JAKE'S POVMy first time with Racheal had gone exactly as I had imagined, better even. As the water trickle down my skin, washing away the sweat that had built up, my mind kept replaying every moment with Rachael, her touch, her voice, and how she felt against me. Even as much as I try to focus on washing away the evidence of what had just happened, I couldn’t escape her lingering scent on me. It was intoxicating, like she’d branded herself into my very being.I turn off the shower and step out into the steamy bathroom, wrapping a towel around my waist. I walk back into the room, only to find Rachael asleep, her body sprawling on top of the sheets, completely uncovered.God help me. She looks like an angel—bare, captivating, and utterly irresistible. My eyes trace every curve of her body, the rise and fall of her chest as she breathes deeply in her sleep. My thoughts turn traitorous, imagining how good it would feel to climb back into the bed and press my lips to every inch of her body
RACHAEL'S POV”Mom, no... please don’t leave me!”The scream pierces through my sleep, jagged and full of despair; my eyes snap open, my heart pounding. It takes me a moment to realize the sound was coming from Jake. I turn to find him thrashing on the bed, his face twisted in anguish, sweat glistening on his forehead.“Jake, wake up!” I shove his shoulder, panic rising in my chest. “You’re having a nightmare!”He jolts awake, his breathing harsh and uneven. Our eyes meet, but his gaze is distant and unseeing as if he doesn’t even know where he is. He glances around the room, darting as if piecing together his surroundings.“You were having a nightmare,” I tell him softly, concern threading through my voice. “Are you okay?”Jake doesn’t respond. Without a word, he swings his legs off the bed and stands, heading straight for the bathroom. The sound of the shower turning on echoes through the suite, and I sit there, stunned, watching the empty doorway.When he returns, he is dressed in a
Thomas pulled up to the hotel later that evening. The warm lights of the suite greet me as I step inside, the exhaustion of the day clinging to me like a heavy coat. I had seen so much of Paris, shopped a little too much, and indulged in every café that caught my eye. By the time Thomas dropped me off, all I wanted was to shower and go to bed. But as the elevator doors open to reveal Jake sitting on the balcony, a glass of whiskey in hand, my plans for a quiet night seemed less certain.He looked unbothered, relaxed, like he had a successful day. When he heard the door, his head turned briefly in my direction, his gaze lingering for a moment before he resumed sipping his drink. No greeting. No acknowledgment.I freeze for a second, unsure whether to ignore him completely or confront him about this morning’s cold shoulder. But two could play that game if he wanted to act like nothing had happened.“Did you have a good day?” His voice cut through the silence, casual yet probing. He didn
As the plane ascended, I looked out of the window, watching Paris shrink into the horizon. I let out a long sigh. “Thank you, Paris. It’s been a pleasure,” i said softly, half to myself. But was it? Pleasure wasn’t exactly the word I would use to describe the last forty-eight hours of my life. What was supposed to be a drama-free getaway turned into an emotional battlefield.I had an encounter with Jack, the man who tore my heart to shreds, flaunting his mistress Hannah, in a city he swore he’d never visit because it was ‘overrated.’ In a moment of weakness, I had slept with Jack, which was mind-blowing, but now he pretended it didn’t happen. And to top it all off, we had agreed to get married immediately when we landed back home, which felt surreal every time I thought about it.On the brighter side, I was officially a millionaire. This morning, curiosity had gotten the best of me, and I logged into my bank account. Ten million dollars, just sitting there, untouched. That made my day
JAKE'S POVThe nightmare. The same one I’d been having since I was a kid. It was more than a nightmare, it was a memory. One I’d spent years trying to bury but never could. I wasn’t ready to talk about it with Racheal. Not yet. That’s why I bolted out of the room that morning.I know I hurt her by doing that. The look in her eyes said it all. But what else could I have done? I reacted the only way I knew how—ignore it, and eventually, it would go way. That was the very reason I’d spent years in therapy, yet clearly, I’d learned nothing. What kind of man walks away like that after what we shared the night before? Even as the thought crossed my mind, I knew I didn’t deserve her understanding.When Racheal returned from her day out, I was relieved to see her. I’d missed her. Strange as it sounds, having her around filled a space I didn’t even realize was empty. She was feisty, her mood spicier than usual, and I couldn’t help but smile. I enjoyed getting on her nerves, watching her fire up
RACHAEL'S POVAs Michael pulled up to Amy's house, I let out a small sigh of relief. I was glad to be back. Paris had been incredible, but it had also been overwhelming. The last hour of the flight was awkward. Jake had been acting off—restless, agitated, and downright distracted. Every five minutes, he glanced at his watch like he was racing against time. I wasn’t about to ask him what was going on; his distant demeanor after the nightmare incident had already taught me not to pry. If he wanted me to know, he’d tell me.When we landed, he basically jumped out of the plane, his phone in hand, leaving behind his carry-on and everything else. From my window seat, I could see him pacing on the tarmac, making call after call. At one point, I saw him clench his fists and punch the air as if he’d lost something important. Whatever it was, it was none of my business. I had my own problems to deal with.First, I needed to find something appropriate to wear to the courthouse tomorrow. Still, th
