Andrea's Pov.Shutdown.That's where my brain went into.All my rational thoughts, feelings, and morals flew out the window; the only thing that mattered now was the orgasm Thane wanted me to have. Melissa could go to hell and burn to cinders. I hate Thane, I want him but I hate him. I don't have to define the logic of that. I don't have to put a name to whatever it was, I would only embrace it. My hatred and lust for my ex-husband. The two feelings didn't outweigh each other, if I desired Thane more than I hated him, I would have given up on my revenge and gone back to Boston, and if I hated him more than I lusted after him, I wouldn't be here. In my former home,with Thane,Kissing me like his next breath is hidden inside my lungs, his hands caressing me in every delicious way. Just today, one last time. I told myself inwardly. “Oh my God, Thane.” I moaned into his mouth as he kneaded my breast through my dress. I wanted his fingers on my skin. I needed it. I threw my hands ove
Andera pov“I love your braids. They are lovely.” A nurse complimented Tiffany. My little girl's face lit up with a smile, one I hadn't seen since morning. She wasn't happy that we had to come to the hospital and leave Timmy behind in Aunt Rosa's care, and neither was Timmy, for that matter. I felt a pang of guilt, but it was necessary.The nurse smiled back at her and then turned to me. “You can go in now ma'am. Her test results are ready.” I thanked her as I stared at the door of Dr Rahim Rajah's office. My heart beating against my ribcage for so many reasons. This morning, when I dropped Timmy off at Rosa's, I didn't hang around long enough to see Carol. How could I look him in the eye after what I did yesterday?Not that we promised each other any sort of commitment, but still...And the worst part is, I don't feel guilty for letting Thane fingerfu*k me. I feel guilty for not feeling guilty.“Are you ready, Mommy?” Tiffany asked, flicking her pigtails braids. Today, I tried so
Andera's Pov “No, please stop st..” I struggled to get the words out, the man's hands held my neck tightly. I couldn't breathe. “St..” I wheezed. He squeezed more, crushing my windpipe; I could feel my air constricting. Is this how I die? What would happen to Timmy and Tiffany? Would they ever know their real father? Would they ever smile again? Tears ran down my face. “Enough.” Someone ordered, and the man instantly stopped trying to kill me. I sucked in a deep greedy breath, my throat burning; I placed my hands around my sore neck. “See how pathetic you are now.” The person spoke again. A woman, with a voice so familiar. Where have I heard that voice before? I turned around but I couldn't see her face because I was blindfolded. I didn't even know where I was. “Wh..Who are you?” I sobbed “And why are you trying to kill me?” She snickered. I couldn't see anything, but I felt her coming closer, I curled into a ball on the hard floor. I could feel her when she knelt by my si
Andera's pov. I had joined Carol in the kitchen to assist him in making the beef stew. He didn't talk to me at first, but Carol, being Carol, soon said something that made me laugh, and just like that, we were back on normal grounds.As we sliced the vegetables, we discussed about everything we could think of. From the weather to sports to fashion. I have to hand it to him; the man knows a lot of things under the sun; he kept me entertained till the stew was ready. I loved talking to Carol. But I hate it when he comes too close. The pathetic tale of my life. “It's delicious,” I told Carol as I helped myself to another plate. “I'm feeling better already.”“Of course you are; I used my secret special ingredient, after all.” he smiled lightly.“And what would that be? ” I asked with a mouthful. Carol glanced at me the looked down to his bowl. “My heart.” He whispered, and when he looked back at me again, I instantly turned away. I heard him sigh but I kept on eating. “Movie?” Caro
Andera's pov. I have seen Thane get angry before. I have seen him put men in line with his words and a few times, his fist, but this savage, brutal rage was something I had not experienced.And for me? Under different circumstances, I would have allowed myself to feel the excitement inside of me at the sight of Thane being so jealous and possessive over me, that's if it weren't Carol-my friend, getting slammed into the door.Thane pulled him quickly, took a step into the house, and slammed Carol so hard into the wall that the paintings rattled. Carol gripped Thane's arm and pushed it back, gritting his teeth, but good lord…Thane is all muscle. The man didn't budge.I quickly stepped in between them.“Thane,” I whispered softly; his eyes were still fixed on Carol's; he didn't let go.“Thane,” I called a little bit louder this time. His attention snapped to meet mine, full of anger. I needed to be cautious; demanding to know why he showed up unannounced and harassed my guest, would fu
Andera's pov. No!Every cell In my brain screamed No that this was wrong on all shades, but my body knew what it wanted, who she wanted...And he's standing behind me, hands brushing the underside of my breasts. His movements are calculated and deliberate. I don't have a moment to feel guilty for treating Carol so poorly, I don't have time to feel guilty for what I plan on doing to Thane in our next meeting.All my life, I had lived to please people, first Pa Eugene. He made me study twice as much as a child my age should, and I did. I didn't play like a kid anymore; when he died, and Duncan Reinhardt took guardianship over me, I was so scared he'd throw me out one day, so I said and did everything according to how he wanted. Then I married Thane, and for two years, I played the role of devoted wife to him. This time, I'm putting my needs first. This time I'm putting my pleasure first. I can be selfish and take whatever Thane offers, after all, it's only for a short while. “What wa
