ADAM Damn it. Eloise’s phone was dead silent, and every text she ignored drove me crazy. I felt my possessive side creeping in, bringing up dark thoughts, and my usual response was to fuck—aggressively and mercilessly. Now that she had been showing signs of wanting to go further, my urge to bring her to her knees intensified. One of her colleagues told me she went out with Chase. I knew I couldn’t demand explanations, but something just didn’t feel right. I tried calling her again, but it went to voicemail. Why was she with Chase? Why wasn’t she answering? I was thinking about driving to her place when someone rang my doorbell. It was my brother. Carter barged in, and he gave me a knowing look. To my surprise, he wasn’t alone—he had brought someone unexpected with him: Adrianna Meyer, or should I say, Adrianna Jackson, my ex and, unfortunately, my arch nemesis’s current wife. “She insisted on coming,” Carter explained. I forced a tight-lipped smile and asked, my brows furrowe
ELOISE I couldn’t answer Adam’s calls earlier, but he wasn’t answering now when I tried to call back. I wondered if this had something to do with our deal. I waited all night for his response, but nothing came, making me a bit concerned. Anyway, I decided to take a shower. Just as I was getting ready for bed, he finally called. His voice was raspy and delicious, reminding me of those nights when he used to call me in Edinburgh. “Good evening, Eloise. Are you already home?” I secretly giggled. It felt like those days when I used to date Chase. Wait, what? I shook my head at my own thought. “Yes, what do you think the time is?” “I know you had dinner with Chase. Are you realizing you still want him?” Every hair on my body stood on end. “Are you stalking me? How did you know?” “Oh, darling. I should know everything about the person I’m currently seeing.” “So you’re seeing me?” I teased. “I’m serious, Eloise,” he said flatly. I let out a sigh. “You know I’m not a fan of possessi
ELOISE I had another sip of my coffee, and it warmed me up. “You probably know me better than anyone else. You probably know what my dad is doing that I just can’t figure out. How about we start with that?” I suggested, my gaze unwavering. “Your father,” he began, “is a man with layers, just like you.” “Like me?” “You possess qualities I typically avoid, yet I’m undeniably drawn to you.” I blushed. “This isn’t about me.” He released a sigh. “Your father hides his intentions well, but I have some ideas—something I’ve observed when we talked to him. For example, it doesn’t matter who you marry, whether it’s the baron or someone else.” I frowned. He was right. Dad would’ve insisted, but he didn’t. Rather, he let me go. “Why do you think so?” “Your dad needs him because they’re partners in crime. That freaking baron handles the Cunningham businesses, so if you marry him, the viscount won’t have to try hiding his agenda. Especially to you.” I shook my head. “I still don’t get what
ELOISE Adam guided me to the center of the living room, and suddenly, he stood behind me. The warmth of his body was palpable as he leaned forward, his breath gently grazing my neck. A soft, involuntary moan escaped my lips as I felt the sensual sensation. “Have I told you that you are a work of art, Eloise?” His voice, low and sultry, reached my ears. His sound was like a caress, rousing a faint hunger in me. He circled around, assessing me just like when we fucked. Every curve of my body, every inch of my skin, seemed to be under his scrutiny. Shit. This was it. This was what kept me here with him. This magnetic pull between us. A provocative smile played on his lips as he stopped before me as if he knew what I was thinking. He started playing with the buttons of my blouse, not looking away, making every move deliberate and teasing. The room seemed to pulse with electric energy as he continued, the dim light casting shadows that danced along the contours of his face. My breat
ELOISE I woke up just before my morning alarm. Lying with my eyes closed, I grinned into my pillow and thought back to the events of last night. I knew it wasn’t something to be thrilled about, but maybe because I was being shallow. The things Adam said were dangerous; even the way he’d jerked off in front of me promised unknown possibilities for me—if not for him. It would definitely change my life, and even though our deal was done and we would go our separate ways, I doubted I would ever forget about him. Thinking about that alone left an indescribable ache in my chest. The truth was, I was afraid to fall hard. I fell hard once before, and it took me years to move on. But I wanted something more to happen with Adam. With a condition, of course, and it was good not to be alone anymore. He offered to help me escape from my father’s plan and discover what he was doing with Callum in exchange for my submission. It sounded simple, considering what he would give me in return. But to
ELOISE I immediately grabbed my phone and texted Adam when I sat at my desk. Me: Can we talk? His reply was quick. I’m preoccupied. What is it, Eloise? Me: There's a question I want to ask you face-to-face. Adam: I'm stuck in a meeting until 7:30. Mind waiting for me? I pondered for a bit, but I replied. Sure. Where can we meet? Adam: Come by my office. Do you know where it's at? At the SEG tower? That's where I always wanted to work. My stomach was instantly tied up in knots from the excitement. I quickly visualized him, well-dressed in a designer suit, sitting confidently behind his desk, exuding the same sense of power he always had. Count me in. Me: I’ll be there. Upon leaving my office, I remembered I had left my car at home this morning because Chase had given me a ride, so I chose to take a cab instead. I dashed to the lobby and hailed a cab, giving the driver clear instructions to take me to the SEG tower. I watched the cityscape flying past outside the cab window
