Hayley closed the door to her apartment and leaned against it, breathing hard. The kiss had her on the brink of surrender! No, she couldn’t afford to go down that path again, only to be shut out of his life. For the last four years, she had struggled to get a grip on herself and move on. Now she had chosen her career over a relationship. She couldn’t accept Ashton back into her life. It was better to think of him as a player and hate him. She dragged her tired body to the bedroom to get ready for work. After fifteen minutes, she drove away to work without breakfast or coffee. It wasn’t working at all! She shouldn’t have moved into Ashton’s building! The entire day she was busy, grabbing a quick lunch at the hotel itself. “You look tired, Hails. Are you sure you aren’t skipping your meals?” asked her dad, noting how stressed she looked. “Mornings are hectic because I’ve started working out. Most days, I don’t get to make any breakfast.” Her dad frowned with worry, shaking his head
It was almost evening when Hayley remembered her predicament. If she didn’t find the keys to her apartment, what would she do? The whole day, she had been busy with work. So, calling up Ashton and taking an update from him had totally escaped her mind. She tried his number, but he didn’t accept her call. Was he still at work? Confused and in a dilemma, she messaged him. Did you get the keys to my apartment?–Hayley. She waited for fifteen minutes, but there was no answer. She called again, but still no response. Hayley chewed her teeth nervously, unable to decide. Should she go to her parents’ house? In that case, they would surely try to convince her to return.Packing up her stuff, she drove home. Maybe she would wait for Ashton on the staircase. This should be a lesson for her to never forget her keys before leaving. Maybe she should wear them as a pendant around her neck! After a few minutes, she parked her car behind Ashton’s and got down with a frown. If he was here already, w
Ashton stopped strumming the guitar and looked straight into her eyes. The intensity of his look made Hayley’s breath get stuck in her throat. “How was it? Did I do justice to your favorite song?” he asked, flashing her a skew little smile. Of course, he did. He was a player. He knew the effect he was having on her. Hayley came to her senses and pulled a bar stool to sit down beside him. “Yes, it was mind-blowing! I didn’t think you would remember. When did you start playing the guitar?” she asked breathlessly. He smiled, keeping down his instrument and getting up. “I used to play on my dad’s broken guitar when I lived with him. He taught me to play. Then uncle Daniel bought me this one. I started taking formal lessons, but I stopped playing it in the last four years.” Hayley searched his eyes at his indirect admission. Why did he stop playing? Was it because of her? “Why did you stop?” She held her breath, waiting for his reply. Ashton stood watching her, his deep, penetrating ga
Hayley’s plea made him freeze momentarily. He wanted to tell her the reason he took the extreme step. It was for her own good, to protect her from Gambino. “I had my reasons, Hayley. Believe me, whatever I did was only to protect you.” He released her, his eyes filling up with remorse. Hayley frowned with curiosity, getting off his lap, picking up her tee shirt, and slipping it over her head. “From whom? Gambino’s men?” Ashton stared at her, wondering what to tell her. “Yes. Do you still want to be with me?” he asked, hesitating a little. Hayley held his gaze and cupped his cheek lovingly. “I don’t care. I want to be with you forever, Ashton. Can’t you get it?” she whispered with so much conviction that it blew his mind away. “I can’t promise you forever, Hayley. There’s no certainty about my life. There are many things you don’t know about me. I’m not the guy you can depend on,” he said bitterly, with a feeling of despair filling up within him. At that point, he wished he could
Hayley stretched her arms, not wanting to wake up from the best sleep of her life! Her hand suddenly touched something rock hard, and she caught hold of it. Where was she? A warm flush spread all over her as she felt the object she had grabbed. Her eyes flew open as realization struck her.She was on Ashton’s bed with him! To her immense horror, the object was none other than his hard morning wood! She released it as if burned and then looked up to ensure that he was sleeping. But he wasn’t! He winked at her, grabbing her hand and placing it back on his bulge. A groan of intense pleasure shook his body. “Good morning, Hayley! Why did you stop? Remember, you’re mine just like I’m yours,” he whispered, rolling over her, pinning her with his body so that she couldn’t escape. “Good morning, Ashton! Are you?” He nodded, guiding her hand, teaching her to please him. A gasp escaped her mouth and her cheeks flushed with color. “So hard!” she whispered, and he grinned at her, leaning in t
Hayley climbed into his car and leaned in to peck his cheek, having missed him immensely the whole day.“Did you miss me?” he asked, with a heart-stopping grin lighting up his features. “Yes, and you?” He nodded and started the ignition, without elaborating further. “I’m sure you didn’t,” she glared at his inadequate response. “What if I prove to you I did?” He grinned at the warm flush that stained her cheeks when she finally realized what he implied. Yes, he hadn’t been able to forget the way she took him in her mouth. It was the best experience he had so far and now he wanted a repeat. He realized how shallow all his encounters had been so far. With no feelings involved, they were just shallow, monotonous se*. What he started with Hayley was so different. It was so real and he was already addicted. It was no use trying to tell her what he felt. He had never been so good with words. It was better if he showed her how he felt, how much he had missed her. He would definitely try t
Ashton parked his car and helped Hayley carry the packets to his apartment. However, all the excitement left his body at the sight of Madison’s white Camry tailing him all the way home. What was going on? Why was she following him? Did she find out about his relationship with Hayley? He would call her and ask once he reached home. “Anything wrong?” asked Hayley, seeing the worried look on his face as they went inside the apartment. “No, I’ll just make a phone call.” Hayley nodded, and he walked over to his bedroom and locked the door. Although Hayley found his behavior odd, she refrained from prodding further and went to her room to freshen up. Ashton paced the floor, feeling annoyed with Madison. There had to be a way to throw that leech out of his life. She wasn’t a friend as he had thought her to be. She was indeed obsessed with him. As if Gambino and his men weren’t enough! Madison, too, had to add to his problems. He wondered what she would be up to now. There was only one wa
“I’m honored,” he whispered hoarsely, too aroused by now. If he didn’t find his release, he would go crazy! As if sensing his need, she eased herself off the pillow and pulled down his sweatpants instead. Ashton groaned when her fingers touched his throbbing erection, stroking it just like the way she had earlier. She took him into her warm mouth, driving him crazy with pleasure. Ashton tipped his head backward, and closed his eyes, overcome with the sensation of her soft, wet mouth. It was pure bliss. Although it wasn’t the release he was hoping for, he soon drowned in the sensation, groaning with satisfaction. His hands fisted her hair while she dug her nails into his legs, her mouth working on him until he exploded in her mouth. After wiping her lips clean, she looked up at him to see his reaction. “Was it okay?” she asked hesitating a little. “It was f*cking perfect! I love that hot mouth of yours!” he groaned, feeling himself growing hard again. She would be the death of him
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