Andrea's pov.I knew he was around, but we didn't see each other that night; I understood though, that Carol needed some space from me and my problems.I needed space too, from my own melancholy and loathing. Time with the kids was a reprieve, I could forget about Thane and the inevitable chaos I would soon wreck his way, I could forget about my strained friendship with Carol.“Mommy, you promised we could have a dog,” Timmy whined, giving me the puppy eyes.“Did I?” I asked with an amused grin. Taking care of two boisterous kids required energy, time and patience, not to mention chips of my mental health...adding a pet to the family, I don't know if I have enough strength for that.“We should have a cat instead,” Tiffany interjected, twirling her hair with her fingers. “They're softer and more easier to cuddle.”“Too bad Tiffy. Mommy already promised me we would have a dog.” Timmy teased. “I did?” Timmy looked up at me with a small frown. We were all sitting on Tiffany's bed, hav
Thane's Pov. I'm pretty sure I broke more than ten traffic rules in the book. It was already past ten at night, but still, the roads of Seattle were busier than ever. “Move.” I honked my horn at the minivan in front of me. Whoever was behind that wheel had to be an eighty year old grandma. A turtle in morphine could move faster than that. “God dammit!” I cursed as I took a sharp turn to overtake the van. I needed to get to Andera fast. Not that there was much I could do. I didn't know if that picture was taken minutes or hours ago. I couldn't find who did it by barging into her home, but what I could do was to ensure she was okay and to assure my racing heart too. In no time, the photo would be wiped clean from the face of the internet and every device. My tech guys were that good. The ride from my mansion to Andera's home is nearly twenty minutes, I made it there in seventeen. I parked my car and took long strides to the door, well aware that she might be asleep by now, and I wa
Andera's pov.He knows. Thane knows.I struggled to hold back the dam threatening to explode behind my eyes. My heart didn't deserve the palpitations it was going through right now. Oh God. What have I gotten myself into? Thane would take me to court, and I would lose primary custody of my children for keeping them away from him without proper reason. I wouldn't get watch Timmy become overprotective of his sister even though he's barely six minutes older; I wouldn't go shopping with Tiffany to pick out her prom dresses.All because I couldn't give up my petty revenge. My shoulder shook with silent sobs as Thane stared back at me with hardened, impatient eyes.My chest burned.“Andera,” he called my name through clenched teeth. Tiffany's eyes ping-ponged between me and Thane.“You look like you're going to be sick, Mommy,” she observed with her innocent eyes. Another feeling burned my chest- guilt, at the way I raised my voice at her. I could practically see Thane soften as he spoke
Andera's pov.The universe was really f*cking with me. Maybe I was being punished for something I did in my past life because how does one wrap her head around, first, the... incident with Thane? Two, having a potential stalker.Well. I don't know if I can call him that, considering that this is the first disturbing thing he'd done that we know of.Apparently, someone lurked around my home early this evening and took photos of me while I was undressing, and then he went ahead and uploaded the pictures on the internet. Thank God it wasn't a fully naked picture, I would have died from mortification. Rosa had found the picture of me online and alerted the cops; I could also bet that was why Thane was here, too.Thane. The thought of him sent a sharp pain all over me. Invisible hands fisted my heart, making it hard for me to breathe.“...Install security cameras, they offer a... Ms Campbell. Ms Campbell.”“Yes.” I jerked out of my thoughts. I had just recounted the incident to the office
Andera's pov.“Nothing can temper it. State of the art calls security. Bullets-proof windows. Highly secured fortress for your safety, reinforced doors, and a secure entry system that's monitored twenty-four seven. This penthouse is a highly secured fortress, designed to provide a haven for you and your family. The security system is top-notch, with motion detectors, pressure pads.......”The Real estate agent went on and on till I felt like I was going to have a migraine. “It's secured. I get it” I snapped at the man, making him recoil.“I'm sorry ma'am. You requested a penthouse with exceptional security features. I couldn't resist highlighting the outstanding attributes of this one.” He dipped his head in apology when he wasn't the one who was wrong. He was just an agent showcasing the property, and I'm a woman paranoid, on edge and in need of at least eight hours uninterrupted sleep. “It's okay,” I responded more softly this time. “We'll take it. Thank you.” I smiled warmly a
Andera's pov. The D-Day is finally here. “I can't wait to meet Grandpa.” an excited Timmy bounded on his heels. “Yeah, me too,” I answered unenthusiastically. Not that I wasn't excited to see my father, I was. But the ache in my chest and anxiety in my head drowned out that happiness. Our flight would be leaving in an hour, and we were all done packing and dressed up. “Okay, people. You have twenty seconds to get in the car ” Rosa mimicked a referee. The twins giggled, racing each other to the elevator. Rosa and I were hauling the last of our luggage down. I sighed, I've been doing that a lot, sighing more and talking less. I knew Rosa didn't like it, but I couldn't bring myself to be chatty as usual, even when I tried.Rosa stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. She has spent the last three days trying to coerce me into talking about you know who.I didn't budge, though; my anxiety had given way into melancholy. Thane doesn't know about Timmy and Tiffany being his children, if h
