JAKE'S POVThe steady hum of the plane had faded into the background as I watched her sleep. She looked so peaceful, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. The faint sound of her soft snores was oddly comforting, a sound I could listen to all day. Occasionally, she’d mumble something unintelligible, or a faint smile would tug at her lips. I wondered what she was dreaming about. Paris, maybe?I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her. How had I known her for such a short time, yet it felt like she had already occupied some corner of my soul? It was unnerving, this pull she had on me. It wasn’t just attraction, it was something deeper, something that left me feeling vulnerable in ways I hadn’t felt in years. Vulnerable... and terrified.The truth was, she could hurt me. And I knew that if she did, it would cut deeper than anything I’d ever felt before. I was trying so damn hard to fight it, to keep my feelings in check, but it was a losing battle. The more I tried to suppress it, t
RACHAEL'S POVAfter that awkward encounter with Jake, I finally mustered up the courage to step out of the bathroom. I couldn't believe I had left the door open—honestly, it was a complete accident. But when our gazes locked, I didn’t feel uncomfortable or violated, not in the least. It was as if the moment was fleeting, almost forgotten the second it happened. I quickly closed the door and went back to my bath, making sure not to think too much about it. I didn’t want Jake to think I’d done it on purpose.The suite is empty. Jake was nowhere to be seen. I feel a pang of uncertainty. Had I made him uncomfortable? I think to myself. I look around and I notice his suitcase is still lying on the floor, unpacked, and a sigh of relief escapes me. On the table, I see a note hastily written: Meet me downstairs once you’re done. “oh!” I mutter to myself. First things first, this is the first time in hours that I am finally alone. I grab my phone and call Amy, needing to talk to her more th
RACHAEL'S POVThe ride to the restaurant is thick with tension, the silence stretching between us like an unspoken conversation neither of us dared to start. I could feel Jake stealing glances at me from the corner of his eye, but I keep my gaze firm out the window, pretending not to notice. The streets of Paris, aglow with warm golden lights and bustling with life, were a welcome distraction.But his words, "I’m not sorry," play in a loop in my head, each repetition stirring something I wasn’t ready to name. That moment between us back at the bar had undeniably been intense. My skin still tingled at the memory of his gaze, burning through every defense I had put up. I couldn’t lie to myself; I felt something when he looked at me. Something deep, raw, and terrifying.I couldn’t let that in. This wasn’t about feelings or connections. Jake and I had a plan, a calculated, mutual agreement for revenge. Anything else would sabotage everything, and I refuse to let that happen."We’re here,"
RACHAEL'S POVThe universe, I thought bitterly, truly had a wicked sense of humor. Out of all the restaurants in the world, Jack Crawford had to walk into this one. My hand trembles so violently I almost spill the wine I was holding. Jake notices. He quickly reaches over and steads my hand, his grip firm and reassuring as he helps me place the glass back on the table."Rachael," he says softly, "calm down. Everything’s fine. You’re with me."I nod faintly, trying to focus on his words, but my gaze betrays me. My eyes dart back to Jack, who Is staring directly at us. My heart races as he walks toward our table, his every step making my chest tighter. “Not now. Please, not now.” I whisper to myself.Before I can process it, Jack is standing next to our table, his mistress Hannah, right beside him. Their gazes bore into me, Hannah’s dripping with condescension, Jack’s with something far worse.“Rachael,” Jack begins, his voice sharp and accusatory, “don’t tell me it’s come to this. Are yo
JAKE'S POVThe car pulls up; I tell the driver to close the partition ensuring we have some privacy. Racheal slides into the seat, and I follow, closing the door behind us. As soon as the door shut, I pull her close, my hand curling around the back of her neck. Her hair comes loose as I free it, tumbling down around her shoulders, soft and wild. She looks at me, and her eyes meet mine. I claim her mouth at that fleeting moment, capturing those soft lips against mine. She tasted better than I had ever imagined.Rachael leans into me, her hands gripping my back, pulling me close until there is no space between us. The scent of her blend of jasmine and vanilla fills my senses. My lips find their way to the curve of her neck, and she tilts her head, giving me access. Her breath comes faster as I continue.“Jake,” she whispers, letting out a small mournful voice, both a plea and surrender.“Rachael,” I whisper back against her skin, pausing for a second to look at her. “Are you sure about
RACHAEL'S POV“Are you just going to stand there?”I ask Jake.He walks towards me, each step sending a jolt of anticipation down my spine. His eyes are looking at me as he yanks my dress up and ripping my underwear off.He kisses me again, his fingers delving between my legs, only to find I was still wet and aching for him. I was already so close to having my orgasm, and he hadn’t been inside me yet. Our fingers flew over our clothes, and in seconds, my dress, his coat, and pants were all on the floor. His bare skin was warm against mine, the tension in our bodies palpable.Jake's hands grip my thighs, lifting me effortlessly and carrying me to the bed. He lays me down with a mix of tenderness and hunger, his eyes never leaving mine. He climbs over me, his body hovering just above, his breath fanning my face.His touch is deliberate as he positions himself to enter me. It was slow, deliberate, and consuming. The sensation made my body arch instinctively, a low moan escaping my lips as
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
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