Andrea's pov. He's.. not done? “Thane, I told you. I'm not going that far.” It came out sounding like a plea. Thane briefly shut his eyes and opened them.“Believe me, Andera. I'm all about your pleasure,” he said as he spread my legs wider. My heartbeat accelerated in anticipation. “Th...Thane.” I moaned his name when his hot tongue licked the length of my slit.“Holy fuck!” I cried out. Thane's tongue swirled around my lower lips, his breath fanning my core. He alternated between slow, lazy strokes and fast, hurried ones. My hips bucked off the island. I grabbed a fist full of Thane's hair, riding his face. Thane increased his pace. I was nearly sure I was whimpering in gibberish when he dipped his tongue into my wet heat, his thumb circling my clit. His fingers joined the ceremony. I was still swimming the high of the first o*gsam when the second one started building. I came with a throat-tearing cry. My body going numb with pleasure. “That was...” I panted, at a loss for words
Thane's povSEVEN AND A HALF YEARS AGO. Things like this are why I left home in the first place. Everyone is here with a smile, pretentious smile. It's my father's birthday; the Great Duncan Reinhardt is about to retire. I have been overseeing the company for some months now, but today it would be made official. I would become the CEO of Renihardt's infrastructures, and there's so much I plan to do, so many ideas to grow the company but first....My eyes scanned the party, looking for her. I'm always looking for her. I'm always ignoring her. This unhealthy habit started when she turned nineteen. I was home that day. Only my father ever bought her gifts. My sister's didn't like her and my mother... Well, my mother was too busy with the men... Boys she dates to be concerned about anyone in this family. I hadn't been home for so long that I expected to see Andera as a little red-haired girl running the hallway with a crown of flowers on her hair. That was how I remembered her. Ander
Andera's pov“Please, Daddy. Pleaseeee”Tiffany begged, giving Thane adorable puppy eyes. If we weren't running late for work and preschool, I would have stood much longer to watch Thane battle with indecisiveness. It was cute to see the refined and powerful CEO of a multi-billion dollar company struggle to say ‘No’ to a nearly five-year-old kid. “Tiffany. You can't.” I said softly but firmly, helping Thane out. His shoulders visibly sagged with relief. This little girl had him wrapped around her small fingers “You cannot wear a tiara and heels to school. It's against school policies.”She grumbled and looked up at her daddy, waiting for him to intervene. Thane shrugged apologetically and offered to buy her a new doll house if she cooperated. “I'm sorry sweetie, but mommy is right. I could, however, buy you a new doll house instead.”Tiffany considered the offer for a beat, before grinning and accepting “Deal?” “Deal”They both shook hands like they had closed a business contr
Andera's povOur partnership was thriving more than I expected. Reinhardt infrastructure and Auraspire Energies were the talks of the town. Rumors had already flown around about me and Thane, but we chose not to address the issue yet. We were happy the way we were. Lazy mornings in bed, afternoons texting each other and giving updates about our companies, evenings with our kids, and laughter enough to make our stomachs hurt, and then, last but definitely not least, nights of passionate lovemaking. We were happy, that was until some certain visitor showed up on Sunday.“I'm sorry to interrupt your...time Sir, but you have some visitors.” Joseph, our butler, interrupted our banter.It was a lazy Sunday evening. Thane and I were nibbling on my homemade red velvet cookies; the twins were with Rosa. She would bring them back in an hour or so. Initially, Thane had been reluctant to let Tim and Tiffy out of his sight, but after much convincing on my part, he finally budged. The kids were
Andera's pov.If my smile widened just a tiny fraction, my face would split into two. Who knew forgiveness could be so refreshing? It's been almost two weeks since I gave in to Thane; that's two weeks of happiness, laughter, love, and...other things.I watched as Thane helped Timmy and Tiffany with their home works. Pencils and crayons were scattered in the living room. As if he knew I was watching him, Thane raised his face and saw me standing at the foot of the stairs. From over here, I could feel the heat that flared in his eyes. “Hey.” he mouthed, his eyes warm. “Hey.” I mouthed back, Thane's eyes trailed over my body. Now that things between me and Thane were more.. cordial, my guard around him dropped. I wore my preferred shorts and tank tops, sometimes -in the privacy of our room, I wore nothing at all. Thane gave me a part appreciating, part promising smile before refocusing on the task spread in front of him. Heat gathered below my spine. I could never get enough of Tha
