A tremor went down Ashton’s body the moment her soft arms went around his torso. It was a strange feeling, and it left him perplexed. He had se* with random women since the age of eighteen, yet he never felt this way with anyone. What was this feeling? It was like a restless uproar within his body, an overwhelming need to feel more of her. He wanted to feel her pressed against his back. Could he try the time-tested trick he knew of? There wasn’t any other way available for him.He applied the brakes for a jolt and it had the desired effect. With a gasp, Hayley tightened her hold around him while her body eased closer to his, flush against his back. A smile of satisfaction lit up his face while Hayley blushed furiously. Feeling his hard, muscular body against her own made her heartbeats race. It was a new feeling altogether, and she loved it immensely. The way her body fitted against his made her feel as if she was meant to be with him. She could spend a lifetime this way, pressed clo
The next day Ashton was too busy to check up on Hayley. Derek Miller kept him on his feet all day and he hardly found time to take a lunch break. By the time he returned to his cottage, he was totally drained. His eyes popped out to see Hayley sitting on his front porch, waiting for him. All his tiredness evaporated at the sight of her! His eyes roamed all over her and he couldn’t help but check her out before she noticed him. The semi-formal beige trousers paired with a royal blue chiffon top made her look so mature. Even in the light of the setting sun, she glowed like a million neon bulbs as she sat on the steps, checking her mobile phone. “Hey! Sorry to keep you waiting. Why didn’t you call me?” he asked, stopping in front of her. She looked up and slipped her phone into her pocket. “Hi! I didn’t want to disturb you at work.” She stood up with a shy smile on her face. “Where’s your puppy?” Ashton grimaced at her question, pulling out the keys to the cottage. “I thought you came
“As my wife?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Hayley’s jaws dropped with shock and she just gaped at him, unable to think of an answer. He couldn’t be serious! He was surely playing games with her mind!“As if you’re the marrying type! I know you don’t believe in love, in relationships. Please don’t joke about such things.” She concentrated on her food instead of the man in front of her, who just watched her in silence.“Okay, I’m sorry if I hurt your sentiments. You're right, I don’t care about such things!” Ashton noted the slight quiver to her lips as if she was trying hard to choke her tears, her pain. Did he hurt her so badly? Did she still dream of marrying him like she used to when younger? He had overheard her conversation with Alyssa when they were young. For years, it kept on echoing in his head till extra complications started taking shape in his life. They roughened him and made him lose all his dreamy notions of finding true love in this shitty life. No woman
Hayley braced herself to face the stranger when the doorbell rang. She had never seen the guy before, although he was all her family discussed. Their housekeeper, Mrs. Morris, whom she lovingly called Elsa, welcomed him inside while Hayley disappeared into the kitchen to hide from him. He sounded like those arrogant, self-centered billionaires who looked down upon everyone below their status. “Hayley, your mom’s calling you. What are you doing here?” whispered Elsa, coming into the kitchen to find her fidgeting around.“Can you give me something to do, Elsa? I don’t want to interact with him.” “Escaping isn’t a solution, my dear. You have to face him. You’re a smart, educated, young woman. No one can force you to do anything you don’t want to.” Hayley sighed, knowing that she was right. She might as well face the man and show her disinterest in him. “You’re right, Elsa. I won’t hide.”“That’s the spirit. I’ll send Becky with you to serve the drinks.” Becky helped Elsa around the ho
Ashton smiled, relieved to finally get it out of his system. He didn’t get a moment of respite since he found out about her dinner plans with her damn fiancé. He wanted to go over to her place and check things out for himself. What if he stole her first kiss? He wanted to be the only one to kiss her.He paced the entire time, restless and furious at his own helplessness. Memories of the previous evening drove him crazy, and he missed her immensely. Being wrapped up in his thoughts, he forgot to even have his dinner. Finally, he built up the courage to message her.His phone buzzed with an incoming message from her, and Ashton sat up with excitement. What reply did she send to his earlier admission? Did she miss him, too? Missing me or my food?- Hayley Both- Ashton. Why can’t I believe you?-Hayley.You will believe me eventually. I never lie–Ashton. That was deep–HayleyI am quite deep. Come over tomorrow to know me better- Ashton.I might take you up on that- Hayley.I’ll be waiti
“Thanks! Stop please!” She smiled nervously, wiggling her foot out of his hold, unable to take the torture anymore. Although his touch on her bare feet felt heavenly, it invoked a reaction of a different kind altogether. She couldn’t control the urge to grab him and kiss him. With his hungry eyes probing into hers, she was sure that he could read the hunger in them. “Don’t you like my massage?” His raspy voice indicated that his condition did not differ from hers. He stroked her foot in a feather-soft touch, going to her ankle and up her calf a little, causing a tremor to go up her body. His hungry eyes watched her reaction, sending a strange thrill all over him. Her reaction to him invoked a greater urge within him to touch her more. “Umm, I do. I’m feeling better already,” she smiled nervously, unable to look away. His eyes trapped her in a staring contest while her body fought with her sane mind, ready to give in to the need to feel his lips on hers. “That’s impossible! I hardly
