Zane's POV By the time Randolph and I drove back to the ranch house, it was already well past noon. Just like our drive to the graveyard earlier in the morning, the drive back to the ranch house was also very quiet as Randolph concentrated on responding to work related emails on his phone while I was lost in thought, my mind buzzing over the day's events and all that Randolph had said to me. As we stepped onto the porch, I heard voices drifting through the open windows. Nothing unusual there– the ranch house was always full of chatter– from the residents, to the ranch hands to the farm animals and equipments, there was always some kind of noise around. I inhaled deeply. I can't wait to go back to the peace and quiet of my house in New York.I slowly pushed open the door, and as soon as I stepped into the living room, the world suddenly stopped spinning.There, in my family's living room, was a scene that instantly turned my blood to ice. My father, Donald, sat in his favorite armcha
Zane’s POV Desperate to regain some semblance of control, I put on my usual mask of indifference before arching an eyebrow, and asking in a calm tone. "What the hell are you doing in Texas anyway, Noah? Don't you have patients to tend to? A hospital to run? Or did you just abandon all that to come pester me as usual?”Noah's grin widened, and a mischievous glint in his eye as he said. "Even doctors need vacations sometimes, my friend. And what better time to take one than when my best buddy decides to spring a surprise marriage on everyone?"His words set off a round of good-natured teasing from Randolph and the kids, their teasing comments about Trina and me and our ‘whirlwind romance’ filling the air. But it seems they were the only ones enjoying their own teasing show. I could sense some undercurrents of tension in the room as I finally focused on silently observing everyone in the room. Father seemed disinterested with the goings-on in the room as he continued calculating all his
Noah Hemsworth's POVI literally dragged my feet as I made my way into my apartment, as I was so tired and dead on my feet after another grueling day at the hospital. The house felt empty and quiet, a complete opposite of the chaos I had just left behind. Upon getting to the living room, I sank into the sofa with an exaggerated sigh of relief. Phew! Saving lives is surely a very good thing but it can also be very strenuous! I had thought that working in a public hospital was too tasking but when my good friend Zane built my own hospital for me, I came to realize that being the chief medical director is even more grueling!Just then, my stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten in hours. Should I order takeout or muster the energy to cook? Urrgh! The life of a bachelor! Perhaps this is a sign for me, a signal of getting myself a companion to come back home to.Just as I was about to cave and reach for my phone to order pizza, it suddenly buzzed in my hand. Zane's name flashed
Trina's POV After the awkward and tense moment which occurred after Zane convincingly played his part of a possessive and jealous ‘husband’, perhaps too convincing if you ask me, I felt very flushed and too worked up with emotions that I needed some fresh air. Therefore, I quickly excused myself as soon as Dr. Noah steered Zane away.I strolled for over an hour, walking around the stables, the poultry pen, and cow shed without really seeing the farm animals enclosed there as my mind was elsewhere. Finally, after I regained my composure considerably, I slowly made my way back to the main house. I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of nature in the air as I stepped onto the porch. It was lunchtime, and I couldn't help but feel both anticipation and unease. This is just our second day in the ranch house but already, I was fed up with the eating arrangements in this house. Sitting on the same table with Donald, Nicola, Zane and most especially Mandy, I really wasn't looking forward t
Trina's POV I didn't have even the faintest idea what was going on with the two best friends, or perhaps it's all part of the play acting thingy we are doing, who knows? Even Mandy seemed to be frustrated with what was going on as I saw the way her fork was clattering against her plate a bit too forcefully as she watched the two men fawn over me. Anyway, I was glad and very much relieved when the very awkward and tense lunch was finally over. Before anyone could get up from the dining table, Zane smoothly got up, smoothening his already impeccable suit as he spoke in a tone that was lighter than usual. "If you'll excuse me, I have a date with my little angel." As if on cue, l heard my little munchkin let out a very delighted giggle. She jumped off her seat and bounded up to Zane, with her light blue eyes shining with excitement as she asked. "Are we going now, Daddy? Are we?" The transformation in Zane was immediate and startling. His usually aloof features softened instantly,
Trina's POV After what felt like eternity, Zane closed the MacBook, kept it aside on the bedside drawer before dimming the lights and shifting into a lying position.My heartbeat instantly increased its speed as I felt the warmth of his body lying down there just a few inches away from mine. There was something about the moment… it felt quite so cozy, so intimate… All of a sudden, I felt Zane turn his body around to face mine before he called out, "Wifey?" His voice sounded a bit husky in the darkness as he called out to me with that nickname that still makes my heart lurch, especially the way he said it in that low tone. But wait, how did he know I wasn't yet asleep?!I turned my head to look at him, grateful for the dim light that hid the blush I could feel creeping up on my cheeks. I swallowed hard, as my throat suddenly felt dry. "Yes?" I managed to whisper. He already knows I’m awake so there's no need to pretend otherwise.Zane's eyes met mine in the dim light, and for a momen
