them, one was going to think about it and the last person already booked elsewhere. Leila coul
***Jude didn't miss the discontented look on Bianca's face when he walked in with Leila. "Hey," she forced a smile, "I didn't know you were bringing someone with you. We didn't discuss that." "She's my secretary and will be in charge of the meeting. She'll answer all of your questions and explain to you what to expect if your father's corporation partners with us." "Oh secretary," Bianca emphasized, relaxing. "I don't mind." "Where's your father, I expected to see him here with you." "Oh he's not coming," she winked. "He wants me to talk to you first and if I like what you're proposing, we automatically have a deal. So it's all in my hands now." "Okay," Jude shrugged, "so let me start with-"Hold on," Bianca's leaned over the table to touch him. Jude jerked away from her hold, glaring at her, "Why don't we eat first? It's a dinner date remember." "Not a date," he reminded. "Right," she chuckled softly. "Over here, waiter." A waiter approached their table at once, "What are y
***"Leila-" The door went open and she quickly turned away, wiping the tears from her eyes while trying to gain composure of herself. Jude's brow narrowed as he opened the door wider and walked in, his gaze first landed on the skinny tall man in his secretary's office and then on Leila whose back was at him. "I need you to make me some coffee," he said. "I'll be there, sir. Please give me a second," she answered, trying her best to give a straight response despite the sound of her voice. "Who is he?" Jude asked, staring at the unknown man that wore a frown. He didn't plan on interfering but the atmosphere in the room was something he didn't want any of his guests to meet. "H-he-" Leila stuttered. "I'm her husband," the skinny man replied, darting a cold stare at Jude, "you must be the boss." "Alex, please leave.." Leila tried to interfere. "What? I can't meet your boss? You said you were scared, should I tell him on your behalf then?" "No, get out!" Leila snapped, her voice
***Jude walked into his office, he turned around only to find Leila stirring his coffee as she spoke on the phone. Her body was in a different direction but her hand didn't stop moving the spoon in a circular motion. She was carried away and seemed to be pissed with whoever she was talking to on the phone. Jude noticed this and paused, watching her multitask. It was her first day without Ria's assistance and she was already giving him an idea of how berserking she could be. "I told you I'm fine, I don't need your money. Please stop calling me, you could get in trouble," She hassled. "Stop talking to me, I don't want any more problems between you guys." "Please don't say another word to me, Mom. You know I'll never agree to it. I can't move back in, don't you understand?...The other words strolled off his hearing. Mom? She was arguing with her mother? Jude squinted his brows. "I'm hanging up, please don't call me again. I'm fine and I don't need your help. I'm not worth losing yo
***"Sir?" Jude looked up from his computer to find Ria, his secretary walking in. "I brought the monthly accounts for the three hotels in Northridge. I already reworked them and piled in the conclusion. Please check and tell me if there's a problem." Jude took the papers from her and went through each page briefly. Knowing her capabilities, it didn't take him a lot of time before he started nodding in satisfaction. She had worked for him for four years and had proven countless times to be competent. Left to him, he wished he could make her stay. "What do you think? Is it good, sir?" She asked when he dropped the file. "Yeah. All good." "Really?" He shot her a stare, "is there a problem?" "Not really but the intern actually worked that out. It wasn't my doing." "Intern?" He looked lost for a minute before it hit him, "Leila?" "Yes sir. I gave them to her two days ago and made my workings too just in case, but checking them I realized she did quite a good job with the balanc
***"Oh hey, there Rey-" he grabbed her wrist before she could finish talking and led her out of the hall, scowling. His grip was too strong for her resistance and soon she relaxed and focused on catching up with his long step in her six inches heels. "What the hell," she breathed out when he finally stopped and released her, pushing her ahead of him roughly. "What the hell is right. Now, what the hell are you doing here?" He growled at her. She huffed, crossing her arms. "To see you obviously, who else do I know in this stinking rich organization." Renard grimaced, "I don't recall inviting you, and I cut all ties with Suzy and everything that has to do with her so why the hell are you here?" "Jeez chill, I didn't come to bother you," Anna assured, tucking her hair behind her ear, "You're the only one I could come to because you're the only one I know that knows Suzy." "So?" "I came to drop off her stuff. I'm leaving the country first thing tomorrow and her stuff are in my way.