“I will have two bottles.” Ezra said to the bartender. Emma caught his attention as he turned to look at her. “So tell me, what major were you?”
Emma breathed in. She put both of her hands on the table and fixed her gaze on him. "I majored in fashion."“Fashion?”Emma gave a nod. “I am that good. Trust me.” She inhaled deeply once more. "When I was young, my father used to say that I have magical hands. Well, when I began to show interest in clothing and being photographed, I started to believe him.”“Hmm.” Putting his hand on his chin, Ezra gave it a light rub. “Let me guess. You also model.”“Yes. You guessed right. That is my goal, but did you know that it's not always simple to make money when one doesn't come from a wealthy background?”Slowly, Ezra nodded. That fact was well known to him. Even though he comes from a wealthy family, his father earns more money, so he won't hold it against the less fortunate for trying their hardest to succeed financially. “Well, trust me, I am aware of how difficult it is to find a job out there. They only want to take advantage of those they want to employ.”“You are correct.” She'll never be able to get over the fact that it repeatedly occurred to her. They want to take advantage of her before they offer her a job. "Are you looking for one as well?" She asked with interest.Ezra sucked on his lower lip. He wasn't prepared to disclose his life to the woman he had just met. It just doesn't make sense to him. “Well, let’s just say that I am…”“Here you go sir.” Ezra was relieved when the bartender broke up their conversation because he knew he couldn't tell the woman in front of him any lies and expect her to believe him.He gave the bottles to Ezra, who gave Emma one of them. They both clung to their bottles as he said, "Cheers. To graduation night and to finding jobs.” Emma held the bottle to her mouth and the two of them started to drink. They both got to be about half drunk.When he took her hand and took her out of her chair, she couldn't refuse. She kept right behind him until they both entered a room. Her hand was still in his, and he tossed her on the bed.Given that he would be the first man she would sleep with, Emma realized she couldn't stop this from happening even if she wanted to. Ezra was so hot, and she was starting to feel crazy about him. His name, ocean blue eyes, and even mixed-color hair made her feel crazy.She shrieked. Ezra followed her down and landed partially next to and partially over her. She struggled, totally ineffectually, to hold him back. He ignored her effort; one hard thigh trapped hers. He leaned into her purposefully, squeezing her against the bed and securing her there. He didn't bother with her hands but instead framed her face and kissed her. A smile appeared on her face.Not a tenderly savoring kiss, but a commanding, demanding incitement ravishing challenge seductive in its sensual promise. His lips were abrasive, ravenous, and brutally insistent. It took no more than two heartbeats for her to react.She gave him a passionate kiss back while wrapping her arms around his neck.She yearned for him. She could hardly miss the fact that he wanted her. For now and for tonight, that was enough. It was just for one night and everything will be back to normal the next day. She thought.She will finally accomplish her lifelong dream tonight. To once have sex with a special someone.He deepened the kiss while removing his hand from her face and licking her lips apart so he could freely savor them. His top priority was to fully savor the sensation of her silk-clad body being trapped and obediently yielding beneath him.Sensual gratification was a wondrous thing.He allowed the impression of her full breasts, soft stomach, rounded hips, and long, lean legs to sink into his mind. Only then did he set his hand moving again, deliberately tracing her same curves.He enjoyed the sound of the muffled scream she let out. With open invitations, she made herself available to him.Yet again, he tormented her.He was hot, and she could feel the heat of him wherever they touched. His clothes muted the sensation. If they are removed, his skin will scald her. The thought made her shiver. His rotating thumbs pressed deeper, and she shuddered and then gasped. Her body arched, offering. Her breathing ceased for a moment before resuming in a jumbled, trembling, almost silent moan.His kisses had made her lips swell.Her lace was loosened by his finger. He finally settled for. His hand rose to tug down the sleeves of her gown.When Ezra took her chemise away, she was prepared to let go of it. She ached for his touch as his presence heated and skittered her skin. When it came, bare hand to bare skin, she gasped and held him closer. As his hand wandered, their lips brushed.Her hair was loose and she was naked on the satin bedcover. A silk pillow about her head, she wantonly let him touch her--- as he would, where he would. "Hmm." She groaned to let him know that she was itching for his touch on her skin.She parted her thighs and let him stroke her, probe her, and tease her. Up until her whole body ached with impending longing. "I know you want me. Say the word." He whispered in her ear, and he went down and licked her stomach with his tongue. Moving down to her clit. She whimpered and groaned once more. "I want you... Now.....than ever."His constant caresses ignited an inner furnace, resulting in a mass of overheated skin and strained, overstretched nerves. He only