Thane's pov.TWO DAYS EARLIER.The minutes rolled by into hours while I waited for Josh to do his thing and feed my desperate mind with updates. I hadn't managed a wink of sleep since leaving Andera's home; Paul was currently overseeing the things he could handle at the company while I sorted out my personal and more important matters. I took a deep breath as I gulped down the glass of whiskey the bartender had given me. After seven glasses in two hours, the burning sensation faded, replaced by a numbness that did nothing to drown my worries. “Is this seat taken?” A brunette approached me, I could see her flirtatious smile from the corner of my eye. “Not interested.” I snapped, the lady huffed, and went her way. There was only one woman who clouded my mind, one woman who consumed my waking hours, the same woman who was likely to have hurt me like nobody ever had.‘She's not yours’ ‘Tiffany is my daughter. Not yours’‘So would Timmy. You both look like each other. You have the sam
Andera's pov The airport medical center was a blur of white coats, beeping machines, and antiseptic smells. In the doorway, Rosa talked with the doctor. Their voices were quiet, but I couldn't hear what they were saying; I was too focused on Tiffany. Her tired eyes, pale cheeks, and faint sighs.I stroked her hair, wondering how things got so bad, so fast. The plan was working out; we were supposed to be on our flight, and she was supposed to be bickering with Timmy over pets and games, but here we were. My heart twisted in my chest as another fat tear drop rolled down my eye. “Mommy?” Tiffany's eyes flickered open, and she groggily took in her surroundings before she shut them again, so it had been going on for the past twenty minutes.“Yes, sweetie. I'm right here.” my voice came out hoarse from all the crying earlier on.“Mommy” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “My head hurts.” Another tear slid down my cheek. Timmy stood still on the other side of the bed. His glassy ey
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
Andera's pov The airport medical center was a blur of white coats, beeping machines, and antiseptic smells. In the doorway, Rosa talked with the doctor. Their voices were quiet, but I couldn't hear what they were saying; I was too focused on Tiffany. Her tired eyes, pale cheeks, and faint sighs.I stroked her hair, wondering how things got so bad, so fast. The plan was working out; we were supposed to be on our flight, and she was supposed to be bickering with Timmy over pets and games, but here we were. My heart twisted in my chest as another fat tear drop rolled down my eye. “Mommy?” Tiffany's eyes flickered open, and she groggily took in her surroundings before she shut them again, so it had been going on for the past twenty minutes.“Yes, sweetie. I'm right here.” my voice came out hoarse from all the crying earlier on.“Mommy” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “My head hurts.” Another tear slid down my cheek. Timmy stood still on the other side of the bed. His glassy ey
Thane's pov.TWO DAYS EARLIER.The minutes rolled by into hours while I waited for Josh to do his thing and feed my desperate mind with updates. I hadn't managed a wink of sleep since leaving Andera's home; Paul was currently overseeing the things he could handle at the company while I sorted out my personal and more important matters. I took a deep breath as I gulped down the glass of whiskey the bartender had given me. After seven glasses in two hours, the burning sensation faded, replaced by a numbness that did nothing to drown my worries. “Is this seat taken?” A brunette approached me, I could see her flirtatious smile from the corner of my eye. “Not interested.” I snapped, the lady huffed, and went her way. There was only one woman who clouded my mind, one woman who consumed my waking hours, the same woman who was likely to have hurt me like nobody ever had.‘She's not yours’ ‘Tiffany is my daughter. Not yours’‘So would Timmy. You both look like each other. You have the sam
Andera's pov. The D-Day is finally here. “I can't wait to meet Grandpa.” an excited Timmy bounded on his heels. “Yeah, me too,” I answered unenthusiastically. Not that I wasn't excited to see my father, I was. But the ache in my chest and anxiety in my head drowned out that happiness. Our flight would be leaving in an hour, and we were all done packing and dressed up. “Okay, people. You have twenty seconds to get in the car ” Rosa mimicked a referee. The twins giggled, racing each other to the elevator. Rosa and I were hauling the last of our luggage down. I sighed, I've been doing that a lot, sighing more and talking less. I knew Rosa didn't like it, but I couldn't bring myself to be chatty as usual, even when I tried.Rosa stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. She has spent the last three days trying to coerce me into talking about you know who.I didn't budge, though; my anxiety had given way into melancholy. Thane doesn't know about Timmy and Tiffany being his children, if h
Andera's pov.“Nothing can temper it. State of the art calls security. Bullets-proof windows. Highly secured fortress for your safety, reinforced doors, and a secure entry system that's monitored twenty-four seven. This penthouse is a highly secured fortress, designed to provide a haven for you and your family. The security system is top-notch, with motion detectors, pressure pads.......”The Real estate agent went on and on till I felt like I was going to have a migraine. “It's secured. I get it” I snapped at the man, making him recoil.“I'm sorry ma'am. You requested a penthouse with exceptional security features. I couldn't resist highlighting the outstanding attributes of this one.” He dipped his head in apology when he wasn't the one who was wrong. He was just an agent showcasing the property, and I'm a woman paranoid, on edge and in need of at least eight hours uninterrupted sleep. “It's okay,” I responded more softly this time. “We'll take it. Thank you.” I smiled warmly a