Gingerly, Hayley sat down on the couch while Jason was on the one opposite her. “I hope you know I wish to marry you?” Hayley looked him in the eyes and nodded. “Yes, but why?” This was the opportunity she had been looking for to show her disinterest in him. It was a do-or-die situation for her and she would surely speak her mind.“I need a respectable virgin wife to give me an heir to my business empire. The women I have come across do not conform to my standards. I want someone far above, someone of aristocratic lineage such as yourself. I know your parents personally and I trust them when they boast about your high principles. But there is something I wish to warn you about.” His ancient principles infuriated her, but she took a deep breath and faced him courageously. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Lowells, but my thoughts on marriage differ from yours. If I ever marry, it will be for love.” “You have little say in this, Hayley. Your family has accepted me. You’re still very
“Now, isn’t that sneaky?” She whispered into Buzz’s ears, standing up to her full height. She could hear his chuckle as he opened the door for her. Clad in a pair of jeans and a black singlet, he looked hotter than last evening. Her body tingled at the sight of his exposed muscles and all she could think of was grabbing hold of him for another mind-blowing kiss! What was wrong with her? “So you find me hot, eh?” he drawled in the same husky tone. It made her blush to the roots of her hair as she went up the porch followed by Buzz, hot on her heels. “Just as you find me beautiful!” she winked as she walked inside, feigning confidence that she was far from feeling.“Right! Buzz, go to your dad, now. I’m busy with your aunt.” Hayley’s jaws dropped at seeing Buzz miraculously understand him and walk out of the front door obediently. “What just happened? He’s so obedient.” “Yes, he is. He belongs to my friend, Jagger, who works as the Marketing Manager here. He lives in the cottage nex
There was excitement in the air when all the guests arrived and they moved into the venue. Sienna came over with Lucas and her children, Adrian and Alexia. A heavily pregnant Eva and Alexander enjoyed the walks on the beach, mornings and evenings. A pregnant Alyssa came over with Nicholas, who never left a chance to irk Alexander with his pranks. Those two would never change! Amidst all their friends, Skylar was the most reserved, and they had no idea about her relationship with Christian. When asked, she just winked and walked away. “When are they marrying?” asked Sienna in a whisper. Although she was the first one to know about such things, she was clueless about where Skylar was concerned.“Don’t know!” said Alyssa, watching Skylar interact with Christian on the beach. It didn’t look like a lovey-dovey situation between them!“Let’s make this our mission, girls! We have to find out!” said Sienna, and they agreed immediately. They tried on their bridesmaid dresses and admired Hayl
“I’m so happy to be back!” exclaimed Hayley the moment she stepped into Ashton’s penthouse in Hotel Bayview. Ashton smiled but didn’t share the same enthusiasm as hers. “What? Aren’t you happy?” she asked, seeing the lack of excitement in him. “I’m happy, but I’ll feel happier when we move into our home. This is fine while traveling around, but we need a permanent place to call our own. I want us to settle down in the apartment Dad bought for us. Six more months to go and the New York hotel will be ready to inaugurate. We can then fulfill our dreams,” said Ashton while Hayley snaked her arms around his torso with contentment. She was happy with the way things were shaping up. “Still, I’m happy. Maybe because we’re together! Don’t think I’ll leave you alone in the next six months.”“We will be together, but you have an obligation towards your dad, towards Barclay International, Hayley. For years, you had dreamed of handling this empire. Don’t leave that at the peak of your career. Y
Hayley helped Ashton change into comfortable clothes before heading for a shower. Ashton looked around her huge bedroom suite fit for a princess. The king-size bed invited him and he lay down to wait for her. All the tension eased out of his mind forever. With Francesca’s death, the last threat that was looming over their heads also eased away. Now they were free! Free to enjoy life together like the others. He had always wanted such a free life and now his wish had been granted at last. “What are you thinking?” asked Hayley, looking fresh and dewy in a pair of lavender pajamas as she emerged from the en-suite. Ashton smiled and held out his right arm for her. She climbed into the bed, closer to him and he wrapped his arm around her soft body. It felt so good to be alive and cuddled up against her. After his accident, he had never thought he would live to see this day. “I’m grateful to God for granting my wish and reuniting us forever!” “Yes. Are you upset that we can’t marry this
