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Chapter Twenty-Nine - Severing All Ties
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Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Thirty - Time To Move On
Ashton slowly walked out of Alexander’s car towards their parents’ house after four days at the hospital. He hadn’t been the same as before after driving Hayley out of his life. His heart expected her to call him, asking about his health, but she hadn’t. It was only the two friends who stuck to one another like always. Ashton knew he should be happy since this was what he had wanted, but he wasn’t happy! He staggered absent-mindedly and Alexander immediately caught him from tripping over.“Careful, man. We want no broken bones, do we?” “Who cares? I might as well have died.” “Stop sulking, Ashton. You’re the one who pushed her away!” Alexander rang the doorbell while Ashton sighed, wondering what explanation to give his friend. He had given the same explanation to the cops as he had to Mr. Barclay. Even Alexander knew the kidnappers had mistakenly picked him up. “I’m completely shaken up, bro. I want to regain a grip on my life first. She is neglecting her studies to be with me, an
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Thirty-One - Back After Four Years!
After Four Years Hayley squealed with delight, seeing her friends after so many years. She had just graduated from Cornell with flying colors and arrived home last night after four long years. Her parents were ecstatic and so were her uncle and aunt, but her granny still bore a grudge against her for not visiting her even once during these years. More mature now, Hayley didn’t mind at all. She just hugged her and apologized, winning her over immediately.“Congrats, both of you,” said Hayley, hugging Eva and Sienna warmly. They had graduated from their Nursing School and landed up with internships at the prestigious Bellevue Hospital. “I think I’m the most unproductive amongst us,” said Skylar with a pout. She hadn’t found an internship anywhere and her grandparents were already planning to get her married!“You’re wrong! I’m the most unproductive!” said Alyssa as she approached their table, making their jaws drop at the sight of her. Was she back now?They all squealed with delight
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Thirty-Two - Meeting Him Again
The moment Hayley’s eyes met his, everything ceased to exist around her. She drowned in the intense depths of his gaze, her heart racing faster with every passing second. Something was amiss! He didn’t seem the same Ashton she had left behind four years ago! The Ashton in front of her had a deep gash above his left eyebrow, his jawline looked sharper, chiseled, and determined, and his body more mature. More than anything else, it was the brooding and distant look in his eyes that surprised her. Ashton was always aloof, but he wasn’t cold! It seemed as if he had been through a hurricane in the last four years! “Ready to go?” he asked, wrenching his gaze away from hers and raising an eyebrow at the others. It was obvious that he wasn’t thrilled to be their chauffeur tonight. His behavior surprised Hayley! It was as if he didn’t know her at all! Maybe he didn’t want to know her! It was only her foolish heart that clung to a fake hope. “I’ll follow you in my car, Alyssa,” said Hayley, r
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Thirty-Three - Saving Her Twice!
After the Maserati pulled away, Ashton closed his eyes to feel her in his arms at last. It had been four long years since he last held her. Unconsciously, he embedded his face in her neck, inhaling her sweet addictive smell, feeling her soft skin against his features. He didn’t want this embrace to end. He could spend his life holding her this way! Maybe he was doomed to not get what he wanted! His life had turned upside down since the day she left for Cornell. At first, he had been too upset that she moved near Jason, but he tried to reason with himself that it was for the best. His heart couldn’t accept it and it had been an intense mental struggle for him to stay away from her, but not anymore. After Kingsley’s threat, he couldn’t ignore her any longer. She was his and he would fight everyone who came his way!He had paid off the entire debt two years ago, but Gambino slapped fifteen years of interest on him. It was a tremendous blow to Ashton. He had finally expected to be free,
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Thirty-Four - Taking Her Home With Him
Ashton reached his apartment with Hayley in his arms. Feeling her soft body against his chest unleashed a myriad of emotions within him. He had successfully kept these feelings hidden deep within him for the last four years, but not anymore. Why would he obey Gambino when he was paying off his money? Who the f*ck was with Francesca to order him around? After Kingsley’s threat, he felt rebellious, wanting to claim what was rightfully his. Yes, Hayley was his! He glanced at her tenderly, as she snuggled into his chest and an intense need to protect her rose deep within him. He kicked his door shut and carried her towards his bedroom. This was what he had wanted for a long time, to bring her home! He lay her down on his bed and dropped to his knees beside her, gazing at her delicate, innocent face with longing. Why was she so damn stubborn? Why did she need to dance with others when he was dying to dance with her? She stirred, and he froze with apprehension, not wanting her to witness
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Thirty-Five - Move In With Me?
“I don’t do kindness. I do what I want!” said Ashton impatiently, getting up and holding his hand out to her. She smiled at his denial. No one knew him better than her. Without questioning his motive, she placed her hand in his, and a jolt of electricity coursed through her body at his touch. He pulled her up with him and away towards the door. “Let’s clear the table first.” “Later. What’s the rush? You’re here with me all day!” Hayley’s eyes popped out at his announcement. What? When did she agree to spend the whole day with him?“I’m not. I’m sure you have other important work to do.”“I don’t.” With a sly grin on his face, he locked the apartment and lead her out of the building, onto the streets. They crossed it and walked over to the otherwise secluded beach. On a lazy weekend morning, they saw only a handful of people loitering about. “It usually gets crowded in the evenings, but I prefer the mornings. I jog along this entire stretch at 5 o’clock in the morning every day.”
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Thirty-Six - Who Will You Date?
It was the most exciting news in the Barclay family and everyone congratulated Meredith and Robert Barclay. They all knew how much this meant to them. Granny was in tears and she engaged herself in organizing a baby shower party for Meredith. Hayley was glad that their attention was diverted away from her. After dinner, she could pack up her stuff in peace. Her mom came over to help her. “Jason is still interested in marrying you, Hails. If you change your mind about him, tell me. We’ll plan your engagement.” “I won’t change my mind, mom. I will now look into the business to relieve dad.” Hayley was determined not to give in and marry that man, whatever it took her. She would rather stay single all her life. “That’s a very noble thought, but you can’t live alone all your life, Hails. We won’t be there for you forever. You need a family of your own,” coaxed her mom. “I’ll have my cousins, mom. I don’t need Jason in my life.”“Fine, as you wish.” The next morning, Hayley was in th
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Thirty-Seven - What Did He Want In Return?
Ashton’s announcement confused Hayley a lot. It was so difficult to understand the guy. There were certain things she still needed answers to. She still couldn’t forget the frightening man at the nightclub. Ashton’s words from that night still rang in her ears. He had claimed her as his and had fought with Don’s men. He also mentioned some debt. It was confusing indeed! Was he working for the Don who had him kidnapped? Was that the reason he broke off with her? Then why does he want to resume where they left off four years ago? Why did he want to date her again? There were only unanswered questions flitting across her mind, driving her crazy! Sighing, she went to the master bedroom to check. Ashton had already placed the boxes in the closet, but she had no energy to unpack them tonight. Pulling out a pair of shorts and a plain black tee shirt, she went into the luxurious washroom to freshen up. She groaned, realizing that she needed stuff for the house. Thankfully, the washroom was
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Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Epilogue
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
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Eighty-Four - Blissfully Together
“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
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Eighty-Three - Announcing Their Wedding Plans
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
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Eighty-Two - End Of All Problems
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
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Eighty-One - A Breakthrough
“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
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Eighty - Hayley's Disappearance
“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
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Seventy-Nine - Utter Chaos In New York
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
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Seventy-Eight - Eight Weeks Pregnant?
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
Resist Me If You Can (Temptation Series Book 5) Chapter Seventy-Seven - Simon's Will
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