briefly left her, and when he came back, she had recovered enough wit to notice that he was naked. He was so unbelievably hot that she had trouble believing she was sitting in front of a naked man.His hips were positioned between her parted thighs as he lowered his body directly onto hers. He was filled with a primal energy that made him feel as hot as the sun.His hands moved down the long planes of her back and over her hips as he pressed beneath her, fastening with a firm, powerful grip as his fingers dug into the softness of her bottom. Once more, he tilted and lifted her. When he rocked her this time, he pressed against her.She tried to gasp but was unable to. She was imprisoned by his kisses, restrained by his hands, and relentlessly claimed by him, inch by steady inch. She gave herself to him, opened her arms and held him tight, opened her body, and let him come in. She was his for that night.While holding each other, they both dozed off.When Emma opened her eyes, she noticed that everything was fuzzy and that heat was emanating from every area of her body. Her eyes cleared up after a soft moan. She stared at the ceiling, aware that she was in a room even though her mind was still asleep.She became aware that her head was resting on something hard, and when she lifted her head, she spotted a man. His eyes were closed, and he was sleeping so soundly.When Emma suddenly remembered what happened last night, she put her hand to her mouth and gasped. She was supposed to meet Scott, but here she is sitting next to another man’s body. Only after getting out of bed did she realize she was completely naked.Emma went in search of her clothing and undergarments. She wore them as quickly as she could after finding them on the other side of the room. She never expected the night to turn out like this. If she remembered correctly, which she did, she knew that last night in his arms she had been a different person.“What have you done?” Her hair was being roughed up by her hand as she looked for her shoe. The moment Emma located it, she also discovered her bag on the table and checked her phone for the time. The time was 6:30 a.m. She grabbed her bag and started to leave the room, but something caught her attention and made her turn around.Ezra’s wallet was opened.As Emma swallowed, she felt tempted. After some back-and-forth deliberation, she decided to go back to where his wallet was. Looking inside as she reached for it, she gasped when she saw a sizable sum of money. “Who walks around with this much cash in their wallet?” She whispered.She cast a quick glance at Ezra, who was sound asleep in the bed, before turning to look at his wallet again. With fear in her heart, she removed all of the cash. She dropped his wallet, noticed his car key, and took it as well.She left without saying good-bye.Hi lovies. You have reached the end of the second chapter. I hope you like it so far. What will Ezra do when he wakes up and doesn't find Emma next to him? Find out in the next chapter.
Ezra felt strange when his hand landed on the other side of the bed and Emma wasn't by his side. He opened both eyes and turned to look at the other side, but she wasn't there. As he sat straight, he sighed. His head swung from side to side as he looked for her. “Where did she go?” He stood up from his bed and reached down to pick up his pants that were on the floor.He called out after taking a breath. “Emma.” He called once more. "Emma," but no one responded. Ezra retrieved his phone and looked at the time. "It's eight already. Father will be furious.” Wearing his pants, he entered the restroom to brush his teeth.Ezra's only thought was that Emma had left for a short while and would return shortly. As Ezra came out of the bathroom and walked to his bed to grab his shirt, he tripped over something and almost fell.However, he caught himself and turned to see what he had stepped on. He was shocked to find his wallet on the ground. He bent down to pick it up and examine it. “Do I have
“Phoebe. Phoebe. Wake up.” Emma whispered as she gently shook Phoebe, who was sound asleep on the bed. "Phebs, get up."Phoebe groaned as she pulled her head away from the pillow. “Who is it?” She moaned sluggishly. As soon as her eyes popped open, she noticed Emma standing in front of her. “Emma?”“Yes, Emma.” Emma grabbed Phoebe's hand and made her sit up."Oh, my goodness, where have you been? Last night, I searched for you, but I couldn't find you, and…” She paused. “Wait a minute, did you end up meeting Scott?”Emma rolled her eyes. Her hands were placed on her hips. “How on earth do you expect me to meet Scott when I've never even seen him? You're the one who's supposed to take me to him, Phoebe.” With frustration, she ruffled her hair."I didn't see you and I thought you'd gone, so I had a few more drinks with Max and he drove me home." She widened her eyes to see clearly and started staring at Emma again. “Where did you go last night?” She sighed and blinked once more. “What t