ELOISE The exchange of kisses between us started gradually unfolding like the slow unwrapping of my rich favorite candy: chocolate and strawberry with a hint of mint. Being in his office with his employees just on the other side of the glass walls made everything around us feel exhilarating and risky. Each experience I shared with Adam was like nothing I've ever had before. Heck, I’d never even done this before. The strength of our connection became undeniable, and I felt what he was feeling right now mirrored my own. Our tongues engaged in a playful dance, sleek, wet, and sensual that it already left me breathless. Next thing I knew, he was on top of me, and I was on his desk, with my legs spread. Slowly, his hand slid beneath my skirt, venturing deep until it reached my panties. I instinctively grabbed his hand, attempting to halt his advances. “Your secretary is right outside that wall.” I glanced towards the door. “He won’t hear or see us. In fact, no one will,” he muttered,
ELOISE The dinner was delivered promptly, and Adam set it up on the center table by the couch in his office. After that, he focused on me as we ate. “By the way, about what you said,” I said in the middle of our scrumptious meal. “I’m not really sure how we’re gonna do this your way. Don’t normal couples do that? Exploring their relationships in any aspect? I don’t see why I should submit if you let me set the limits.” “You’re right,” he said, his voice reminding me of how damn sexy he sounded earlier. “There can still be variations in power dynamics within any relationship.” I listened attentively as he continued, “It’s about creating a space where vulnerability is embraced, not exploited—just like what your father does.” My heart felt like it got crushed by what he said. It hurt that he was right at some point. My dad knew I feared him, so he took advantage of that and controlled my life. “Giving up control to me completely,” Adam explained again, “is not about dominance or su
ELOISEThat evening, while I was showering, Adam joined me. He wrapped his arms around me from behind while his lips placed soft kisses on my shoulder. I moved my hair to the side and looked back at him. Even after everything, it still felt surreal. Adam was my husband now.Just a few weeks ago, I met this man because of a simple mistake on a blind date, and he became someone who supported me. But there was still so much I had to learn about him, many things we needed to resolve and discuss.Under the shower, we stayed silent, savoring each other’s presence. Words became unnecessary with each kiss on my shoulder, neck, and back. I surrendered to the surge of emotions, my body burning with every touch of his fingers on my skin.Adam’s lips traveled down my back to the space between my buttocks. I moaned, arching my back as his tongue slid through. I gripped the wall; the only sounds were the splashing water, my rapid heartbeat, and my heavy breathing. His fingers traced my slit, and my
ELOISEWhen the doctor left, Adam and I watched Davina sit beside Malcolm’s bed, her hand never leaving his face.The doctor told us he didn’t know when my brother was going to wake up, but he should still be able to from his temporary coma.Davina was the first to speak. “How… how could Callum do this to me? After everything…”Dad was standing by the window with his hands folded across his chest when he finally broke his silence. “Callum did it because I let him. Because my ambition and greed blinded me.” There was a long pause before he turned to face us. “I did this. I did this to our family... to Malcolm. I was too focused on making sure the Cunningham name stayed strong. I was one-sided.”Davina’s eyes flicked, and her lips pressed tightly together. “You can’t blame yourself for this. I asked you to—”“I can blame myself,” Dad cut her off. “I’ve seen the signs. To think that I almost gave away my only daughter.” He waved his hand towards me.My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t sure
ADAM Eloise and I continued to move through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well wishes from the guests. I kept glancing around the room, scanning the crowd for any sign of Jonathan, but he had taken the initiative and was now talking to Callum. He had probably slipped away during the ceremony to begin his part of the operation. Now, all I could do was wait for him to make contact. Eloise chatted with her relatives near the buffet table when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped away from the crowd, keeping my movements casual. I checked the message. It was from Jonathan: We spotted the ambulance, but one of my men outside hit a small complication. I glanced around again, making sure Callum wasn’t watching, and I remained calm. I moved toward a secluded reception corner, pressing the phone to my ear as I dialed Jonathan’s number. Jonathan gestured to Callum to wait a moment as he answered my call. “Jonathan, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice low but urgent. “I’m sor