Jayden McAllister's POV I stood by the window of the living room, with my gaze fixed on the sprawling surrounding of my grandfather’s ranch, but my mind was elsewhere. For the past two days, I had been silently observing the peculiar goings- on within these walls. After all, it's what I do best. Watching. Observing. Analyzing. I know others might see what is happening as just a chaotic jumble of interactions and emotions, but as for me, I foresee a bright future. I see connections and opportunities.My parents were at the center of my attention as my full focus was on the two of them. They thought they were merely playing the roles of pretend husband and wife as a charade in order to convince others. But unbeknownst to them, I saw right through their so-called acting. The way my mom's breath would catch whenever Dad entered the room she's in or whenever he moves closer to her, the almost imperceptible softening of my father's usually stoic and aloof features whenever Mom spoke, or wh
Jayden McAllister's POV The next morning, I put the first part of the plan into action. As everyone gathered for breakfast, I made sure to position myself where I could observe both Mom and Dad. When Uncle Noah entered, I watched him closely."Good morning, everyone," Uncle Noah said cheerfully, as his eyes immediately sought out Mom as usual. "Trina, you're looking particularly lovely today. Green seems to be your colour."I saw Dad's hand tighten almost imperceptibly on his coffee mug as he said that. Good. That's the way to go…Mom seemed to be uncomfortable as she stammered a response. "Uhmm… Thank you, Noah. That's very kind of you to say.""It's just the truth," Uncle Noah replied, taking the seat next to her. "I was wondering if you might like to join me for a walk around the ranch later? There are some really beautiful spots I would love for you to see. You see, among Zane, Mandy and I, I am the one who knows this ranch the most. I was the most playful one amongst the three o
Trina's POV Zane's words hit me like a terrible physical blow and as they sank into my brain, I felt the whole world crumble beneath me. My legs gave out beneath me and I collapsed onto the edge of the bed while my body began trembling as the room seemed to tilt and spin around me. Zane had made so many staggering revelations all at once that my brain was finding it too hard to process it all. He said my name– my real full name– the same name my dad and evil stepmom had ensured that it doesn't exist anymore as they have completely erased it from all databases. So how on earth did he find out about it?! But that's not even what shocked me the most or what made my entire world shake in an instant. Zane… is that mysterious handsome stranger who I slept with in this same room six years ago?!I stared at him, withmy eyes as wide as saucers while the red lace lingerie I had no idea were still clutched in my shaking hands slipped to the ground. My breath came in shallow, uneven gasps as m
Trina's POV Every night since that last heated kiss we shared in Texas, try as hard as I may, I just couldn’t stop dreaming about Zane. Slowly and surely, he had dominated my thoughts both when I am awake and when I am asleep. I keep having vivid, erotic dreams of him with his hands exploring all over my body with an unrelenting hunger and his lips following shortly after. Sometimes I wake up breathless, tangled in my sheets, with my heart pounding with an ache I didn’t want to acknowledge and at other times, I wake up startled, horrified by the realization that I wanted more— not just in my dreams, but in reality. I wanted him so badly and not just for him to kiss me or touch me erotically but to make full-fledged wild, passionate and sweet love with me.And that was what scared me most of all. I know I just can't resist him any longer so I began to avoid him. And when we returned to New York, I deliberately planned my usual routine in such a way that I could continue to prevent our
Zane’s POV Rising, I met her lips in a toe-curling kiss while my arms wrapped her waist and lifted her off the desk in one fluid motion. She wrapped her legs around my waist instinctively, with her arms looping around my neck as I carried her to the plush sofa in the corner of my office. With my foot, I pressed the button to convert it into a sofa bed before I gently laid her down, pausing only to strip off my hanging shirt, leaving us skin to skin.I pressed my body against hers, groaning at the heat of her skin beneath mine. My lips found her neck, her collarbone, her breasts once more. I took my time, savoring the taste of her, the way her body arched and writhed beneath me as I explored every inch of her. Her soft cries and whispered gasps were a symphony, driving me to the edge of control.When my lips found the sensitive spot just below her ear, she let out a low, shuddering moan that sent fire coursing through me. My name came out like a breathless plea on her lips, and I capt
