Noah POV
My expression soured when I saw her coming in at the restaurant with Luke Bennett tailing her.
It was one thing to know about them, but to see them together was torture.
Despite feeling discouraged, I rose from my chair to meet her.
Briana was like a charging bull. She was stomping her feet as she walked s
Briana POVI want to take back the words I hurled in anger when I saw Noah’s expression.He looked dazed.Then, he shook his head. Noah looked at me with sad eyes.“Since I can’t redeem myself in your eyes. Can I at least be the father my children needed? They sought me out earlier because they thought I would leave them. They were frightened at the thought that since mommy is dating and daddy had a fiancée, they would be cast aside like yesterday’s refuse.”That stung.The children came to their father for comfort, not me.It might take a while for me to get used to th
Briana POVI stared at him. Really stared at him.What he said sounded like a promise, and a threat rolled into one.It provoked me. It made me want to stay and hear things, but that would give me away.It was like having two Briana in one body: one wants the promise, and the other dreads the threat.I was so torn.“You have nothing to claim, Hunter. Divorce made sure of that.” I told him harshly.Wanting to take the upper hand, I turned the knob, pushed the door open, and got away from Noah as fast as I could.While doing that, I rummaged through my bag for my phone and dialed Noah’s assistant’s number.He answered my call at the first ring.“Ms. Ford.”“I need to collect my children. Where can I fetch them.” I asked in a trembling voice.Even my hands shook, and I took deep breaths to calm myself while my feet kept walking farther away from Noah Hunter.But that’s what I thought.“You don’t have to do that. The children are in my office. I’ll take you to them.” Noah interrupted.
Briana POVI smiled when I noticed the lisp in Brixx’s pronunciation of r. He’s excited and no longer frightened of me.This realization made me heave a sigh of relief.I never wanted to scare my children. That was the last thing I wanted to do.Noah is right. I should watch my reactions mor
Briana POVMy eyes watered.Somehow, Noah’s revelation did not surprise me.Uncle Matt had always been cruel to me when I was a child. He was the main oppositionist when Dan and Marsha took me to their home and openly showed his dislike for me at every opportunity.“That b*stard! I am going to kill him!” I hissed.My lungs felt stuffy, and my nose was clogged because I was openly crying now, lamenting Dan and Marsha’s death.“Why?” I asked as tears streamed down my face.Noah replied with a wry smile.“Money, of course. He wanted Hunter
Briana POVI felt self-conscious when people we passed by greeted Noah and then,stared teasingly at our clasped hands before walking away.The knowing expressions on their faces make me shy.“People are going to talk.” I hissed at Noah when I tugged at the hand he was holding, but he wouldn’t budge.“Let them.” He told me.“You are becoming very brazen, Mr. Hunter. What if your fiancée gets wind of this, and she would create another ruckus to attack me again on the internet?" I asked waspishly as irritation over what Britney had done filled me. I cannot shake the fact that if it were not for her, my life would not be complicated right now. My brother wouldn't force me to date Luke Bennett and explore the idea of a marriage-merger."She won't," Noah replied dismissively - like my concerns did not matter to him.That stung."Are you going to sit still and watch me fight her?” Bitterness laced my voice.Noah had never done anything to counter Britney’s attack on my behalf. It only ceme
Briana POVNoah did not seem to understand me at first.“Heidi. She was your ex-girlfriend. You used to date her before I came into the picture.” I said, attempting to jog his memory.The frown disappeared on Noah’s face, and he shrugged as if the issue did not bother him.“Why not? She is capable. Besides, it happened a long time ago. I am sure Heidi has forgotten about it just as I have.”Noah obviously did not know what I was getting at. So, who is the dense one now?I nodded mockingly.“Yeah. And I assure you she hadn’t. She is a disaste