RACHAEL'S POVI hadn’t slept a wink the entire night. Amy’s news about the baby shower had gnawed at me, clawing at my thoughts in ways I couldn’t even articulate. On top of that, Amy hadn’t taken my news about moving out well. She felt blindsided, maybe even a little betrayed. I had spent a good chunk of the night convincing her to accept, which she eventually did, but there was still tension between us. Ethan came home late, and I’d overheard them arguing about me. Their voices were muffled through the walls, but I had caught enough to know that I had somehow become a source of friction between them. That didn’t sit right with me. I never wanted to come between them, but I was unintentionally.I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts spiraling in every direction. I hadn’t even had the time to figure out what I’d wear to the courthouse, and morning was approaching fast. Amy had to come through for me one last time. I tiptoed to their bedroom, hesitant but desperate. To m
JAKE’S POVI didn’t even realize Rachael had left until the car Matthew ordered for me pulled up. I was glued to my phone since the moment I got off the plane.The good news? I was in. My financial manager had come through at the last minute. Securing me a spot. Now, it was a waiting game. The opportunity I’d been chasing for years was finally within reach, but for some reason, it didn’t feel like enough.Maybe it was the exhaustion catching up to me. I needed to regroup. I arrived at my penthouse, poured myself a whiskey, and sank into the leather couch, trying to still the chaos in my mind. The events that had occurred in Paris were still fresh—too fresh. I hadn’t gotten over sleeping with Rachael. The memory of her haunted me, replaying in flashes that left my body tense and my thoughts scattered. Every now and then, I’d find myself shifting uncomfortably, craving her in ways I shouldn’t. I needed a distraction—and fast.I decided to return to the one thing that had always centere
JAKE’S POVThe day of our trip is finally here. I stop by Rachael’s mom’s house to pick them up. Dean is practically bouncing with excitement, unable to contain his joy about flying on a plane again.Rachael’s mom walks us out to the car, her eyes glistening with tears as she hugs Rachael and Dean tightly.“I’m going to miss you two so much,” she says, her voice trembling.“Mom, we’re not going away forever,” Rachael reassures her, squeezing her in return.Her mom crouches down to Dean’s level and wraps him in another warm hug.“Grandma’s going to miss you the most,” she whispers to him before planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.She then turns to me, her expression soft but serious, and pulls me aside. “Take care of them, will you?” she orders, hugging me.“I promise,” I reply, bending down to return the hug.She leans in closer and whispers something into my ear. Whatever she says makes Rachael look at us with suspicion from where she is standing. I just smile and ignore her cur
RACHAEL’S POV“That was a nice surprise,” Jake mutters, his voice breathless as he leans back against the couch.I chuckle, nodding. “You are welcome.”We both glance around the living room and burst into laughter. The place is an absolute mess—pillows on the floor, a lamp knocked over, and even a picture frame tilted on the wall. This isn’t me at all. Jake was bringing out a side of me I didn’t even know existed. It was wild, exciting, and so out of character, but I loved it.“There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry,” he says, brushing my shoulder lightly.“I’m good. I had dinner at my mom’s before I came,” I reply, tilting my head to look at him. “But I’ll take some water.”Jake stands and heads to the fridge. My eyes follow him, lingering on his waistline and the defined muscles of his back. A small smile plays on my lips as I lean back into the couch.He comes back with a glass of water and hands it to me.“Not that I’m complaining, Rachael, but how did you know where to find
JAKE’S POVI couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I drove to the penthouse. The last 24 hours had been the best of my life. Having Rachael in my arms all night felt like a dream. Watching her sleep was a moment I would replay in my mind forever.It had cost us so much to get here, but we finally made it. I wasn’t about to waste any more time.Before I even pull into the basement, I grab my phone, call my attorney and financial manager, and instruct them to meet me at the penthouse as soon as possible. There is much to plan—starting with selling the house in Oakwood. I didn’t want to keep any ties to that place. It is a crime scene, but It is Oakwood—someone will still buy it without a second thought.Next, I need to file for the divorce and get the process moving for our clean slate. And then, the most important job is finding a home for us. Somewhere, we could truly start over in peace.But I already had a plan for that. It was going to be a surprise for her.By the time I get to the
RACHAEL’S POVFor the first time in weeks, I slept through the night without tossing and turning. Jake and I spent the entire night cuddling, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this... peaceful.I’d called my mom to let her know I wasn’t going, and she agreed to put Dean to bed, though I suspected she knew there was more to the story.I turn to watch Jake as he sleeps. He looks so handsome and peaceful.“Stop staring, Rachael,” he murmurs, a lazy smile spreading across his lips.I laugh softly, surprised he’s awake. “I thought you were asleep.”His eyes flutter open, locking with mine. For a moment, we just gaze at each other, no words needed. Then I sit up and reach for his shirt, slipping it on as I climb out of bed.“Where are you going?” he asks, his voice husky from sleep.I laugh, shaking my head at his question. “You’re aware we have a child, right?” I tease.Jake sits up, his messy hair only making him look more irresistible. “And?” he counters with a playful smirk.