ELOISE The band began to play another slow song, and Callum pulled me close, his hand resting on my lower back as we swayed to the music. His touch felt heavy and awkward, and it stung so painfully that it felt like he’d burn me alive. “You look beautiful tonight, Eloise,” Callum said, his voice low and smooth. “I’m sure Adam feels like the luckiest man in the world. It should've been me.” “I didn’t agree to this dance so that you could flatter me,” I replied, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at me. His eyes squinted. “Are you flattered?” I rolled my eyes. “Hello, no. Where’s Malcolm?” He studied me momentarily, his eyes searching mine as if looking for something. “You know, I’ve always admired your strength. It’s not easy being in your position. But you’ve handled it remarkably well.” “Answer the question, Callum,” I said firmly. He sighed. “He’s safe. He’s right outside the premises, in a private ambulance with a doctor tending to him.” “How are we going to get him b
ELOISEIn fairness, I was in awe of the garden reception decorated with pastel colors, our color motifs, floral arrangements, and a lengthy buffet for fancy guests under the twinkling fairy lights. The soft mainstream music from the live band filled the air with laughter and conversations.From the outside, despite all the reasons and family drama, it was the perfect evening, just as I had always imagined for my wedding. I couldn’t shake off the thoughts of the challenges that awaited us.I walked through the crowd, exchanging smiles and greetings, but I was especially eager to see the Sebastians. As I approached their table, their presence at the reception meant a lot to me, and I hadn’t had the chance to greet them properly yet. I spotted them gathered under a large oak tree, the soft light making their happy faces glow. Rachel and Benjamin were sitting together, looking engaged in a conversation. Sitting next to them were Rafael and Julian, Adam’s older brothers, each holding one
ELOISEThe day had finally arrived, and I couldn’t believe it was real—my wedding day. I had always imagined what this day would feel like, but reality had a way of twisting those dreams into something more and less than I had imagined.I couldn’t fully explain what I was feeling. Nerves buzzed under my skin, mixed with a tingling excitement that I could feel on my fingertips and even a bit of fear. This was it. I was really going to get married—to the best, most understanding man I had ever known, not to mention the sexiest man alive.A smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Adam—his touch, his voice, the way he had been my rock through everything. But my heart kept pounding in my chest. It wasn’t just the typical wedding day jitters. My mind was also drifting to the idea that Malcolm was alive and that this was the day Callum and I had agreed I would get my brother back, as well as the secrets Adam and I were keeping from Logan and Davina.The soft hum of conversation drifted throu
ELOISEI returned to my father’s mansion feeling drained and exhausted, as if the spa’s effects had worn off. Everything happened in a flash, and it felt like my brain wanted to stop functioning. Back at the hospital, all that mattered was Malcolm. I kissed his forehead and said my temporary goodbyes with a heavy heart.By the time I entered the grand hall, Nina came running to me for an embrace. She was crying her lungs out, and all I could do was tap her back.“Where have you been? It’s almost midnight. I waited for you until they closed, but you weren’t there. We were so worried about you. What happened?” She stepped back to look into my face.“I was…”Adam suddenly came to me and wrapped me in his arms, tight, as if he had been longing for me. He was breathing hard. He hugged me so tightly I couldn’t breathe. He didn’t say anything for a moment. He was just there, holding me, feeling me with every touch and fingertip.“Adam…” I whispered. Then Mr. Ross approached us.“Miss, I had
ELOISE My brother lay there unconscious, with oxygen attached to his mouth and other things connected to his body. Tons of questions swirled in my head: How did he get here? What did Callum do to him? How did Callum fake his death? Didn't they bury him? Didn't Dad see his body? We even went to his grave. But those questions didn’t matter now. Malcolm was here, alive, even though he was in a coma. I ran to him and held his warm hand, staring at his skinny face. He looked tired but still handsome. He had been here all this time, kept alive only by these machines. We had mourned him. “What did you do? I knew it. I knew you did this.” I glared at Callum. He rolled his eyes and slipped his hand into his pocket, looking relaxed as if Malcolm wasn't his nephew. “Alright, I did this, did that. I just had to do what I had to because, in the end, I knew your father would ditch me.” He walked closer and casually sat on the bed next to my brother. “Now, are you going to negotiate?” A sur
ADAM I played pool and had brandy with Logan until evening, and he asked about my relationship with Eloise, just the basics. I was waiting for him to show any sign of the man Eloise used to tell me about, but he remained private and diverted the conversation to something else whenever I tried. I don't despise the man for what he did for his daughter, but I haven’t grown any liking for him; I was only trying to be civilized. He also wanted this business expansion to Las Vegas, implying that he only accepted our engagement because he expected me to invest. I didn’t find any anomaly in their plans for their expansion. Blackwood was actually managing that quite well, not that I praised him (because he was a low-life asshole and a criminal who leeched off the family), but there were still illegal transactions happening inside among their elite members. If I was to invest in such a business, I needed to make sure that fucker wouldn’t touch anything I’d work hard for. “I wanted to hear w