Looking up at the ceiling, Ezra was catching a basketball that he had thrown into the air. The strange girl he met the day before yesterday was all he could think about. As he continued to consider Scott's words, he sighed several times. The ball was dropped on his bed as he sat up. Last night, Ezra barely slept at all. Before going to sleep, he had thoughts of Emma, and when he woke up, he had similar thoughts. Just as Scott had advised, he could not involve the police. He tried to do it, but he just couldn't. His thoughts kept returning to her smile—her damn smile. When someone knocked on his door, Ezra responded, "You can come in now." His mother was standing there when the door opened, holding a plate in her hand. She entered and walked over to his bed. "Today is Sunday, but you don't even bother getting ready for church." Josie Queen was a devout woman who wished her husband and children would respect God as much as she does. She placed the plate on the table and gave Ezra a qu
Emma slammed the laptop shut in frustration. She had been jotting down rough sketches all day and night about a particular design that didn't even want to get better the more she looked at it. When she finally understood what was bothering her, she realized it wasn't the design but rather the thoughts she was having. Since moving to Mexico with Phoebe to stay with her aunt Tiffy, she hadn't received mail regarding the designs she had been sending in. “I find it unbelievable that no business has contacted me about my designs. I am tired, Phoebe.” As Phoebe was savoring her sandwich, Emma turned around and looked in her direction. Sighing, she threw the laptop onto the couch. “Is my work not good enough?” After carefully placing the sandwich on the plate and dusting the crumps in her hands, Phoebe raised her head. “Your work is good. Have some faith, will you?” she said. Emma rose to her feet and walked over to Phoebe. “I don’t think I have any faith left in me anymore. Three years ha
Ezra looked at the collection of ties in his drawer as he buttoned his sleeves with his cuffs. After circling the ties with his finger, he stopped when it landed on a black tie. He hated ties, but he had to wear them because he was the CEO. It gave him a dignified appearance when he entered the company and gave the impression that he was a cold man. At work, Ezra doesn't smile. The only person to whom he ever cracks jokes is his sister Winter. Three years had passed, but every time he thought back on it, he would recall that girl, though he wasn't sure if he would even be able to identify her if he saw her again. The previous two years, he searched for her. Posted her pictures about. Asked the police for assistance, but when they failed to locate Emma, he gave up. He locked his good side up and has been following Scott's advice ever since. "You won't get hurt if you don't fall in love." Scott had said. Every time Ezra went to the club, he turned into a cold-hearted man who even a
At exactly five in the morning, the alarm went off. As Emma rose from her bed, she yawned. Her diary, which was on the table, was the first thing she grabbed. She was relieved that she could now begin her work and present her creation to others. Dear diary, It's a brand-new morning and the one where I finally get to do what I came to this world to do. A real fashion designer who will soon be well-known to the public. After all these years, today will be the day that I can finally experience happiness. No Ezra. No past. I'm finally going to put the past three years behind me. And lastly, increase her earnings. With a smile on her face, she set down the pen and stood up. Emma took a deep breath. Even though she fled without telling her mother, she was greeted with open arms when she arrived home yesterday afternoon. Emma promised her mother that she would make up for the three years she had wasted. She left after selling the car, but when she reached Mexico, she called her mother and
Now that he could see her face, a frown spread across his face. “You!” He looked down at where her hand was resting after his eyes left Emma. On his man hood, to be exact. Emma followed his eyes and pondered his silence other than that one word. When she realized where her hand was placed, she let out a loud gasp. “Oh, my goodness.” He immediately let go of her, letting her hit the ground on her bottom. At him, Emma raised her head. “Ouch.” Ezra went back to his seat right away. “I'm so sorry about that.” He said. Loudly inhaling and exhaling, Emma stood up and dusted her bottom. She glanced at him once more, but he was looking at something on his desk rather than her. He doesn’t recognize me? She questioned as she continued to glare at him. Her heart continued to beat rapidly. She only wished to depart from his immediate vicinity. As he turned to face her, Ezra let out a sigh. “Maybe. We should talk?” About? Emma was curious. Did he know who she was? Was that his reasoning f
Emma has been considering Phoebe's advice the entire time she has been at work. She was second-guessing herself. Even though she knows that harming an innocent man would be wrong, the more she considers it, the more she feels that she must do it in order to survive. “We are heading out now. Do you want to come with us?” When their workday was over, Floria questioned. Emma quickly checked the time on her phone. She gasped when she saw the time: 7:22 p.m. At Floria, she raised her head. “It is already dark.” Floria gave a nod. "How did I not know?" "You have been lost in thought since you returned from the bathroom. All I can say is to let yourself rest. You probably won't be able to see the CEO ever again. I can’t believe he made you terrified. I mean, it is your first day.” Emma sighed and looked around her. It was empty. At the office, there was just Gia and Floria left. Her attention was drawn back to Floria. “And where are you going?” "We're heading to the bar to get a drink.