JAKE’S POVAfter giving me the best blowjob of my life, Rachael suddenly pulls away and stands up slowly. Without hesitation, I grab her waist and lift her effortlessly. Her legs wrap around me as if they belong there. I carry her to the wall and pin her gently but firmly. My mouth crashes into hers and I kiss her with a passion I didn’t know I had in me. Her hands dig into my back, pulling me closer, and I feel her nails bite into my skin—a sweet pain that only fuels my desire.I adjust her slightly, aligning us perfectly, and in one fluid motion, I enter her. A soft groan escapes me as her warmth surrounds me. She arches her back to me, her pleasure matching mine. One of my hands supports her while the other moves to her back, keeping her steady as I begin to move my hips in slow, deliberate circles.Her head falls back, and I lean down, my lips finding her chest. My teeth graze her nipple, biting it gently just enough to draw a gasp from her. The sound of her pleasure pushes me fur
RACHAEL’S POV“I love you, Rachael,” Jake repeats it, his voice gentle and softer this time, as if to ensure the words truly reach me. My breathing slows and the words sink into me like a wave washing over the shore.I never thought I’d ever hear those words from him. Jake, who carried himself with such control and restraint. But now, those walls he had worked so hard to put up were gone, leaving only vulnerability in his eyes.“I’ve loved you since the day I met you in that club,” he whispers leaning in closer leaving no space between us. My body starts to tremble, every nerve alive with the intensity of the moment. My lips part slightly, the words forming before I can stop them.“I love you too, J—”Before I finish the sentence, his mouth finds mine, cutting off my words with a kiss that steals my breath. The kiss is filled with passion, longing, and something deeper which makes my head spin.I stretch my hands and wrap them around his neck, pulling him closer. My fingers tangle in
JAKE’S POV.Rachael rubs her eyes for what feels like the hundredth time."J..ake?" she slurs drunkenly.I start moving closer, and her legs give out again, and she collapses. I catch her before she hits the ground, and her body limps in my arms.“Rachael,” I call, though I know she can’t hear me.I carry her to the car I’d driven to the beach, her weight almost nothing in my arms. Her face is flushed and I can smell the whiskey on her breath.I drive her to the small apartment I’ve been laying low these past few days. I carry her out of the car, careful not to jostle her too much, and gently place her on the bed.I sit beside her and stare at her chest rise and fall steadily. She looks like she has been crying for days and I know I have something to do with that.Suddenly, she stirs, and her eyelids flutter open. She sits up abruptly, her eyes darting around the unfamiliar room.“Where am I?” she asks, her voice hoarse and disoriented.I reach out and gently tap her shoulder. Her wid
RACHAEL’S POVOn my way out of the hospital, I feel a light tap on my back. I turn around, and my breath catches. A face I hadn’t seen in years stares back at me.“Amy?” I call out, leaning in for a hug before she can say anything. She hugs me back, though stiffly. I feel the awkwardness and pull away. She looks at me like she’s seen a ghost.Her eyes roam from my head to my toes, and I stand there, waiting for her to say something.“What are you doing here?” she asks finally, her brows furrowed in confusion.“I... I had come to—” I falter, unable to bring myself to say the words out loud.Instead, I change the subject quickly. “You? How have you been? It’s been ages since we talked.”Her face tightens, and I can tell she doesn’t want small talk.“Rachael, you disappeared on me without a word. Let’s skip the pretense.” She replies, her tone cold and distant.Before I say anything else, I see Ethan approaching from behind her, and with him is a little girl, probably around Dean’s age.
RACHAEL'S POV“Rachael, there’s a call for you.” My mom’s voice breaks through the silence as she knocks on the door of my old room. “He says he’s a police officer.”I jump out of bed, my heart racing, and swing the door open. “Give it to me.” I snatch the phone from her hand and retreat to the bathroom, locking the door behind me.“Hello, this is Rachael,” I answer, pressing the phone tightly to my ear.“We just got the autopsy results,” the officer begins, his voice steady but grave. “I’m afraid the body we found was not Jake Matthews,” he mutters.I clutch my mouth, gasping. “Are you sure, officer?”“Yes, ma’am, I’m certain. There are still people searching for him at the industrial plant. I’ll call again when I have more information.”“Okay,” I manage to mumble. “Thank you for calling.”I hang up, slide down the bathroom wall, and sit on the cold tile floor. My stomach twists and turns with anxiety, wondering how hard it is to locate a body.“Rachael, are you okay?” my mom’s voic