Britney POV“The number you have dialed is out of coverage area. Please try again later.” I have been hearing this same voice prompt for the nth time since last week, and the sound of it makes me crazy. I tried calling the number again, but the same voice prompt said that the phone number I was calling was unavailable. “Gosh!” I looked heavenward as desperation filled me. “Britney, you got to stop pacing. You need to rest. You haven’t slept a wink since last night.” My manager and friend told me. “And how can I sleep if Noah dropped me like a hot potato? He severed all ties with me.” I cried out in frustration and anger. My manager flinched at the show of abrasive behavior. It was the first time she had seen me like this. I was always the composed one. “Tough luck. Noah broke up with you, but it’s not the end of the world.”My hands and jaw clenched as I recalled his threat, the temporary restraining order, and worst of all – publicly declaring that he was done with me. “It is
Britney POV“What do you want?” Hanna’s hostile tone pricked me. “Long time no see, sister dear. Can’t we at least be civil to each other? You can’t hate me forever because Mom loves me more than she does you.” Hanna rolled her eyes.“So, you think I am still prickly about that? Grow up, Britney!”I let it slide when she glared at me and got right down to business.“I don’t know where to find Matt Bryant, Noah’s uncle. Do you have any clue as to his whereabouts?”Hanna’s eyes sharpened.“I told you. I won’t cooperate with you anymore. The last time I did that, I gave Briana so much heartbreak. I can’t do that again anymore. I can’t snitch on my best friend just because we are sisters!”I laughed, but it sounded hollow.“You said it. We are sisters. Isn’t blood thicker than water? Why do you always have to take her side? Can’t you see what she was doing to me?"Hanna looked unconcerned, prodding me to explode on her.She was ruining my life!” I cried out in frustration.Why can’t Ha
Beth POVI was speechless. I didn’t know where I found the temerity to think so lowly of myself when Brent had been openly worshipping me like this. “I am so sorry. For a moment, I thought…”I tried to explain myself, but Brent quickly placed his index finger to my lips, preventing me from speaking further. “I understand. Jealousy is a b*tch, right? Now, you know how I feel every time that doctor is around you. It hurts so much here.” Brent took my hand and placed it at the center of his chest to emphasize his point. I was deeply chastened that I could not look Brent in the eye. “It s*cks!” I admitted.Brent laughed and pulled my head toward his chest. I buried my face in his chest to avoid meeting his gaze, feeling ashamed of myself. “Sweetie, it’s alright. No harm done. Next time, tell me what bothers you.” Brent released me to fetch the cup from the cart and offered it to me. I cupped my palm around the cup and sipped, nodding approvingly when I found that it was my favor
Brent POVI left Beth’s room feeling like the rug had been pulled under me.I could not pinpoint what went wrong, but I intend to find out.Earlier, I wanted to knock my head, thinking it was the wrong move to bring Beth to the office.Beth is a gentle soul, and my office might come off as a dangerous place for her.But I knew my people. No one would have the audacity to come to her to confront her or anything.They were all afraid to earn my wrath.I am a good boss, but I treat people accordingly. I reward and punish them if they earn it.My feet carried me to the kitchen.I walked to the fridge and took out a bottle to guzzle some water.Then, I sat on the dining chair, waiting for Pablo’s report.I did not have to wait long.My phone beeped a notification sound. Pablo sent me a link, and I immediately opened it.&nb
Beth POVWhen we arrived at the underground parking, Brent helped me inside the back passenger seat, much to my confusion, but I did not say a word, thinking it was better.I need to step back a little. We agreed to give our relationship a try, but right now, I feel that the years put a huge wedge between us. I don’t know him anymore.He has become unreachable for me. Then, my confusion turned to surprise when Brent slid beside me. “Who's going to drive…” my voice trailed off when a man in a black suit took the steering wheel from Brent. “Rico will drive us,” Brent informed me, providing an answer to my unfinished question. We reached the downtown area. Rico parked the car outside a convenience store and got out. A few minutes later, he returned.Brent opened the car window and took the package Rico handed him. He opened the package and took out a bottle of water and a tablet. “What is that?” I asked, staring in distaste at the tablet in his hand. “Pain reliever. I thin