Phoebe exclaimed, turning her head towards Emma, as she stood in front of the large mansion. "You never mentioned your friend was loaded." On the ride to Susan’s home, she’d been glaring at the houses they passed by. When Emma said she had a colleague, she never imagined it was a wealthy one. “Susan doesn’t like to brag.” “Emma. Why are we in Bella’s house?” Zoe asked. "You are going to have a play date with Bella. Are you not pumped?" Zoe shook her head. “No. I am not in Bella’s class anymore.” Emma rolled her eyes. She is a kid, so she should act like one. Why is having a special child so difficult? There is a difficult situation at hand, and Phoebe is unaware that Ezra wants her to begin living on his estate so Zoe can live comfortably. "You are a kid, Zoella, so you are going to have a playdate today. Whether you like it or not." “But…” Her eyes began to well up. "Emma must attend to some business. Come on.” She held her hand as they walked to the door. Emma pressed the door
Emma arrived home around 10:30 a.m., and the driver had dropped her off at Ezra's request. He could not bring them himself, which she understood, but that was not the issue. Things were becoming increasingly complicated, and Phoebe would be furious if she found out. Winter is aware of Zoe, so there is no doubt that the rest of the family will be as well. Her heart was racing as she stepped out of the car with Zoe. “Thank you.” She thanked the driver and watched him drive away before returning her attention to her building. She would be leaving this place and moving into Ezra's estate by tomorrow. Things will not get any easier from there. “Emma. I had fun today. I think Winter likes me.” Zoe stated, but there was no response. Emma, on the other hand, was deep in thought. Zoe called her name as she tucked her pants repeatedly. "Is there something wrong?" Emma inquired, looking down at her. “Why are you staring at the house? Is it because Daddy wants us to move to the new house?" E
Emma froze on her feet as she met Winter's widened eyes. Her plan had been to run into the bathroom and emerge when Winter was gone, but she was apprehended on her way out of the kitchen. “Winter.” She chuckled nervously. “How are you doing, love? Happy Sunday.” Winter looked her over and examined her. “What are you doing here? It appears from the way you are dressed that you spent the night here.” "No, I didn’t.” She flatly denied it. "You are dressed in Ezra's shirt." She gave a nod. "Yes, you slept here." With a sly grin, she approached Emma and muttered, “Don’t worry. I am rooting for both of you. Oh, it is as if my dream is coming true." Emma was watching her as she rejoiced. “Emma. You have my permission. Now, where is my phone?” She moved over to the couch and noticed it behind her bag. She held it out for Emma to see. “Found it. I will be seeing my brother now.” Emma remembered Zoe was upstairs in Ezra's room as Winter walked to the stairs. "I think it is best if I call h
His mouth tasted like cold, fresh juice. The kind that reminds you of summer air, the sea, and the sun. As Emma kissed him further, she didn’t want to let go. It was something she yearned for. It was something she had always desired. To be held by him. To be in his arms. Protected, safe, and loved. It reminded her of three years ago, when he carried her into the hotel room and made love to her. If only things had gone differently, she would have stayed and tried her luck. She would not have stolen from him and fled. What kind of woman would consider harming a man like Ezra Queen? She, of course. She had done so and continues to do so, and she felt guilty as he kissed her more. The thought made her break away from the kiss and she met his gaze. His ocean blue eyes locked on her, and Emma was certain he could see her soul as her heart beat faster.“Are you okay?” He asked. She wanted to scream, "Ezra, I am so sorry. Zoe isn’t yours. She is adopted. But I love you, and I went through a
"I'm so, so sorry." He turned his head away as soon as he stood up. Emma draped the shirt around her body. The shirt was larger and longer for her, and it completely covered her. “You weren’t at fault.” She looked at him. "It is all right; you can look at me now." Instead of turning to face her, Ezra walked to the door. “Goodnight, Emma.” He spoke, and as he was about to close the door, he paused due to the growling in her stomach. He sighed and moved his gaze to her. "I just realised I only served you tea, not dinner." “Yeah.” Her arms were encircling her. "Zoe has not eaten either. I should wake her up so she can eat something before going back to bed." “You are right. Come on.” She accompanied him out of the room. Ezra told her he would meet her in the kitchen and turned to walk in a different direction. Emma complied and went into the kitchen to wait. After a few minutes, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. As he approached the kitchen, Zoe was in his arms, her hand ru
