Rowan POV“Get out!” I ordered when Hanna remained seated in the passenger seat.I did not wait for her and moved out of the driver’s seat to open the door for her.Hanna moved slowly.When she got out of the car, the light shone on her face. It was then that I noticed her unnatural pallor.She wobbled when she took a step and almost kissed the floor when she lost her balance.I caught her up in time. My hand gripped the top of her arms.“Are you alright?” I asked with a frown.She did not respond, but she remained where she was.“I don’t feel well.” She managed to say.Doubt filled my heart. I thought it was a ploy to distract me to escape. I did not count on Hanna's head lolling to the side before her head dropped to my chest.And that was when it dawned on me.I pressed the back of my hand to her forehead to find her burning with fever.The knowledge alarmed me.Without much thought, I hefted Hanna and carried her bridal style inside the house. The maid saw me approach and open
Rowan POVI left Hanna after witnessing the pained look on her face.Call me a j*rk, but it gave me immense satisfaction that my insult got to her.I went to the ensuite bathroom to bathe.When I emerged wrapped in only a towel around my waist, I saw her turn her head away.“Are you giving me a show?” She snapped.I cocked a brow at her, seeing how she refused to look my way. I also noticed a blush tingeing her neck and smiled sardonically.“Why are you waiting for me to strip?” I asked and started to pull my towel off and throw it in her direction. It landed on her chest.“Rowan!” She croaked. Her face turned in my direction in anger.I spread my arms wide to let her see that I was not naked like she assumed.I saw her gulp when her eyes wandered from my face down to my chiseled chest, washboard abs, and tight legs.Her inspection made me grin. “Go get dressed.” She ordered with a hint of impatience to her voice.“I looped my index fingers on the waistband of my boxers, ready to p
Briana’s POVEntering the kitchen, I heard one of my brothers and Riley discussing something.“Our daddy’s here. I thought you would get lonely and jealous, so I found a girl you can marry and have babies with.” Riley said, and my mouth parted in shock.Rowan’s eyes suddenly became evasive. He looked stunned when our eyes connected.“Riley, what are you talking about?” I asked my son.My voice sounded scandalized, while the males around me, except for Rowan, were laughing.“I don’t think your Dada needs your help, Rye,” Noah said when Riley looked put down by their laughter.“And why is that?” Noah looked amused and it weirded me out.“Yesterday, your brother was seen leaving the hotel with an employee.” Noah disclosed, much to Rowan’s embarrassment.It was unusual for my brother to get embarrassed when caught with a girl. So, it got me thinking that the girl is special.“Who is she? Anyone I know?” I sidled up to him to ask, all gossipy.Noah sputtered. He lifted the apron strings f
Noah POVI followed Briana’s ascent with my eyes. While I watched her walking hurriedly upstairs, I resolved that this time, I would move heaven and earth until our time came.After a few minutes, Briana got down. She evaded my eyes when I tried to capture them with a look.“Are you going to the office?” I asked.“Yeah.” She sounded evasive, too.But I did not mind.Briana must be feeling awkward about what happened in the kitchen earlier.I got up from the couch, pulling my car keys from the front pocket of my pants.“Come on. I will take you there.” I beckoned her to follow me, but she refused to take a step.When I looked back, Briana looked awkward.“Come on. I will take you to the Rosewood Hotel before I report for work.” I informed her.Briana cleared her throat.I had not counted on what she told me next.“Luke is waiting for me outside.” She volunteered.The lilt in my steps vanished. I stopped behind the closed main door, and my outstretched hand – the one ready to take the k
Noah POVLuke was taking her time saying his goodbyes.Despite seeing me and triplets, he engaged Briana far longer than necessary.I was sure it was to annoy me.But I already resolved not to rise to his ploy. I already knew how my responses affected my children. I decided to cling hard to my cool.“What is mommy doing?”“Is he the guy mommy is dating?”My children asked while we waited for their mother in the lobby of Rosewood Hotel.We were attracting people. They will openly stare at the children before averting their attention to mine. Some would even talk in whispers.“What if Mommy marries that guy?” Riley nudged me on the ribs to ask the question I had dreaded thinking.What if Riley is right?Briana dated Goldstone, but it was just once. She did not date him again.Luke Bennett was in a different ball game altogether. She dated him yesterday, and today, he fetched her home. He sure is not wasting his time. My heart started to beat double as fear began to fester in my heart.
Briana POVI wanted to glance at the glass window, knowing Noah and the children were looking at me, but I kept a tight rein to the urge.They were waiting at the lounge reserved for guests and their guests while I said my goodbyes to Luke.“I know you are itching to return to your children, but may I borrow a few more minutes of your time?” My brows furrowed.“Why?” I asked inanely, not knowing what to say because half my mind was already with the children, and if I must admit it, their father.I love seeing how, in a short time, Noah had bonded with the children. The triplets love him, and I could see the feeling is mutual.Noah doted on them, too.I never thought he would be a great father, but as the days went by, he was proving himself more and more.Noah is born to be a Daddy.My eyes misted.“Hey, are you listening?” Luke pulled me out of my musings.I raised my head to look into his eyes.“Come again?”Luke smiled, but there was something about the smile. It looked wistful.“I
Briana POVWhile talking to Noah, I purposely made my voice loud so the two women eyeing Noah earlier would get my general drift.They had been checking Noah out when I arrived, and the sight just got to my head, making my fuse meter surge.I am not angry at Noah.I am also not angry at the women who eyed him shamelessly.I am more angry at my body’s reaction.I can’t seem to shake my eyes off him. Well, who won’t be tempted? He wore trunks that showed off his chiseled chest, washboard abs, and sleek legs. Truly drool-worthy.And I was too aware of his natural magnetism.When Noah left to change to dry clothes, I very nearly groaned in disappointment.When he emerged dressed in casual attire, I could not help but notice his manly appeal. Naked or with clothes, Noah had this magnetic appeal that drew attention to him.Even with the triplets hanging on to him, he still gets his fair share of attention from the restaurant clientele.“You are angry,” Noah whispered when he settled Maso
Briana POVThen, to my utter horror, Noah pulled his chair closer to me, closing the gap between us. A slight move, and we could have exchanged faces in our nearness. “Noah!” I scolded him.It sounded louder than I intended when I saw the people from our neighboring table looking our way.Embarrassed, I ducked my head, but the thick-skinned Noah only beamed at me.“What?” He is really testing my patience.“Don’t get too close.” I hissed, grateful that our children seemed oblivious to our bickering.“I can’t seem to help it. I am the metal to your magnet.” He supplied glibly.I snorted. “Yeah. That is why you didn’t look for me.” I wanted the floor to swallow when I let the bitter words out.“But it did not mean I did not think about you.”I blinked. “You did?”Noah nodded. “I do.”There was a softening around my heart, but I didn’t want him to see it.“You are still getting too close.” I pointed out and shoved a finger to his shoulder so he would keep his distance.Noah was unfa
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