Beth POVBrent gave me a tour of his building. From time to time, I could feel the long stares. They were sizing me up, like people were judging my suitability for their boss.It made me uncomfortable, and for a moment, I realized the disparity in our standings regarding wealth and influence. He was up there, and I was left down here. But Brent’s hand wrapped around my waist, or the way his eyes lingered on mine, ignoring everyone else, gave me the courage to dispel the negative thoughts away. Brent's success shouldn't be an issue in our relationship. Of course, in this world, Brent is the boss. He is the man on top, and anyone who closely associates with him meets people’s scrutiny. “Are you alright?” Brent asked, sensing my discomfort. His attention was all on me, fending off people who wanted to approach him. “I am fine.” I tried to wave him off. When we exited one department, and on our way to another, I asked for a reprieve. “Can I go to the restroom?” Brent walked me
Brent POVDo you know what heaven feels like?It was having the love of your life wrap her arms around your massive frame and hold on to you like she did not want to let go or part from you. That was heaven for me - being held by Beth like this was my new definition of high. Before, what made me high was dodging bullets and trying to outwit Hades from the door of death.I used to live in the thrill of danger, but no more. That’s the reason I built BASS Incorporated frame by frame. For my own protection.I already cheated death once, and I am not sure I can do it again. I released her and cupped her chin. Then, I leaned my head in to capture her lips in a gentle kiss. At first, I only pressed our lips together and pulled back. Her tongue darted to worry her upper and lower lips, and I became excited.I pulled her again, and this time, I took her lips in a searing kiss.I took control of the kiss, nibbling and chewing on her lips before I let my tongue slide over the seams, wai
Brent POV“You are a billionaire.” She uttered in a daze, and I nodded my head. BASS Incorporated is a renowned surveillance and security company.“Why didn’t you tell me?”“As you mentioned earlier, your desires are simple. There is nothing about my company or wealth that could impress you.” I told her bluntly. “Still. It’s one piece of information you kept from me. I was supposed to know because I was your wife.”“At the time, the BASS was not this big. I started as a private investigator. My reputation grew with the help of Noah Hunter. He threw work my way. I specialized in corporate espionage. I unravel many cases of economic sabotage and stealing company trade secrets. Then, the Fords also gave me jobs.” “Isn’t that a bit dangerous?” Worry etched on her face, and I leaned forward to smoothen the folds it created on her forehead. “I am doing administrative work nowadays. Before, I used to handle cases that took me weeks, sometimes months, to finish.” The creases on her foreh
Brent POVI held out my hand and anxiously waited for Beth to take it.When she placed her hand on mine, I closed the gap between us to pull her to my chest and wrapped my arms around her.“Thank you.” I closed my eyes and sighed.Beth pushed at my chest and self-consciously looked around.“People are staring.” She whispered shyly.But I was not concerned about that. What matters is that Beth agreed to give us a try.“I don’t care about them. I only care about us.&rdqu
Brent POVI felt her resistance fading away.Our chests heaved with too much emotion, but I was not letting her go.She twisted her body, and I released her, but I made sure that she was not far.I took her hand, all the while looking straight into her eyes.“I told you, I love you.”“Love is nurtured, Bernt. You did nothing in
Brent POVI did not know my promise would come to a test early that morning when Krizzie and I walked out of the kitchen to find Beth and Dr. Roberts at the door, talking sweetly.They were so engrossed with each other that they did not notice us.“I am sorry about last night,” Beth said.“No. It’s me who needed to apologize for my rude behavior. I am sorry, Beth. I got jealous of your ex-husband.”Beth hugged a bouquet of roses to her chest and put them under her nose to sniff.Her action dove a knife deep into my heart, but I wouldn’t gi