Emma stared out the window as the car drove through the streets on the way home. It was 6 p.m., and Zoe was fast asleep in her seat. Her thoughts have not been settled in one place since Ezra mentioned buying her a house on his property, and she has been silent the entire time. The rain suddenly started to pour, blurring the view out the car window. Emma sagged back in her chair and sighed. “Is everything okay?” He’d noticed she hadn’t said a word since they left the park. “Yes. Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?” She laughed a little nervously. "Because you have not said anything? If this is related to the house, Emma, please understand that I am only trying to look out for my daughter and want her to have the best.”Can he please stop saying that? Her stomach turned just by hearing that word. Zoe is not your daughter; she wanted to yell but instead she said, “I know. She is fortunate to have you as a father, and I know you want the best for her." “She will live a normal life and co
"She is no longer there! Zoe is gone!” “Emma, Calm down. Breathe.” Ezra said, both hands on her shoulders, trying to smooth her. Emma raised her gaze at him. “Don’t tell me to calm down. She is gone!” Her eyes were starting to well up with tears. She sniffled. “We will find her. I promise. First and foremost, we must contact the police." He reached for his phone, but she shook her head. “No.” “What?” “No. We can not call the cops." Ezra gave her a curious look. “Why not? This place is huge. She could be anywhere.” "What if she injures herself before they arrive? We have to find her. Quick, Ezra. Nothing should happen to my daughter because I will not be able to leave with myself!" Emma yelled as she jerked away from Ezra and ran towards the swing where Zoe was last seen. If Zoe is hurt, she will be taken to the hospital, where the truth will be revealed. If that happens, she will be doomed and imprisoned for the rest of her life. No. She cannot allow this to happen. She needs
Blinking several times, Emma continued to look into his eyes. The hardest part was getting her gaze away from him. She was salivating. She was daydreaming. And she wanted to stay there for a long time—until she heard Zoe speak. “Oopies. Emma. Are you okay?” Ezra balanced her and released her. "Are you all right?" He inquired, and she fell again, but she was caught in his arms for the second time. “Hey. Easy there,” he laughed, setting her on her feat again. Emma tucked her hair behind her ears, nervously laughing, hoping he would notice how much work she had put into her face and compliment her. He did not seem to notice. “So sorry about that. My legs become weak when I meet someone who takes my breathhhhhhhhh…” She dragged out the last words so long that she had to correct herself as soon as she came back to her senses. "I mean, I am getting older, and these heels are making it so difficult. It makes my bones brittle. The legs bones.” He looked down at her legs. "You do not have
Two days later...Ezra turned off the gas when he heard his phone ringing in the distance. It was placed on the dining room table. He removed his apron and walked over to the dining table to see who had called him early Saturday morning. “Mother?” That was clearly visible on his phone's screen. He picked up his phone and placed it in his ear. "Good morning, mother." "Good morning, son." She sounded depressed, but Ezra knew it was just another of her jokes. She either wants him to return home with a woman he loves so they can plan a wedding, or she wants to complain about something he is unaware of at the moment. "It is very early, mother. This is my day of rest." “It is 8 in the morning, boy. How are you doing today?” "Exactly the same as yesterday." He had talked to Emma before he left work about what time he should get to the house for the outing. Emma had told him about enrolling Zoe in her class and how surprised everyone was when Zoe was introduced. A young boy had yelled. “