Four men got down from the white Camry and pulled out a huge sack from the trunk of the car. Ashton gasped, recognizing Costello as one of them. The sack surely had Hayley inside as it looked big enough to accommodate a human body. With Mr. Barclay’s grip on his hand holding him back, he couldn’t rush to rescue Hayley. Not that he could with his injuries. Suddenly, gunshots rang in the air, taking the men by surprise. Three men fell to the ground, while the other one dumped the sack and pulled out his gun. But he too was overpowered by the SEALS Team who had been waiting for an opportunity to nab them. But where was Francesca? Ashton searched inside the Camry but didn’t see her inside. Under the dim lights, it wasn’t possible to see properly. Just then, a black Maserati pulled up stealthily into the street. Henry’s eyes widened at seeing the driver’s window roll down and a silencer gun peer out, targeting the sack Hayley was in. He realized immediately what the person was up to. He
“Sir, you’re not in a condition to travel,” said Victor refusing to book his ticket.“I have to. My fiancée has been kidnapped a few hours ago.” “I’ll come along, sir. I can’t leave you alone in your condition,” insisted Victor. “Fine, you can book two tickets.” After four hours, Ashton and Victor reached New York. He straight away coordinated with Hayley’s dad and reached the police station where they were still waiting. With his head bandaged and his left arm injured and in a sling, Ashton entered the police station, looking pale, tired, and haggard. Mrs. Barclay gasped at the sight of him while Hayley’s dad came forward to meet him. “Hello, son! Why did you come over when you’re so injured?” he scolded Ashton but he just shook his head. “I’m fine, Uncle Chris. Any news of Hayley? Why was she coming over to Miami when I asked her to rest? She never listens.” “Ask me about it,” grumbled her dad. “They’re still tracking the white Camry that was involved in the kidnapping. We’ve
“Where? In Bayview?” asked Hayley with wide eyes filled with excitement. “Nope! At Simon’s mansion on the beach. I can make all the arrangements before I come over on Monday.” Hayley grabbed him excitedly and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Oh, I’m so excited. Can I come over and plan our wedding?” “No. I think you should rest. I’ll video conference with you on everything.” Hayley felt disappointed, but didn’t argue. Ashton dropped her off and headed to the airport. While he quickly completed his pending work, Hayley went to the office as usual. However, she eagerly waited for Monday for her dad and Ashton to arrive. Her dad arrived on Monday night, but there was no sign of Ashton. He hadn’t even called her, let alone video conference with her. Initially, she had thought he was busy, but now she felt a little worried. Ashton wouldn’t forget something so important. She called him to inquire, but he had switched off his phone. She called his hotel and asked Gina. “Oh, hasn’t anyone
Ashton wrapped up his work, and they reached New York the day before the wedding. “Take care of your health in everything you do. I have to check up on Alexander.” “Dad's in Singapore. Can I stay with you in your apartment?” asked Hayley hopefully. “Not this time, baby. You’ll be all alone there since I will have to be with Alexander. Go home after checking up on Eva.” He kissed her forehead and left to go to Alexander’s penthouse. Hayley went inside her house, pulling her luggage along. With Eva in the hospital, Skylar would pick her up in an hour and head there. Just as Ashton had expected, Alexander broke down on seeing him, and they plotted and planned their next course of action. “Why don’t you clear up the air between you? How did it deteriorate to this?”Alexander explained to his friend all about Beatrix’s evil plans to separate him from Eva. He had resigned from Rotterdams as well.In the evening, Skylar called Alexander to inform him that Eva was stable and had been dis
Ashton’s jaws dropped with shock, and he gaped at Hayley, who looked as surprised as him. “But she doesn’t have any of the symptoms the other pregnant women do.”“All women don’t show the same symptoms. Some are too nauseated, some don’t even realize they’re pregnant until the fourth month. It varies from person to person.” “Is it a cause for concern? I mean, Hayley is just twenty-two, and she hadn’t been resting exactly.” “Her age is perfect for bearing a healthy baby. Don’t worry, I’ll just prescribe some medicines to take care of her fatigue. Otherwise, you both can lead a normal life but you have to go for timely checkups. Keep eating small meals and never stay on an empty stomach. I can make a diet plan for you if it helps,” offered the kind doctor to a dazed Hayley. “Yes, please. That would be helpful indeed,” said Ashton, seeing Hayley’s unresponsive state.After the doctor left, Ashton couldn’t contain the happiness he felt deep within him. He sat on the bed and pulled her
After Simon Baylor’s funeral, Ashton was in a state of confusion. Ever since he arrived in Miami, he had been busy with the hospital formalities in the absence of Simon's family or relatives. At the same time, he had to handle the business all by himself and prepare for Simon’s funeral too. However, he was glad that Victor Hughes helped him with everything. Having worked for Simon for eight years, Victor was extremely knowledgeable and knew everything about Simon Baylor. “Mr. Pierce, I have scheduled a meeting today at 4 o’clock with Henry Willis, sir’s lawyer. Sir wanted you to meet him right after your arrival here, but we had to take care of the other important things first.” There wasn’t much time at hand, and Ashton grabbed a late lunch and rushed to the conference room. Simon Baylor’s death was so sudden that Ashton didn’t get a moment of respite, struggling to sort out the loose ends. Maybe Simon didn’t expect the infection to spread so fast and turn fatal. Maybe he had expec