Zane’s POV I didn’t think at all, I only felt and acted on those feelings. Trina’s lips were so warm and soft beneath mine, and the moment they parted for me, an uncontrollable fire ignited. I kissed her hungrily and passionately as if my entire life depends on it, as if kissing her is my source of oxygen and livelihood. I devoured her, with my tongue tangling with hers in a dance of unrestrained need. Her taste was intoxicating, like sweet temptation, and I just couldn’t get enough. My hands tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against me until every curve of her body molded perfectly against the hard planes of mine.She melted completely into the kiss, with her fingers clutching at my shirt as though she needed something to hold onto, as if she's light-headed and dizzy from our steamy kisses. The sound undid me. In response, I deepened the kiss, with my lips moving over hers with a fierceness that spoke volumes of my desperation. Her hands fumbled at the buttons of my shirt, a
Zane's POV For the second night in a row, I just couldn't bring myself to fall asleep and just as I did the previous night, I kept tossing and turning on the bed in the guest room but to no avail. The knowledge of the presence of the subject of all my desires, who is gradually becoming the bane of my existence in the room just a few doors away, was a constant, maddening reminder of our heated kisses and what I was missing right now. It took every ounce of self-control to remain where I was, to not give in to the overwhelming urge to go to her.That was how I spent the night without sleeping even a wink and as dawn broke, my phone's shrill ring pierced through the silence. Grateful for the distraction, I answered immediately, with my voice rough from lack of sleep.It was my CFO and he immediately went straight to the point."Mr. McAllister Sir, there's an urgent situation at the headquarters that requires your immediate attention.”I sat up, instantly alert. "I'll be there as soon
Zane’s POVSince I was preoccupied with disturbing and tumultuous thoughts and feelings, sleep had eluded me for most of that eventful night, because try as hard as I may,I just couldn't stop thinking about Trina. And not just about the passionate kiss we shared and the way my body was aching for more. No, I was also thinking about the possibilities that she might be the mysterious woman I had a one night stand with.Despite my reputation of being a human iceberg and a man of control, I know without any iota of doubt that there's no way I can be able to sleep in the same room with Trina without touching her. No, it has already been established that she makes me lose any kind of control. Therefore, I had made my way to one of the spare guest rooms in our wing after making sure no one was around. However, after taking yet another cold shower and laying down, I just couldn't fall asleep. The bed felt both too large and suffocatingly small as I kept on tossing and turning all through the
Zane’s POV After we returned to the ranch house from the pharmacy, I made sure Mandy took the right dosage of the drug that Noah had prescribed for her but as I attempted to leave the guest room Nicola had accommodated her in, she kept coming up with excuses to make me stay longer. I humored her for a little while but after some time, I couldn't handle it any longer. She and Nicola had interrupted us when things were just beginning to get heated up and even though I pride myself in self control, I I don't think I can withhold the pent up feelings inside of me any longer. I need a release and I need it now!However, after I finally extracted myself from Mandy and I stepped into our dimly lit room, what I saw made me stop dead on my tracks. My eyes were immediately drawn to Trina's still form on the bed. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, with her face turned away from me. To any onlooker, she appears to be peacefully asleep but as I looked closer, I instantly realized that s
Trina’s POV Just as things were about to escalate further, just as those lips that have driven me crazy with their erotic ministrations on my skin were about to close around a part of me which longed for them– my tingling, erect nipple, a sound penetrated through the haze of desire surrounding us. At first, it sounded faint and faraway, barely registering in my brain which is foggy due to immense desire. However, the sound came again, louder and more insistent this time around, and that was when it finally registered in my hazy brain.Knocking. Someone was knocking at the door.Zane and I both froze on our spots as both our eyes, which I was even aware were closed, fluttered open. For a moment, we just stood there, staring at each other, with chests panting and heaving as if we had just finished a marathon race. The look in Zane's eyes… it simply took my breath away. Ever since I met him, I have never seen his eyes look as expressive as they were now. His usually guarded and inexpre
Trina’s POV The moment our mouths collided, it was as though a firestorm erupted between us. His lips were warm, firm, and utterly intoxicating. I kissed him with everything I had, pouring all the tension, frustration, and desire I had been holding back for a long time, perhaps ever since I first met him, into that kiss.For a heartbeat, he froze, with his hands hovering in the air as if he’s undecided, perhaps still worried about me having a ‘boyfriend’. But then, like a dam breaking loose, his emotions won against his rational thought and broke loose, and his hands suddenly gripped my waist with a force that made me gasp as he took charge. He pulled me flush against him, and I felt every inch of his hard body molding against my soft one as his lips moved against mine with fierce hunger.Zane kissed me like a man that has starved for far too long. His lips moved against mine with an urgency that sent shivers racing down my spine while his hands tightened their grip around my waist a