Andera's povOur partnership was thriving more than I expected. Reinhardt infrastructure and Auraspire Energies were the talks of the town. Rumors had already flown around about me and Thane, but we chose not to address the issue yet. We were happy the way we were. Lazy mornings in bed, afternoons texting each other and giving updates about our companies, evenings with our kids, and laughter enough to make our stomachs hurt, and then, last but definitely not least, nights of passionate lovemaking. We were happy, that was until some certain visitor showed up on Sunday.“I'm sorry to interrupt your...time Sir, but you have some visitors.” Joseph, our butler, interrupted our banter.It was a lazy Sunday evening. Thane and I were nibbling on my homemade red velvet cookies; the twins were with Rosa. She would bring them back in an hour or so. Initially, Thane had been reluctant to let Tim and Tiffy out of his sight, but after much convincing on my part, he finally budged. The kids were
Andera's povI snuggled closer to the solid warmth behind me that was new yet familiar. A soft purr escaped my lips. ‘Where was I?’ I thought in my hazy mind.Boston?Seattle?Home?My bed felt different, more comfy and warm. I sighed when something strong and warm brushed over my stomach, pulling me closer. I let out another moan.My eyes opened a fraction to see gray and white walls, furniture that I didn't recognize, and paintings that weren't mine. “What? Where...am..?” “You're awake.” a gravelly voice whispered into my hair. It took me less than a second to recognize that voice. It was Thane's. At once, my hazy memories cleared up. The warmth radiating around me was Thane's body. What I felt on my stomach was his big hand pulling me closer to him.“Hey!” I scrambled away from Thane and off the bed. “Why were you cuddling me?” Thane wiped the sleep from his eyes with his hands; his dark hair tousled; morning light seeped in through the curtains and rested on his skin, making t
Andera's pov.“Welcome home” Thane gestured into his mansion, a smug grin on his face that I wanted to smack away. Last night, while we settled into the too-tight sleeper couch, I had agreed we all live together, that Is until I can come up with a plan. The idea of living with Thane, under the same roof makes me want to pull my hair out. If five months ago, someone had told me that I would be living with Thane. I would have called them crazy, but here we were.It's not like I have much of an option though. Go to court? Good gracious no. Move back to Boston and leave my children behind? Not even at gunpoint. Move in with my ex-husband, whom is loving and kind to our kids and won't stop looking at me like he's a starved man and I'm his last meal? Umm... How bad could it be? The answer: catastrophically bad. “Stop staring at me., I yelled In a fierce whisper. Thane's lips curled an inch. “I'm just so glad you decided to come home.” “I did this for our kids.” I retorted. “So i
Thane's pov “Your daughter is responding well to the transfusion. We will need to keep her admitted overnight for observation, but we're optimistic about her recovery.” My shoulders sagged with relief, and so did Andera's. Tiffany had been transferred to a specialized hospital when the results came out showing that I was a perfect match. We both exchanged a look, Andera's face lit up, she placed her hand on my arm and softly mouthed “Thank you.” My heart- the poor guy melted into a puddle. Now that we were sure Tiffany was okay, my tension had loosened up, and I was starting to feel like an idiot for lashing out at Andera, for getting angry at her when she had as much right to hate me. I placed a hand over hers. “I'm sorry.” I mouthed back. For being an a*shole, when she was down and needed me. “I'm sorry for everything.” When Andera gave me that mesmerizing smile, I was tempted to pull her close to me and lock my lip with hers. The doctor, (whom we had forgotten was there)
Thane's pov Seeing Andera had brought up all the anger, frustration, and hurt I had locked away. I told myself I would look past what she had done and move on from it for the sake of our children, but the wound cut too deep; I wondered if it would ever truly heal.I reached the doctor's office. My heart beating erratically in my chest as I pondered over the condition of my daughter. I silently cursed myself for the minutes I wasted exchanging words with Andera. The doctor stood up, pushing her curls behind her ear.“I'm Tiffany's father.” I blurted out. “Tiffany and Timmy's father.” Andera came up behind me, so close I could feel her body heat. My heart twisted again, her proximity stirred a painful longing Inside me.“Well then. Let's begin. We will start by taking your blood to see if you're a match for your daughter." The doctor stated.Even after three days, knowing that I have a daughter and a son still felt surreal to me; it made me feel equal parts happiness, sadness, and w
Thanes pov.I could have sworn I heard a crack in my chest. “What are you talking about Andera?” I demanded. Andera sniffed some more. Murderous rage ripped through me while my mind raced a mile a minute with the worst cases scenarios. If someone hurt her or Tiffany.....I shook the thoughts away; I couldn't possibly be thinking of killing someone when I was in a cemetery. “It's Tiffany. Sh...she is....we couldn't...” Andera stuttered. My blood pressure skyrocketed.“Send me your location, now. I'll be there.” she ended the call and I waited for Andera's message. “Are you leaving?” Imogen asked, her red-rimmed eyes peeking out from under the lace of her black hat. Melissa's death hit Imogen the hardest.When I found Melissa dead days ago, I immediately informed the police; investigations were carried out and are still being carried out. I spent the first day and most of the second at the police department, cooperating with the investigations, and even after I was cleared of all su